Aluminum fencing is a maintenance-free alternative to wrought iron, steel, wood, and chain link fence. A powder-coated fence is rust-proof, and you won't need to paint it like other fence types. It's an excellent choice for your home or business and is available in several styles, colors, and grades. Let's look at the different types and uses of aluminum fence.
Swimming Pool Fence
Most states have specific codes regarding swimming pool fence height and picket spacing. The basic code for most areas requires the fence to be at least four feet tall, with forty-five inches between the two innermost rails. This spacing prevents children from getting a foothold and pulling themselves over. The picket spacing must be less than four inches so a small ball can’t pass through. Gates must be self-closing and latching. Latches must be at least fifty-four inches from the ground. Vertical pull-top latches can extend past the top of the gate to make local pool code.
Aluminum pool fence styles, such as a two rail 48 inch tall fence panel, will make most pool codes. A three-rail, flush bottom, 54 inch tall fence panel will also be pool code compliant. The majority of fence panels 60 inches or taller will also comply. Pool codes exist to prevent children from drowning when unsupervised. Here are some points of what most swimming pool codes require:
- Minimum 48 inches tall (Two Rail Panels)
- 45 inches between the two innermost rails
- Less than 4-inch vertical picket spacing
- Self-closing hinges and magnetic latches required
Check your local city hall to find out what swimming pool code, also known as BOCA code, is in your area before purchasing a fence. The last thing you want is to install a fence, and the city makes you remove it for not making local codes.
Pet Fencing
A pet fence keeps pets safe in your yard and other animals out. Aluminum fence panels have the option of a welded pet panel, also known as a puppy panel. A pet panel occupies 16 inches of space at the bottom of most fence styles. Pet panels have double the vertical pickets, usually with 1 5/8 inch picket spacing. A pet panel is perfect for small dogs or other small pets. Pet panels are also available on standard and arched aluminum gates.
Double-picket pet fence panels have twice as many vertical pickets. The fence panels have half the picket spacing as standard fence panels. Double picket fence panels are great for medium-sized, taller dogs and all sizes of cats. This fence style at 54 inches or taller with a flush bottom rail will also make most swimming pool fence codes. Fence panels with double the amount of pickets also offer a level of privacy. These fence panels weigh twice as much as standard panels, so shipping costs might be higher.
Grades of Aluminum Fence
There are three standard grades of aluminum fence panels: residential, commercial, and industrial. The grade of fence you need depends on the level of security and strength you're looking for. Grades are based on the dimensions and thickness of the aluminum materials.
A residential fence can support 350 pounds of pressure on the top rail. Residential grade panels have 5/8 inch square vertical pickets. This grade of fence is excellent around a home, swimming pool, or low-traffic areas. The average homeowner prefers residential grade fences around their yard or pool. Residential grade fence is the least expensive of the three grades.
A commercial fence can support 500 pounds of pressure on the top rail. Commercial panels have 3/4 inch squared vertical pickets. Commercial grade fence is also good around a home or medium to high traffic areas. Most public swimming pools, playgrounds, or small businesses use commercial aluminum fences. This fence grade is available in 6 or 8-foot wide panels.
An industrial fence is typical around factories, hospitals, and parking lots. This fence grade can support 1,000 pounds of pressure on the top rail and has 1-inch square vertical pickets. Large driveway gates are available in industrial grade as well. If you need a higher level of security, an industrial aluminum fence is a great option. Industrial fence panels come in pre-assembled, pre-cut heights and widths. You can trim down the fence panels with a hacksaw or a reciprocating saw.
Styles of Aluminum Fence Panels
Aluminum fence panels are available in several styles. Spear top panels have pointed ends on top of the vertical pickets. The pressed spears have crimped ends to avoid cutting your hands. You can have the pressed spears removed to install finials. Decorative finials offer a more regal look and come in Fluer-De-Lis, Tri, and Quad finials. Spear top fence provides security and discourages people from climbing over. Use spear top panels in commercial or industrial grade for security around high-traffic areas.
Flat-top rail panels provide a softer look than spear-top fences. This style is typical around swimming pools or playgrounds. This fence style is also suitable as a standard perimeter fence. Flat-top panels are also great with a pet panel to keep pets safe in your yard or at dog parks. Flat top panels have a variation with spear pickets between the top two horizontal rails. The spears under the flat top rail give a more decorative look. This fence style is available with double pickets for security and privacy.
Powder Coated Fence
Powder coating adds an extra layer of protection over aluminum fence panels, posts, and gates. Fence panels with powder coating are virtually maintenance-free and rust-proof. You won't need to paint your fence like an iron, steel, or wood fence. Several colors are available depending on the manufacturer. Colors such as black, white, and bronze are the most common. Some fence brands offer sandstone, hunter green, or beige colors. Black aluminum fence is the most popular color and usually ships faster than the other colors.
Types of Aluminum Gates
Gates come in standard widths such as 36, 48, 60, and 72 inches wide. Some manufacturers offer 42 inch wide gates, and some consider this width a custom size. Most fence brands weld the corners of aluminum gates to provide strength and stability. Gate widths over 48 inches usually have a cross brace to keep the gate from sagging over time. You can have the cross brace removed by purchasing a U Frame. Gates often include hinges and a latch, but you may have to request self-closing hinges. Latches vary from vertical magnetic pool latches, basic gravity latches, or locking handle latches.
