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Aluminum vs. Steel Fence: A Buyer’s Guide

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Updated March 17, 2025

Metal fences are a secure way to surround your property. Both aluminum and steel are excellent possibilities. Here's a guide to help you distinguish between the two and make the right choice.

Steel or Aluminum Fence: What to Choose?

Steel and aluminum are highly regarded for their exceptional durability, strength, and longevity. While aluminum is widely admired, steel is regarded as superior for its strength and security. However, this is not an indication of aluminum fencing being prone to problems or damage.

Both aluminum and steel fences are offered in several types and designs, such as picket, tubular, and color bond options. Select the metal fence that best meets your requirements.

Aluminum Fencing

Aluminum fencing is easy to clean with simple tools like a garden hose and soap. The biggest benefit of aluminum is that it is resistant to both rust and corrosion. So, you’ll save on touch-ups and repainting.  So, you’ll save on touch-ups and repainting. With classic black paint, finials and other decorative elements, aluminum fencing can replicate a wrought iron fence without drawbacks. Since it won’t rust or corrode, you won’t need to repaint the nooks and crannies every season.

Pros of Aluminum Fencing

This list will help you compare and decide what’s better: Aluminum fencing works well as it:

  • Stands up well to wear and tear.
  • Is a cost-effective option for many budgets.
  • Requires low maintenance.
  • Is lightweight, easy to handle and transport
  • Provides sturdy and reliable protection.
  • Easy to clean and install
  • It withstands weather without degrading.

Steel Fencing

Steel fencing is available in various choices, such as picket, tubular, and color bond. If you want an appealing addition to your property, you would prefer either the picket or tubular type. A color bond would be ideal if privacy and security are your primary concerns. Steel fencing, however, rusts over time, requiring you to clean the fence and scrub away the accumulated rust. You might even need to repaint it if its appearance is significantly affected.

Pros of Steel Fencing

Considering its weight, it may be challenging to install. Steel fences are a great fencing option because:

  • Their heavy nature makes them strong and stable.
  • They are long-lasting due to their great durability.
  • Their ability to withstand the impact of weather.

Steel or Aluminum Fence: Which Is Better?

Let's compare aluminum vs steel fences to help you make a decision you won't regret.

Durability

Aluminum

Aluminum is particularly corrosion- and rust-resistant and offers higher durability without extensive maintenance.

Steel

Steel can be rust-proofed by applying a protective coating. Furthermore, steel fences are capable of lasting longer with fewer maintenance requirements. Furthermore, the metal's welded construction enhances its resilience.

Cost

Aluminum

Aluminum is more affordable compared to steel. Its lower price point makes it a budget-friendly option for many homeowners.

Steel

Steel fencing is often a bigger investment due to its robust welded construction. This enhances its durability and resilience.

Design

Aluminum

Style: Dog ear, flat top, arched-top and pressed-point top styles.

Color: They have a lot of color options like black, white and bronze.

Steel

Style: Steel fencing provides various styles including spaced picket, decorative metal and split rails.

Color: Steel fencing is available in colors such as white, bronze, silver, and brown.