Why Professional Aluminum Fence Installers Matter for Your Property
Aluminum fence installers are licensed professionals who specialize in designing, measuring, and installing aluminum fencing systems for residential and commercial properties. Here’s what you need to know when searching for the right installer:
Quick Guide to Finding Aluminum Fence Installers:
- Verify Licensing and Insurance – Protect yourself from liability and ensure proper credentials
- Check Experience – Look for installers with a proven track record in aluminum fencing specifically
- Review Past Work – Examine portfolios and customer testimonials to gauge quality
- Confirm Warranty Coverage – Ensure both workmanship (typically 1-year) and manufacturer warranties are included
- Get Detailed Quotes – Request itemized estimates covering materials, labor, permits, and timeline
Choosing the right aluminum fence installer makes the difference between a fence that lasts 20 years and one that lasts 50 years. A qualified installer brings more than just tools and materials—they bring expertise in property line validation, local permit requirements, proper post-setting techniques, and the ability to handle challenging terrain like slopes or rocky soil.
Aluminum fencing offers best durability and elegance. Unlike wood, which requires regular staining and sealing, aluminum fences resist rust and corrosion while maintaining their powder-coated finish for decades. They’re more affordable than wrought iron yet deliver similar strength and visual appeal. Whether you’re securing a pool, defining property boundaries, or enhancing your business’s curb appeal, aluminum fencing provides long-lasting protection with minimal maintenance.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about aluminum fencing—from understanding why it’s superior to other materials, to evaluating installers and getting accurate quotes for your project.
I’m Jose Grados, owner of A Better Fence Construction, and I bring nearly a decade of precision engineering experience from the aerospace industry to every fencing project. My background in structural design, quality control, and exacting standards helps me guide homeowners and businesses in selecting qualified aluminum fence installers who deliver craftsmanship that lasts.
Why Aluminum Fencing is a Superior Choice
When considering a new fence for your property in Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond, or any of our service areas, you have many options. However, aluminum fencing consistently stands out as a superior choice, offering a blend of durability, aesthetic appeal, and cost-effectiveness that few other materials can match.
Durability: Built to Last Against Oklahoma’s Elements
Aluminum fences are designed to last. They are built from strong materials that resist rust, corrosion, and damage, making them an ideal, long-lasting solution for both residential and high-traffic commercial and industrial properties. Unlike other metals that can succumb to oxidation, aluminum is naturally resistant to rust and corrosion. This means your fence will withstand the test of time and harsh weather conditions, from Oklahoma’s scorching summers to its icy winters. Our aluminum fences are constructed with thick rails, often between .072” to .082” thick, which significantly improves their strength and durability. This robust construction contributes to an impressive lifespan, with many metal fences lasting anywhere from 20 to 50 years.
Low Maintenance: Enjoy Your Fence, Don’t Work on It
One of the most compelling benefits of choosing aluminum fencing is its minimal maintenance requirements. With a high-quality powder-coated finish, an aluminum fence is virtually maintenance-free. This advanced coating guarantees against flaking, chipping, and peeling, ensuring your fence looks great for years without the need for constant upkeep. You won’t spend your weekends scraping, painting, or staining. A simple cleaning with a garden hose and mild soap is usually all that’s needed to keep your aluminum fence looking pristine. This “set it and forget it” characteristic frees up your time, allowing you to enjoy your property rather than constantly maintaining its perimeter.
Aesthetic Appeal: Timeless Elegance for Any Property
Aluminum fences offer timeless elegance, adding sophistication and complementing your property’s overall look. Whether you’re aiming for a classic, old-world charm or a sleek, modern aesthetic, aluminum can deliver. Available in various colors like classic black, popular bronze, and crisp white (a favorite in some regions), these fences can be custom to suit any property style. Their clean lines and ornamental options can improve curb appeal, highlight landscaping, and increase your home’s value.
