Here at Blue Rhino Fence, we often install steel fences in and around the Vernon BC area and North Okanagan and we often get questions about the different types of metal fences we install. This gave us the idea to do an in-depth resource article about the many different kinds of metal fencing available out there (that we can send our customers to when they want to read about the variety of metal fence options available to people in Vernon BC and the surrounding areas.
Here in the North Okanagan, our summers are blazing and our winters are frigid, exposing metal fences to extremes of climate, so if you are in the market for a metal fence, it’s important to know what each type requires (if anything) to keep it looking amazing all year round.
Here’s an in-depth explanation of the eight most common types of metal fences found in the North Okanagan, including their characteristics, uses, and advantages:
1. Wrought Iron Fences
Wrought Iron or Ornamental Metal fences not only up the curb appeal of your yard, they are also great security fences because that are not as easy to climb as people believe.
Characteristics: Made from solid iron, these fences are heavy, ornate, and highly durable. They often feature intricate designs like scrolls, spears, and floral motifs, giving them a classic, elegant appearance.
Uses: Ideal for residential properties, historic homes, and high-end commercial buildings. Commonly used for decorative and security purposes.
Advantages:
Strong and long-lasting.
Highly customizable with decorative designs.
Provides excellent security.
Considerations: Prone to rust if not properly maintained. Requires regular upkeep like painting and rust-proof treatments—once per year.
2. Aluminum Picket Fences
Aluminum picket fences are popular in warmer areas, but it's not unusual to see them in the North Okanagan, especially surrounding business properties such as restaurant patios. They look sharp and provide a good amount of privacy.
Characteristics: Lightweight fences that mimic the look of wrought iron but are made from rust-resistant aluminum. Typically feature vertical pickets with horizontal rails for support.
Uses: Popular in residential areas for decorative and boundary purposes. Commonly seen as restaurant patio enclosures and great for pool enclosures due to their rust-resistant nature.
Advantages:
Affordable and lightweight.
Rust and corrosion-resistant, requiring minimal maintenance (if any).
Easy to install.
Considerations: Less durable than steel or wrought iron, and not ideal for high-security purposes.
3. Steel Picket Fences
Steel picket fences are a good choice if you want a cozy look to your home combined wiht long-lasting durability.
Characteristics: Similar in design to aluminum picket fences but made from heavier and more durable steel. Often galvanized or powder-coated for rust resistance.
Uses: Used for residential, commercial, and industrial properties where added strength is needed alongside decorative aesthetics.
Advantages:
Stronger and more durable than aluminum.
Resistant to impacts and wear.
Available in various styles with protective coatings for low maintenance.
Considerations: More expensive and heavier, which can make installation costlier.
4. Chain-Link Fences
Chain link fences are, hands down, the most common metal fences seen in and around Vernon BC and the North Okanagan, mostly because they are affordable and built to last.
Characteristics: Made from interwoven galvanized steel wires, forming a diamond-shaped mesh and supported by metal posts.
Uses: Common in industrial, commercial, and residential applications for boundary marking, security, and pet containment.
Advantages:
Economical and quick to install.
Low maintenance.
Offers visibility while providing a physical barrier.
Versatile aesthetic because they can be powder coated to match your overall visual.
Considerations: Lacks privacy and can appear less aesthetically appealing and more industrial.
5. Wire Fences
Wire fences used to be most commonly seen in agricultural applications, but they are becoming more and more common on both residential and commercial properties in the North Okanagan. They add a certain vibe for residences and businesses that are looking for a cross between modern and rustic.
Characteristics: Thin wires (typically steel) woven or welded into a mesh. Available in varying gauges for different purposes.
Uses: Primarily used in agricultural and rural settings to contain livestock, protect gardens, or as temporary fencing, but also work great for keeping pets in.
Advantages:
Affordable and easy to install.
Lightweight and flexible.
Can be galvanized for rust resistance.
Considerations: Offers minimal security and the aesthetic appeal isn't always appreciated by the general public. Wire fences are also less durable compared to other metal fencing options and the wooden poles require maintenance every couple years to prevent rotting.
6. Aluminum Slat Fences
Aluminum slat fences are the perfect metal fence for residential strata complexes in the Vernon area and for hospitality industry businesses who need to restrict visibility in outdoor areas, such as patios.
Characteristics: Horizontal or vertical aluminum slats spaced evenly or stacked closely to form a solid barrier. Often powder-coated in a variety of colours for enhanced durability and style.
Uses: Used in modern residential properties for boundary fencing, privacy, and aesthetic appeal. Used in commercial or industrial properties to restrict visibility and increase security.
Advantages:
Provides privacy without compromising modern aesthetics.
Lightweight, rust-resistant, and low-to-no maintenance.
Customizable in colour, spacing, and orientation.
