Beauty, Durability, and Cost Considerations
Wrought iron fencing has been around for centuries, and it remains a popular choice when durability and classic style are your primary concerns. But that’s not all it has to offer. A modern wrought iron fence is an environmentally friendly choice that can be customized to fit your personal style, and even after all this time, it’s still worth a second look.
What is a Wrought Iron Fence? A Timeless Classic
Wrought iron fencing is made of iron and steel that is heated and bent into different designs. They can have straightforward linear designs or complex, intricate designs with ornate features.
They have a rich history, and they are an iconic symbol of security and wealth.
The History and Craftsmanship of Wrought Iron
Although iron was discovered about 5,000 to 7,000 years ago, people didn’t use it for fencing and gates until the 12th century. This was when improvements in the smelting and forging processes made it more available to blacksmiths.
The first wrought iron fencing saw use as protection for castles and palaces.
By the 18th century, the Industrial Revolution brought further changes to ironworking.
Even though ironwork was still “wrought” by hand, people manufactured iron bars that they could use to make fences. During the Victorian era, iron fences epitomized a classic symbol of prosperity.
Traditionally, manufacturers made them out of solid iron ore , which was less corrosion-resistant than modern steel iterations. Today, they use steel in picket styles with beautiful spires and attractive scrolls.
In addition, most wrought iron is mass manufactured, which has made it more affordable and accessible to the average consumer.
Key Characteristics of Wrought Iron Fencing
This style has a unique appeal, and if you’re looking for evidence that they are an excellent choice, consider their key characteristics.
Durability
Like the oldest wrought iron fence in New York, built in 1771 around the city’s first public park, these types last a long time. The wrought iron fence at Bowling Green Park in New York protected the statue of King George III, and though the Sons of Liberty topped the statue in 1776, the fence still stands.
Strength
They use vertical bars, called spires, connected by horizontal bars, which give them strength. These bars are bent and welded together for strength and can resist high winds, extreme temperatures, and wet climates.
Security
In addition to its ornate designs, wrought iron provides a secure barrier to protect your home and family from unwanted intruders. They are difficult to climb on, and their strength makes them almost impossible to break into.
Low-maintenance
Although they require some upkeep, they are a low-maintenance option in the long term. You can easily clean them with a hose and a brush, and if the powder-coated surface gets nicked, it’s easy to touch up with paint.
Aesthetic appeal
The aesthetic appeal of wrought iron is one of the top reasons to choose this style. Furthermore, the fact that manufacturers can make unique designs and different styles adds to the appeal.
Versatility
Most people choose a fencing type based on their family’s needs. The versatility of wrought iron makes it a top choice because it ranks high in almost every category.
Unfortunately, one of the main disadvantages of traditional wrought iron fencing is the lack of privacy. However, wrought iron privacy fence panels are now widely available, so you can build a privacy fence with the luxurious wrought iron style.
Popular Wrought Iron Fence Designs and Styles
When you choose a wrought iron fence, you can have it custom-made in any style to take full advantage of its versatility. For convenient options at a lower cost, choose a prefab wrought iron fence panel.
Flat-top
The flat-top metal fence style is simple and sleek.
They make it with vertical bars held together with two or three rails, with one of them at the top of the vertical bars. It’s the perfect fence for pools, parks, and other areas that will benefit from a straightforward fence style.
Hoop-top
The hoop-top fence style has looped spires that create a hoop at the top. In some designs, every other spire is looped, and fences made in this style can have simple lines or intricate scrollwork spires and finials for accents.
Arched top
Arched-top fences have an arched design–one of the most popular ornamental designs.
The gradually curved designs complement a variety of landscape styles. The vertical spires sometimes extend above the top rail, but only sometimes.
Scalloped top
The graceful curves of the scallop-top style, which have a concave design, are the opposite of an arched top fence. They are useful for highlighting curvilinear architectural designs in buildings and landscapes, and they are often used in ornate wrought iron gates.
Finials and other design styles
You can choose from hundreds of finial designs, but these are the most popular finial styles used with this type of fencing.
- Fleur-de-lis
- Roman spikes
- Arrows
- Pineapples
- Ball tops
Wrought Iron Fence Cost: Factors and Pricing
Wrought iron fence costs vary depending on several factors, including the size of your yard, materials, labor, and customization of design elements. However, the average cost of these fences is $3,100, and the price typically falls between $1,320 and $4,900.
Material and Production Costs
Materials and production costs play a significant role in determining the cost of your fence.
Cost of wrought iron fence materials
Wrought iron fences cost about $25 to $35 per linear foot, including installation. The size of your yard and the height of your fence are important factors in determining the cost of materials.
