Why Steel Board Is the Best Fence for Winter and Snow

You can’t compromise on quality when it comes to fencing for winter conditions. Go with the wrong material, and your fence won’t last long during the wet, snowy, cold months.

Vinyl and wood fencing have been the go-to options for years, but they just don’t cut it when the weather gets rough. Over time (and not as much time as you’d like), they warp, sag, and rot—not to mention their susceptibility to cribbing.

Not only does this ruin your investment, but it puts you in quite a predicament during the winter. That’s not a situation you want to find yourself. Fortunately, you won’t have to when you make the right choice from the get-go.

Our Steel Board Fence is the only post and rail board fence made of steel. It looks like traditional wood fencing but is vastly stronger and more durable. Below, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about steel board fencing and why it’s the best choice for snow and winter conditions.

What Is a Steel Board Fence?

The steel board fence is a modern innovation in the world of fencing. It combines the aesthetic appeal of traditional wood fencing with the strength and durability of steel—and that combination makes for a world-class product.

Steel products can vary between companies and manufacturers, but here’s what you can expect from Buckley’s Steel Board Fence:

Material

Unlike traditional fencing options, our Steel Board Fence is crafted from two-sided zinc galvanized steel. This choice of material ensures longevity and offers unparalleled strength—making it an ideal choice for areas that experience harsh winter conditions.

Steel doesn’t melt until 3,300 degrees F and can handle -100 degrees F before any issues, making it the perfect fencing solution for just about anywhere in the world.

Coating

The fence doesn’t just rely on its core material for durability. It’s further enhanced with an architectural-grade powder coating combined with a zinc phosphate conversion coating. This dual-coating process ensures superior paint adhesion, protecting the fence from potential rust and extending its lifespan. The paint job holds up incredibly well against road salt exposure and even animal urine.

Design

Installation is a breeze, thanks to pre-punched openings on the rails fitted with unique rubber grommets. These grommets protect the fence board’s surface and allow for articulation within each post, accommodating any layout or terrain. The inclusion of a lock spacer eliminates the need for nails or screws, streamlining the installation process and saving valuable time.

The fence is designed to buckle under extreme weight to protect the integrity of the rest of the fence. For example, if a large tree falls on a section of fence, only that section of fence is likely to fall rather than collapsing a whole line.

Safety

Safety is critical when it comes to fencing, especially when you think about your livestock and livelihood. Buckley’s Steel Board Fence boasts high visibility, ensuring that animals and humans can easily spot it. The rounded, smooth edges (devoid of nails, screws, or fasteners) minimize injury risks, and tongues don’t stick to it—whether that’s your horses or visiting nephews.

Plus, the length of the rails allows them to flex upon impact, cushioning the horse and then springing back to their original straight line—ensuring both the horse’s safety and the fence’s longevity. It takes over 1,200 pounds of vertical force to bend the rail downward, meaning it can withstand the weight of snow and even small trees.

Why Is Steel Board the Best Option for Winter and Snow?

You have plenty of options when building your fence, but not all materials are 4-season. Depending on where you live, you might need a fence that can survive high winds, rainy weather, cold conditions, and piling snow.

And there’s no better winter choice than steel board fencing. Here’s why:

Unmatched Durability: Unlike wood or vinyl (which can warp, rot, or become brittle in cold temperatures), steel board remains unaffected by the freezing conditions, ensuring your fence stands tall and strong throughout the winter months.
Rust Resistance: The dual-coating process of architectural grade powder coating combined with a zinc phosphate conversion coating ensures the fence is protected against rust, a common issue in snowy and wet conditions.
Thermal Expansion Design: Steel board fences are designed to handle the slight thermal expansion and contraction that occurs in metal during temperature fluctuations. This means your fence remains straight and aligned, regardless of how cold it gets.
Safety in Snow: The high visibility of steel board fencing ensures it’s easily seen even in snowy conditions, reducing the risk of accidents. Its smooth, rounded edges also prevent snow accumulation, which can weigh down and damage other types of fences.
Flexibility Upon Impact: In icy conditions, animals or vehicles might collide with fences. The steel board fence is designed to flex upon impact, cushioning the blow and springing back to its original shape.
Zero Maintenance: Winter can be harsh on fences, often requiring repairs or replacements come spring. With steel board, the lifetime maintenance costs are virtually zero, making it a cost-effective choice in the long run.
Protection Against Cribbing: In winter, horses might resort to cribbing or chewing on fences. Steel board fences are resistant to these behaviors, ensuring they remain undamaged.

