8 Residential Aluminum Fence Styles

In the world of fencing options, aluminum has taken the stage as a go-to choice that brings together aesthetics, toughness, and practicality — and let’s not forget the variety of styles it offers.

Aluminum fences have gone beyond just being functional — they’ve become a way to show off your unique taste and creativity. Below you’ll find some of the most popular aluminum fence styles to choose from. Whether you’re into classic or trendy, you’re sure to find the perfect look for your home.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Aluminum Fencing

A new fence is a major, lasting investment in your home, so it’s important to make sure the type you choose is right for your needs. Here are some of the pros and cons of aluminum fences:

Advantages

• They’re durable, strong, and resistant to corrosion.
• They require less maintenance than other materials, and they’re simple to clean with a quick hose-down about once a month.
• There are eco-friendly options made from recycled materials, and they can be recycled at the end of their lifespan.
• They feature a sleek design with matte or gloss paint finishes and a scratch-resistant powder coating for maximum curb appeal.
• They’re difficult to climb, deterring trespassers from entering and keeping small children and pets safely contained.

Disadvantages

• Aluminum fences are more expensive than wood — full installation for this fencing material will cost you around $4,200 on average.
• While this metal offers a lot of resilience, aluminum can dent in extreme conditions such as hail storms and other blunt force impacts.
• Aluminum fences are not as private as some other fencing options (like wood or vinyl). But the upside to that is being able to monitor all activities around the property — as privacy fences may provide coverage for potential intruders.

Types of Aluminum Fences

There’s no shortage of attractive, functional, and unique aluminum fence styles on the market. Whether you prefer a traditional look or you want a more creative or unique vibe, aluminum fences come in all different varieties. To make your decision easier, here’s a rundown of some of the most common residential aluminum fence styles — and what each is suited for.

1. Spear Top Aluminum Picket Fence

The spear top aluminum picket fence style features thin vertical pickets that come to decorative spear-like finials (decorative end pieces) along the top. This combination of clean, polished lines and ornamental accents will enhance the aesthetic of a yard, pool, garden, or any other outdoor space.

Many homeowners prefer this style because it encloses the perimeter securely without obstructing views. Some spear top picket designs even allow you to adjust the amount of spacing between each slat. A wide gap creates visibility, while a narrow gap increases privacy.

2. Smooth Top Aluminum Picket Fence

This aluminum fence style features thin vertical pickets with two continuous horizontal rails across the top as well as another along the bottom. The result is a simple, uniform, classic appearance to complement just about any home exterior. Not to mention, the horizontal rails provide structural alignment and support to reinforce the fence’s stability.

The even gaps between each picket may not offer much privacy, but this reliable design is still a perfect balance between traditional charm and functional utility.

3. Aluminum Puppy Picket Fence

This aluminum fence style features closely spaced vertical pickets along the base in order to prevent small animals like puppies from squeezing between the slats (hence the name of this fence type).

This type of aluminum fence often varies in design. Some have architectural elements such as pointed finials or ornate post caps, while others are more streamlined in appearance. But the defining characteristic is that it helps keep furry friends safe, making this an ideal choice for pet owners.

4. Smooth Top with Spear Aluminum Picket Fence

This aluminum fence type features thin vertical pickets, braced by two upper horizontal rails with speared finials across the top. If your aesthetic is a combination of sleek simplicity with elegant flourishes, this could be the fence for you.

But not only does that visual contrast lend some interesting curb appeal — it can serve a practical function too. Those spear-like edges will make it difficult for potential intruders to climb over the fence, creating a robust security barrier around the perimeter of a backyard, pool, or other exterior space.

5. Staggered Spear Aluminum Picket Fence

This aluminum fence style features thin vertical pickets that come to decorative spear-like finials in alternating patterns across the top. For instance, the finials might curve into an arch for a scalloped effect, or they might be positioned at various heights for an artfully uneven look.

But whatever the arrangement, this distinctive style will break up uniformity to create more texture, dynamism, and visual interest. If you want to experiment with different architectural shapes and configurations, this could be just the right fence for you.

6. Solid Aluminum Privacy Fence

This aluminum fence style features a series of attached vertical panels with no gaps between them, held together by firm, sturdy posts. While “privacy” isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind when you think of aluminum fences, this new, trendy option promises to change that.

While these panels will block your views, the tradeoff is a secure, enclosed environment that no one outside can see into. Solid fences can also help reduce noise transmission for a quiet, peaceful atmosphere away from loud neighbors or busy streets.

7. Horizontal Panel Fence

This aluminum fence style features a series of attached horizontal panels with closely spaced gaps (or no gaps at all) between them, held together by firm, sturdy posts. These fence panels can vary in width from narrow to thick, but whichever panels you choose, the result is a sharp, modern vibe that will offer privacy while still radiating enormous curb appeal.

You can also customize this fence to meet your own preferences — for instance, you can play around with the amount of spacing between slats or install a decorative cap on each post.

8. Mixed Materials Fence

This aluminum fence style features a composite of various materials integrated into one unique but cohesive fencing structure. Aluminum may be used to construct the rails, posts, and basic framework, but you’ll see other materials built into other aspects of the design as well.

For instance, the panels may be either wood or vinyl, while the gate is made of aluminum to visually offset it, or an aluminum fence may be bracketed by stone columns on each side. Whatever details you choose, you’ll have a blend of textures and elements with the durability of aluminum.

Other Considerations for Choosing an Aluminum Fence Style

Aluminum Fence Colors

Aluminum fence styles come in a variety of shades, all of which you can select in either a gloss or matte paint finish. When determining a color, think about what will match or artfully contrast with the exterior of your home. Here are a few attractive options:

• Black
• White
• Silver
• Bronze
• Sandstone
• Forest Green
• Navy Blue

Aluminum Fence Heights

The optimal height of an aluminum fence is based on certain factors — the specific function it will serve, the amount of privacy it will provide, and your local ordinances or HOA regulations. Here are some height ranges to start you off, but make sure to confirm with the building codes enforcement division of your city or county as well as your HOA before moving forward with a fence height.

• Front Yard Fence Height: 3–4 feet
• Garden Fence Height: 3–4 feet
• Pool Fence Height: 4–6 feet
• Backyard Fence Height: 6–8 feet

Choose the Professionals to Install Your New Aluminum Fence

Whichever type of aluminum fence you opt for, hiring an expert contractor for the project will ensure it’s done correctly the first time around. Here at Top Rail Fence, we offer premium materials and high-quality installation services, so you can feel confident about the final outcome. When you choose us to install your aluminum fence, you’re making an investment in your home and your peace of mind for years to come.

Need some help with your aluminum fencing project? Contact our team for a free quote.