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Fence Fabrication

We can come to you and take on any metal work needed.

Have you ever heard of a fence sitter? It refers to anyone who can’t make up their mind, but you won’t have to be one if you’re looking for a fence. Fences are integral to any property, but getting just the right one can be challenging.

Security and privacy are important considerations when it comes to fencing. Long ago, homeowners installed wooden fences to keep livestock and intruders out of their yards. Today, many homeowners opt for a more secure option, such as aluminum, stainless steel, or vinyl fencing, as these metals have lasting benefits over wood.

Let’s look at fences, define them, list their benefits, and explain the various fencing techniques.

What Is a Fence?

A fence is a barrier constructed of materials, such as metal, wood, vinyl, or other materials that enclose an area. Fences are typically for providing security and privacy in residential and commercial settings.

An interesting read about the history of fences will help you appreciate how fences have served purposes such as defense, a show of status, and an emphasis on military rank.  

But fences are not walls. Fences provide a visual barrier and may have limited soundproofing qualities, but they aren’t always designed to be impenetrable.

Benefits of Fences

Fences can serve several different purposes. They can serve some of the following functions:

Provide security and privacy for your property.

Though fences cannot act as a deterrent to theft, they can help protect against potential intruders. Every home is unique and different levels of security are needed to protect it. Customized fence work can help you achieve the protection you need.

Create a defined boundary.

According to the Texas State Law Library, fences can help to mark your property line, making it easier for everyone to know who owns what and where one property begins and ends. Additionally, fences are always handy during house sales as they can reduce disputes over boundary lines.

Decorate and accentuate the features of your home.

A well-built fence is an attractive addition to your property with classical and modern patterns, glimmering metal, and vibrant colors. For example, polished stainless steel fences can reflect the sun and shimmer in the light.

Fencing Metal Options

If folks could previously use wood, imagine how empowered the generous options welders can provide today. For starters, metals are malleable, meaning you can shape and curve them as desired. It can withstand more wear and tear over time as the metal is much stronger than wood.

Moreover, metals resist catching fire like wood, with high melting points. Thermal and electrical conductivity are advantages that metal fences enjoy over wooden fences, minimizing the chances of your property catching and spreading any bushfires.

Additionally, its material offers a flexible design for any dimensional vision of the fence structure. Metal provides an array of choices for a unique and creative fence vision, such as aluminum, steel, iron, stainless steel, and copper.

Let’s look at each of these metals and explain which are best for various applications.

Aluminum

Aluminum is low-maintenance, lightweight, and offers a range of colors and finishes. It’s popular for its rust-resistance properties. Our experienced welders can fabricate it into any custom design.

Steel

Steel is strong, durable, and low maintenance, making it a popular choice for commercial applications. Steel also offers several finishes and colors. Steel is more affordable than aluminum but may require more maintenance.

Iron

The classic or vintage look is best achieved with iron fences. Our welders can craft custom-made pieces to fit your exact specifications and design. Iron is not as strong as steel and can rust, so it’s best applied with a protective coating.

Iron costs less than aluminum despite the abundance of raw aluminum ore deposits due to the high energy costs associated with refining the ore.

Stainless Steel

The difference between steel and stainless steel is the added layer of chromium that prevents rust and corrosion. It’s an alloy, and the constituents include:

This material is used in homes but is ideal for industrial settings due to its higher costs.

Stainless steel is an attractive option since it can withstand extreme weather conditions, like heavy rain and snow, without corroding or rusting. It’s also hypoallergenic, making it a safe choice for those with metal allergies.

Fencing Design Options

Fencing designs can range from basic to ornamental. Some focus on strength and security, preferring simplicity over complexity, while others focus on a more aesthetic look. We can help you with whichever design best suits your needs and tastes.

Thinking about fence visibility, privacy, security, and purpose can help you determine the most befitting design. For example, thick stainless steel frames are best for commercial fencing since they provide a more secure structure.

Some of the most popular fencing designs are:

Split-rail Fencing

Split-rail fencing is perfect for rustic properties, especially when coupled with post-and-rail fencing. It’s a basic design that requires only occasional weather-proofing. The structural support consists of two or three rails running between round, square, or flat posts.

This fencing design leaves large spaces between the horizontal rails, allowing for visibility and sneaking through. Coupling it with chain link fences or adding a hedge can help increase privacy. 

Board-on-Board Design (Shadowbox Fencing)

Privacy and security are the main benefits of shadowbox fencing design. Its height and thickness offer a sense of protection.

With this design, the pickets are spaced closely together and alternate on both sides of the fence line. Thus, the overlapping effect creates a more private environment.

Chain Link Fences

The chain link fence design is universally popular and ideal mainly for its versatility. This design is perfect for properties that don’t require more security than privacy, like outdoor play areas, gardens, and patios.

Picket Fence

It’s a classic choice for residential properties. The design entails a series of evenly spaced vertical slats with a pointed top. The picket fence is primarily decorative and offers little privacy. Suburb settings install picket fences for beautifully demarcating property boundaries.

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Commercial vs. Residential Use

Metal fences are generally best for commercial properties due to their strength, corrosion resistance, and durability. Also, rural and urban settings may require different types of fencing due to climate, space availability, security, and visibility needs.

Aesthetics are essential for commercial and residential uses, but residential properties often opt for ornamental metal fences with intricate designs. These can be crafted from aluminum and steel to provide a secure and stylish barrier around the home.

Commercial fences demand more security and privacy, demanding thicker metal frames with barbed wire, chain link fences, and other materials.

Contact Us

No matter your purpose for the fence and what material you choose, our team of experts can help with the design process. At Smith Welding & Fabrication, our mobile welding services and facilities are equipped to design and create the perfect custom metal fencing for your needs.

Contact us today for a free consultation and get started on creating the fence of your dreams.