Custom Iron Fence

Custom Wrought Iron Fencing in New Orleans | Big Easy Iron Works

New Orleans has one of the most distinctive ironwork traditions in North America, and no material frames a historic home, cottage garden, or modern commercial property quite like custom wrought iron fencing. At Big Easy Iron Works, we have been fabricating custom iron fences in New Orleans for over 30 years. Every fence is built in-house by our skilled welders, made to your exact specifications, right here in the city. Whether you need an ornate French Quarter gate fence, a pool enclosure for a Lakeview home, or a clean modern perimeter for a Mid-City business, we design and install it from scratch. Contact us today for a free on-site estimate at 504-732-0066.

Why Install an Iron Fence?

Iron is one of the most durable and secure fencing materials available. A properly fabricated and maintained wrought iron fence is a once-in-a-generation investment, lasting decades with basic upkeep. Beyond security, iron fencing adds real curb appeal and resale value, especially on properties in New Orleans where architectural character matters.

Here are a few common reasons our clients choose iron fencing:

• Property line clarity between their yard and neighboring lots
• Custom design that reflects their personal style or matches their home’s architectural period
• Security against trespassers while maintaining visibility and openness
• Pet and child containment in backyards and around pools
• Increased resale value before listing a home
• HDLC compliance in historic districts, where solid wood fencing is often prohibited in front yards

For more information on keeping your investment in good shape, read our guide on how to repair and maintain a rusted wrought iron fence.

Custom Iron Fence Styles for New Orleans Properties

Because our fences are fully custom, we can match virtually any design preference or architectural period. Below are the most popular iron fence styles we fabricate for New Orleans homes and businesses.

French Quarter and Victorian Ornamental

Intricate scrollwork, fleurs-de-lis, spear tips, and cast medallions define the ornamental iron style most associated with New Orleans. This tradition dates to the 18th and 19th centuries when Spanish and French craftsmen used iron to decorate balconies, courtyards, and property boundaries throughout the Vieux Carre. Landmark examples like the Pontalba Apartments and the ironwork surrounding St. Louis Cathedral remain touchstones for this style. We replicate these historic motifs with modern fabrication precision, making them ideal for French Quarter shotgun houses, Creole cottages, and Marigny doubles.

Plantation Style

Plantation-style iron fencing uses wider picket spacing, heavier horizontal rails, and a simpler vertical profile. It suits larger residential properties, rural lots, and estates where bold presence matters more than ornate detail. This style also reads well alongside Greek Revival and Italianate architecture common in the Garden District and Uptown, and works for agricultural or rural properties in the Greater New Orleans metro.

Garden District Style

The Garden District is home to some of the most celebrated ironwork in America. The cornstalk fence at Colonel Short’s Villa on Fourth Street, cast with ears of corn and morning glories, is perhaps the most photographed fence in New Orleans. Our team can replicate cornstalk motifs, morning glory patterns, curved botanical details, and other elements that characterize this neighborhood’s double-gallery homes and Greek Revival mansions. These designs work equally well on raised cottages and Victorian properties throughout Uptown and the Irish Channel.

Modern and Contemporary Iron

Not every property calls for scrollwork. For new construction, commercial buildings, or homeowners who prefer clean lines, we fabricate modern iron fencing with minimal ornamentation. Smooth vertical pickets, flat-bar rails, and geometric post caps create a refined, current look. All modern designs are available in powder-coated finishes in any standard or custom color, giving you a sharp, durable appearance that complements contemporary architecture in Lakeview, Metairie, or Bywater.

Post Caps and Finials

The finishing detail on any iron fence is the post cap or finial. We carry a wide selection including ball, pyramid, spear, flame, floral, sphere, and custom options. An aristocrat-style fence has pickets extending above the top rail with exposed finials, while a regal-style fence has the top rail capping the pickets. We help you select the option that balances security and elegance for your specific property.

Iron Fencing Applications

We fabricate and install iron fencing for a broad range of residential and commercial uses across the Greater New Orleans area.

