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5 Types of Commercial Fencing (And How to Pick the Right One for Your Seattle Business)

February 24, 2025

4 mins

Hey there, Seattle business owners! Let’s talk about your property’s unsung hero: commercial fencing. Whether you’re guarding a warehouse, sprucing up a storefront, or keeping a parking lot secure, the right fence is like a good cup of coffee—strong, reliable, and absolutely essential.

At Cool Cat Fence, we’ve installed everything from no-nonsense chain link to swanky ornamental iron across the Puget Sound. Let’s break down the top 5 commercial fencing types so you can choose wisely—and avoid turning your property into a “what NOT to do” meme.

1. Chain Link Fencing: The Budget-Friendly Workhorse

Chain link fence at a Seattle warehouse showcasing budget-friendly, durable commercial fencing ideal for quick repairs.

Pros:

  • Affordable AF: Perfect for businesses watching their bottom line.

  • Durable: Survives Seattle’s moody weather (and the occasional Seahawks victory riot).

  • Easy Repairs: Fix vandalism or storm damage faster than you can say “double-shot espresso.”

Cons:

  • Zero Privacy: Congrats, your parking lot is now a fishbowl. Pro tip: Add privacy slats if you don’t want passersby judging your dumpster aesthetics.

“Chain link is like jeans—it’s not fancy, but it gets the job done.”
Cool Cat Tip: Pair with barbed wire for Fort Knox vibes.

2. Ornamental Iron Fencing: Security Meets Swagger

Elegant ornamental iron fence with decorative scrolls and spikes in front of a high-end Seattle storefront, exuding security and curb appeal.

Pros:

  • Curb Appeal Queen: Elegant scrolls and spikes say, “Welcome, but don’t even think about it.”

  • Built to Last: Outlives your office printer (and probably your lease).

  • Customizable: Paint it black for drama, or go bronze to match Seattle’s artsy vibes.

Cons:

  • Price Tag: More expensive than a downtown parking spot, but worth it for high-end properties.

“Iron fences: Because ‘Keep Out’ signs are so 1999.”
American Fence Association rates ornamental iron as a top security pick.

3. Steel Metal Panel Fencing: The Modern Muscle

Sleek steel metal panel fence at a modern commercial property in Seattle, symbolizing industrial strength and contemporary design.

Pros:

  • Industrial Strength: Handles forklifts, delivery trucks, and seagull bombardments.

  • Sleek & Low-Key: Matches minimalist offices and gritty warehouses alike.

  • Privacy + Light: Lets in natural light without showcasing your pallet-jack ballet.

Cons:

  • Not a DIY Project: Requires pro installation (hi, that’s us!).

“Steel panels: For when you need a fence that bench-presses.”
OSHA guidelines recommend steel for heavy-duty sites—safety first!

4. Vinyl Fencing: The Low-Maintenance Buddy

Modern vinyl fence at a Seattle office park with a smooth finish and low-maintenance design perfect for commercial settings.

Pros:

  • Zero Rot: Laughs in the face of Seattle rain.

  • Easy Clean: Hose it down faster than you can cancel a Zoom meeting.

  • Style Options: Mimics wood without the termite drama.

Cons:

  • Upfront Cost: Pricier than chain link, but saves $$ long-term.

“Vinyl: The fence that lets you focus on your business, not your backyard.”
HomeAdvisor ranks vinyl as a top ROI choice for businesses.

5. Horizontal Wood Fencing: The Pacific Northwest Classic

Horizontal cedar wood fence at a commercial property in the Pacific Northwest, blending natural warmth with modern aesthetics.

Pros:

  • Natural Beauty: Cedar’s earthy charm pairs with evergreens and coffee shops.

  • Quick Install: Our crew can knock this out between Pike Place runs.

  • Customizable: Stain it, paint it, or let it weather into that rustic PNW vibe.

Cons:

  • Maintenance: Requires occasional TLC (think of it as a spa day for your fence).

“Horizontal wood: Because even fences deserve a view of the Sound.”
Cool Cat Specialty: Ask us about rot-resistant cedar treatments!

Need Help Choosing? Let’s Talk Fences Over Coffee

A professional fencing crew from Cool Cat Fence working efficiently, using heavy-duty tools to install a sleek horizontal wood fence. The workers appear skilled and focused, emphasizing speed and precision.

Still debating between “budget warrior” chain link and “luxe boss” ornamental iron? At Cool Cat Fence, we’re not just installers—we’re your fence therapists. We’ll match your needs, budget, and Seattle’s vibe to the perfect solution.

Why choose us?

✅ Local experts since 2016
✅ Free quotes (with zero sales pitch drama)
✅ Licensed, insured, and actually show up on time

Final Thought

Your fence shouldn’t just “work”—it should work for you. Whether you’re securing a brewery, a tech campus, or a quirky Fremont shop, Cool Cat Fence has your back. Now go forth and build that boundary (or let us handle it while you tackle actual business). 🛠️☕

P.S. If your current fence looks sadder than a Seattleite in July, click here for a free consult. No bots, no BS—just fences done right.

Why Choose Cool Cat? ​Because We are Kirkland’s WA Best Fence Experts

Transform Your Property Today

Get a durable, beautiful fence installed with ease — schedule your free estimate now!

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Garden fence with a sign displaying height limits and legal icons, illustrating Seattle fence laws.

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Full Panel Cedar fence in the Seattle Bellevue area

Pets

Anti-Dig Cedar

An anti-dig cedar fence is a specialized fencing solution designed to deter digging animals and ensure the integrity of enclosed areas. Built using cedar wood, which possesses natural oils and compounds that animals find unappealing, these fences are an effective means of preventing burrowing animals like dogs, rabbits, or groundhogs from gaining access to or escaping from a specific area.

longevity, especially in outdoor environments.

Full Panel Cedar fence in the Seattle Bellevue area

Longevity

Cedar Post on Pipe

Renowned for their durability and natural resistance to decay, cedar wood posts are a popular choice for supporting pipe fences, ensuring long-lasting stability and structural integrity. The inherent oils and tannins within cedar wood make it highly resistant to moisture, insects, and fungal growth, which is essential for maintaining the fence’s longevity, especially in outdoor environments.

Steel fence in the Seattle Bellevue area

Security

Steel Metal Panel

Steel metal panel fences are a versatile and durable fencing option that offers a range of practical and aesthetic advantages. Composed of sturdy steel panels, these fences provide exceptional strength and security, making them suitable for a variety of applications, including residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

Chain Link fence in the Seattle Bellevue area

Cost

Chain Link

Chain link fences are a widely used and economical fencing option known for their practicality and functional benefits. Constructed from interwoven galvanized steel wires, these fences provide a sturdy and durable barrier that serves multiple purposes across various settings.