When you drive through Sherman Hill or the East Village, you see wrought iron and ornamental iron fences that have held their line for a century. That is the standard we build to with aluminum fence installation in Des Moines. Powder-coated aluminum and true ornamental iron give you the look of traditional metalwork without the rust problems that come from road salt and freeze-thaw cycles. We set posts in concrete, rack panels on sloped lots that drain toward the Raccoon River, and weld or bolt every joint so the fence stays true through prairie wind and heavy snow. Whether you are fencing a pool in West Des Moines, dressing up a Craftsman bungalow in Beaverdale, or securing a commercial lot in Ankeny, we build metal fences that fit the property and the neighborhood. If you want the same clean look on a wood or vinyl line, see our wood privacy fence installation page.
Why Metal Fencing Matters on Des Moines Lots
Des Moines sits where the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers meet, and the ground under most yards is glacial till clay and black prairie loam over full basements. That soil holds water in wet springs and heaves hard in January, which is why post setting matters more here than in milder climates. Metal fencing does not rot at the ground line the way cedar and treated pine do, and it does not sag the way a wood rail will after a few freeze-thaw cycles. It also handles the wind that comes across the open prairie west of the city.
- Powder-coated aluminum resists rust from road salt and snow banks that lean on the fence line all winter.
- Ornamental iron gives historic homes in Sherman Hill and Waterbury a period-correct front fence.
- Racked panels follow the slope on lots that drain toward the river valleys instead of stepping in ugly jumps.
- Steel and aluminum pickets hold their shape when a derecho-strength gust hits a privacy line.
If you are replacing a wood fence that has started to lean, metal is often the last fence you will put on that line.
Key info: On older East Village lots, the fence line often runs within a foot of a mature oak or maple. We hand-dig those posts and keep the concrete collar clear of the root flare so the tree and the fence both stay put.
Fence height, setback, and corner-visibility rules are set by the city or county, and they vary across Greater Des Moines. Check with the City of Des Moines building department before you order panels, and check your HOA architectural standards if you live in a master-planned community.
How We Install Aluminum and Ornamental Iron in Des Moines
We start with a walk of the fence line and an 811 utility locate, which Iowa law requires before anyone digs a post hole. From there we set posts in concrete, check spacing and plumb, and rack or step the panels to match the grade. On pool fences we install self-closing, self-latching hardware and anti-sag bracing, and we build to the local pool barrier code. We do not certify compliance, because the final call belongs to the authority having jurisdiction.
- We mark the line and call 811 so gas, water, and fiber lines are flagged before digging.
- We set posts in concrete at the depth the soil and frost line call for, then brace them until cure.
- We hang panels, rack them on slopes, and set gates with self-closing hinges and a positive latch.
- We walk the finished line with you and show you the gate swing and latch adjustment.
For a driveway entrance, we coordinate the gate operator and the fence in one pass so the swing clears the panel line.
Key info: A homeowner in Clive wanted a black aluminum pool fence on a lot that dropped three feet from the house to the back corner. We racked the panels instead of stepping them, so the top rail runs true and the self-latching gate still swings clean.
If the job includes an automatic driveway gate, see our automatic and driveway gate installation page so the operator and the fence are planned together.
Aluminum and Ornamental Iron Fencing Methods We Use
The right method depends on your grade, your gate plan, and how much privacy you want from the line. Here is how we match the approach to the property.
| Approach | Description | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Racked aluminum panels | Panels follow the grade in one continuous angle, with rails and pickets kept parallel. | Sloped lots that drain toward the river valleys. |
| Stepped ornamental iron | Panels stay level and step down the hill in short sections. | Steep front yards and formal entries. |
| Pool code barrier | Self-closing, self-latching gate with anti-sag bracing and code-height pickets. | Backyard pools in West Des Moines and Ankeny. |
| Cantilever or V-track slide gate | Gate rides clear of the drive without a ground track to fill with snow and ice. | Driveway entrances on acreage and large lots. |
We will tell you which method fits your grade before you commit to a panel style.
Aluminum and Ornamental Iron Fencing Cost in Des Moines
Most residential aluminum and ornamental iron work starts around From $42 per linear foot, installed. That figure covers standard powder-coated aluminum panels, posts set in concrete, and a basic walk gate. The number moves up with height, picket style, true wrought iron versus aluminum, and the number of gates. A pool barrier with self-closing hardware costs more than a straight front-yard run, and a cantilever driveway gate is a separate line item because of the operator and the footing.
Access matters as much as material. A fence line that runs tight against a garage in Urbandale or under a low branch in Beaverdale takes longer to set than an open back line, and we price that honestly. We recommend two or three written estimates on any job over a few thousand dollars so you can compare panel gauge, post depth, and gate hardware, not just the bottom line. Our fence pricing overview breaks down the line items in more detail.
What to Look For in a Fence Contractor Near Me in Des Moines
Fence licensing here is set locally, and permits are required in some jurisdictions and not others, so ask any contractor how they handle permits and HOA approval before work starts. Ask for a certificate of insurance showing general liability and workers' compensation cover, and call the number on the certificate to confirm it is current. We are fully insured and can provide that certificate on request. Get two or three estimates in writing, ask for local references on metal work, and confirm who pulls the permit if your city requires one.
Ask how the crew handles utility locates, tree roots, and gate hardware, because those details decide whether the fence stays true after the first hard freeze. A contractor who cannot explain post depth and racking is not the one you want on a sloped lot. When you are ready to talk through your line, contact us for a free estimate and we will walk the property with you.
Aluminum & Ornamental Iron Fencing in Des Moines: Pricing Guide
| Service | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum fence installation | Starting at $42/ft | Includes powder-coated panels, posts set in concrete, and standard walk gate hardware. |
| Ornamental iron fence installation | Starting at $58/ft | True iron panels with welded joints, priced higher for weight and finish work. |
| Pool code barrier with self-latching gate | On estimate | Code-height pickets, self-closing hinges, and anti-sag bracing priced after a site walk. |
| Cantilever or V-track driveway gate | On estimate | Gate, footing, and operator planned together, so the swing clears the drive. |
| Travel | Included | in Des Moines and surrounding areas, no separate call-out or mileage fee |
| Estimate | Free | Response within 24h at (515) 528-3444, no obligation to book |
Indicative pricing, the exact cost depends on square footage, finish, and site access. Free personalized estimate within 24h at (515) 528-3444.
