Which metal fencing solution is right for you?

There are many metal fence types including:

At Jacksons, our types of metal fences are tailored towards providing security and as such we do not manufacture everything in the list such as steel palisade and wrought iron railings.  

Many types of metal fencing integrate smoothly with the surrounding environment without sacrificing security, making them suitable for schools, public places, commercial and residential properties, and high security sites. In terms of metal fence types which provide security, vertical bar fencing, metal railings, and mesh security fencing are popular and often comparable choices, but there are clear differences. Comparing generic products, vertical bar fencing features a strong railing construction, has a smart appearance, and allows wildlife such as hedgehogs to roam freely, while mesh security fencing is mostly lighter and quicker to install, features enhanced climb resistance, and is often cheaper.

Metal fencing

The metal fencing that Jacksons offers epitomises our commitment to sustainability while delivering strength, an attractive aesthetic, and superior durability.

Vertical bar fencing

Our vertical bar fencing, for example, provides effective perimeter security while also keeping an eye toward conservation and preservation of wildlife. With its pale-through-rail construction and tamper-proof connectors, it features pale spacing that conforms to anti-trap regulations. Available in a range of styles and options, it allows you to make a truly custom choice that fits your needs and vision. Whether you need a flat bar top solution such as Sentry®, or something more unique, like our Tri-Guard® design that features pales with curved tops, we offer a broad range of solutions suited to many sites.

For increased corrosion resistance and endurance, our tubular vertical bar metal fencing and metal railings are hot dip galvanised and can also be powder coated in a range of colours to suit your brand. To bolster protection, they can be customised with Razor wire, Rota Spike® and Alarm-aFence® security toppings. For inbuilt protection, our Barbican® Extra security panels have additional short pales and Barbican® Barbed Top has spikes on the pales, which makes climbing or scaling them extremely difficult.

As with our timber hedgehog gravel board for use with our fence panels and slotted posts, this spacing between the vertical pales allows hedgehogs to pass through safely, which is essential for their survival.

Metal Railings

Two key differences between vertical bar security fencing and metal railings are usually the aesthetics and the height. Vertical bar fences are often chosen or specified to fit in with the fence’s surroundings either by following adjoining or other products in the local vicinity. Metal railings are often chosen over other metal fencing due to planning restraints. Our ornamental steel railings are designed to provide a similar aesthetic to traditional wrought iron railings which were popular in the 18th century through to the mid 90s in the UK. Many urban areas have held onto the metal railing heritage and they are characteristics of the area, so this often means that they have to be restored or replaced with similar looking designs at their end of life. Our metal ornamental railings are ideal for this, possessing a similar appearance to traditional solid metal railings but with the strength and durability of tubular galvanised steel.

Metal railings are often shorter than vertical bar fencing and because of this are used for demarcation purposes such as around parks and play areas. Styles include bow top railings of which there are anti-trap versions for play areas, and slim-paled ‘residential’ railings which can be installed in the ground or on top of walls. Although the purpose of shorter metal railings is not generally for security, it’s still a good idea to invest in vandal proof, durable solutions, to stop vandalism or theft of the fence panels – a modern-day issue. Our metal railings feature the same design principles as our vertical bar fencing with welded pale-through-rail construction, tamper-proof fixings and concealed panel-to-post connectors. They’re also guaranteed for 25 years, so in areas where aesthetics are important they provide a long-lasting solution that stays looking good for years to come.

Welded mesh fencing

While we talk about the benefits of vertical bar fencing in terms of protecting wildlife and providing a smart appearance, there’s of course still a place for welded mesh panels. Offering good flexibility and visibility for sports areas and school playing fields, providing superior climb resistance (when compared to standard vertical bar fencing), and offering some of the highest rated security rated fencing available. For areas that require a medium level of security, Jacksons’ EuroGuard^® range of welded mesh panels constructed of Galfan^® coated steel wire are a cost effective option. Including V mesh and twin wire mesh fencing styles, the panels in this range are an ideal perimeter fence solution for schools, leisure attractions, commercial sites and residential properties. The mesh creates an “invisible” screen, giving you high visibility without compromising strength and protection. The tamper proof mesh security clips used to construct the mesh panels in our range are far more secure than comparable products.

Most manufacturers’ welded mesh fencing is simply hot dip galvanised, but most of our mesh security fencing panels are zinc alloy coated for exceptional flexibility and corrosion resistance, ensuring they last long into the future.

As with our vertical bar solutions, mesh fencing also comes in a range of different coloured finishes to suit the aesthetic of your particular asset.