Cost-Effectiveness: A Smart Investment for the Long Run
While the upfront cost of an aluminum fence might be higher than some alternatives, like a basic wood fence, its long-term value makes it a truly cost-effective investment. Wood fences, for example, require frequent maintenance (painting, staining, sealing, repairs for rot and pests), which can accumulate to make their long-term costs up to 40% higher than maintenance-free aluminum fencing. Aluminum, being a manufactured material, also often costs less than its fabricated counterpart, wrought iron, while still offering comparable performance and aesthetic appeal. Choosing aluminum means investing in lifetime affordability.
| Feature | Aluminum Fence | Wood Fence |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | Generally higher | Generally lower |
| Lifetime Cost | Lower due to minimal maintenance | Higher due to frequent maintenance (painting, staining, repairs for rot, pests) |
| Durability | Excellent; resistant to rust, corrosion, rot, pests; 20-50 year lifespan | Good, but susceptible to rot, warping, pests; 10-20 year lifespan with regular maintenance |
| Maintenance | Very Low; occasional cleaning with soap and water; powder-coated finish prevents flaking | High; regular painting, staining, sealing required; frequent repairs |
Learn about our other metal panel fencing.
Aluminum Fence Styles and Common Applications
Aluminum fencing is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of applications across residential, commercial, and industrial properties in Oklahoma City and the surrounding areas. Its adaptability in style, height, and customization options allows us to create a fence that perfectly meets your specific needs.
Residential Fencing: Enhancing Homes and Protecting Families
For homeowners, aluminum fencing offers an ideal solution for defining property boundaries, enhancing curb appeal, and ensuring the safety of pets and children. Its neat appearance can significantly boost your home’s aesthetic, providing a sophisticated backdrop to your landscape. Whether you’re enclosing a garden, creating a safe play area, or simply establishing a clear property line, aluminum fencing combines beauty with functionality.
Commercial & Industrial Fencing: Security with a Professional Edge
Aluminum fencing is a popular choice for industrial spaces and business properties due to its durability, low-maintenance benefits, and professional appearance. For commercial and industrial applications, these fences provide a clear boundary to protect business assets while maintaining a professional look. They are durable enough to withstand high-traffic environments and resistant to the elements, making them a long-lasting solution for warehouses, office complexes, and other commercial sites.
Specialized Applications: Custom Solutions for Every Need
Aluminum fencing’s versatility shines in its ability to cater to specialized needs. Here are some popular uses:
- Pool Enclosures: Essential for safety and compliance.
- Security Perimeters: A strong deterrent for unauthorized access.
- Decorative Garden Fencing: Adding an neat touch to outdoor spaces.
- Pet Containment: Keeping furry friends safely within your yard.
- Amenity Fencing: Defining shared spaces in communities or complexes.
Styles, Heights, and Customizations
The beauty of aluminum fencing lies in its diverse range of styles and the ability to customize it to your exact specifications.
- Fence Styles: We offer a variety of styles to match any architectural design or personal preference. Popular options include:
- 2-Rail and 3-Rail: Classic, minimalist designs often used for property definition and subtle elegance.
- Spear Top: Adds a touch of traditional ornamental flair and provides an improved security deterrent.
- Flat Top: A clean, modern look that’s popular for a sleek finish.
- Decorative Designs: Various patterns and accents can be incorporated to create a truly unique fence.
- Height Options: Different height options allow for tailoring fences for security, safety, or visual appeal. Standard heights typically range from 4ft, 5ft, to 6ft, perfect for residential boundaries and pool enclosures. For improved security, we can install fences at taller heights, such as 7ft or 8ft.
- Custom Add-ons: Personalize your fence with a range of add-ons:
- Puppy Pickets: Narrower picket spacing at the bottom to prevent small pets from squeezing through.
- Decorative Rings and Finials: Add ornamental details for a more distinguished look.
- Custom Gates: Designed to match your fence style perfectly, with options for single, double, or arched gates.
Specific Use-Cases: Pools and Security
Aluminum fencing truly excels in applications where safety and security are paramount.