At $30 per linear foot, you can easily calculate how much it will cost to fence your yard by finding the total perimeter and multiplying by 30. Here are some common sizes to use as an example.
| Yard size | Linear feet | Cost of wrought iron fence |
| 500 square feet (25’ x 20’) | 90 | $2,700 |
| 2000 square feet (40’ x 50’) | 180 | $5,400 |
| 3500 square feet (50’ x 70’) | 240 | $7,200 |
| 0.25 acres (110’ x 100’) | 420 | $12,600 |
| 1 acre (200’ x 220’) | 840 | $25,200 |
Cost of different heights
The height of your wrought iron fence will also help determine the cost of your fence. Here are the linear costs of various fence heights:
- 3 feet–$22 to $26
- 4 feet–$23 to $26
- 5 feet–$26 to $30
- 6 feet–$33 to $36
Different types of wrought iron fence styles
The three main types of wrought iron are plain, galvanized, and ornamental. Here are the cost breakdowns for each type:
- Plain–$25 to $30 per linear foot
- Galvanized–$30 per linear foot
- Ornamental–$30 to $35 per linear foot
Different types of materials
You could pay significantly less for mass-produced materials like cast iron. The biggest difference between cast iron and wrought iron is how they are manufactured.
Wrought iron is heated and bent into shape, and cast iron is melted and poured into molds. The average cost of cast iron fences is between $1,500 and $4,000.
Installation Costs and Labor Considerations
Installation costs can fluctuate depending on several factors, including labor, which is one of the primary expenses of installing a wrought iron fence. Here are some other key considerations when determining installation costs:
- Existing fence removal
- Tree removal
- Stump removal
- Tree pruning
- Shrub pruning or removal
- Land leveling and grading
- Landscaping
Customization and Decorative Elements
One of the best features of wrought iron fencing is its ability to be customized.
Additional design elements and ornate features like gates and brick columns can improve the aesthetic value of your wrought iron fence, but they can also add several thousands of dollars to your project.
Maintenance and Repair Expenses
Wrought iron is remarkably easy to care for and costs less to maintain compared to other fences.
Replacement costs are also low because wrought iron fences last a lifetime. To keep your fence looking its best, perform the following maintenance tasks:
- Keep the fence clear of vines and shrubs
- Clean regularly with soapy water
- Lubricate the gate hinges
- Paint your fence with an oil-based paint for metals
- Replace missing parts, such as gate hardware and finials
Sometimes, wrought iron fences require repair work, such as welding rails or spires back together. Wrought iron fence repairs cost between $250 and $800 on average.
Why Choose Wrought Iron Fencing Over Other Options?
Many people love the appearance, which alone is enough to convince them that it’s the best option. Here’s more on why you should choose a wrought iron fence.
Unmatched Durability and Strength
The long-lasting durability and strength of wrought iron are unmatched.
Wrought iron fences not only hold up against environmental forces and the elements of time but are also strong enough to prevent break-ins even when a lot of pressure is applied.
Timeless Aesthetic Appeal
The beauty of wrought iron fences is unrivaled.
These fences enhance the value of any property. And because they come in so many styles, it’s easy to find the right one for your home.
You can customize your fence’s style, color, design elements, and height.
Enhanced Security and Privacy
The strength of wrought iron makes it an ideal choice for security, which can put your mind at ease and make you feel safer in your home. Even though it’s not the first choice for a privacy fence, it pairs well with landscape features like arborvitae or privet hedges to keep intruders from looking inside your yard.
Long-Term Value and Investment
Realistically, wrought iron fencing can last a lifetime. In fact, it will probably be the last fence you ever need for your home.
The savings in replacement costs make it a fantastic long-term investment. Wrought iron is also a sustainable resource because it lasts a long time and can be recycled, which gives it long-term value for the planet.
FAQ: Wrought Iron Fencing Questions
How much does it typically cost?
The average cost is typically $3,100. However, most people pay between $1,320 and $4,900, depending on several factors, like design and installation.
What are the main differences between wrought iron and other metal options?
The most significant difference between wrought iron and other metal fences is the ability of wrought iron to be customized. It’s stronger than most metal fences, such as aluminum or chainlink, and it is longer-lasting.
Wrought iron also looks great with other materials, such as brick columns.
How do I maintain and protect my wrought iron fence from rust and damage?
Cleaning your fence regularly with soapy water and a light brush will help keep it in good condition. Next, inspect your fence for damage to the powder coating and repair it immediately using a barrier like an epoxy primer. A couple of coats of primer followed by paint will keep it from rusting.
Can you customize it to match your property’s style?
One of the most significant advantages of wrought iron is its ability to be customized. You can choose from a variety of styles, design elements, and heights to create exactly the look you want.
Are there any alternative materials that look similar to wrought iron?
Cast iron fences are the closest alternative to wrought iron. They have similar appearances, but with cast iron, the product is melted and poured into a mold, and with wrought iron, the material is formed into different shapes by being heated and bent.