Although these types of metal fencing are the options generally used for security, there are many other metal fencing products available, including decorative metal railings, metal playground fencing, hostile vehicle mitigation fencing, sports fencing, temporary fencing, and chain link, all of which Jacksons manufactures, supplies, and installs. All of our metal fencing comes with a 25 year service life guarantee.

Built-to-last materials

Our strong, durable metal fencing and gates are built with higher quality materials such as stainless steel fixings, shear nuts, and concealed anti-vandal panel connectors. Low quality materials and fixings can lead to theft of the metal fencing panels, burglary or vandalism of your property, and will end up costing more in repairs and replacements over time.

25 year guarantee

Our 25 year guarantee ensures that your fencing will continue to effectively provide protection for over two decades, saving you the cost, time and hassle of replacements or repairs in that time. This also minimises the impact of our fencing on the environment, as fewer products and parts end up in landfill sites, or require digging up and replacing which disrupts local wildlife habitats.

Which metal fencing is right for you?

Our vertical bar fencing, metal railings, and mesh fencing solutions offer a broad range of benefits suitable for your specific site requirements. With decades of experience expertise, we can help find you the ideal perimeter security solution. For security, welded mesh and vertical bar fencing are most commonly used. You may be trying to decide between these types of metal fencing, in which case, check out our related blog post which compares welded mesh and vertical bar fencing.

To learn more about our versatile, built to last and sustainable metal fencing products, contact us today. Alternatively, try out our comparison tools to see which type of metal fencing you need.

What is the difference between steel fencing and metal fencing?

Specifiers use metal fencing and steel fencing more or less interchangeably, and in our range they usually mean the same thing: our fencing is manufactured from galvanised steel. The distinction only matters when you are comparing materials.

Steel is the strongest and most widely specified fencing metal, and everything in our vertical bar, mesh, and railing ranges is made from it. Aluminium is lighter but weaker, so we do not use it for security fencing. Wrought and cast iron are traditional and heavy, and although our ornamental railings are designed to reproduce that appearance, they are made from tubular galvanised steel, which makes them lighter to install, less brittle and far more resistant to corrosion.

So if you are searching for steel fencing, steel security fencing, or types of steel fence, the ranges described on this page are what you are looking for. All of it is hot dip galvanised to BS EN 1461 as standard, with polyester powder coating to BS EN 13438 available in a range of colours, and all of it carries our 25 year service life guarantee.

Types of metal fencing compared

Vertical bar fencing is available in heights up to 3m. It gives good visibility between pales, a strong pale-through-rail construction, a smart appearance, and pale spacing that meets anti-trap regulations while still letting hedgehogs pass. The Barbican^® range, Sentry^®, and Tri-Guard^® sit in this group, with versions available to be certified to SR1 (A1). It's ideal for schools, commercial premises, public buildings, and heritage-sensitive sites.

Mesh security fencing gives very high visibility, better climb resistance than standard vertical bar, and is lighter, quicker to install and generally lower in cost. EuroGuard^® Regular, Extra and Flatform cover medium security, while 358 Securi-Mesh^®, Securi-Mesh® Plus, UHS Extreme and UHS Heavy cover high and very high security, with mesh and vertical bar combinations certified up to SR5 (E10). Mesh fencing is commonly used for sports areas, school playing fields, utilities, data centres, and high security sites.

Metal railings are generally shorter than vertical bar fencing, and are chosen for appearance, demarcationg, or planning reasons as much as for security. Ornamental, bow top, anti-trap bow top, and slim-paled residential styles are available, installed into the ground or on top of walls. They suit parks, play areas, housing, and conservation areas.

Put simply: choose mesh where climb resistance and cost matter most, vertical bar where strength and appearance both matter, and railings where the boundary is about demarcation and aesthetics. All three share the same design and quality principles and are supplied with our 25 year service life guarantee.

Metal Security Fencing by Security Rating

Not all metal fencing is security fencing, and not all security fencing is independently rated. Where a site has a genuine threat to manage, understanding security classifications is essential before comparing products. Security ratings provide a benchmark for how well a fencing system can resist attack and delay unauthorised access.

LPS 1175 is the most widely used security fencing standard in the UK. It measures how long a fence can resist a defined attack using specified toolkits and assigns a security rating and delay time, such as SR3 (C5) or SR5 (E10). Jacksons manufactures mesh and vertical bar combination fencing systems certified to SR5 (E10), currently the highest security rating available for a fence in the UK and the only product on the market to achieve this level. It is important to note that LPS 1175 assesses resistance to forced entry rather than climbing specifically.

PAS 68 is a separate standard that relates to hostile vehicle mitigation and impact-tested products.

