When we think about metal fencing, for most of us, there isn’t just one style that comes to mind. Whether it be a classic wrought iron fence or the more recently popular steel picket fence, there are plenty of metal fencing types on the market.
With this many types available, it can be difficult to figure out which is best suited to your needs.
In this article, we will detail some typical features of the different types of metal fencing, as well as some pros and cons, to help you decide which type of fencing best suits your requirements.
1. Wrought Iron Fences
A timeless classic in fencing designs, wrought iron fences are instantly recognisable thanks to their stylish yet sturdy look. Crafted through the labour-heavy process of heating and reshaping iron, this style of fence is highly customisable and is often seen as a quietly chic addition to your space.
Having been in use for centuries, in a wide variety of settings, wrought iron fencing can come in many styles to suit your individual tastes and preferences, such as:
- Flat top
- Arched top
- Spearhead
- Ornamental
Though typically a very popular choice for many outdoor spaces, wrought iron fences come with varying pros and cons:
Pros:
- Highly durable, able to withstand many environmental factors
- Customisable to suit any style preferences
- Highly secure against outside threats
Cons:
- Expensive to craft and install
- Provide little to no privacy
- Difficult to install
- Can be susceptible to rust and/or corrosion if not properly sealed
2. Aluminium Picket Fences
Being naturally rust-resistant, aluminium fences are a great choice for use in areas prone to high moisture levels, such as pool fencing. These lightweight fences are typically used as an alternative to classic wrought iron fencing, having often taken style inspiration from the more heavy-duty iron counterparts.
If you’re an animal lover or pet owner, and you’re worried about them being able to squeeze through the gaps in the fencing, consider installing additions such as puppy pickets onto your fencing to make the gaps smaller.
Aluminium picket fences come with a range of pros and cons for you to consider, such as:
Pros:
- Generally low-maintenance and easy to up-keep
- Highly customisable styles and colour options
- Comparatively, more cost-effective than other fencing types
- Recyclable
Cons:
- Provide little to no privacy
- Not very durable under harsh weather conditions
- Low security
3. Steel Picket Fences
Often used as a much more affordable option to the classic wrought iron fence, steel picket fences offer high levels of durability, and can be fabricated to your own design.
If you are keen to install your own steel picket fences, Steel Landscaping Co. offers pre-fabricated steel fencing panels, which require no welding.
Typically being a popular choice among buyers, there are varied pros and cons to steel picket fences, such as:
Pros:
- Large style variations and customisability
- Corrosion-resistant when made with galvanised steel
- Will increase the overall value of your home or land
Cons:
- Heavy, and can be difficult to install
- Provide little to no privacy
4. Steel Weave Fences
Though less traditional than some of the other fencing options on this list, steel weave fencing is a great option for anyone looking to increase their security and privacy, without sacrificing style.
Hardy, yet chic, steel weave fencing gives a unique twist on the more traditional metal fencing you’re familiar with. At Steel Landscaping Co., we craft high-quality steel weave fencing to be used everywhere from gardens to estates.
There are a range of pros and cons for you to consider before purchasing steel weave fencing for your property:
Pros:
- Heavy-duty, hardy fencing, that will withstand most environmental factors
- Customisable to your style
- Increased security and privacy
Cons:
- Can be difficult to install, especially on uneven surfaces
- Can be expensive compared to less hardy alternatives
5. Chain-Link Fences
If you’re looking for something less flashy, chain-link fences are an affordable option that is suited to a wide range of jobs. A popular choice among homeowners and business owners alike, this fencing can be fully customised to your height and length requirements.
With no gaps and a custom height, this fence type is ideal if you are the owner of a particularly active pet or other small animals.
Some pros and cons you may observe of this style of fencing include:
Pros:
- Customisable dimensions
- Easy installation and upkeep
- Typically affordable
Cons:
- Very minimal privacy, however, this can be redeemed by customising various features of your fencing
- Offers no increase to property value
- No visually appealing features
6. Wire Fences
One of the cheapest options on the market, wire fences offer minimal security for properties wanting to keep out unwanted animals.
