There's nothing like steel for fencing that not only looks good, but will last for years with minimal maintenance. While traditional black was once the default choice for metal fences -- hearkening back to the days when wrought iron ruled the fencing market -- modern homeowners have countless options for colors, from basic black to much more dramatic hues. That means a bit of decision work when it comes to choosing a color that you will enjoy for years to come. Try these four strategies to help you find the perfect shade to suit your new metal fence.
Be a Good Neighbor
Anytime you put a fence on a shared property line, it's always a good idea to discuss your new fence with your neighbor first. He or she may offer to split the cost in some way if you're willing to compromise on color, which could make sense if your primary goal is to keep the peace. It's also a good idea to check local statutes, such as HOA rules or historic preservation standards, which may limit you to certain colors.
Blend In
If you're choosing a fence primarily for privacy, security or to establish property lines, picking a color that blends in just might be your best bet. In most landscapes, green is the ideal option if you're trying to keep your fence from standing out too much, as green fencing will blend right into the grass or shrubbery. Of course, this doesn't mean you have to choose an unnatural shade of green; stick to a simple bronze-green, also known as "invisible green" for a natural-looking fence that does its job without making a style statement.
Stand Out
Many steel fence manufacturers add color using powder coating or other mechanical techniques. This means that you can choose almost any color you want for your new fence, and the finish will last for a long time without a lot of maintenance. If you're looking to make a statement, or you want to draw attention to your fence, pick a color that pops. White is a solid choice for standing out without going overboard because of its clean, fresh finish. You can also pick a more non-traditional shade, like a bright blue, or some other color that transforms your fence from utilitarian to focal point.
Stick to Tradition
Of course, you can never go wrong with basic black; classic black makes modern steel look like traditional wrought iron, which works well with many different home styles and colors. Another option is to use a bronze finish, which looks similar to black from a distance, but often works more cohesively with materials like stone or brick due to its softer, more subtle shade. Keep in mind that old wrought iron fences weren't necessarily black, so if you have an older home, consider more historic shades. Before black wrought iron hit it big in the mid-20th century, iron fences were painted in rusty red, green, grey or a patinated copper finish. You may even be able to take a small paint chip from an old iron fence on your property to see what colors are layered underneath, then use these early colors for inspiration when buying a new fence.
For more information about fencing options, visit a fencing company like Watt Fencing.
Share20 August 2015
I've found that one of the perks of being a homeowner is the privacy that your own home provides. However, sometimes there can be a lack of privacy if you are in your yard and it is unfenced. When we bought our home, there was not a fence. One night, after the neighbors dog wandered through our barbecue one time too many, I decided that it was time to look up a fence contractor. We soon found a great price on a fence with a fantastic fence contractor. Now we can keep our privacy while still feeling open towards the neighbors.