Wrought iron and view fence installation
When the whole point of the lot is the view of the red cliffs or the fairway, an open metal fence keeps it.
"Wrought iron" in St. George usually means welded steel or powder-coated aluminum panels, not hand-forged iron. They're the standard choice on lots that back onto golf courses, open space, washes and ridgelines, and on front yards where solid fences aren't allowed. Many sit on a low block base or between block pilasters.
Steel or aluminum?
| Steel | Aluminum | |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | Heavier and stiffer | Lighter; fine for most yards |
| Rust | Needs a good coating; touch up scratches | Doesn't rust |
| Custom work | Easy to fabricate and weld on site | Mostly pre-made panels |
| Heat | Dark finishes get very hot in summer sun | Also heats up; lighter colors help |
Front yards and the 10-foot rule
St. George allows fences up to 4 feet in the front setback, and in the first 10 feet behind the sidewalk only decorative fences such as picket or wrought iron are allowed, with at least half of the fence open. A permit is required for any fence in the front setback. That's why iron is the usual answer when a homeowner wants to enclose a front courtyard or keep a dog in the front yard. Other cities have their own versions of these rules.
Pool and spa fencing
Iron and aluminum are common around backyard pools because they keep the area visible. Pool barriers have specific requirements for height, gaps and self-closing, self-latching gates. Ask the contractor which barrier rules your city's building department enforces, and confirm with the department before the pool is filled.
Golf course and open-space lots
Many communities around St. George, Washington and Ivins have HOA rules that require open view fencing on lots backing onto shared views, sometimes with a set color and design. Get the HOA's approved detail before asking for quotes so every bid matches it.
Pricing comes from the contractor after they've measured the run, looked at the ground, the grade between lots and the gates you want, and talked through materials. We don't quote prices, and any figure given over the phone before someone has seen the yard is only a rough starting point.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
Does a wrought iron fence need painting?
Powder-coated steel and aluminum need very little, but steel should be touched up where the coating is chipped so rust doesn't spread.
Can iron panels go on top of my block wall?
Often, if the wall and its footing can take the extra height and wind load and your lot's height limit allows it.
Related services
More background: St. George fence guide.
Bare backyard, broken vinyl or a gate that won't latch?
Call the number above and a local fence contractor will come look at the job and quote it directly.