Types of Metal Fencing
Metal fencing is a versatile and long lasting boundary solution used across residential, commercial and public environments. Different metal fencing systems offer varying levels of strength, security and visual finish, making it important to understand how they are constructed as well as how they perform.
Also read our blog on types of security fencing
Below is an overview of the main types of metal fencing, with additional detail on construction quality, coatings, compliance and security features where relevant.
Metal railings
Metal railings are most commonly used around parks, care homes, public open spaces and residential front boundaries, where appearance and clear boundary definition are important. They are generally less suitable for schools, which tend to favour mesh or bow top fencing for safeguarding and compliance reasons.
While metal railings can appear similar, there are significant differences in strength, durability and finish depending on how they are manufactured.
Higher quality metal railings are typically produced from tubular steel and hot dip galvanised for long term corrosion protection. These systems offer greater rigidity and impact resistance, making them suitable for busy public environments.
Lower strength railing systems are often manufactured from lighter gauge materials and may only be pre galvanised or lightly coated. While these options can be suitable for low risk or decorative applications, they do not offer the same durability or lifespan.
Coatings play a major role in the performance and appearance of metal railings. Architectural grade powder coated finishes provide excellent colour retention and corrosion resistance, allowing railings to maintain their appearance for many years. In more demanding environments, the combination of hot dip galvanising and high quality powder coating provides the highest level of protection.
Anti vandal railing designs are also available. These systems typically use a pale through rail construction, where the vertical pales pass through the horizontal rails rather than being fixed to the face. Panel to post connections are hidden, removing exposed fixings and reducing opportunities for tampering while also creating a cleaner and more refined appearance.
Vertical bar fencing
Vertical bar fencing is one of the most commonly specified metal fencing systems due to its clean appearance, strength and adaptability. When designed with anti climb features or combined with suitable toppings, it is also widely used as a security fencing solution.
Vertical bar fencing is used across residential developments, commercial premises, public spaces and higher risk environments where a balance between visibility and security is required.
Security focused vertical bar fencing may incorporate pointed pale tops, cranked extensions, rotating spikes or other anti climb profiles. In some designs, the top of the fence itself is formed to remove footholds and handholds, reducing the need for additional toppings.
Vertical bar fencing with visible fixings
This version uses prefabricated panels that are bolted directly to the posts. The vertical pales are bolted to the horizontal rails, leaving fixings visible once installed.
- Panel based installation
- Visible fixings at rails and posts
- Straightforward maintenance and component replacement
- A cost effective solution for low to medium risk environments
This construction method is commonly used where ease of installation and budget are key considerations. There will be ongoing maintenance where the fixings have to be checked.
Vertical bar fencing with concealed fixings
In this design, the vertical pales pass through the horizontal rails rather than being fixed to the face. Panels are connected to the posts using hidden connectors, leaving no visible fixings once installed.
- A smoother and more premium appearance
- Hidden panel to post connections
- Increased resistance to tampering
- Improved rigidity and long term durability
This type is often specified for higher risk or higher profile sites.
Read our blog on types of metal railing and vertical bar fixingsLPS 1175 rated vertical bar fencing
For sites that require independently tested security performance, vertical bar fencing systems are available that are certified to LPS 1175 standards. These systems are designed, manufactured and tested to resist sustained attack using defined tools and methods.
LPS 1175 rated vertical bar fencing is available with ratings from A1 for lower risk environments through to high security ratings suitable for critical infrastructure and sensitive locations. These systems typically incorporate heavy gauge steel, concealed fixings, anti climb designs and controlled installation methods to ensure the tested performance is achieved on site.
As a result, vertical bar fencing is not only a versatile boundary solution but also a proven security fence when correctly specified and installed.
Bow top, hoop top and hairpin fencing
Bow top and hoop top fencing are variations of vertical bar fencing with curved tops. Bow top fencing features a continuous gentle curve, while hoop top fencing has more defined rounded loops. Hairpin versions are also available, using tighter curved returns at the top for a more traditional appearance.
These fencing styles are widely used around schools, playgrounds and public spaces because they offer a softer visual profile while discouraging climbing and maintaining good visibility.
Specialist versions are available for use in schools and play areas where compliance is critical. These designs may include missing pales or adjusted spacing to comply with BS EN 1176, helping to prevent head, neck or limb trapping. Anti trap design is an essential consideration when fencing is installed within or adjacent to play environments.
