IRON & STEEL FENCES IN AUSTIN, TX
When people say "iron fence," they usually mean one of four things: ornamental steel, aluminum, mild steel, or corten steel. Wrought iron is rare these days — what you're actually getting from most contractors is steel or aluminum, which is honestly a better product anyway.
At Paragon, we install all four, and we custom fabricate mild steel and corten steel fences and gates in-house. Here's how each material works, what it costs to maintain, and what makes sense for different Austin yards.
Non-adjustable rail fence: Standard pre-fabricated and made out of galvanized black powder-coated steel. These rigid panels can’t be angled for sloped yards.
Adjustable rail fence: Pre-fabricated and made with galvanized black powder-coated steel that can be angled to accommodate sloped yards.
Adjustable riveted rail fence: Pre-fabricated and made with galvanized black powder-coated steel or aluminum. These panels are adjustable with many style options.
iron & steel fence gallery
With Paragon, you’re in great hands.Our iron fence gallery features projects personally managed by Paragon’s owner — including experience from before forming Paragon Fence and Outdoor, LLC.
MILD STEEL FENCES IN AUSTIN, TX
Mild steel is one of the most versatile materials we work with. It welds cleanly, takes powder coating well, and can be fabricated into almost any design — from simple flat panels and planters to fully custom fences and gates. We can powder coat mild steel black or in custom colors, and touch up any weld points with galvanized spray. There are also different sealants or oils that can be applied to help delay the rust process. Or, if you like the natural rust patina look, we can leave the mild steel raw—in Texas weather it will develop a patina pretty quickly.
With proper coating, a mild steel fence in Austin can last decades with very little upkeep.
CORTEN STEEL FENCES AND GATES IN AUSTIN, TX
Weathering steel, more commonly called corten, is one of the best long-term fencing materials for Central Texas. Instead of rusting through, it forms a stable rust patina on the surface that helps protects the steel underneath.
Austin's wet-dry climate is ideal for this process, the seasonal rain cycles help the patina stabilize faster than in consistently humid climates. No paint, no powder coat, no maintenance. Just a fence that gets better looking over time. Corten will go from a bright yellow orange color, to a deeper dark brown color, and eventually close to black over many many years or even decades. There are also applications that can create different colors of patina.
ALUMINUM FENCES IN AUSTIN, TX
Aluminum is a great option for homeowners who want the look of an ornamental iron fence without the weight or rust risk. It's pre-fabricated, powder-coated, and available in adjustable panels that work well on sloped Austin yards. It’s lighter than steel and corrosion-resistant, but it does tend to come at a high price point. We rarely install it, because most fence goals can be accomplished with steel. But if it’s in budget, aluminum is a solid low-maintenance choice.
ORNAMENTAL IRON & STEEL FENCES IN AUSTIN
What most people call an "iron fence" is typically fabricated from steel — which is around 98% iron with added carbon for strength. We typically install standard pre-fabricated rail panels. These can look identical to aluminum rail fences and are usually black-powder coated as well.
We also commonly combine decorative perforated metal sheets with custom framing, such as with slide and automated gates. Those sheets often come in aluminum and carbon or stainless steel.
As with all fences in Austin, TX, there are certain codes, laws, and regulations we follow regarding spiked tops.
Corten steel and custom mild steel fabrication are priced differently from pre-fabricated aluminum and ornamental iron fence panels, and material prices are constantly fluctuating, so the best way to get accurate pricing is to request a quote. That allows us to look at your property, understand the layout, and factor in any details like grade changes, gates, or design upgrades.
If you’re deciding between iron, wood, or a hybrid option, we’re always happy to talk through the pros, tradeoffs, what makes the most sense for your space, and create renderings so you can make a confident decision before moving forward.