As a general guide, demarcation and low risk boundaries are often protected with metal railings. Schools and commercial premises typically benefit from Barbican, Sentry, or the EuroGuard range. Data centres, utilities, and airports frequently specify 358 Securi-Mesh or Barbican Defender Xtreme, while military facilities, government sites, and custodial environments often require UHS Extreme, UHS Heavy, Securi-Mesh Plus, or the Trident^® range, which has been independently assessed against climbing, cutting and digging attacks.

Metal Fencing for Commercial Sites

On a commercial site, fencing must do far more than simply mark a boundary. The perimeter often plays a critical role in protecting stock, machinery, vehicles and valuable assets, while also controlling pedestrian movement and supporting wider security measures such as CCTV surveillance and access control systems.

For offices, retail parks, industrial estates, warehouses and distribution centres, EuroGuard mesh fencing and Barbican or Sentry vertical bar systems offer an effective balance of security, visibility and appearance. These systems provide excellent sightlines for surveillance while delivering a professional appearance suitable for customer-facing environments.

Where commercial boundaries run alongside residential properties or roads, Jakoustic acoustic barriers can provide an additional benefit by reducing noise transmission and increasing privacy without compromising security.

There are several important specification decisions to make early in the design process. Gates should always be specified to match the security performance of the fencing, as entrances are often the weakest point in a perimeter. Powder coating can be used to match corporate branding where appearance is important, while concealed panel-to-post connectors and shear nuts help prevent panels from being quietly removed by intruders. These features significantly improve perimeter integrity and asset protection.

With a 25 year service life guarantee, the complete fencing system offers excellent long-term value, helping to reduce maintenance requirements and whole-life costs over the lifespan of the installation.

Metal Fencing for Residential and Perimeter Boundaries

Metal fencing is not solely a commercial security product. It is equally effective in residential settings, offering a durable and low-maintenance alternative to timber or concrete boundary solutions. A properly specified metal fence can provide decades of reliable service with very little upkeep.

For housing developments, apartment blocks and residential properties, Sentry Residential and Barbican Imperial Residential slim-pale railings provide an attractive and robust perimeter solution. Bow top railings with anti-trap spacing remain the preferred choice around play areas, schools and communal gardens due to their child-friendly design and enhanced safety characteristics.

Where large site perimeters require enclosure, such as housing developments, compounds or school playing fields, mesh fencing panels are often the most cost-effective option. These can be combined with decorative vertical bar fencing at entrances and key frontages where visual appearance is a priority.

Regardless of the application, the same perimeter security principles apply. Fence height should be proportionate to the level of risk, horizontal rails should be positioned on the protected side of the fence to minimise climbing opportunities, and panels should be securely fixed to prevent removal. Keeping the perimeter clear of nearby structures, vegetation or objects that could assist climbing is also an important consideration.

Metal Fencing Finishes, Coatings and Service Life

The lifespan of a metal fencing system depends largely on the protection applied to the steel after manufacture. Coating technologies vary considerably and can have a significant impact on durability and long-term performance.

Hot dip galvanising forms the foundation of corrosion protection. All steel fencing and gates are galvanised to BS EN 1461 as standard. During this process, the steel is immersed in molten zinc, ensuring every surface, weld and edge receives a protective coating. Unlike paint alone, zinc provides sacrificial protection, corroding slowly to shield the underlying steel from rust.

Zinc alloy coatings offer an additional level of performance. Many mesh security fencing panels are coated with a 95% zinc and 5% aluminium alloy rather than galvanising alone. In this system, the zinc acts as a sacrificial anode while the aluminium forms a protective graphite-coloured oxide layer. The combination can extend coating life by up to four times compared with standard galvanised alternatives.

For projects where appearance is a priority, polyester powder coating to BS EN 13438 can be applied in a wide range of colours. Powder coating is frequently chosen to complement corporate branding, blend into the surrounding environment or enhance architectural aesthetics. It also provides an additional protective layer over the galvanised finish.

Fixings are equally important when determining the longevity and security of a fencing installation. Stainless steel fixings, shear nuts and concealed anti-vandal panel connectors help prevent unauthorised removal of fencing panels and reduce the likelihood of ongoing repair and replacement costs. Lower-quality fixing systems are often a weak point in perimeter security and can lead to avoidable maintenance issues.

When quality materials, protective coatings and secure fixing methods are combined, metal fencing offers outstanding long-term performance. This is why many systems are supported by a 25 year service life guarantee, delivering low whole-life costs and dependable perimeter protection for commercial, educational, residential and high-security sites alike.