1. Choose a Height
- 3 feet: decorative front yard and garden borders
- 4 feet: a popular all-purpose height, and a common minimum for pool barriers
- 5 feet: a great backyard height for larger dogs
- 6 feet: maximum security and boundary
Check your city and HOA rules first. Front-yard heights are often limited.
2. Choose 2-Rail or 3-Rail
2-rail fences have a top and bottom rail for a light, open look, and they're most common at 3 to 4 feet. 3-rail fences add a rail for strength and a classic wrought-iron look, and they're the usual choice at 4 to 6 feet, for dogs, and around pools.
3. Choose a Top Style
- Flat top: pickets end at the top rail for a clean line; the most popular backyard style
- Spear top: pickets extend above the rail with finials for a traditional estate look
4. Choose a Color
Black is the most popular because it blends into landscaping and looks like wrought iron. Bronze suits brick and earth-toned homes, and white works for cottage and coastal styles.
5. Decide on Puppy Pickets
If you have small dogs, puppy pickets add extra short pickets along the bottom to close up gaps. They can be added along the whole fence or just where needed.
6. Plan Your Gates
- Walk gates: typically 4 to 5 feet wide
- Wide single gates: for mowers and wheelbarrows
- Double drive gates: for vehicles and trailers
- Self-closing hinges and latches: recommended for pets, and required for most pool fences
7. Think About Your Slope
Few West County yards are flat. Many aluminum panels can be racked to follow a slope, and steep areas can be stepped. We'll plan this during your free quote so there are no big gaps under the fence.
8. Handle the Paperwork
- HOA approval: many subdivisions require it before installation
- City permit: many West County cities require one
- Property lines: know where they are, especially near neighbors
- Utility locates: lines must be marked before digging
Need help deciding? We'll bring samples, walk your yard with you, and give you a written quote for the options you're considering. It's free.
Common Questions
What's the most popular aluminum fence?
In West County backyards, a black, flat-top, 3-rail aluminum fence at 4 or 5 feet is the most common choice. For front yards, 2-rail styles at 3 to 4 feet are popular.
Should I get residential or commercial grade aluminum?
Residential grade is the right choice for most homes. Heavier grades are available where extra strength is needed, such as larger dogs or high-traffic areas.
How many gates do I need?
Most yards need at least one walk gate. If you'll bring a mower, trailer or vehicle into the yard, plan for a wider single gate or a double drive gate.
What should I do before the fence is installed?
Check HOA rules and city permit requirements, know where your property lines are, and plan gate locations. Utility lines must be marked before digging.