Fort Smith Fence Pros arranges aluminum fence installation in Fort Smith, AR through an independent local contractor, for pool enclosures, front yards and backyards where you want a fence without losing the view.
Aluminum gives the look of ornamental iron at a lighter weight and without the rust. It is a strong fit around pools, along the front of a property and on lots with a good view to keep. Here is what separates one aluminum fence from another.
Where Aluminum Fencing Makes Sense
- Pool enclosures: aluminum does not rust from splash water or wet feet and needs no painting.
- Front yards and corner lots: open pickets define the yard without blocking sightlines.
- Pet containment with a view: narrow picket spacing and a low bottom rail keep small dogs in.
- Humid, wet sites: aluminum will not rot or rust in a yard that stays damp.
Residential, Pool and Commercial Grades of Aluminum Fence
Aluminum fence is sold in grades that differ by rail size, picket thickness and post wall thickness.
Residential grade
Suits most yards and decorative front fences.
Heavier residential or pool grade
Stiffer rails and posts for taller fences, wider gates and pool barriers.
Commercial grade
Larger pickets and posts for businesses, apartment complexes and places where the fence takes abuse.
Ask which grade is being quoted, since two bids can look similar on paper and use very different materials.
Pool Fence Rules and Gate Hardware
Pool barriers usually have specific requirements for height, gaps and self-closing, self-latching gates. Those rules come from local code and sometimes your insurer, so confirm current requirements with the City of Fort Smith and your HOA before you order panels. Quality hinges, magnetic latches and a gate that closes reliably every time are the parts of a pool fence that matter most day to day.
Installing Aluminum Fence on Slopes and Uneven Ground
Many River Valley yards slope toward a street or a drainage swale. Aluminum handles grade two ways. Rackable panels shift so the rails follow the slope with no gaps underneath. Stepped installation keeps panels level and drops each one down, leaving triangular gaps at the bottom. Rackable panels cost a little more but look cleaner and close the gaps a pet could slip through.
Steps in a Typical Aluminum Fence Installation
- Measure the run, mark gates and confirm the property line.
- Check pool, HOA and city requirements, then order panels in the right grade, height and color.
- Call 811 to have buried utilities marked.
- Set posts in concrete at the panel width, keeping them plumb so panels slide in cleanly.
- Attach panels with brackets, hang gates and adjust latches.
Because panels arrive at fixed widths, accurate post spacing is the step that decides how good the finished fence looks.
Aluminum Fence Cost Ranges
Angi lists aluminum fencing at a wide typical range of about $17 to $90 per linear foot, because grade, height and style vary so much. HomeAdvisor puts typical total aluminum projects at roughly $3,550 to $18,800. Treat these as national estimates. Gates, decorative finials, rackable panels and post count drive your price.
Common questions
Is aluminum fence strong enough for dogs?
For most dogs, yes. Choose a height your dog cannot jump, narrow picket spacing for small breeds, and a bottom rail close to the ground or puppy pickets for the lower section. Aluminum is lighter than steel, so very large dogs that jump on fences may bend lighter grades. A heavier residential grade helps.
Does aluminum fence rust?
No. Aluminum does not rust the way steel and iron do, which is a big reason people choose it for pools and humid yards. The powder-coated finish can scratch, and fasteners should be stainless or coated to match. Touch-up paint from the manufacturer covers small chips and keeps the fence looking even.
Aluminum vs wrought iron fence, which should I choose?
Aluminum costs less, weighs less and never needs rust treatment. Wrought iron and heavy steel are stronger and suit large driveway gates, historic homes and security needs, but they require more maintenance in a humid climate. For most residential yards and pools, aluminum gives the ornamental look with far less upkeep.
How long does aluminum fence installation take?
Most residential aluminum fences go in within a few days once posts are set, since panels come preassembled. Timing depends on footage, the number of gates, slope and how long concrete needs to cure. Ordering custom colors or heights can add lead time, so ask your contractor about material availability when you request an estimate.