The choice of the type of material to erect your fence with is important. This is especially if you are a homeowner or you intend of getting a fence for your home. However, some don’t care. As long as there is some sort of perimeter to keep away strangers and animals, they are good to go. Anyway, whether you care or not, this is very important, and here is a detailed breakdown of which will serve you better.
Aluminum fence
An aluminum fence is a fence made of metal, specifically aluminum. To make an aluminum fence, different parts are welded together to form a rigid mass. In respect of its many desirable properties, it is a common choice for residential and commercial purposes.
Wood Fence
A wood fence is a barrier between two expanses of land that’s primarily made of wood. Wood also has many desirable properties and that’s why it is the most common fencing material
Which is more expensive?
This question is quite tricky and I’ll tell you why. If, for example, you go with the common, low-end woods for your fence construction, you will spend less initially. However, there is a wide variety of woods that are used for construction. If you go for the more expensive and durable types of wood, you will end up spending more.
The question, therefore, should not be, “which is more expensive?” What you should find out is how expensive the kind of wood you want to build your fence with is. Generally speaking, though, aluminum fences cost more than wood fences.
Maintaince Cost
The initial cost of either an aluminum or wood fence isn’t all you should consider. The cost for maintenance is also very important and if you don’t do a great job factoring this in, you might end up going for a choice that you’ll eventually regret.
A wood fence is cheaper to erect, but in the long run, it costs more in the area of maintenance. A wood fence is more susceptible to climatic factors and that makes it require more frequent maintenance. In fact, you might have to replace it at some point. It lasts between ten to twenty years. In addition, members of a wood fence are joined by nails, bolts, and nuts, and these aren’t as fixed as welded joints. That implies more frequent repairs and replacement of loose parts.
Conversely, an aluminum fence requires almost no maintenance and can last for as long as fifty years. Since it is metal, it doesn’t get stained easily, neither does it develop cracks over time. Asides from a not-so-frequent repainting, there isn’t much you have to do to maintain an aluminum fence.
Performance and Durability.
Without saying much, it’s clear that an aluminum fence will outlive a wood fence. The question, though, is why?
It’s really simple too: aluminum is three times as strong as wood and that means it will resist external forces better. An aluminum fence can’t be easily knocked down by the heavy wind, neither can it be easily vandalized or dismantled. In essence, an aluminum fence will protect you and your property better.
A wood fence, though not without strength, is just not as durable as an aluminum fence. Its density is less that of aluminum and its joints aren’t as fixed as that of an aluminum fence.
Also, a wood fence is more susceptible to climatic factors. For example, wood fences break down and undergo fence rot over time. This is either due to moisture from the earth and rain, or attack from pests such as termites. Some aluminum fences also rust in the presence of moisture and air, but they are unaffected by pests.
Which has a better appearance?
This is highly subjective and also depends on what you are fencing. If what you intend to fence is your home, a wood fence is your best option. Or better still, it’s what I’d suggest.
This is because wood generally has a soft feel and looks welcoming. Also, its appearance brings a feeling of nostalgia and class.
Conversely, an aluminum fence is less welcoming. From a distance, it shouts ‘keep off!’ Based on appearance, an aluminum fence is best suited to a facility that you’d want to keep under lock and key – may be a prison yard or storage facility.
An aluminum fence isn’t all bad, though. The next heading is one area where it beats the wood fence hands down.
Which is easier to install?
It’s easier to install wood fences than it is to install aluminum fences.
The weight of aluminum makes the installation of such fences a little difficult. On the flip side, wood fences have relatively light units which make their assembling somewhat easier. There is a caveat to this, though:
Installation of wood fences requires some level of expertise. This is because they shrink and expand by some percent during their lifetime. So, while they can be set up easily and quickly, you want to make sure that the artisan in charge factors in this variation.
Conclusion
Just as it is with most selections like this, there is no perfect choice. But whatever you will eventually go with should depend on your budget and the level of durability you seek. Now, you have enough knowledge to make an informed choice. So, let’s build!
