Wood Versus Wrought Iron Fencing - Which Is the Winner?
Choices abound when looking for fencing materials and it can be difficult to determine the right choice for your needs.
Two of the most popular styles on the market today are wood and wrought iron.
So, which choice is the right one for you? Aesthetics When homeowners are deciding on what type of fence to purchase, the appearance is one of the first considerations.
Wood fences come in many different styles, types, sizes, and designs.
Iron also comes in many different sizes, designs, and styles.
Both can be painted any color you desire.
Wrought iron, though, provides a more artistic and elegant look than wood and is extremely decorative, so if aesthetics are your only consideration, then wrought iron wins the first battle.
Security and Privacy There is no doubt that wood fencing offers greater privacy as it can block out even the nosiest of neighbors, while wrought iron fences are not meant to keep prying eyes from looking in.
Both offer some form of security from unwanted visitors; wood is easier than iron to climb.
Since wood offers more privacy, but wrought iron may be a little less vulnerable to wandering strangers, this one is a toss up.
Cost and Maintenance While price is often considered, along with looks and security, when first looking at fence types, maintenance is not one of the first things considered.
Wrought iron fencing is generally more expensive than wood, so the initial sticker shock wins the start of this battle for wood fencing.
However, the cost of maintenance also needs to be considered.
With wood fences, durability needs to be considered.
Wrought iron fences are more durable, and as long as the pillars are built with the proper base, they will remain intact for years.
However, repairing a wood fence is generally much easier than repairing a wrought iron one.
The homeowner can often complete minor repairs on wood fences, while any structural damage to a metal fence is usually beyond the scope of the normal "honey-do" list.
Many homeowners are able to replace a board or two from a broken fence, but not as capable of replacing a rod or finials if this fence gets damaged.
Whether the repair is done by the homeowner or by a contractor, the cost of repairing the metal fence will usually be significantly higher due to the cost of materials.
Wood is cheaper than iron and wood can often be repaired with nails while wrought iron may need a weld.
Welding requires more tools, safety equipment, and more expertise than most homeowners have lying around their garages.
Though maintenance is usually less for iron fences and they are more durable, wood fences are far less expensive to repair when damaged and can often be repaired with basic tools and supplies by the homeowner.
Because materials are cheaper and repair is easier, wood fences win this final battle between wrought iron and wood fencing.
Two of the most popular styles on the market today are wood and wrought iron.
So, which choice is the right one for you? Aesthetics When homeowners are deciding on what type of fence to purchase, the appearance is one of the first considerations.
Wood fences come in many different styles, types, sizes, and designs.
Iron also comes in many different sizes, designs, and styles.
Both can be painted any color you desire.
Wrought iron, though, provides a more artistic and elegant look than wood and is extremely decorative, so if aesthetics are your only consideration, then wrought iron wins the first battle.
Security and Privacy There is no doubt that wood fencing offers greater privacy as it can block out even the nosiest of neighbors, while wrought iron fences are not meant to keep prying eyes from looking in.
Both offer some form of security from unwanted visitors; wood is easier than iron to climb.
Since wood offers more privacy, but wrought iron may be a little less vulnerable to wandering strangers, this one is a toss up.
Cost and Maintenance While price is often considered, along with looks and security, when first looking at fence types, maintenance is not one of the first things considered.
Wrought iron fencing is generally more expensive than wood, so the initial sticker shock wins the start of this battle for wood fencing.
However, the cost of maintenance also needs to be considered.
With wood fences, durability needs to be considered.
Wrought iron fences are more durable, and as long as the pillars are built with the proper base, they will remain intact for years.
However, repairing a wood fence is generally much easier than repairing a wrought iron one.
The homeowner can often complete minor repairs on wood fences, while any structural damage to a metal fence is usually beyond the scope of the normal "honey-do" list.
Many homeowners are able to replace a board or two from a broken fence, but not as capable of replacing a rod or finials if this fence gets damaged.
Whether the repair is done by the homeowner or by a contractor, the cost of repairing the metal fence will usually be significantly higher due to the cost of materials.
Wood is cheaper than iron and wood can often be repaired with nails while wrought iron may need a weld.
Welding requires more tools, safety equipment, and more expertise than most homeowners have lying around their garages.
Though maintenance is usually less for iron fences and they are more durable, wood fences are far less expensive to repair when damaged and can often be repaired with basic tools and supplies by the homeowner.
Because materials are cheaper and repair is easier, wood fences win this final battle between wrought iron and wood fencing.