Considerations: Less impact-resistant compared to steel slats.
7. Corrugated Metal Fences
Corrugated metal fences, often called tin fencing (even though it's stronger than tin) are, of course, a customer favourite of Blue Rhino Fence. We've installed more of these fences than we can keep up with and love the way they fit into nearly every property, commercial or residential.
Characteristics: These fences are made from corrugated steel or aluminum panels that have a wavy design that adds structural strength. Often paired with wood or metal framing.
Uses: Frequently used for modern or industrial-style fencing, as well as privacy and sound barriers.
Advantages:
Strong, durable, and low maintenance.
Offers complete privacy and noise reduction.
Aesthetic versatility, blending industrial and contemporary styles and can be powder coated in most colours.
Good security fences
Considerations: Best results and longevity come from using metal frames instead of wood as wood requires maintenance and can sag, crack or rot over time. Corrugated fences can also rust over time if not properly treated.
8. Metal Privacy Screen Fences
Lastly, if you're looking for privacy, but not a full fence system, metal privacy screens are a good fence option to consider.
Characteristics: Laser-cut metal panels or screens with decorative patterns. Often made from aluminum or steel and mounted on frames.
Uses: Designed for residential and commercial properties to provide privacy, shade, or decorative accents.
Advantages:
Highly customizable with intricate designs.
Durable and resistant to weather when coated properly.
Adds a modern, artistic element to spaces.
Excellent addition to restaurant patios and places that need to segment sections of a commercial property.
Considerations: Typically more expensive due to custom designs and materials.
To choose the right metal fence for your yard or business, consider the points below.
These factors will help you balance functionality, aesthetics, and budget to make the best choice:
1. Purpose of the metal fence you're considering.
Security: For enhanced protection, opt for durable options like wrought iron, steel picket fences, or chain-link fences with additional features (e.g., extra height or barbed wire).
Privacy: Consider solid options like corrugated metal fences, aluminum slat fences, or metal privacy screen fences for maximum privacy.
Decorative Appeal: Wrought iron fences, aluminum picket fences, or metal privacy screens with custom patterns are ideal for aesthetics.
Containment: For keeping pets or children in (or wildlife out), chain-link fences or wire fences are practical choices.
2. Budget for your fence.
Low Budget: Opt for chain-link or wire fences; they’re affordable and functional.
Mid-Range Budget: Aluminum picket fences or aluminum slat fences provide a good balance between cost and appearance.
High-End Budget: Wrought iron, steel picket fences, or custom metal privacy screens offer premium aesthetics and durability.
3. Maintenance Requirements for the type of metal fence you want.
Low Maintenance: Choose rust-resistant materials like aluminum or galvanized steel options (e.g., aluminum picket fences, corrugated metal, or aluminum slat fences).
Moderate to High Maintenance: Wrought iron or untreated steel may require regular painting or rust-proofing, especially with long, wet winters.
4. Environmental Conditions that your metal fence will have to stand up to.
High snow or frost areas: Go for rust-resistant materials like aluminum or galvanized steel. Avoid untreated wrought iron or plain steel.
Windy Locations: Opt for open designs like picket fences (steel or aluminum) or chain-link fences to reduce wind resistance.
Urban or Noise-Prone Areas: Use sound-dampening fences like corrugated metal or solid metal privacy screens.
5. Aesthetic Preferences of the fences available in various metals.
Traditional Look: Choose wrought iron fences for their ornate and timeless style.
Modern Look: Consider aluminum slat fences, corrugated metal fences, or metal privacy screens with contemporary patterns.
Industrial Look: Corrugated metal fences or galvanized chain-link fences work well in industrial or minimalist settings.
6. Durability and Longevity of the metal fence that suits your needs.
High Durability: Steel-based options like steel picket fences or corrugated metal fences last longer and resist impacts.
Moderate Durability: Aluminum fences resist rust but are less impact-resistant.
Temporary Solutions: Wire fences or chain-link fences are practical for temporary installations or areas with minimal wear and tear.
7. Local Bylaws and Strata Rules
Some neighbourhoods or municipalities may have restrictions on fence height, material, or design. Check out one of our recent resource articles listing the bylaw regulations for many North Okanagan properties.
8. Installation and Customization Needs
Ease of Installation: Lightweight options like aluminum fences are quicker to install, saving on labor costs.
Customization: For intricate designs or specific patterns, wrought iron or metal privacy screens are the best options.
By understanding the most common types of metal fences installed in and around Vernon BC and considering the factors associated with each of them, it's much easier to decide which type of metal fencing is best for your residential or commercial property’s specific needs and preferences.
If you think you know which type of fence you want, we are here to help you make it a reality. Contact Blue Rhino Fence today or give us a call at the number up top!
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