• Residential front and back yards: Define your property line, boost curb appeal, and keep children and pets safely inside
• Pool enclosures and safety fencing: Iron fencing meets Louisiana pool barrier requirements (minimum 4-foot height, self-latching self-closing gate) and looks far better than chain link or aluminum
• Driveway and property entrance fencing: Frame your entry with iron panels that match your custom iron gates
• Commercial properties and business perimeters: Iron fencing projects authority and deters unauthorized access while maintaining a professional appearance
• Garden and courtyard enclosures: Smaller-scale courtyard fencing with custom height and pattern adds character to interior outdoor spaces
• Historic property fencing: We design to HDLC standards for properties in designated historic districts (see section below)

Wrought Iron Fence Cost in New Orleans

One of the most common questions we receive is about pricing. Iron fencing costs vary depending on design complexity, linear footage, terrain, and access. Here is a general framework for budgeting a project in the New Orleans area:

• Standard ornamental iron fencing: $30 to $70 per linear foot, installed
• Highly custom or ornate designs (cornstalk, complex scrollwork, matching historic patterns): $100 or more per linear foot
• Typical residential project (standard design): $1,200 to $4,000 total
• Custom or historic-district project: $4,000 to $8,000 or more, depending on scope
• Gate add-on: $800 to $2,000 for a single or double custom iron gate, depending on size and design
• Orleans Parish permit: Approximately $80 from the City of New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits

Exact pricing depends on your property dimensions, chosen style, terrain conditions, and site access. The only way to get an accurate number is an on-site measurement. We offer free estimates with no obligation. Call us at 504-732-0066 or request a free estimate online.

Fencing in New Orleans Historic Districts

New Orleans has more locally designated historic districts than almost any other American city. If your property is in a designated district, any exterior change, including fence installation or replacement, may require review and approval from the Historic District Landmarks Commission (HDLC) in addition to a standard City of New Orleans building permit.

Key rules and guidelines for fencing in New Orleans historic districts include:

• Front yard height limit: Most residential historic districts limit front yard fencing to 4 feet
• Backyard height limit: Rear and side yard fencing can generally go up to 7 feet
• Chain-link prohibition: Chain-link fencing is prohibited in most New Orleans historic districts and will not receive HDLC approval
• Open fence design required in front yards: Solid wood, vinyl, or opaque fencing is typically not permitted in front yards within historic districts; iron and open picket designs are the approved standard
• Design compatibility: The HDLC reviews whether the proposed fence design is compatible with the character of the historic district and the architecture of the property
• Building permit: Even after HDLC approval, a fence permit from the City of New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits is required (approximately $80 for most residential projects)

Common historic districts where HDLC rules apply include the French Quarter, Garden District, Marigny, Treme, Esplanade Ridge, Bayou St. John, and Central City. If you are unsure whether your property falls within a designated district, we can help you identify it during your free consultation.

Big Easy Iron Works has extensive experience designing and fabricating iron fences that satisfy HDLC design requirements on the first submission. We know the motifs, proportions, and details that pass review in each district. Call 504-732-0066 to schedule a free consultation.

Wrought Iron vs. Cast Iron vs. Ornamental Steel

Clients sometimes ask about the difference between wrought iron, cast iron, and ornamental steel. Here is a plain-language breakdown:

Wrought Iron is the traditional material for New Orleans fencing. It is hand-forged, low in carbon, and worked while hot into the desired shape. Each piece has slight natural variation, which is part of its character. Historic New Orleans fences at the Pontalba Apartments and throughout the French Quarter were fabricated from wrought iron, much of it produced locally at the Leeds Iron Foundry in the 19th century. True wrought iron is rarely used in new installations today because the source material is difficult to obtain, but its aesthetic is the standard we work to replicate.

Cast Iron is produced by pouring molten iron into molds. It has a higher carbon content than wrought iron, which makes it harder but also more brittle. Many of the decorative elements on older New Orleans properties, such as ornate medallions, finials, and cornstalk details, were originally cast iron. It is heavier than wrought iron and tends to crack under impact rather than bend.

