Which Costs More: Aluminum Fence or Iron Fence?

This is a question we get all the time and we are probably overdue to make a video on. Which fence type costs more? An iron fence or an aluminum fence? So today I wanted to discuss which is the pricier option and why what you see while shopping online isn’t always the clear and actual truth.
To get to the point straight away, a similar quote in our Stronghold Iron and Infinity aluminum fences often comes down to being near identical in price when you add everything up. Maybe a couple hundred dollars difference depending on job size and layout.
The general consensus we hear from folks is that iron and steel fence is probably much more expensive and aluminum fence is the cheaper option. However, that simply isn’t true without digging a little below the surface.
So, why does this misconception seem so rooted in everyone’s fence beliefs? If you’ve ever purchased raw metals, aftermarket car parts or tools; you’ll know that the lightweight aluminum parts typically cost more than steel.
Well, there’s a few reasons why the myth of aluminum fence being cheaper persists.
The biggest reason why this price mis-conception exists between iron and aluminum fence, is people are simply looking at the panel price of each, with no other details. While this seems like a rational way to compare the two, the problem is folks don’t realize that iron and aluminum fence panels are typically sold in different widths.
Industry-wide you will typically find almost all iron and steel fence is sold in 8ft panel widths and aluminum fence panels are sold in 6ft panel widths. So that “cheaper” aluminum fence panel price is because you are getting 2ft less width of fence panel with the aluminum.
Another big thing to watch out for when trying to compare iron fence and aluminum fence costs, is that you are truly comparing apples to apples. If you have a complete quote for both an aluminum fence and iron fence, and one costs much more than the other, you need to take a closer look at exactly what you are getting quoted.
A comparably built iron and aluminum fence shouldn’t have dramatically different costs. If they do, you need to dig deeper to find out why the price differs so much as its likely a difference in construction, appearance, build quality or finish on the pieces.
Always keep in mind that big differences in price typically have reasoning behind them that isn’t always clear or obvious. DO YOUR HOMEWORK. GET A FULL ITEMIZED QUOTE.
Any company simply charging more for no reason wouldn’t be around for long.

[@toranada]

Good explanation. What about year over year maintenance cost comparison? Negligible?

[@Ironfenceshop]

Annual maintenance for both is about the same. Iron doesn't rust as much as people think when its treated properly and aluminum requires more than the 'zero maintenance' its sold under. I find both just require an annual walk of the fence line and touching up any damages to the finish.
Even though aluminum will pit and oxidize, it won't degrade the metal as much as rust ignored for 5+ years on iron and steel will. However, you trade off A LOT of strength and durability with the aluminum. Its a much, much lighter-duty and easier to bend/ break type of fence than the iron.

[@inwhalesmouth]

How much 400 Sq ft linear would cost labor and Iron fence 5 ft hight?

[@Ironfenceshop]

You would need a linear footage to quote the fence. We can't quote by square footage. We don't offer labor, so I can't help with that.
If you want to give us a call at 800-261-2729, we can help work through the additional info needed and answer any questions you have.