Aluminum gates generally match the style of fence. You can combine two gates to make a double gate. Double gates are great for moving large items into your property. Use a drop rod to keep one gate closed and the other for regular entry. Arched gates are an option if you would like a more decorative gate. You can also purchase a double gate where a continuous arch meets in the middle of both gates. Driveway gates over 6 feet wide must be commercial or industrial grade for added strength. Some manufacturers make large Cantilever gates that slide on a track up to 16 feet wide.
Fence Posts
Posts for aluminum fences come with pre-routed holes. Fence panels slot into the holes and are secured with self-tapping screws. The type of posts you need depends on the layout of the area you want to fence in. The kinds of fence posts are as follows:
- Line Post: Connects two fence panels in a straight line.
- End Post: Install to end a fence run or to make angles
- Corner Post: Routed to create 90-degree angles
- Blank Post: No routed holes for odd angles or stair-stepping
- Gate Post: For each side of an aluminum gate
- Blank Gate Post: For installing a gate next to a structure
Gate posts usually have twice the inside wall thickness than the other posts. The added wall thickness supports the weight of a gate and the opening and closing of a gate. Gate posts are also for angling fence panels next to a gate. Standard fence posts have two feet extra to cement into the ground. If you live in a colder climate, dig the post hole deeper, add gravel, and then cement the post in the ground. Having the cement go lower than the frost line will prevent the post from heaving upwards.
Installing Aluminum Fence
It's relatively easy to install an aluminum fence around your property. The fence panels come in pre-cut heights and widths. The posts come with pre-routed holes that the fence panels slot into. It would be best if you started by installing the gate first. You can always trim down the fence panels, but you can't trim down a welded gate. Once you install the first post, you slot the fence panel into the pre-routed hole in the post. Then, keep going down the fence line, ensuring the posts on each side of the fence panel are tight. Most fence brands provide self-tapping screws to secure the fence panel onto the post.
If you install your fence in the ground, you'll want to pour cement around the posts. You can rent a powered Auger to dig the post holes more easily. The depth of the post hole depends on where your frost line is. Most fence posts give you two feet extra to put into the ground. If your frost line is more than two feet, dig the hole deeper, add gravel, and then cement the post on top of the gravel. Using gravel will prevent the post from heaving up and supply drainage.
Surface Mounting Posts
Use base mounts to install a fence on top of a hard surface. Base mounts attach to the bottom of a post and have four holes for lag bolts to secure the post to the surface. This method only applies to fence panels under 57 inches tall. A base mount may not hold the weight of a fence panel, post, or gate over time for heights over 57 inches. You will want to core drill into the hard surface for taller fence panels. Core drilling is using a special tool to cut holes in cement.
Pro Tip from a Fence Contractor
"I use the red bags of cement because it sets up in 15 to 30 minutes. They cost more, but I do my jobs in one day. I use a 50-lb Fast Setting Concrete Mix you can get at local hardware stores. Also, it depends on how deep the posts are going in the ground (the standard is 2 feet). I try to make the post holes small for less cement. I'll use around 40 pounds of the bag on regular posts and a full bag on gate posts."
Angles and Fence Panel Racking
Another benefit of aluminum fencing is the fence panels will rack at an angle. Racking means a fence panel can adjust to the slope of your land. You can angle fence panels vertically without stair stepping as with steel and iron fences. FenceTown rackable fence panels are better than solid panels because they allow for a secured fence run and look better going up the hills on your land. Racking an aluminum fence panel will keep the pickets pointing upward uniformly when angling the horizontal rails.
Angle brackets will enable you to vertically or horizontally angle a fence panel. End your fence run with an end post, then attach the angle brackets on the blank side of the post. You can then angle the fence panel however you like. Use a blank gate post to make an angle next to a gate. With angle brackets, you can curve your fence around objects in your yard.
What Does an Aluminum Fence Cost?
When you shop for aluminum fence panels, the cost depends on several factors. Costs can fluctuate based on the total linear feet needed, installation, and if you need the fence shipped. The height and grade of fence panels, gates, and posts are the bulk of the price. The taller the fence panel, the higher the price increases. The shipping cost is determined by how much fence you are ordering and how far your location is from the fence company. FenceTown can provide a free quote with all materials and costs listed. Discounts are available, and free shipping for qualified orders.
The cost of installing a fence depends on the hours and cement needed to complete the project. Each local fence company or contractor determines their own pricing rules. Sometimes, the cost to install a fence is the same as the materials cost. Shop several contractors to find the price that suits your budget. Check contractor reviews, ask questions, and try to get a final price on paper.
If you plan to install the fence yourself, you can save a lot of money. You can rent an auger instead of a post hole digger to speed things up. Then, the remaining cost will be how much cement you need. See the contractor Pro tip comment above to save time and money. Here is a breakdown of costs to consider:
- Materials cost
- Shipping cost
- Hire a contractor or DIY
- Auger rental
- Cement cost
With all of the great features and options, you can't go wrong with an aluminum fence. It's an excellent choice for your home, business, or swimming pool. Whether you hire a contractor or install the fence yourself, let experts help you order the correct materials. To learn more and get a free quote, visit FenceTown today!