Perfect for domestic gardens, allotments, and residential spaces, wire fences come in a range of styles to offer a discrete look to your space. Some styles include:
- Chicken wire
- Barbed wire
- Razor wire
- Hog wire
- Welded wire
- Woven wire
It should be noted that if you intend to use this style of fencing in a domestic setting, you should be mindful of who may come into contact with the fence. The use of barbed or razor wire may cause injury.
There are the following pros and cons to consider before the purchase of wire fencing for your space:
Pros:
- Widely affordable
- Easy to install, upkeep, and repair
- A low-key option for animal enclosures
Cons:
- Not visually appealing
- Some styles are not suitable for a residential setting
- Offers no security from human intruders
7. Steel Slat Fences
Steel slat fencing is a great option for anyone who wants a classic fencing look with some added security and durability. With the same appearance as wooden slatted fencing, steel slat fencing won’t be susceptible to the environmental damage that causes havoc on the wooden counterpart.
Being customisable depending on what finish option you choose, steel slat fencing can be made to match any outdoor space. At Steel Landscaping Co., we offer a range of high-quality, sturdy steel slatted fences, which are fabricated by our teams in the UK, and can be customised to match your height requirements.
Some pros and cons you should weigh up about steel slat fencing are:
Pros:
- Highly durable under a wide range of weather conditions
- Can be made to match your bespoke measurements
- Provides privacy and security for your home
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than other options
- Can be difficult to install on uneven ground
8. Corrugated Metal Fences
Corrugated metal fencing provides a high level of privacy in any space. DIY-friendly, corrugated fencing is typically an affordable and eco-friendly option for your space.
While this type of metal fencing can provide a modern look in most spaces, the look of corrugated fencing isn’t for everyone, and is generally seen as visually unappealing. As well as this, due to the way that the panels are manufactured, there is a chance that corrugated metal fencing will come with some chips and sharp edges, making them a potential hazard for young children.
Despite this, if you enjoy a DIY project, with corrugated metal fencing, you always have the option to customise the look of the fencing with a painted design.
With corrugated metal fencing, there are some pros and cons to consider before you buy.
Pros:
- Provides a high level of privacy
- DIY friendly
- Eco-friendly
Cons:
- Little aesthetic appeal
- Potential sharp edges
- Limited options for customising shape and design
9. Metal Privacy Screen Fences
For fans of highly decorative fencing, metal privacy screens offer a chic, yet beautiful border option for your space.
Typically consisting of highly intricate designs that will complement your personal style, the amount of privacy that these panels provide is dependent on the overall design. However, what you lose in privacy, you gain in style.
If you have a particular design in mind for your metal privacy screen fencing, feel free to get in touch with our team to request a bespoke design for your product.
Whether it be an intricate pattern, or a simple repeating design, our team of expert manufacturers will craft you high-quality fencing for your space that will perfectly fit your requirements.
If you are considering purchasing privacy screen fencing, some factors you may want to consider first are:
Pros:
- Visually appealing, and will match your space
- Allows light to pass through into your space
- Provides some privacy
Cons:
- Not the most affordable option on this list
- Delicate parts of your design can be susceptible to damage depending on the metal used to manufacture the product and the finish option you chose
10. Estate Fencing
A classic design for wide, open spaces, estate fencing is a familiar sight for most of us. Providing a sturdy land border that can withstand environmental factors, as well as potential damage-causing actions from wildlife, estate fencing is a tried and tested option.
Available to fit any special requirements, Steel Landscaping Co.’s estate fencing is only made from the highest-quality steel to keep your land secure.
Have an issue with wandering wildlife and need something that can provide added security? Consider our range of deer fencing, made to keep any roaming large animals from getting to where they’re not supposed to.
Some factors you may want to consider before the purchase of your steel estate fencing are:
Pros:
- Sturdy against environmental factors
- Customisable to your dimension requirements
- Adds value to your property
- Provides an open view of the property and surrounding scenery
Cons:
- Limited privacy
- Can be more expensive, but will last for a lifetime
Do you need metal fencing? Let’s discuss Steel Weave, Steel Slat and Estate Fencing today.
If you’re interested in getting your hands on some high-quality steel fencing that will upgrade your outdoor space, look no further than Steel Landscaping Co.’s range of steel fencing.
To request information on our fencing range, get in contact with our team today for expert advice, or download a free brochure.