Ornamental Steel (also called ornamental iron in common usage) is what most new fences are fabricated from today. It is machine-formed mild steel, consistent in dimension and finish, and significantly more affordable than true wrought iron. When powder-coated and properly maintained, ornamental steel is effectively indistinguishable in appearance from wrought iron and will last just as long. The vast majority of our custom fences are fabricated from ornamental steel.

Powder Coat Finish is a baked-on paint coating applied electrostatically and cured under heat. It is more durable and rust-resistant than brush-applied paint, and it comes in a wide range of colors. Matte black is the most popular choice for New Orleans iron fencing, but we can match any color for properties with specific architectural requirements.

Maintaining Your Iron Fence in New Orleans

New Orleans has one of the most corrosive climates in the United States. High humidity, salt air from Lake Pontchartrain and the Gulf Coast, and frequent rainfall accelerate rust on any iron or steel surface. Proper maintenance extends the life of your fence significantly.

• Annual inspection: Check all welds, ground-level pickets, and horizontal rails for surface rust. Catch it early and treat it with rust-inhibiting primer and touch-up paint
• Full repaint every 5 to 7 years: Depending on sun exposure and proximity to water, a full strip and repaint with rust-inhibiting primer and quality enamel paint is recommended on this schedule
• Annual wax or sealant: A coat of paste wax or clear sealant on the fence surface once a year creates a moisture barrier that slows oxidation
• Clean with mild soap and water: Avoid abrasive cleaners or wire brushes on coated surfaces, as they scratch through the protective finish and invite rust
• Address rust spots immediately: Surface rust on a Gulf South iron fence spreads faster than in drier climates, so do not wait until the next inspection cycle

For a deeper look at what to do when rust appears, read our post on repairing rusted wrought iron fences.

Why Choose Big Easy Iron Works

• Skilled: With over 30 years of experience and a team dedicated to their craft, we produce exceptional custom fences for any budget or need, built to complement any design or architectural period.
• Local: We employ skilled local craftsmen and invest in beautifying and securing our city. We offer professional iron works services across New Orleans and the surrounding parishes.
• Quality: We fabricate in-house from raw material to finished fence. You are not getting a prefabricated panel shipped from a warehouse; you are getting a fence built by hand in New Orleans.
• Transparent: We communicate throughout the design and installation process. No hidden charges, no assumptions, no surprises.

Installing Your Custom Iron Fence

Here is what to expect when you hire Big Easy Iron Works for your iron fence project:

• Free on-site estimate: We measure your property, discuss your design preferences and budget, and give you a written quote with no obligation
• Custom fabrication: We build your fence in our New Orleans shop to your exact specifications
• Professional installation: Our welders set posts properly and install the fence with care, leaving your property clean
• Quality that lasts: Even on budget projects, we do not cut corners on materials or welds, because your fence represents our work in your neighborhood

Neighborhoods We Serve

We fabricate and install custom iron fencing throughout the Greater New Orleans metro area and across the North Shore. If you are within driving distance of New Orleans, we can serve you.

• French Quarter, Marigny, Bywater, Treme
• Garden District, Uptown, Irish Channel, Audubon
• Mid-City, Lakeview, Gentilly, Bayou St. John
• Algiers, Gretna, Harvey, Westwego
• Metairie, Kenner, River Ridge, Harahan
• Covington, Mandeville, Madisonville, Slidell

Other Services

Once you have installed your New Orleans ornamental iron fence, you may want to complement it with matching ironwork throughout your property.

Some of our other services include:

• Iron railings, both indoor and outdoor, to add style to your stairs while increasing safety
• Double French doors and other door styles to create a grand entrance
• Custom iron gates, including driveway and double gates, to finish your fence in matching style
• Wood Fencing
• Plantation Fencing

Frequently Asked Questions About Iron Fencing in New Orleans

How much does a wrought iron fence cost in New Orleans?