- Pool Enclosures: When it comes to pool safety, aluminum fences are an excellent choice. They are designed to prevent small children from climbing over without fully blocking the view of your pool area. Our pool fences meet safety standards, featuring non-climbable designs and self-closing, self-latching gates to ensure compliance with local regulations in Oklahoma City and beyond. Their open design also allows for clear visibility, so you can keep an eye on swimmers.
- Security Fencing: For properties requiring a strong deterrent against intruders, aluminum security fencing is highly effective. Heavy-duty grades of aluminum, combined with features like speared tops, make it difficult for unauthorized individuals to climb over. Aluminum fences offer a clear, robust boundary, protecting business assets and providing peace of mind for both commercial and residential properties.
The Aluminum Fence Installation Process
The installation of an aluminum fence is a precise process that, when done correctly, ensures the fence’s longevity and aesthetic appeal. While some individuals consider DIY, we generally recommend professional installation, especially for properties in the Oklahoma City metro area, to guarantee the best results.
DIY vs. Professional Installation: Weighing Your Options
People often praise aluminum fences for being “easy to install,” and while the panels come pre-assembled, the installation process itself is not for the faint of heart. It requires specific knowledge and tools. If you’re not comfortable with tasks like digging 2-foot deep holes with a 6-inch diameter, precisely spaced 72.5 inches on-center, then hiring a professional aluminum fence installer is probably the best course of action.
Pros of Professional Installation:
- Expertise: Professionals understand local soil conditions, property nuances, and building codes specific to Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond, etc.
- Efficiency: We have the right tools and experience to complete the job quickly and correctly.
- Quality Assurance: Ensures the fence is level, plumb, and properly secured for maximum durability.
- Warranties: Professional installers often provide workmanship warranties, complementing manufacturer material warranties.
- Handling Complexities: Expertise in managing slopes, gates, and challenging terrain.
Cons of DIY Installation:
- Time-Consuming: Can take significantly longer for an inexperienced person.
- Risk of Error: Incorrect measurements or post setting can compromise the fence’s integrity and appearance.
- Tool Investment: May require purchasing or renting specialized equipment.
- Physical Demands: Digging and setting posts is labor-intensive.
Pre-Installation Steps: Laying the Groundwork
Before any digging begins, crucial pre-installation steps must be completed to ensure a smooth and compliant installation:
- Property Line Validation: It’s essential to validate your property lines with your local municipality or a land surveyor. This prevents disputes with neighbors and ensures your fence is installed legally.
- Utility Line Marking (Call 811): Always call 811 (the national “Call Before You Dig” hotline) at least a few days before you plan to dig. This service will mark any underground utility lines (gas, water, electric, communication) on your property, preventing dangerous and costly accidents. Additionally, identify and mark any unmarked irrigation lines, sprinkler heads, or septic tanks.
- Checking HOA Rules and Local Permits: Many homeowners associations (HOAs) in areas like Edmond or Moore have specific rules regarding fence types, heights, colors, and placement. Always check with your HOA and review your deed for any easements. Furthermore, local zoning laws in Oklahoma City often require building permits for fence installations. We can assist you in navigating these requirements.
Installation Steps: From Layout to Final Touches
Once preparations are complete, the physical installation begins:
- Layout with String Lines: We start by laying out the fence line using stakes and a string line. This ensures the fence is straight and follows the intended path.
- Digging Post Holes: Post holes are dug to precise dimensions, typically 4-6 inches wide and 24-42 inches deep, depending on local frost lines and fence height. We ensure all holes line up perfectly with the string line.
- Setting Posts in Concrete: Posts are placed into the holes and carefully plumbed using a level on two adjacent sides. Concrete is then poured around the posts, filling the holes a few inches short of the top. The remaining space is filled with packed dirt. It’s crucial to adjust posts immediately after setting to ensure smooth fence flow. For gates, heavier gate posts are used on both sides to support the weight and withstand impact, and their concrete is allowed to set for at least overnight, or ideally two days, before hanging the gates.
