Design Center
Put two products side by side.
Once you’ve narrowed it down, the details matter more than the brochure copy. Pick any two fences — or any two gates — and see where they agree, and where they don’t.
One honest note: none of our ornamental or security steel lines are built to block a sightline the way a solid wood or vinyl panel does. What actually varies is security, upkeep, and cost.
At a glance
| Fence type | Security | Maintenance | Cost | Typical setting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ornamental Fencing | Medium | Low–Medium | $$ | Residential fronts |
| Pool Fencing | High | Low–Medium | $$ | Pool enclosures |
| Flat Top Steel | Medium | Low–Medium | $$ | Modern residential |
| Pinch Point Steel | Medium–High | Low–Medium | $$–$$$ | Estate / HOA fronts |
| Chain Link | Low–Medium | Low | $ | Utility & yards |
| Commercial Security | Very High | Low | $$$ | Industrial perimeters |
Choosing between fence types
The default when curb appeal leads — a design feature, not a utility fence. Less cost than commercial security because it isn’t engineered for industrial deterrence.
Built for code around water — height, spacing, and a matching self-latching gate. Choose it when the job is enclosing a pool.
Same steel family, different look. Flat top reads modern; pinch point adds presence at an estate or HOA-facing entrance. Budget is close — style decides.
Wins on cost per foot for dog runs, storage, and large rear perimeters. Rarely the right street-facing choice, and many HOAs restrict it there.
Heavier gauge and taller height when deterring intrusion is the brief, not a side benefit.
Space, terrain, and speed
Automatic isn’t listed here — it’s an operator layer any of these can take. See the Gate Style Guide.
| Gate type | Space needed | Best terrain | Cycle speed | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swing | Needs the arc | Flat | Standard | Low |
| Sliding | Lateral run | Flat / graded | Standard | Medium — track |
| Cantilever | Lateral + tail | Slope / gravel | Standard | Low |
| Vertical pivot | Compact | Tight, high use | Fast | Medium |
| Barrier | Low | Paved access | Fastest | Low |
| Pool | Low | Flat | Standard | Low |
| Manual | Varies | Most sites | Manual | Lowest |
Related Design Center guides
Ready to see it on your property?
Numbers only get you so far — bring us the site and we’ll tell you exactly what fits.
