It’s a question we often get asked, so here’s a detailed breakdown of the two grades available for our iron and aluminum fence and gates.

If you have looked around our website, you may have noticed the ‘Traditional’ or ‘Signature’ grade designations noted along side our Stronghold Iron and Infinity Aluminum fence and gate products.  These grades refer to the profile size and thickness of the components used in the fences and gates.

Check out the following two videos we did showing the differences between the two grades as well as the photos featured below the videos for an up-close look at these different fence and gate grades:

Here are some photos and spec comparisons you can see as well showing how to distinguish the differences between our Traditional and Signature grade of wrought iron and aluminum fences:

Our Traditional grade fences and gates (highlighted examples in blue above) can be thought of as the ‘Standard-Duty’ option.  It will have the smaller pickets, finials and posts compared to its Signature grade counterpart.

Our Signature grade fences and gates (highlighted examples in blue above) can be thought of as our ‘Heavy-Duty’ option.  Pieces in this grade will bump up everything in size (pickets, finial tips, posts, etc) and be a more stout piece.

Stronghold Iron Grade Difference Details

Let’s look at an example to illustrate.  We carry a 6ft tall Stronghold Iron fence panel in Classic style (it’s the same as the photo at the top of this post).  Regardless of it being Traditional or Signature grade, the fence panel will be exactly 6ft tall and 8ft wide.  The style or look of the fence will be similar as well.  The differences are in the size and profiles of the individual fence components:

Stronghold Iron – Traditional Grade – 6ft tall – Classic Style – Fence Panel

• Pickets – 1/2″ square, 18 gauge thickness
• Rails – 1″ across x 1/2″ face, punched c-channel, 1/8″ rail thickness
• Finial Tips – 4″ tall x 1″ across, solid iron
• Panel Weight – approx. 70 lbs

Stronghold Iron – Signature Grade – 6ft tall – Classic Style – Fence Panel

• Pickets – 3/4″ square, 16 gauge thickness
• Rails – 1.5″ across x 1/2″ face, punched c-channel, 1/8″ rail thickness
• Finial Tips – 6″ tall x 2″ across, solid iron
• Panel Weight – approx. 120 lbs

Beyond the profile size differences, you can also see there is a significant weight difference. The larger components and thicker pickets add a lot of material to the panels.

The other difference between the two is cost.  You can expect to pay about 50% more for the Signature grade pieces.  So if a Traditional grade fence panel cost $100, its Signature grade counterpart would cost around $150.

Infinity Aluminum Grade Difference Details

Let’s look at an aluminum example as well to illustrate the differences.  We carry a 6ft tall Infinity Aluminum fence panel in Classic style (it’s almost identical to the iron photo at the top of this post).  Regardless of it being Traditional or Signature grade, the fence panel will be exactly 6ft tall and 6ft wide installed.  The style or look of the fence will be similar as well. The differences are in the size and profiles of the individual fence components:

Infinity Aluminum – Traditional Grade – 6ft tall – Classic Style – Fence Panel

• Pickets – 5/8″ square, 0.50″ wall thickness
• Rails – 1.125″ across x 1″ face, punched c-channel, 0.70″ rail thickness
• Finial Tips – 4″ tall x 1″ across, solid aluminum
• Panel Weight – approx. 22 lbs

Infinity Aluminum – Signature Grade – 6ft tall – Classic Style – Fence Panel

• Pickets – 3/4″ square, 0.50″ wall thickness
• Rails – 1.25″ across x 1.25″ face, punched c-channel, 0.10″ rail thickness
• Finial Tips – 6″ tall x 2″ across, solid aluminum
• Panel Weight – approx. 38 lbs

Beyond the profile size differences, you can also see there is a significant weight difference. The larger components add a lot of material to the panels.

As with iron, the other difference between the two is cost.  You can expect to pay about 50% more for the Signature grade pieces.  So if a Traditional grade fence panel cost $100, its Signature grade counterpart would cost around $150.

So, the Right Choice Is?…

So does this mean that the Traditional Grade pieces are inferior to the Signature grade pieces?  Not at all.  Its like buying a regular half-ton pickup vs buying a one-ton pickup truck.  The half-ton is a very capable and versatile truck.  The one-ton pickup can just haul and tow more.

Both are great options and it largely comes down to a matter of project location, personal preference and budget.

Still not sure which one is right for you?  Give us a call at 800-261-2729 or shoot an email to [email protected] and let us know about your project.  We can ask a few questions and get a feel for which option may be best for you.