- Attaching Pre-Assembled Panels: Aluminum fence panels typically come pre-assembled. These are attached to the posts using self-tapping screws. We install one post and one panel at a time, ensuring proper alignment and spacing.
- Gate Installation: Gates are then installed, with hinges attached to the gate frame and then to the gate post. The gate is centered in the opening, and temporary screws are used for final adjustments before securing the latch. Double drive gates can be created by combining any two gates, and typically include a drop rod for added security.
Handling Slopes: Racking vs. Stepping
Oklahoma’s terrain can sometimes present challenges, but aluminum fencing is well-suited for sloped landscapes. We use two primary methods to ensure a professional finish on uneven ground:
- Racking: This method allows the fence panels to follow the natural grade of the ground. Aluminum fence panels can be angled within the posts, typically up to 10 degrees per side, or even 20 degrees if the post is turned first, to accommodate gentle slopes. Some styles can ‘rack’ or ‘rake’ significantly, averaging 16 inches of rack per 6-foot run, with options for custom ‘Double Punch’ to increase this capability. This creates a continuous, unbroken line that flows with the landscape.
- Stepping: For very steep inclines, the stepping method is employed. This involves installing panels in horizontal segments, with a “step” down at each post. This is achieved by ordering end posts and attaching brackets at appropriate heights. While racking provides a more seamless look, stepping can be more practical and visually appealing on extreme slopes, depending on the fence style.
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How to Find and Vet Professional Aluminum Fence Installers
Choosing the right aluminum fence installer is as crucial as selecting the fence material itself. A quality installation ensures your fence looks great, performs optimally, and lasts for decades. Here’s how you can find and vet the best professionals for your project in Oklahoma City and the surrounding metro areas.
Where to Find Reputable Aluminum Fence Installers
Finding a trustworthy installer starts with knowing where to look:
- Online Directories: While useful for initial searches, always cross-reference information. Look for local businesses specializing in aluminum fencing in Oklahoma City, Norman, or Edmond. Pay attention to their service areas.
- Local Recommendations: Word-of-mouth remains one of the most reliable ways to find good contractors. Ask neighbors, friends, or local businesses who they’ve used for fence installations. Look for examples of their work in your neighborhood to see their craftsmanship firsthand.
- Professional Associations: Membership in organizations like the American Fence Association (AFA) indicates a commitment to high standards of fence construction, honesty, integrity, and ethical conduct. We are proud members of the AFA, reflecting our dedication to quality and professionalism.
Key Factors for Choosing Your Installer
Once you have a list of potential aluminum fence installers, it’s time to vet them thoroughly:
- Licensing and Insurance: This is non-negotiable. Always verify that any contractor you consider is fully licensed and insured to work in Oklahoma. This protects you from liability in case of accidents or damage during the installation process. We are covered with all the proper licensing and insurance needed to run our operations across Oklahoma City.
- Experience and Portfolio: Look for installers with a proven track record, specifically in aluminum fencing. Ask about their years in business (we’ve been serving the Oklahoma City area for over 8 years) and request to see a portfolio of their past aluminum fence projects. This will give you a good sense of their quality and style.
- Customer Reviews and Testimonials: Online feedback from previous clients can provide valuable insights into an installer’s reliability, professionalism, and quality of work. Look for consistent positive reviews regarding communication, timeliness, and satisfaction with the final product.
See our customer reviews. - Warranty Information: A reputable installer will offer a workmanship warranty (typically 1-year) on their installation services. Additionally, ensure they source their materials from manufacturers that provide a limited lifetime warranty for the aluminum fence itself, protecting against defects like cracking, peeling, chipping, blistering, or corrosion.
Questions to Ask Potential Aluminum Fence Installers
To make an informed decision, prepare a list of questions to ask each potential installer:
- “Can you provide proof of your licensing and insurance?”
- “How many years have you been installing aluminum fences in the Oklahoma City area?”
