Published installed ranges, per linear foot
| Material | HomeGuide (Feb 3, 2026) | Fixr (Jan 31, 2025) | HomeAdvisor (Jun 20, 2026), per project |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | $25 – $75 | $15 – $40 | $3,550 – $18,800 |
| Steel | $20 – $80 | $15 – $60 | $3,550 – $18,800 |
| Wrought iron | $50 – $85 | $22 – $40 | $5,250 – $11,400 |
Material-only figures: HomeGuide lists aluminum at $15 to $50 and wrought iron at $35 to $60 per linear foot; Fixr lists aluminum at $10 to $30, steel at $10 to $50, and wrought iron at $13 to $30. Fixr puts aluminum and steel labor at $5 to $10 per linear foot and wrought iron at $9 to $10.
What moves an ornamental metal job
- Style. HomeGuide says aluminum split rail is cheapest while aluminum ornamental and privacy styles cost the most. Finials, puppy pickets, and rings add up.
- Grade. Residential, commercial, and industrial aluminum lines differ in picket and rail size. Name the grade.
- Pool barrier requirements. HomeGuide notes aluminum is popular for required pool barriers. Pool rules are life safety rules set by your local code, so self-closing, self-latching gates and picket spacing must follow the local requirement. Do not price a pool job off a generic range.
- Grade changes. Rackable panels follow moderate slope; steep grade means stepping and custom work.
- Gates. Ornamental walk gates and drive gates are major line items. Fixr lists driveway gates at $1,000 to $6,000 installed. See fence gate cost.
- Coating and rust. Fixr notes paint or powder coat on metal can fade or chip, and that steel is prone to scratches and rust. Name the finish and its warranty.
Explaining the spread
The difference between these sources is bigger for metal than for any other material. Part of that is that "metal fence" covers everything from a simple flat-top aluminum panel to hand-finished iron. When a homeowner quotes a number at you, ask which product it was. Then show them the product sheet for what you are quoting, with picket size and rail count. Ornamental buyers usually care about how it looks up close, so bring a sample section if you can.
Homeowners still picking a look can browse the plain-English fence styles guide on AI Fence Design.
Lines an ornamental quote should carry
- Manufacturer, product line, grade, height, picket style, color, and finish.
- Post size and setting, including core-drilled or surface-mount posts on concrete.
- Rack or step method on slope.
- Each gate: width, hinges, latch, closer, and pool-code hardware where required.
- Who pulls the permit, especially for pools.