There is a lot to consider when designing your house or office, the exterior included. Wrought iron railings are no exception as they are part of the facade that gives the first impression of your space and adds value to your property.
These classic finishing touches are long-lasting, easy to maintain, customizable, and environment-friendly, but choosing which is best for your abode can leave you staring at an endless number of options. To help you out, here are some tips to help you find the best decorative wrought iron railing.
How to Choose Your Ornamental Iron Fence
Why Iron is the Best Material to Use for Railings
Ornate ironworks have been around for hundreds of years and for good reasons:
- They can carry a variety of patterns to match any exterior or interior theme.
- They provide the architectural style of any building an elegant antique charm.
- They can deter wild animals and most vehicles.
While iron rusts, maintaining it is simpler than other materials and reliable services, like Naddour’s Custom Metalworks, are readily available in localities. Our team is composed of professionals who are experts in priming and repainting wrought iron railings.
How to Choose an Outdoor Wrought Iron Railing
1. Know the installation spot for the wrought iron rails
The type of mount is an essential factor in determining the type of outdoor and indoor railing. Matching the two creates the level of sturdiness of your iron fixture.
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 demand more than indoor railings, especially when used to protect your privacy or provide your home or office extra security.
If security around the house or establishment is your driving force, you need a wrought iron fence that is durable, strong, and high. Spiked toppers also make it hard for intruders to climb over.
If privacy is your concern, ornate iron fences with covered panels are your best options. They block the view from the outside without sacrificing the look of your exterior.
2. Consider the size and strength of the wrought iron material
Think about your purpose for the railing when choosing the size of the material. A heavy pressure environment, a place where there is a high chance of intruders breaking in, demands strong and thick iron fences.
Note: Painted wrought iron lasts longer than those that are not as the coat provides protection from rusting. Still, regular sanding of rust spots is a must to maintain the quality of the construction.
3. Choose a design that matches your interior or exterior design theme
Aesthetic matters and should be a priority when selecting a design for your wrought iron railing. How your property looks helps determine its value.
If you already have a specific design in mind, find a service provider who can deliver your vision or selection. If you’re still thinking, it’s best to consult a wrought iron expert for a design that matches the look of your interior or facade.
4. Determine your budget and timeline for installation
You can narrow down your wrought iron fence choices based on your budget and timeline. Pre-designed ironwork is perfect for short timelines and lower budgets. Customization, on the other hand, may require more time, effort, and cost.
5. Know your communities regulations on fence installation
Some localities have codes that regulate the height of fences and their type of placement. This may especially be true for exclusive villages. Check with your local community office to know which types of fences you are legally allowed to install.
How Do You Protect Your Wrought Iron Outside?
The challenge with wrought iron is that it needs to be protected from extreme elements like UV rays, moisture, and salt water or air. Constant exposure to these can cause it to rust or fade. To prolong the life of your investment iron fixture, regular maintenance is important. Here’s how you do it.
Prep the wrought iron for painting
Sand the surface of your railing to get rid of rust and uneven spots. This will also allow the primer to coat the iron better.
Use a steel wool, stiff brush, or wire brush to remove visible rust and a medium-grit sandpaper or a sandblaster to even the surface out. Make sure to get rid of accumulated dirt or grime or chipped paint before applying your rust and weather-resistant primer. You can do this by hosing it down with high pressure water.
Apply the primer
A rust-inhibiting primer suits wrought iron best. It comes in aerosol and paint forms. Either way, it’s best to have a paintbrush ready to reach all corners. For best results, apply two coats.
Paint and finish
Once the primer sets and dries, lightly sand your wrought iron railing again. Then, paint it with an exterior-grade, rust-inhibiting enamel paint. Let it dry.
To prevent fading from sun constant sun exposure, apply an iron sealant.
Maintain regularly
Keep the surface of your fence or railing clean and free from dust and debris by wiping it down with warm, soapy water and drying it with a towel. Sand off and touch up rust spots and paint chips.
Maintain the natural shine of your wrought iron fixture by lightly sponging it with a mixture of baking soda and water and air drying it regularly.
What Naddour’s Custom Metalworks Can Offer You
Create a lasting first impression with your office or home exterior with a sturdy and sophisticated wrought iron fence around your property. Naddour’s Custom Metalworks specializes in craftsmanship, experience, and attention to detail and beauty for ornamental wrought iron, stainless steel, bronze, brass, and titanium works. Check out our showroom for proof!
Set a meeting with us to discuss your exterior design vision, budget, and timeline via our fill out form. You can also reach us at (714) 266 1950. We are open from 9am to 5pm, Mondays through Fridays. Your dream antique affluent facade is just a consultation away!