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Steel and Iron Fences

Ornamental steel is constructed from standard, prefabricated tubular and solid bars then welded or fastened together into panels to produce an attractive, strong fence. While both fences are strong, welding adds some extra strength, and fastened steel fences allow the fence to adjust more easily to grades. Because steel is susceptible to rust, ornamental steel fences must be coated to preserve the beauty of the fence. The most widely used finishes are paint and powder. Many consumers also choose to have a fence built from galvanized steel, which adds an additional layer of protection against rust.

Paint Finishes

Enamel Paint
-best used with a primer, an enamel paint finish is the least expensive finish option and offers the least protection against rust.
Polyurethane
-used in conjunction with a high-solids primer, polyurethane paint provides more enhanced protection from rust than enamel paints.
Galvanized + Polyurethane
-steel is hot-dipped galvanized after fabrication to inhibit rust, sprayed with high solids primer, then sprayed with one coat of polyurethane; this process offers a strong level of rust protection.
Pre-Galvanized + Polyurethane
-fence is constructed from galvanized tubing, sprayed with a high solids primer, then sprayed with one coat of polyurethane paint; the top of the line in paint finishes, this process offers three layers of protection from the elements.

Powder Finishes

Powder
-fence receives a powder coating over bare steel; offers good protection from weathering, but is somewhat vulnerable to moisture.
Powder + Pre-Galvanized
-powder is applied to galvanized steel; offers enhanced protection from all weathering.
Powder + Pre-Galvanized + Epoxy
-fence is constructed of galvanized steel, coated with a base of epoxy, then topped with powder; offers the most protection from the elements.

If lower end finishes are used, consumers should expect to perform more maintenance. Lower end finishes like enamel will require painting about every five years to ensure longevity. Finishes that are applied over galvanized steel require less maintenance. If the coating is breached on one picket, a little touch up painting might need to be done. Also, the water in some areas can leave deposits that look like rust. The fence should be washed periodically to clean off calcium deposits left by water. Different manufacturers offer different warranties on ornamental steel fences, but they generally range between one and ten years. A properly constructed ornamental steel fence should last at least 15 or 20 years, if it has a good coating. While warranties protect consumers from rust and corrosion, most do not guarantee against some degradation in color, due to UV exposure. No coating can totally withstand the fading from UV rays.