Design Center

What’s under the color.

Two steel fences can leave the shop looking identical and age completely differently, depending on what’s protecting the metal underneath.

Same steel underneath — what changes is how it’s protected, and how much of that protection you can see.

Sacrificial zinc

Galvanized

Steel is submerged in molten zinc around 830°F. The zinc bonds to every surface — including welds a spray can miss — and corrodes first if the surface is scratched.

You get

  • Decades of protection with little upkeep
  • The raw silver-gray galvanized look

Trade-off

  • No custom color — natural zinc only
Color shell

Powder coated

Dry pigment is applied electrostatically and cured around 400°F into a smooth, hard shell — black, bronze, or nearly any custom shade.

You get

  • The widest color range
  • A sharp, consistent surface

Trade-off

  • A chip to bare steel stays exposed until it’s touched up
Side by Side

All three finishes at a glance

FinishProtectionColorMaintenanceUpfront cost
GalvanizedHigh (sacrificial)Natural zinc onlyVery low$$
Powder coatedModerate (surface)Full rangeLow–medium$$
DuplexHigh (both)Full rangeVery low$$$

A powder coat alone looks identical to duplex on install day. The difference shows up years later — after the first ding from a mower or a driveway nick. That’s why duplex is what we build with on most ornamental projects, regardless of Georgian, Athens, or gate type.

Found your finish?

We’ll design, fabricate, and finish it in-house for your property.