Wrought Iron Fence Installation in McAllen, TX

Signs an iron or steel fence is the right fit

• You want security out front without blocking the view of your home
• You're fencing a pool and need something sturdy with a self-closing gate
• You want a fence that won't rot, warp or attract termites
• You're pairing a fence with a driveway gate or masonry columns

Wrought iron, steel or aluminum?

True wrought iron is rare today. Most "wrought iron" fences are actually welded steel, which is strong, affordable and easy to customize. Aluminum looks similar, can't rust and weighs less, but it isn't as strong against impact. In the humid Valley air, the coating matters more than the metal: powder-coated or galvanized steel holds up for years, while painted bare steel starts to rust within a season or two at the welds and the bottom rail.

Popular styles in McAllen

• Flat-top pickets: clean, modern and easy to maintain
• Spear or finial tops: a classic look that also discourages climbing
• Ornamental scrolls and rings: for front entries and courtyards
• Iron panels between brick or block columns: common on Valley homes and easy to match to the house

Pool fences

If the fence surrounds a pool, it usually has to meet local safety rules, like a minimum height and a self-closing, self-latching gate. Rules vary, so tell the installer up front that it's a pool fence and check with the City of McAllen.

What affects the price

The length of the run, the height, picket spacing, the style of top and the coating all change the cost. Custom scrollwork and masonry columns cost more. Gates, especially wide driveway gates, are often the biggest single line on the quote.

Keeping metal fences rust-free

Rinse off dust and fertilizer spray a couple of times a year, and touch up scratches and chips right away before rust gets started. Keep sprinklers from hitting the bottom rail every day. With a good powder coat, that's most of the upkeep.

Iron fences with driveway gates and columns

One of the most common setups in the Valley is an iron or steel front fence that ties into brick, stone or stucco columns, with a driveway gate in the middle. Done well, it looks like part of the house. A few tips if you're planning one:

• Plan the gate first. The gate width sets where the columns go, and a driveway gate usually needs to be at least as wide as the driveway plus a little room on each side.
• Match heights. The fence, columns and gate should line up at the top, even if the ground slopes.
• Think about power. If you might automate the gate later, have conduit run to the gate post while the ground is open. It costs little now and saves digging later.
• Pick one color. Black is the most common, but bronze and dark gray also hide dust well in the Valley.

Not sure if iron is worth it over wood? Iron costs more per foot, but it can last decades with almost no upkeep, while wood needs sealing every few years.

Related services in McAllen

• Wood Privacy Fence in McAllen: Full-height cedar or pine privacy fences that block the view, keep pets in and give your backyard some quiet.
• Chain Link Fence in McAllen: Affordable, low-maintenance chain link for backyards, dogs, lots and businesses, with privacy slats if you want them.
• Gates and Gate Openers in McAllen: Walk gates, double gates and automatic driveway gates, including swing and slide gates with electric or solar openers.

Not sure which service you need? Tell us about the job and we'll point you to the right pro.