If you’ve seen our other videos and posts on the differences between our Signature Grade and Traditional grade products, you know that the difference is in the profile and sizes of the components. The Traditional grade fence has smaller pickets and rails while the Signature grade has the larger, thicker pickets and finials.
In terms of which is best for your project, there really is no ‘right’ answer. Both are going to look beautiful around your property. However, if you are unsure of which one you want to go with, there are a couple of guidelines and questions we can go over to help with the decision-making process.
Let’s start with the smaller profile, standard-duty Traditional grade fence.
The first question is “where is the fence going and who will have access to it?” Will the fence be in your backyard or set off from the property? Somewhere where the only people accessing it are either invited guests or friends or family? If so, Traditional grade would be a fine choice.
The next question is “do you want the fence to be a focal point in the landscaping or blend in with it more?” The smaller profile of the Traditional grade pickets and finials will blend in more with the scenery. If you have a view such as a waterfront property or scenic vista that you don’t want to block, the smaller profile of the Traditional grade fence will be less noticeable. Even though the Signature grade and Traditional grade fences have the same 3.875” air gap, the smaller profile of the Traditional grade makes your eye less likely to pick up and focus on it.
Lastly, are you looking for a very authentic looking old-world iron or aluminum fence? If so, the Traditional grade will be more true to antique fences with its smaller profile. Back in the old days, they would not have the manufacturing capabilities to make fence with the larger profiles and castings.
Now let’s move to the heavier-duty, larger profile Signature grade fence.
The questions here are largely going to be same. Again, “where is the fence going to located?” If your fence will be near a public area like a sidewalk or a commercial setting where you can’t control who will be on or around the fence, then the Signature grade may be a good bet. Its not that the Traditional grade won’t be able to stand up to the abuse, but more the added insurance if someone runs into it or uses it as a jungle gym.
As with before ask yourself “do I want the fence to be a focal point in the landscaping?” If so, then the larger profile Signature grade fence will stand out and be more readily noticeable.
Lastly, if you are going after more of a security or a ‘keep out’ look, then the larger profile of the Signature grade will be more intimidating with its larger components.
When deciding between the grades, there are two other factors that come into play: project budget and weight.
Price-wise, the larger Signature grade pieces will cost about 50% more than their Traditional grade counterparts. This is due to the larger, thicker components on the Signature grade.
Weight-wise, the larger profile Signature grade will also be more. To give some perspective on the difference, a Classic style 6ft tall x 8ft wide iron fence panel will weigh in at about 120lbs whereas its Traditional counterpart will only weigh in about 70lbs.
So, hopefully that helps in the decision-making process some. Again, there really is no ‘wrong’ answer in which grade to go with. Both are going to be beautiful looking pieces on your property.
Jason Kauffman
Iron Fence Shop®
800-261-2729 Toll Free
sales@ironfenceshop.com
www.ironfenceshop.com
