Saint Paul has more original iron fence than most Midwestern cities, along Summit Avenue, in Cathedral Hill and around Irvine Park. New ornamental aluminum and steel are the practical way to get that look today. We install both in black and other finishes, with flat-top, spear-top and ring styles, for front yards, side yards, pools and commercial frontages.
The choice between the two comes down to salt and strength. Aluminum does not rust, which counts on a street that is salted from November to April. It is light, so it suits decorative front fences and pool barriers. Steel is heavier and stiffer and is the better pick where the fence has to resist force, such as a business frontage or a long run on a busy corner. Good steel fence comes galvanized under its coating, and that is the kind we install.
Open metal fence also works well with the city's rules. Front yard fences in Saint Paul are limited to four feet, and near a corner a fence must be mostly open to rise above two feet inside the sight triangle. If your house is in a heritage preservation district, the city may want to see the design before a permit is issued. We prepare the drawing and product sheet for that.
Aluminum & ornamental steel in Saint Paul: common questions
Can you match an old iron fence?
Often we can get close in height, picket spacing and top style with current steel or aluminum. An exact match to hand-forged iron is custom work. Send a photo and the measurements and we will tell you what is realistic.
Will aluminum hold up to snow from the plow?
It handles weather well but it is not built to take a load of heavy snow pushed against it. Along an alley or driveway edge we suggest steel, or we set the fence back from where the snow lands.
Does ornamental fence work on a slope?
Yes. Most ornamental panels can be racked, which means the rails follow the ground while the pickets stay upright. On steeper bluff lots the panels are stepped instead.
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.