There are more than aesthetics at play when you are trying to choose the material to be used for fabricating your gate.
If you want to achieve a traditional and ornate look you might opt for wrought iron, or if you want something that looks contemporary you might choose steel or aluminum.
But what other aspects of gate fabrication need to be considered in the showdown that decides which one wins the argument?
The case for wrought iron gates
There is no doubt that wrought iron gates have enjoyed enduring popularity for a long time. Fashion trends change every now and then, but wrought iron designs have adapted to these changes.
It is a metal that can be shaped into almost any sort of design you want. It is also a strong and durable material that looks and feels solid.
It is also worth mentioning that wrought iron is a material that does not require a lot of maintenance to keep it looking good for many years.
If you are looking for a more decorative style of gate you are probably going to look closely at wrought iron as a good option.
The disadvantage of wrought iron is that it can be prone to damage and rusting can be an issue if you don’t protect the metalwork.
The case for aluminum gates
If there is one distinct advantage of aluminum compared to wrought iron it is that gates made from this metal are usually more affordable. They are also lightweight, which makes the installation process more straightforward.
Another positive to using aluminum is that it does not rust easily. The protective layer of aluminum oxide means that your aluminum gate will keep the same appearance over the years.
If you are looking for a more decorative finish you are probably likely to choose wrought iron over aluminum. It is a metal that damages more easily too. If your gate is going to be used extensively, aluminum might not prove as durable.
The case for steel
Steel is a metal that is renowned for being durable and extremely resilient. It also has excellent anti-corrosive properties.
You can also use steel to create a gate that is very appealing from an aesthetic perspective. Another obvious advantage attached to using steel is that it offers a good level of security as a result of its toughness.
It doesn’t require much maintenance but a downside would be that it could be an expensive option upfront so you have to weigh up the initial cost against the low maintenance costs through ownership.
At the end of the day, you can’t say there is a clear winner in the showdown between these different metals. They all have positive attributes and it can often come down to personal preference, budget restrictions, and the level of maintenance you are prepared to do when trying to make your final decision.
Whichever option you choose, your fabricated metal gate is bound to enhance the look and feel of your property. It will likely add value too.
Which metal are you going to choose for your new gates?
