Tuscaloosa Fence Pros takes requests for aluminum fence installation in Tuscaloosa, AL and sends them to an independent local installer, for pool enclosures, front yards and backyards where you want a boundary without losing the view. Aluminum gives the look of ornamental iron at a lower weight and without the rust.
Below we cover where aluminum works well, how it handles hills and water, what it typically costs, and what to ask about before you request a free estimate.
Where Aluminum Fencing Makes Sense
- Pools: aluminum is a common choice for pool barriers because it is open, strong and does not rust around water and chlorine.
- Views: on lots that look out over water, woods or a golf course, thin pickets keep the view open.
- Front yards: defines the yard and adds curb appeal without walling off the house.
- Pets: works for many dogs if the picket spacing is tight enough. Some styles add closer pickets along the bottom for small pets.
Aluminum is not a privacy fence. If screening matters, pair it with shrubs or look at our privacy fence options.
Aluminum Fence Grades, Styles and Finishes
Residential, commercial and industrial grades
Grades differ in picket size, rail thickness and post size. Residential grade fits most yards. Heavier grades make sense for wide gates or where the fence may take bumps.
Styles
- Flat top with rails above the pickets
- Spear or finial top for a traditional ornamental look
- Puppy picket panels with tighter spacing near the ground
Finish
Most aluminum is powder coated, with black the most common color. A good powder coat resists fading and chalking in strong sun.
Aluminum Fence Cost: Typical National Ranges
Angi's cost guide puts installed aluminum fencing at roughly $22 to $72 per linear foot, with materials around $7 to $32 per foot and labor around $15 to $40 per foot. These are national estimates that vary with the yard, the material and the layout.
- Grade and height of the panels
- Number of gates and whether they need self-closing hardware
- Steep or uneven ground
- Decorative extras such as finials, scrolls or rings
Sloped Yards, Lake Lots and Waterfront Rules
Many aluminum panels are rackable, which means the pickets can lean to follow a slope instead of stepping down in blocks. That leaves a smaller gap under the fence on hilly lots.
If your property is near Lake Tuscaloosa, which the city completed in 1970 and uses as its primary source of drinking water, know where your lot ends. The City of Tuscaloosa Lakes Division issues and inspects permits for structures on City property along the lakes. Check with the Lakes Division before planning anything close to the shoreline.
Inside the city's historic districts, the historic preservation design guidelines list powder-coated aluminum that mimics cast or wrought iron among appropriate fence materials, though review rules still apply.
Pool Fence Considerations for Aluminum
Pool barriers often have specific rules about height, picket spacing, gate latches and self-closing hinges. Those rules come from local codes and sometimes insurance carriers, and they are not the same everywhere. Before you order, check with the City of Tuscaloosa or Tuscaloosa County and your HOA, then ask your installer:
- Is the panel style and spacing suitable for a pool barrier?
- Do the gates self-close and self-latch, and at what latch height?
- How will the fence meet the house, a wall or a slope without leaving gaps?
Common questions
Does aluminum fencing rust in humid weather?
No. Aluminum does not rust the way steel does, which is a big reason people choose it in a humid, rainy place like Tuscaloosa. The powder coat can scratch, and fasteners should be compatible so they do not corrode. A gentle wash now and then keeps the finish looking good.
How much does an aluminum fence cost per foot?
Angi's national cost guide lists installed aluminum fencing at about $22 to $72 per linear foot. The low end covers basic residential panels on flat ground, and the high end covers heavier grades, taller panels and decorative styles. Gates, slopes and pool hardware also change the total, so request a free estimate for your layout.
Is aluminum or wrought iron better for a front yard?
They look similar from the street. Aluminum costs less, weighs less and does not rust, which suits most homes. Steel or wrought iron is heavier and stronger, so some homeowners choose it for driveway gates or high-traffic spots. Many people use aluminum for the run and steel only where extra strength is needed.
Can an aluminum fence go on a hill?
Yes. Many aluminum panels can be racked so the pickets follow the slope, which leaves an even gap at the bottom. On very steep ground the fence may need to be stepped instead. Ask your installer which method suits your yard and how they will handle gaps for pets.