When Ornamental Metal Is the Right Answer
Ornamental fencing solves a specific problem: you need a real physical barrier, but you do not want to lose the view, the light, or the look of the property. A powder-coated steel or aluminum picket fence is difficult to climb and impossible to see through the way a solid fence blocks, which is exactly the point on a waterfront lot in Gig Harbor or a landscaped frontage in University Place.
It is also the standard for pool enclosures, because code requires a specific picket spacing, height, and self-closing self-latching gate — and ornamental systems are engineered to meet it.
The main decision is steel versus aluminum. Steel is stronger and the right choice for security applications; aluminum will never rust, which in this climate is a genuine argument, and it is lighter to work with on long runs.
Ornamental Systems We Install
Powder-Coated Steel
The stronger of the two. Heavier pickets and rails on a galvanized-then-powder-coated finish, used where the fence has to genuinely resist force. The commercial and high-security default.
Aluminum Picket
Will not rust, ever — the relevant property in a climate this wet. Lighter than steel and available in the same profiles and finishes. Excellent for residential frontage, garden enclosure, and waterfront exposure.
Pool Enclosure Fencing
Built to barrier code — picket spacing that a child cannot pass, a height that resists climbing, no horizontal footholds, and a self-closing, self-latching gate. Ornamental metal meets this cleanly while keeping the pool visible.
Custom Ornamental & Architectural
Fabricated in our own shop — decorative panels, scrollwork, custom finials, matched entry gates, and railings built to a specific design rather than a catalogue profile.
Ornamental Fence Cost in Tacoma
| Item | Estimated Cost (Installed) |
|---|---|
| Ornamental Metal (aluminum or steel) | $60 – $120+ per linear foot |
| Vinyl Privacy, for comparison | $50 – $90 per linear foot |
| Wood Privacy (standard cedar), for comparison | $30 – $55 per linear foot |
Installed 2026 ranges for Tacoma. Ornamental sits at the premium end — picket profile, height, gauge, and whether the design is a stock system or custom fabricated all move the figure substantially.
Choosing Between Steel and Aluminum
Corrosion is the deciding factor here
Aluminum cannot rust. Steel can, and depends entirely on the integrity of its galvanizing and powder coat. On a saltwater-exposed lot in Gig Harbor or Steilacoom, that is not a close call.
Strength where it matters
Steel resists impact and forced entry better. If the fence is doing real security work rather than defining a boundary, the extra maintenance consideration is worth accepting.
Finish quality
A powder-coat finish applied over properly prepared, galvanized substrate lasts decades. Applied over bare steel it fails at every scratch. The finish process is where cheap ornamental fence gives itself away.
Racking on grade
Ornamental panels either rack — the rails pivot to follow the slope — or step at each post. Rackable systems follow Tacoma's hillside lots far more gracefully; not every system racks, and how much matters.
Ornamental & Custom Metalwork
Ornamental metal fence and gate
Custom fabricated ornamental gate
Custom metal gate by South Sound Fencing
Fabricated metalwork detail
Custom fabrication project
Ornamental ironwork
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I choose aluminum or steel for an ornamental fence?
Aluminum if corrosion resistance matters most — waterfront, saltwater exposure, or simply wanting zero rust risk in a wet climate. Steel if the fence is doing genuine security work and needs to resist impact. Both take the same powder-coat finishes.
How much does an ornamental metal fence cost in Tacoma?
Ornamental metal runs $60–$120+ per linear foot installed, the premium end of the fencing range. Picket profile, height, material gauge, and whether the system is stock or custom fabricated all affect where in that band you land.
Does an ornamental fence meet pool code?
Ornamental systems are commonly used for pool barriers because they are engineered to meet picket spacing, height, and non-climbability requirements, with self-closing self-latching gates. We build to the code that applies to your jurisdiction — confirm specifics with your permit office.
Will an aluminum fence rust in the Pacific Northwest?
No. Aluminum does not rust. That is the primary reason it is specified on waterfront and high-moisture sites here, and why it often outlasts steel in this climate despite being the softer metal.
Can ornamental fencing follow a sloped yard?
Yes, through racking — the panel rails pivot so the fence follows the grade with pickets staying vertical. How far a system racks varies, and on very steep ground panels step at each post instead. We assess grade on site.
Do you fabricate custom ornamental designs?
Yes. We have an in-house fabrication shop for custom gates, panels, railings, and architectural metalwork built to a specific design rather than a stock catalogue profile.
Get an Ornamental Fence Quote
Powder-coated steel and aluminum, plus custom fabricated designs.
- Steel and aluminum picket systems
- Pool-barrier compliant configurations
- Custom ornamental fabrication in-house
- Rackable systems for sloped lots
- Free written estimate, no obligation
What Happens Next
Licensed & Insured • Local Team • Schedule-Friendly Installs
Tell Us About Your Project
We'll get back to you within 1 business day.
No spam. We'll only use this to contact you about your quote.