Ornamental Steel & Aluminum

Ornamental fencing offers more design flexibility than any other fence type. The basic framework,vertical pickets between horizontal rails,accepts variations in picket style, spacing, height, and decorative elements.

Ornamental fencing comes from two sources: manufactured panel systems and custom fabrication. The choice affects cost, lead time, design flexibility, and quality.

Manufactured systems use standardized panels,typically 6 or 8 feet wide,with pre-set picket spacing, rail heights, and post configurations. The advantages are lower cost, faster availability, and consistent quality. The constraints are limited design options: you choose from the catalog, and custom details are not available. For straightforward applications with standard requirements, manufactured systems work well.

Custom fabrication builds fence sections to specific dimensions and designs. Picket profiles, spacing, rail configurations, decorative elements, and panel widths are all variable. Custom work handles non-standard situations,unusual grades, radius sections, integration with masonry, or designs that do not match manufactured offerings. Lead times are longer and costs are higher, but the result matches the site rather than forcing the site to accommodate standard products.

We handle both approaches. For most commercial work, manufactured panels with custom gates strike the right balance. For residential estates, formal entries, or architecturally demanding projects, full custom fabrication delivers results that manufactured systems cannot.

Gates are where ornamental fencing shows its character. A well-designed entry gate establishes the aesthetic for the entire perimeter,matching the fence while serving as a focal point.

Pedestrian gates in ornamental systems typically match the fence panels: same picket style, spacing, and height. Hardware is the variable,standard latches for basic security, lever handles for ease of use, or electronic locks for access control. Self-closers are required at pool enclosures and often desirable elsewhere.

Vehicle gates offer more design flexibility. Swing gates, slide gates, and cantilever gates can all be built in ornamental styles. Arched tops, decorative scrollwork, and custom picket arrangements transform a functional gate into an architectural feature. The structural requirements,hinge posts, operators, and frames,must be designed for the gate weight and size, which increases substantially with ornamental details.

If gates will be automated, the design must account for operator mounting, safety devices, and access control integration. These requirements influence gate weight limits, frame construction, and post sizing. Planning automation during design avoids expensive retrofits later.

Properly installed ornamental fencing is low-maintenance, not no-maintenance. Periodic inspection and minor care extend the lifespan and preserve appearance.

For steel: inspect annually for coating damage, particularly at ground level, welds, and hardware attachments. Address scratches and chips promptly with manufacturer-matched touch-up paint before rust develops. Clean with mild soap and water; avoid abrasive cleaners that damage the finish. Lubricate gate hinges and latches annually.

For aluminum: the same inspection and cleaning routine applies, minus the urgency around coating damage. Aluminum does not rust, so minor scratches are cosmetic rather than structural concerns. However, aluminum does oxidize over time in some environments, appearing as a white chalky residue. Quality powder coating prevents this.

With proper specification and maintenance, steel ornamental fencing lasts 25-30 years before finish degradation becomes significant. Aluminum lasts comparably or longer in terms of structural integrity, though coating quality still determines appearance longevity.