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

First, 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.

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 in 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. 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 or 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

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 sophistication quality into your home.

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

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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.