Chain link
Practical and economical for side yards, dog runs and long property lines. Galvanized is the classic finish; vinyl-coated black or green blends into planting better. Privacy slats can be added later.
Metal fences & gates
Metal fences and gates that stay straight and swing true
Metal fencing earns its place where you need security, a clear view or very little upkeep. We install chain link, ornamental steel and aluminum, plus the gates that go with them.
Fence types
Matching the metal to the job
Ornamental steel
Strong, formal and secure, with pickets, rails and finials in many patterns. A powder-coated finish protects it, and touching up chips promptly keeps rust from starting.
Aluminum
Looks similar to ornamental steel but doesn't rust, which makes sense in our damp climate. Lighter weight, and a common pick around pools and front yards.
Mixed wood and metal
Steel posts or frames with cedar infill combine the warmth of wood with metal's resistance to rot at ground level. A good fit for modern homes.
Where metal shines
Keeping views open and pets in
Unlike a solid wood fence, an open metal fence doesn't block light from a garden or the view from a porch. It also shrugs off the moss and damp that wear on wood near the ground.
For pets, we pay attention to picket spacing and the gap along the bottom. On chain link, a bottom tension wire or rail helps stop dogs from pushing underneath.
Gates
Gates are where fences get tested
A gate gets used every day, so it's usually the first part of a fence to sag or stick. We build and hang walk gates and double drive gates in wood, metal or a mix of both.
- Heavier-duty posts on the hinge side to carry the weight
- Diagonal bracing or a steel frame to prevent sag
- Hinges and latches sized for the gate, including self-closing options
- Drop rods to hold double gates in place
Planning details
Height, spacing and finish choices
Before picking a style, think about what the fence needs to do. A front-yard fence that marks a boundary can stay low and open. One meant to keep a large dog in, or to enclose a pool area, usually needs to be taller, with tighter picket spacing and a gate that closes and latches on its own.
Color matters more than people expect. Black and dark bronze finishes tend to disappear visually against planting, while white and green become a design feature. For mixed wood-and-metal fences, we'll suggest post and frame colors that suit the stain on the boards.
Local rules, HOA guidelines and pool-barrier requirements can affect height and gate hardware, so we'll help you check them before anything is ordered.
FAQ
Metal fence and gate questions
Will a steel fence rust in Seattle's rain?
Bare steel will. Powder-coated or galvanized finishes resist it well, as long as scratches get touched up. If you'd rather not think about rust at all, aluminum is the easier choice.
Can you add a gate to an existing fence?
Usually, yes. We'll check whether the existing posts can carry a gate or whether new, stronger posts are needed.
Can chain link look less utilitarian?
Black vinyl-coated mesh with matching posts is far less noticeable than bare galvanized, especially against planting.
Keep reading
Need a fence or gate that holds up?
Tell us what you're enclosing and we'll suggest the right metal.