If you are looking for a fence that is both decorative and functional, then an iron fence might be for you. Wrought iron fences are durable, stable, and strong enough to accommodate most gardens. If made with the right materials, wrought iron fences can last for decades without rusting or corroding. Furthermore, these waterproof fences are not liable to deteriorate in inclement weather or freeze in the wintertime because they have a low thermal conductivity rate. For aesthetic reasons alone, these sturdy metal fences are worth considering for your garden’s landscape design. On top of all these benefits though, wrought iron fencing does have its fair share of shortcomings as well.
Iron Fencing –
Although wrought iron fencing is very sturdy, it is also susceptible to dents and scratches. If you are looking for a fence that will withstand the test of time, wrought iron may not be your best choice. Although it does not rust, the metal’s surface can become etched over time even if it has been gently handled. Wrought iron fencing also has a tendency to lose its glossy finish, becoming more matte as time goes on. It is important that you take care of your fence regularly so that it retains its luster. Frequent cleaning with soap, water, and a soft cloth is best for removing dirt quickly from these fences so you do not have to suffer its hazy coating over time.
While wrought iron fences are durable, it is also important that you choose the right material. Currently, iron-based wrought iron is the most popular choice of material for fences, but it can degrade even faster than its non-iron counterparts. The best option for wrought iron fencing is aluminum alloy. It combines the best qualities of both wrought iron and aluminum so it is durable, flexible, and less prone to rusting.
Wrought Iron Fence Types
Before you decide on your fence’s design, you should decide on its type of fencing method. While there are several different kinds of wrought iron fences, the most common types include post and rail, post and beam, post and bracket, and post and panel.
Post Fence
Post fences are typically made with wood planks or steel pipes. The planks are nailed directly to the posts so they can withstand high winds without breaking. The most common type of fencing with this method is passive security fence which consists of horizontal boards spaced about every two feet. Although these fences can be sturdy enough for most families, they do require regular maintenance due to the spikes on the wood that will wear over time if hammered with regular use.
Post and Beam
A post-and-beam fence is essentially a combination of both post and rail fences. The posts are placed about every two to three feet apart with the beam extending from the top of each post to the top of another. The beams are generally made of wood or steel that is then cut into individual planks. This type of fence also involves nails that are hammered into wooden beams which are then mounted to footed posts. However, the plank offers more flexibility than other types because it offers an artistic design option for fences. It can vary in size and shape by mounting planks between wooden or steel beams to form different geometric designs such as diamonds, triangles, and squares.
Post and Bracket
Post and bracket fences are the most popular type of fencing. This kind of fence consists of steel brackets screwed to wooden posts. The brackets are nailed to the posts though some models use screws instead. Post and strip iron fence is also made with this method where strips of metal form an arch over the top of the posts. The metal strips are nailed to one post while another is placed along each side so that there is no gap between them. A variation on this kind of fence is baluster-style railing which uses three or more short wood or steel posts spaced evenly apart on each side with a long, horizontal beam attached over the topmost post at waist level.
Post and Panel
Post and panel fences are also popular because they provide a strong yet aesthetically pleasing look. This method is made by screwing steel brackets onto wooden posts. The brackets are spaced about every two to three feet apart with vertical metal panels mounted between them. Panels come in a variety of different sizes and shapes and the panels can be individually cut to accommodate certain aesthetic preferences.
Color Choices
Before you even think about design, color choice will already have an impact on your fence’s overall aesthetic appeal. Most iron fences come in one of three standard colors which include white, black, and gray. White is the most popular option because it allows the metal to look cleaner for longer periods of time because dirt does not easily form a coating over it. Black comes off as a more striking color for fences though it does attract more dirt and grime. Gray is probably the best option if you want to balance both cleanliness and color since it is a popular choice for automobiles and cinder blocks.
Different colors can also come off as striking when placed next to each other. Colors that contrast well are best for fences since they create sharp lines between metal fence panels. If you are looking for a design that will stand out against its surroundings, there are many interesting color combinations for fences to consider. The main colors used in fence design include red, green, yellow, orange, blue, and purple.
Same range of colors
If you want your fence to match well with the existing colors of your home or garden décor, it is best to choose the same range of colors. For example, if your house is painted in cream or yellow tones then you should stick with neutral tones like silver or gray instead of choosing bright colors that will stick out too much against your home’s structure. With green as an exception, these colors will blend in well with green landscapes such as green grass and trees so you do not have to worry about it standing out too much.
If you want a fence that makes a strong statement with bold colors, then you should choose a design that is customized around the color. Personalized fencing requires more time and effort but the results are more worthwhile since they will look completely new and different from other fences that use a similar color scheme. For more help with the same on iron fences, you can get in touch with Bellevue Fencing and get the best help from them.
