Aluminum fences for yards where the view is the point
On a lot that backs onto a marsh, a creek or a fairway, a solid fence hides the reason you bought the house. Aluminum marks the line and keeps the view.
Ornamental aluminum looks like wrought iron from the street but does not rust, which is the reason it has become the fence of choice along the sounds, the Intracoastal Waterway and the golf communities in Porters Neck and Leland. The panels are powder-coated, usually black, and come in flat-top, spear-top and pressed-picket styles at heights from three to six feet. Picket spacing on residential styles keeps small dogs in, and puppy-picket options close the gap at the bottom.
Aluminum is also one of the simplest ways to build a pool barrier: four- and five-foot pool-rated panels with self-closing, self-latching gates are standard products. And because the panels are open, wind passes straight through, which is why aluminum is the fence we most often suggest for lots facing open water.
Installation is precise work. Posts are set in concrete at exact centers so each panel fits between them, panels are racked to follow a slope or stepped where the grade changes sharply, and brackets fasten the rails to the posts. On sandy waterfront lots we pay close attention to footing depth and to keeping the base of the posts out of standing water.
How aluminum goes in
- Lay out by panel. Posts are placed at exact panel widths from the gates outward, so cut panels land at the ends
- Set posts. Posts set in concrete, plumb and at matching heights, deeper on soft or wet ground
- Rack or step. Panels racked to follow gentle slopes or stepped on steep changes so the bottom gap stays even
- Fasten. Brackets and stainless screws attach each rail to the posts
- Gates. Gates hung with self-closing hinges where needed, latches set, caps fitted
Aluminum fence prices
| What | Typical 2026 range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential aluminum, 4 ft | $36 – $60 / ft | Flat or spear top |
| Pool-rated aluminum, 4 to 5 ft | $42 – $68 / ft | Tighter picket spacing |
| Aluminum, 6 ft | $48 – $80 / ft | Taller ornamental runs |
| Puppy-picket bottom | $4 – $9 / ft | Closes the lower gap |
| Aluminum walk gate | $450 – $900 | Self-closing hinges on pool gates |
| Aluminum double drive gate | $1,600 – $3,500 | Depends on width and style |
2026 planning ranges for the Wilmington area. Heavier commercial-grade panels and custom colors cost more.
Questions about aluminum fences
Is aluminum strong enough?
For residential use, yes. It is lighter than steel but stiff enough for yards, pools and pets. Commercial-grade panels have heavier pickets and rails for high-traffic sites.
Does aluminum need painting?
No. The powder coat protects it. Rinse salt and pollen off once or twice a year.
Can aluminum follow a slope?
Yes. Most panels rack to follow a gentle grade; steeper changes are stepped.
Will it keep a small dog in?
Standard picket spacing keeps most medium and large dogs in. For small dogs, puppy-picket panels close the bottom gap.
Is aluminum good for a pool?
It is one of the most common pool fences. Pool-rated panels and self-closing, self-latching gates are standard.
Related pages
Price your aluminum fences project
Tell us where the fence goes and what you have in mind. An estimator comes out, measures the line and leaves a written price, free of charge.
- Measured on site, not guessed from a photo
- Material, height and gates priced line by line
- Or call (910) 807-8208. Calls answered 24 hours, 7 days.