What is the difference between aluminum and iron?
The two look similar from the street, but they are different materials.
- Aluminum: light, does not rust, and finished with a powder coat. It suits humid Alabama weather well. It is not as heavy or strong as steel, so it is better for pools and yards than for security.
- Ornamental iron or steel: heavier and stronger, with more custom shapes and a solid feel. It can rust if the coating chips, so touch-ups matter in humid climates.
- Wrought iron: hand-forged and rare today. Most fences sold as wrought iron are steel.
For most homeowners, aluminum is the low-maintenance choice and steel is the stronger, more custom choice. Ask what the finish is, whether it is galvanized beneath the paint, and how the maker handles scratches and repairs.
