Ornamental metal is the fence Fresno homeowners pick for the front of the house. The city's guidance holds a front yard fence to 3 feet and notes some exceptions for iron fencing, so an open metal fence is often the style that fits the rule and still shows the house. We confirm the height allowed for your address with the Planning and Development Department before we quote. Behind the house, the same material works around pools and along view lines where a solid fence would close the yard in.
Aluminum and steel behave differently in valley weather. Aluminum does not rust, weighs little and needs no paint, which makes it the low-upkeep choice for most homes. Steel is stronger and is the pick for security, wide gates and commercial frontage. Fresno's dry summers are easy on steel compared with the coast, but the bottom rail still gets wet from sprinklers, flood irrigation and winter fog. A galvanized and powder coated finish, kept clear of the soil, is what keeps rust from starting there.
Heat matters in small ways. Dark metal in full sun gets hot to the touch in July, so think about where children and pets will lean on it. Long runs expand and contract between a cold foggy morning and a summer afternoon, and gates need room for that so the latch still lines up. Posts are set in concrete through any hardpan layer, because a gate post that rests on top of it will lean as soon as the soil above turns to mud.
Aluminum & ornamental steel in Fresno: common questions
Can I have a taller metal fence in my front yard in Fresno?
Possibly. The city's guidance gives 3 feet as the normal front yard limit and mentions exceptions for iron fencing. The exact height depends on your zone and whether the lot is on a corner, so we check with the Planning and Development Department for your address.
Will a steel fence rust in Fresno?
Less quickly than near the ocean, but it can. Rust usually starts low down, where sprinklers or irrigation water wet the same spot every day. A galvanized and powder coated fence that is kept off the soil holds up well. Touch up chips when you see them.
Is aluminum strong enough for a driveway gate?
For a walk gate and many single driveway gates, yes. For a wide double gate, a gate with an opener, or anywhere security is the point, steel is the better frame. We size the gate posts to the weight of the gate.
How it works
- Free estimate: Call, text or book online. We visit, measure and talk through options.
- Written quote: Clear pricing with material choices side by side.
- Permits & planning: We check local rules and help with permits before we dig.
- Install & clean-up: Our crew installs, cleans up and walks the finished fence with you.