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  • 5 Tips for Choosing Wrought Iron Railings

    If you are planning to build or design your dream home then you know that you should consider every detail carefully and that it includes the wrought iron railing.

    The exterior of your house says much about the owner as it gives the impression on what the owner likes, it is also the first thing that people see.

    Wrought iron railings are no exception as they give added character and charm to your home.
    Wrought iron railings also give value to your property. The intricate details and the metalwork of the iron railings are a work of art.

    Wrought iron railings, when one understands them properly, are easy to maintain, are customizable, and are great for the environment, but there are things to consider in order to choose the one that best fits your home.

    To Help You, Here Are 5 Tips for Choosing Your Exterior Wrought Iron Railing

    1. Find and establish the installation spot for the wrought iron rails

    The type of mount is an important factor in successfully establishing the type of outdoor and indoor wrought iron railing. The two create the level of the sturdiness of your iron fixture that needs to complement each other.

    There are three common ways to mount wrought iron railings:

    • Direct wall fixture
    • Mounting the frame via a fascia, side, or joist mount
    • Floor or deck mounting

    Outdoor railings need more effort than indoor railings, specifically when they are used to protect your privacy or give your home extra safety and security.

    If security around the house or establishment is your central force, you need a wrought iron fence that is durable, strong, and a height to match. Spiked toppers also make it difficult for home intruders to climb.

    If privacy for your home is your main concern, intricate and ornate iron fences with covered panels are your best choices because they block the view from the outside without losing the aesthetic look of your exterior.

    2. Take into consideration the size and strength of the wrought iron material

    Detail of a house facade. New granite stairs with metal railings - Big Easy Iron WorksFirst, you need to consider the purpose of the wrought iron railing when choosing the size of the material. A high-pressure environment, an area where there is a high risk of home intruders climbing in, needs durable, strong and thick iron fences.

    It is important to remember that painted wrought iron usually lasts longer than those that are not as the extra coat provides protection from rusting. Moreover, when you maintain it by regular sanding of rust spots you keep the quality of it.

    3. Pick a design that matches the indoor and outdoor aesthetic

    The overall look of it matters and should be on the top of the list when it is time for you to pick a design for your wrought iron railing because how your property looks helps determine its value.

    If you already have a wrought iron design that you want, find a contractor or company that is able to deliver your design dreams. If you’re still considering it, it’s better to consult a wrought iron expert for a design that is similar to the look of the exterior of your home.

    Creating a custom metal railing allows you to express your unique style and imagination. Here’s how you can collaborate effectively with metalwork companies to bring your vision to life:

    Customization Options

    • Design Modifications: Even if you see a design that has already been done, companies can modify it specifically for you. This could involve changing the color or tweaking the overall design to better suit your preferences.
    • Material Choices: You have a variety of finish applications to choose from, including durable high-quality paint and powder coating, depending on your needs and application.

    Collaboration Process

    • Clear Communication: Ensure that the company will inform you of any concerns related to building codes or other regulations, keeping you aware throughout the process.
    • Experience Matters: Look for companies that have experience working with general contractors, homeowners, and business owners. They will understand the different requirements and can deliver a finished product that exceeds expectations.

    Compliance and Assurance

    • Building Codes: Make sure that all projects comply with city building codes. This not only ensures safety but also provides peace of mind.
    • Quality Assurance: A reputable company will guarantee that the final custom metal railing meets or surpasses your expectations.

    Practical Examples

    • Material Versatility: Some companies also work with different materials such as wood, offering options like prepping the railing for a wood top if you’re interested.
    • Finish Applications: From high-quality paint to powder coating, you can choose the finish that best suits your needs and enhances the durability of your railing.

    By considering these elements, you’ll be better equipped to collaborate with metalwork companies and create a custom railing that perfectly complements your home’s exterior and reflects your personal style.

    Related: Steel and Wrought Iron: Which Railing is the Best for Your Property

    4. Set your budget and timeframe for the installation

    You can determine the budget of your wrought iron fence choices based on design and timeline. Pre-designed wrought iron fences or railings are the best for short timelines and are budget-friendly. Customization, on the other hand, may require more time, effort, and cost.

    5. Know community rules and regulations on installation

    Some localities have rules that regulate the height of wrought iron fences and their type of placement on a property. This may especially be true for exclusive villages that have strict HOA rules or local community guidelines.

    Check with your local community office to know which types of fences you are legally allowed to install.

    How Much Does It Cost to Install Wrought Iron Railings?

    The cost to install wrought iron railings is $2,600. According to HomeAdvisor, most homeowners can expect to pay between $700 and $4,600 for materials and the cost of labor. Prepare a plan with $50 to $120 per linear foot for materials, and add that to $300 to $1,000 per project for labor for a banister between 10 and 30 feet.

