There is an increasing amount of fence options for homeowners to choose from. One that’s seeing a growth in popularity is aluminum. Let’s look at the pros and cons of aluminum compared to wood, so you can make the most informed choice for your home!
First of all, obviously aluminum is more durable than wood. It is very strong, and is excellent for anyone with large dogs that like to abuse fences. Maintenance is also an important factor to consider when choosing a fence. Aluminum is going to be very maintenance-free, unless significant damage occurs by accident. It does not need to be stained or painted, and it will never need to have rotten boards replaced. Aluminum will stand up to weather, doesn’t rot, and is not easily damaged. That being said, if damage does occur, it can be trickier to fix than a typical cedar fence.
There are more and more styles becoming available for aluminum fences. They come in different colors, shapes and textures. While there are many options, no styles are going to provide as much privacy as a cedar fence. The pickets in aluminum fences are thin, and and are meant only to give the fence structure. In addition, wood fences will always be more customizable than other materials, so if your goal is to have a very particular design, cedar might be preferable.
Aluminum fences also differ in price. They are typically more expensive than cedar, however it is not usually by a large margin. Aluminum also tends to be more affordable than vinyl, so it’s a good option for someone who has been looking at vinyl fences but wants to stay inside a certain budget.
Finally, you have to decide what look you prefer. Many people prefer the traditional warm look of a cedar fence. They have a classic charm to them, and can be stained or painted to whatever color you like. Metal fences offer a more rigid, uniform and strong look that can be perceived and fancy, or high-class.
Hopefully we’ve been able to break down some of the basic considerations for choosing wood or metal fencing. Good luck on your journey towards your perfect style of fence!
-Written by Jeremiah Oropeza, Crew Lead, PHM