Steel Board vs. Wood and Vinyl Fencing: What’s the Difference?

When choosing a fence, you might be tempted to look first at your neighbors and next at the price line. However, a fence isn’t just a one-time purchase—it’s an investment. Yes, you have the upfront expense to consider, but you also have to think about longevity, durability, maintenance, repairs, and safety.

The cheapest fence in the world won’t do you much good if it’s broken before springtime. Steel, wood, and vinyl fences have their advantages, disadvantages, and distinctions. Before you make an investment, consider the core differences:

Weather Resistance:

Steel Board: Engineered to handle temperature fluctuations, it remains unaffected by UV rays, rain, snow, or frost.
Wood: Prolonged exposure to moisture can lead to rot, and UV rays can fade its color over time.
Vinyl: UV-resistant but can become brittle in cold temperatures and may warp in extreme heat.

Material Strength and Durability:

Steel Board: Crafted from two-sided zinc galvanized steel, it offers unmatched strength and longevity. It’s resistant to warping, rotting, and rusting, ensuring the fence remains in prime condition for years.
Wood: While wood offers a natural aesthetic, it’s susceptible to rot, termites, and warping. Over time, wood can weaken, especially in harsh weather conditions.
Vinyl: Vinyl is resistant to rot and pests and can become brittle in cold temperatures, leading to cracks or breaks.

Maintenance:

Steel Board: Requires virtually zero maintenance. Its protective coatings ensure it remains unaffected by the elements.
Wood: Requires regular maintenance, including staining or painting to protect against rot and pests.
Vinyl: Low maintenance but may need replacement if it becomes brittle and cracks.

Aesthetic Appeal:

Steel Board: Combines the beauty of traditional fencing with the sleekness of steel, offering a modern yet timeless look.
Wood: Offers a classic, natural look but can fade or discolor over time.
Vinyl: Available in various colors and styles, but some find it to have a more ‘plastic’ appearance.

Cost Over Time:

Steel Board: While the initial investment might be higher, the long-term costs are minimal due to its durability and lack of maintenance needs.
Wood: Initial costs can be lower, but maintenance and potential replacement costs can add up over time.
Vinyl: Typically more affordable than steel but can incur costs if replacements are needed due to brittleness or damage.

Environmental Impact:

Steel Board: Steel is recyclable, making Steel Board Fences a more eco-friendly option.
Wood: While biodegradable, the need for regular maintenance and potential deforestation can have environmental implications.
Vinyl: Made from PVC, it’s not biodegradable and can have a more significant environmental footprint.

Safety Concerns:

Steel Board: Designed with high visibility and rounded, smooth edges, it minimizes injury risks. The flex rails cushion impacts, ensuring both livestock and human safety.
Wood: Splinters and sharp edges can pose injury risks, especially as the wood ages and deteriorates.
Vinyl: While generally smooth, vinyl can shatter upon strong impact, especially in colder temperatures, creating sharp edges.

Installation Ease:

Steel Board: Designed for easy installation with pre-punched openings and unique rubber grommets. No need for nails or screws.
Wood: Requires precise measurements, and installation can be labor-intensive.
Vinyl: Panels often snap together, making installation relatively straightforward, but alignment is crucial.

Invest in a Steel Board Fence That’ll Last

Choosing the right fence is more than just a short-term decision—it’s an investment in the future. While wood and vinyl have their merits, they come with a set of challenges, especially in the face of harsh winter weather conditions.

Buckley’s Steel Board Fence, on the other hand, is a modern-day solution that promises innovation, durability, and timeless beauty. It’s the perfect fencing solution for winter and snow and, really, any other time, season, or climate.

With its unparalleled strength, minimal maintenance needs, and aesthetic appeal, the Steel Board Fence stands apart from the competition. Not to mention, our Steel Board Fence has an easy installation design with pre-punched openings on the rails fitted with rubber grommets.

No nails, no screws, no hassle—that’s what you get with a Buckley Steel Board Horse Fence. Ready to embrace the future of fencing? Submit a short and sweet application, and we’ll get back to you soon with a budget quote for your fence project.