    The materials such as the balusters or the pickets, the finials at the top, or the decorative posts at the end that support the handrail are also included in the final price to make a wrought iron railing. The cost for the whole railing can include the handrails, bottom rails, and any hardware that is crucial for the installation.

    The wrought iron railing can be installed in the exterior porch, stairs, verandas, or decks and because they are so versatile they can be customized to the owner’s taste, so customization can add to the cost.

    Related: Is Wrought Iron Worth Anything?

    What Are the Wrought Iron Railing Parts?

    • The rails or the members are the main structural parts of a wrought iron fence.Urban landscape in Europe - Big Easy iron Works Rails are what keeps a fence together and an integral part of the overall structure.
    • The spires or vertical members do their part as the posts of the fence.
    • Pickets, also known as balusters are the center of the fence panel and are usually welded to the members of a wrought iron fence or railing.
    • The finials are what are known as decorative tips that are found on top of the wrought iron railing gate. They add design and style to the fence.
    • The posts are the square parts found on the wrought iron fence that are either bolted to a surface or found beneath the ground with concrete.
    • The columns are the pillars, posts, or poles that are normally found near the entrance that provide protection or security.

    What Are Popular Wrought Iron Designs for Railings?

    1. Classic and vintage design

    The classic and vintage styles are popular as wrought iron railing for steps as the intricate and ornate iron patterns are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Wrought iron is known for its strength and versatility and adding to it a vintage style can add charm to your home.

    2. Modern and sleek design

    Door with railings in Hotel - Big Easy Iron Works

    For homeowners wanting clean-cut and parallel design in their house, the modern and sleek design that wrought iron railings can do can give a sophisticated quality to your home.

     

    The geometric shapes will create a balanced harmony of the modern look into the exterior of your home.

    Challenges and Solutions in Creating Custom Wrought Iron Railings for Different Properties

    Creating custom wrought iron railings involves a unique set of challenges, particularly when considering the diverse needs of various properties. Here are some key challenges and their solutions:

    1. Design Diversity

    Challenge: Property owners often seek railings that reflect their personal style or the historical aesthetics of their building. This requires a high degree of customization.

    Solution: Collaborating closely with clients to tailor designs that fit their specific tastes and property aesthetics. Offering a range of customizable options ensures each railing has unique touches, from intricate patterns to finish choices.

    2. Building Code Compliance

    Challenge: Ensuring every custom railing meets local building codes and safety regulations can be complex and time-consuming.

    Solution: Prior to fabrication, consulting with local building code officials to guarantee all design elements comply with safety standards. Utilizing professional knowledge to foresee and address any potential compliance issues during the design phase helps smooth the approval process.

    3. Material Selection and Durability

    Challenge: Different environments and usage patterns demand variations in material selection to ensure longevity.

    Solution: Offering various finish applications, like high-quality paints or powder coatings, to meet the specific needs of the property. Powder coating, for instance, provides a durable, weather-resistant finish ideal for exterior railings exposed to the elements.

    4. Integration with Existing Structures

    Challenge: Custom railings need to blend seamlessly with existing architectural elements, whether modern or traditional.

    Solution: Employing skilled artisans who can adapt designs to harmonize with the existing structure. This may include preparing wrought iron railings to integrate with other materials like wood, adding both aesthetic appeal and functional versatility.

    5. Coordination with Contractors and Homeowners

    Challenge: Balancing the expectations of homeowners and the practical demands of general contractors can be challenging.

    Solution: Maintaining open communication lines with all stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle ensures that both aesthetic desires and practical requirements are met. Regular check-ins and updates foster a collaborative environment, leading to a final product that satisfies all parties involved.

    By addressing these challenges with thoughtful solutions, the creation of custom wrought iron railings can enhance the beauty, functionality, and safety of any property.

    More from Big Easy Iron Works

    Can Rusted Wrought Iron Be Repaired?
    Burglar-Proofing Your Home 101: How to Protect Windows From Burglars


    Big Easy Iron Works is your one-stop for iron products and services in New Orleans. We offer doors, gates, custom iron, and ironwork repairs for homes and businesses.

What Our Clients Say

“Great job on the iron gates! I can’t believe they finished installing the iron gate and repairing our fence. A lot of my neighbors recommended Big Easy Iron Works and I can see why they trust them so much. Very professional workers came and the owner checked up from time to time. Great experience.”

– Vanessa Johnson
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“You have my respect for Big Easy Iron Works! Thank you for staying true to your word about quality service. They helped install our new iron fence and it exceeded my expectations to be honest. They explained everything they would be doing every day of the job. I really recommend them for those living in New Orleans. Hire them for your fencing needs.”

– Billy Anderson
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“I contacted Big Easy Iron Works because most of my neighbors recommended them to me. I am satisfied with the time that they took to finish the work repairs with my wood fence. The fences they placed turned out nice and they looked like they would last longer. I would also recommend them to my friends in New Orleans.”

– Shirley Oaks
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