When bow top, hoop top or hairpin fencing is used in play parks, systems should incorporate hidden anti vandal fixings. Exposed bolts or accessible fixings can present safety and maintenance risks in these settings.
Traditionally, bow top fencing was manufactured from wrought iron. Modern versions should instead be produced from tubular steel for improved strength and consistency. For long term durability, fencing should be hot dip galvanised and finished with a powder coating, ideally to architectural grade standards, to ensure strong corrosion protection and long lasting appearance.
Estate fencing
Estate fencing is a traditional metal fencing style typically used in rural or landscaped environments. It often features wider bar spacing and a restrained design, allowing boundaries to be defined without dominating the surrounding landscape.
Wrought iron style fencing
Modern steel fencing is frequently manufactured to replicate the appearance of traditional wrought iron. Decorative scrolls, finials and bespoke detailing are common, making this style suitable for heritage properties, formal entrances and premium residential developments.
Palisade fencing also known as triple point palisade
Palisade fencing, also known as triple point palisade, was historically specified as a security fencing system. It is characterised by strong vertical steel pales with pointed tops and robust horizontal rails.
However, palisade fencing is now often classed as a demarcation fence rather than a true security solution. Advances in cutting tools and climbing techniques have exposed vulnerabilities in traditional palisade designs, meaning it no longer meets modern high security expectations.
As a result, palisade fencing is most commonly used to define boundaries on industrial and commercial sites where a visual deterrent is required, but where modern anti climb or prison mesh fencing would be more appropriate for higher security applications.
Read our blog on 'is triple point palisade a security fence'
Mesh based metal fencing
Mesh based metal fencing covers a variety of panel and wire systems that are widely used across schools, sports facilities, commercial sites and public spaces. These systems combine strength, visibility and cost efficiency, and can be selected depending on the required security level and aesthetic. Common types include:
Welded mesh fencing
Rigid panels made from welded steel wire, forming a strong, durable grid. Commonly used for commercial boundaries, residential perimeters and low to medium security sites. Panels are easy to install and maintain, providing good visibility.
It is essential to choose panels that are good quality and supported by long guarantees, because poor materials can deform and rust within five years.
Double wire mesh fencing
Uses extra horizontal wires for increased strength and rigidity. Often installed at schools, sports facilities and medium security commercial sites, providing enhanced impact resistance while remaining visually open.
Anti climb mesh fencing
Designed to prevent scaling, anti climb mesh uses very small apertures and rigid wire profiles. Commonly installed at high security sites, commercial premises and utilities where safety and access control are critical. LPS 1175 rated versions are available for tested security performance.
Prison mesh and security fencing
An extreme version of anti climb mesh, prison mesh and security fencing is designed to resist cutting, climbing and tampering. Panels have very tight wire spacing and are used in high security sites such as prisons, secure government buildings or critical infrastructure.
Read our blog on the risks of cheap mesh security fences to learn how to avoid these issues.
Also read our blog on the types of mesh security fence.
Chain link fencing
Made from interwoven steel wire, chain link fencing is flexible, economical and widely used for sports grounds, temporary boundaries and low risk areas. It can be galvanised and/or coated for long term durability and is easily adapted to different heights and slopes.
Read all about Chainlink Fencing in our blog
Expanded and perforated metal fencing
Expanded metal fencing is created by cutting and stretching steel sheets to form a rigid mesh structure. Perforated metal fencing uses punched holes in solid sheets. Both options are commonly used in contemporary designs where airflow, durability and partial screening are required.
Slatted and decorative metal panels
Slatted metal fencing and laser cut decorative panels are increasingly popular in modern architectural settings. These systems offer privacy, strong visual impact and the ability to tailor layouts and patterns to suit specific design requirements.
Choosing the right metal fencing
Selecting the right metal fencing system depends on appearance, performance requirements, location and maintenance expectations (look fro products with long guarantees from companies that have good case studies and experience). Understanding differences in material quality, construction methods, compliance standards and protective coatings is just as important as choosing the overall fencing style, particularly for railings, vertical bar fencing and play area fencing where durability, safety and security performance vary significantly.
Thank you to Jacksons for their metal fencing images supplied in this blog.
