Materials
Steel vs. Aluminium Ornamental Fencing: Why We Choose Steel
When homeowners start researching ornamental fencing, they often encounter two options: aluminium and steel. Both look similar in photos. Both come powder-coated in black or other colours. But there are meaningful differences between them — and in Winnipeg’s climate, those differences matter.
We install ornamental steel (specifically Ameristar® Montage welded steel panels). Here’s why we chose steel and not aluminium.
Strength and Impact Resistance
Steel is significantly stronger than aluminium. Steel has roughly three times the yield strength of aluminium by weight. For fencing, this means steel panels resist bending, impact, and deformation that aluminium panels can’t absorb. A vehicle backing into an aluminium panel will likely buckle or crack it. The same impact on a steel panel is far more likely to leave the fence standing.
In a prairie climate with heavy snowfall, the load of snow accumulating against a fence panel over a winter also matters. Steel handles these loads better.
Welded vs. Assembled Construction
This is a critical distinction that often gets overlooked. Most ornamental aluminium fencing is assembled — pickets are inserted into pre-drilled holes in the rails and held with set screws or crimps. Over time, these connection points can loosen, particularly under the stress of freeze-thaw cycling.
Ameristar® Montage steel panels are welded. Every picket is welded to the rails, creating a single rigid unit. There are no connection points to loosen, no set screws to back out, and no gaps to develop at the joints over time.
Welded construction is more important than material choice in most cases. A welded aluminium fence would be better than an assembled steel fence. But welded steel is the strongest combination.
A welded aluminium fence would be better than an assembled steel fence. But welded steel is the strongest combination.
Powder Coat Durability
Both steel and aluminium ornamental fencing use powder coat finishes. The quality of the powder coat matters more than the substrate — a high-quality powder coat on steel will outlast a cheap powder coat on aluminium. Ameristar’s finish is applied to their own quality standards, which is one reason we chose their product.
The common concern about steel is rust. It’s a legitimate concern if the coating fails. If powder coat chips down to bare steel and is left untreated, rust will develop. Aluminium doesn’t rust in the same way. That said, a quality powder coat on steel in a residential setting should not be chipping under normal conditions. If you see coating damage, address it early.
Rackability for Sloped Lots
The Bottom Line
For most residential ornamental fence applications in Winnipeg, welded steel is the better long-term choice. It’s stronger, it’s welded rather than assembled, and it handles the mechanical stresses of our climate better than aluminium alternatives. The trade-off is that steel requires attention to coating damage if it occurs — something that’s worth checking every few years.
If you have questions about ornamental fencing for your property, see our ornamental fence page or give us a call.