- “Can I see a portfolio of your past aluminum fence projects, or speak with previous clients?”
- “What is your warranty on both workmanship and the aluminum materials?”
- “What is your typical project timeline for an aluminum fence installation of my size?”
- “How do you handle property line verification and obtaining necessary permits?”
- “What is involved in the installation process, especially if my property has slopes?”
What a Quote Should Include
A comprehensive quote should be detailed and transparent. It should include:
- An itemized list of all materials (fence panels, posts, gates, hardware, concrete, etc.)
- A clear breakdown of labor costs.
- Any associated permit fees or charges for utility marking.
- An estimated project timeline, from start to finish.
- Details on site preparation and cleanup.
Factors Affecting Cost
While we can’t provide specific pricing here, several factors will influence the overall cost of your aluminum fence installation:
- Linear Footage: The total length of the fence line is a primary cost driver.
- Fence Height and Style: Taller fences and more intricate designs typically require more material and labor.
- Number of Gates: Each gate adds to the material and installation cost.
- Terrain Complexity: Sloping or uneven ground may require specialized installation techniques (racking or stepping), potentially increasing labor.
- Site Preparation: Costs can vary if extensive land clearing or old fence removal is needed.
Financing options may be available.
Frequently Asked Questions about Aluminum Fencing
We often receive questions from homeowners and businesses in Oklahoma City about aluminum fencing. Here are some of the most common ones, answered by our experts.
How long does an aluminum fence last?
Aluminum fences are renowned for their longevity. Most metal fences, including aluminum, typically last between 20 and 50 years. The exact lifespan depends on the quality of the material, the precision of the installation, and how well it’s maintained (though maintenance for aluminum is minimal). The powder-coated finish is key to its durability, preventing rust and corrosion and ensuring the fence withstands the elements for decades.
Is aluminum fencing more expensive than other types?
Initially, an aluminum fence can have a higher upfront cost compared to some other materials, such as a basic wood fence. For example, a wood fence might be less expensive upfront. However, this initial investment is often offset by significant long-term savings. Wood fences require frequent maintenance like painting, staining, and repairs for rot or pests, which can make their lifetime costs substantially higher. Aluminum fences, with their minimal upkeep, prove to be more cost-effective over their long lifespan, offering excellent value for money.
Can aluminum fences be installed on a slope or hill?
Absolutely! Aluminum fences are exceptionally versatile and can be installed effectively on sloped or hilly terrain. We use two main techniques:
- Racking: This method allows the fence panels to be angled and follow the natural contours of the ground, creating a smooth, continuous line without leaving gaps underneath. This is ideal for gentle to moderate slopes.
- Stepping: For steeper inclines, we use the stepping method, where panels are installed in horizontal sections, creating a stair-step appearance as the fence descends the slope. This ensures a secure barrier while maintaining a consistent height for each panel.
Both methods are designed to provide a professional, aesthetically pleasing, and secure fence, regardless of your property’s topography.
Conclusion: Partnering with the Right Expert for a Lasting Investment
Choosing an aluminum fence for your residential or commercial property in the Oklahoma City metro area is a smart decision, offering a blend of durability, beauty, and low maintenance that stands the test of time. From its resistance to rust and corrosion to its neat appearance and cost-effectiveness over its lifespan, aluminum fencing provides a superior solution for defining boundaries, enhancing security, and boosting curb appeal.
However, the true performance and longevity of your aluminum fence ultimately depend on professional installation. A skilled aluminum fence installer brings the necessary expertise in site preparation, adherence to local codes, and precision techniques for handling everything from post setting to challenging terrain. This ensures your investment is protected and your fence delivers on its promise of lasting quality.
At A Better Fence Construction, we are a family-owned business deeply committed to serving Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond, Moore, and our other communities. Our mission is built on outstanding customer service, meticulous work, and unwavering attention to detail, ensuring every fence we install meets our high standards of craftsmanship and client satisfaction. We believe in building relationships as strong as our fences.



