Ornamental metal is the fence people choose in Ann Arbor when they do not want to hide the house or the garden. A black picket fence marks the yard and still lets you see through it. That makes it a natural fit in front of older homes near downtown and along the wooded lots that back onto parks and the Huron River. Open fence also casts little shade, which gardeners here appreciate.
Aluminum never rusts, so it is our usual suggestion for residential work, pool barriers and any run close to a salted street or sidewalk. Steel is heavier and harder to bend. We suggest it for security lines, commercial sites and places where a car or delivery truck might touch the fence. Both come with a factory powder coat. On Ann Arbor's hills, most ornamental panels can be racked so the pickets stay upright while the rails follow the ground.
Deer are worth planning for. A standard 4-foot picket fence will not stop them, and some picket tops are a hazard to animals that try to jump. If deer are the reason for the fence, tell us, and we talk through height and a flat-top style. We also confirm the city's height limit for the part of the lot you want to fence.
Aluminum & ornamental steel in Ann Arbor: common questions
Is aluminum or steel better near a road that gets salted?
Aluminum. It cannot rust, so salt spray only needs rinsing off. Coated steel lasts well too, but a chip in the coating should be touched up before rust starts.
Will an ornamental fence keep my dog in?
It depends on the dog. Standard picket spacing holds medium and large dogs. Small dogs can slip through, so we use a panel with closer pickets along the bottom.
Can ornamental metal follow a hill?
Yes, within limits. Most panels rack to follow a moderate slope. A steep bank needs stepped panels or a custom section, and we measure the grade before ordering.
How it works
- Free estimate: Call, text or book online. We visit, measure and talk through options.
- Written quote: Clear pricing with material choices side by side.
- Permits & planning: We check local rules and help with permits before we dig.
- Install & clean-up: Our crew installs, cleans up and walks the finished fence with you.