Glass looked cool in the showroom but all I could see was future fingerprints and cleaning supplies.
That’s exactly why I steer clients away from glass unless they’re obsessed with the look. It’s high-maintenance, especially with kids or pets around. Aluminum’s just easier—no constant wiping, no stress about scratches. Did you have any issues with rust or paint chipping over time, or has it held up pretty well in your weather?
Did you have any issues with rust or paint chipping over time, or has it held up pretty well in your weather?
Honestly, aluminum’s been solid for me. I’ve flipped a few places with it and haven’t seen much rust, even in spots that get hammered by rain. Paint chipping can happen if you whack it with the mower or something, but nothing major. Way less hassle than glass, especially if you’ve got kids running around with sticky hands. You made the right call skipping the showroom shine for something practical.
Way less hassle than glass, especially if you’ve got kids running around with sticky hands. You made the right call skipping the showroom shine for something practical.
I hear you on the sticky hands—my grandkids are like magnets for smudges. I went with aluminum too, mostly because I didn’t want to be out there cleaning glass every weekend. But I do miss the way glass sort of disappears into the garden. Anyone else find aluminum a bit... utilitarian?
But I do miss the way glass sort of disappears into the garden.
That’s exactly what I keep thinking about. Does anyone know if there’s a way to make aluminum fencing blend in more, maybe with plants or paint? I love the low maintenance, but I’m craving a bit more “wow” factor.
That’s exactly what I keep thinking about.
I totally get the “wow” factor craving. I went with aluminum because I’m allergic to cleaning, but now I’m staring at it thinking... meh. I’ve seen people use tall grasses or climbing vines to break up the lines—kind of hides the fence and softens the look. Paint-wise, I’ve heard matte black blends in better than shiny finishes, but I haven’t tried it myself. Has anyone actually painted their fence? Does it chip or fade in the sun?