Every now and then a project comes through that we want to write up because it captures what we wish more Broward fences looked like. This was one — a waterfront property in Hollywood, FL, where the homeowners wanted a clean, modern look that complemented mid-century architecture without the visual heaviness of a traditional privacy fence.
The brief
240 linear feet of horizontal slat aluminum, 6 ft tall on the rear and side property lines, stepped to 4 ft on the street-facing front yard. Custom matte black powder coat. Two pedestrian gates and one automated driveway gate. Full HOA approval before install.
Why horizontal slat aluminum works coastal
- Salt resistance. Powder-coated 6063 aluminum is effectively immune to coastal corrosion. The homeowners are 600 ft from open water — wood would have been on borrowed time.
- Wind performance. Horizontal slats with controlled gaps allow some wind passage while still providing privacy. We engineered this run for 175 mph wind code.
- Aesthetics. A solid privacy fence would have visually compressed the lot. The slat profile breaks up sightlines while preserving the property's openness.
The HOA submission
The community has a strict ARC and aluminum is permitted but not common. We pre-empted concerns by:
- Submitting full elevation drawings with material specifications.
- Citing the RAL color code for the powder coat (not just "matte black").
- Including photos of three other approved aluminum installs in the same community.
- Attaching the wind-rating documentation upfront.
Approval came back in 11 days, no revisions requested.
Install timeline
- Week 1: Permit pull and material order.
- Week 2: Permit issued; survey-verified layout marked on site.
- Week 3: 36-inch concrete footings poured for all posts; 24-hour cure.
- Week 4: Panels and slats installed; gates hung; powder coat touch-ups.
- Week 5: Automated gate operator install, smartphone integration, code-compliance final.
Full project from contract to final walk-through: just under 5 weeks.
Considering a modern aluminum install?
We custom-fabricate horizontal slat profiles, custom powder coat colors, and design every gate to spec. Free site visit and proposal.
What the homeowners said
"We knew exactly what we wanted but every other contractor we talked to tried to talk us into a vinyl fence because it was easier for them to install. Brian's team designed exactly what we asked for, handled the HOA, and delivered on time. The fence is the favorite part of our backyard now."
Cost notes
Custom horizontal slat aluminum runs roughly 30-50% more than a comparable open-picket aluminum or vinyl privacy fence. For most properties we'd argue it's worth it for the aesthetic and the longevity. If you want this look at a lower price point, faux-wood aluminum is an option that we'll usually quote alongside the real horizontal slat profile.
If you want to discuss what a project like this would look like on your property, we'd be happy to walk it.