Standard ornamental iron fencing in New Orleans generally runs $30 to $70 per linear foot installed. Highly custom or ornate designs, such as cornstalk or complex scrollwork patterns, cost $100 or more per linear foot. A typical residential project ranges from $1,200 to $4,000 for standard designs and $4,000 to $8,000 or more for custom historic work. Call us for a free on-site estimate.

How long does a wrought iron fence last?

A properly fabricated and maintained iron fence can last 50 to 100 years or more. The iron itself does not decay like wood or become brittle like vinyl. The main threat is rust, which is manageable with annual inspections, touch-up paint, and a full repaint every five to seven years. In New Orleans’s humid Gulf South climate, consistent maintenance is especially important.

Do I need a permit to install a fence in New Orleans?

Yes. Most fence installations in New Orleans require a building permit from the City of New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits. The permit costs approximately $80 for most residential fence projects. If your property is in a designated historic district, you will also need HDLC review and approval before the building permit is issued.

What are the HDLC rules for fencing in a historic district?

The Historic District Landmarks Commission (HDLC) requires that fencing in designated New Orleans historic districts be compatible with the character of the neighborhood. Front yard fences are generally limited to 4 feet in height. Chain-link and solid opaque fencing such as solid wood or vinyl are prohibited in front yards. Open iron picket fencing is the standard approved design. Rear and side yard fences may go up to 7 feet.

Is wrought iron good for pool fencing in New Orleans?

Yes. Iron pool fencing meets Louisiana’s pool barrier requirements (minimum 4-foot height, self-latching and self-closing gate) and is far more attractive than chain link or aluminum alternatives. Iron also holds up well in the high humidity and poolside chemical environment when properly powder-coated. It is the preferred choice for pool enclosures on Garden District and Uptown properties.

How do I prevent rust on my iron fence in the Gulf South?

Annual inspections are the first line of defense. Catch surface rust early and treat it with rust-inhibiting primer and touch-up paint before it spreads. Apply a coat of paste wax or clear sealant once a year to create a moisture barrier. Plan for a full strip-and-repaint every five to seven years depending on sun exposure and proximity to water. Avoid abrasive cleaners that scratch the protective finish.

What is the difference between wrought iron and ornamental steel?

True wrought iron is hand-forged low-carbon iron worked while hot. Ornamental steel is machine-formed mild steel that mimics the look of traditional wrought iron. Most new iron fences, including ours, are fabricated from ornamental steel because the source material for true wrought iron is no longer widely available. When powder-coated and properly installed, ornamental steel is virtually identical in appearance and durability to traditional wrought iron.

Can you match the style of my historic New Orleans home?

Yes. We have over 30 years of experience fabricating iron fences for historic properties throughout New Orleans. We can replicate period motifs including French Quarter scrollwork, fleurs-de-lis, cornstalk patterns, morning glory vines, Victorian spear tips, and Spanish Colonial decorative elements. We design to HDLC standards and have a strong track record of first-submission approvals in historic districts.

How much does custom iron fence installation cost per foot?

Custom iron fence installation in New Orleans costs $30 to $70 per linear foot for standard ornamental designs. Highly detailed custom patterns, especially those designed to replicate historic ironwork or pass HDLC review, typically run $100 or more per linear foot. Gate installations add $800 to $2,000 depending on size and complexity. We provide free on-site estimates so you get an exact price for your project.

What fence styles are traditional in New Orleans?

The most historically significant iron fence styles in New Orleans include ornamental Victorian scrollwork with fleurs-de-lis and spear tips common in the French Quarter and Marigny, cornstalk and morning glory motifs in the Garden District, and plantation-style fencing with wider picket spacing for suburban and rural properties. Many of these designs trace back to the ironwork traditions brought to New Orleans by Spanish and French craftsmen in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Get a Free Estimate on Your Custom Iron Fence

Ready to add custom iron fencing to your New Orleans property? Big Easy Iron Works fabricates every fence in-house, custom to your spec, with over 30 years of experience serving homeowners and businesses across the metro area. Call us at 504-732-0066 or visit our request a free estimate page to get started. We serve the French Quarter, Garden District, Metairie, the North Shore, and every neighborhood in between.