Wrought iron fencing is classy and timeless, adding a stylish aesthetic and increased value to your home.
However, there are so many design considerations before you install a wrought iron fence that it can be hard to decide how to start your fencing plans.
Here’s the ultimate guide to all things wrought iron fencing, to help you develop the most stylish fencing for your budget, style, and property needs.
Why Choose Wrought Iron Fencing?
Wrought iron is very strong, but as it’s a low carbon alloy – especially compared to cast iron – it’s easy to bend and shape into any desired figure.
This makes it a perfect material for creating customized fences with intricate and unique detail.
Wrought iron fences are also low maintenance and very strong. They’re ideal for areas known for high winds, too, when panel fencing would be a safety hazard.
The aesthetic of wrought iron is what appeals to most homeowners to install a fence on their property. The solid iron, curled into interesting and delicate designs, adds a classic look to any home.
7 Design Tips to Inspire Your Fence Installation
Take a look at this checklist of considerations for your iron fence before you even start to create your ideal design. These suggestions will help you to define your style – and keep within budget.
1. What’s Your Budget?
Wrought iron fencing prices can vary considerably depending on your requirements.
A simple off-the-peg fence will set you back around $40 per foot. This is the most budget-friendly option but it doesn’t give you any room to customize the design.
A very intricate custom design, however, can cost upwards of $300 per foot. If that’s way out of your budget, consider simplifying your design.
Alternatively, you can discuss options with your fence installer such as only installing a wrought iron fence on your front boundary, with cheaper options for other property boundaries.
2. Don’t Skimp on Materials
There are wrought iron lookalikes available on the market. These alternatives, such as steel and aluminum, may appeal because of the cheaper price tag.
However, when you pay less – you get less. The cheaper materials are less durable, prone to rust, and not as sturdy as wrought iron.
Cheaper materials will require more maintenance in the long-term, and you will need to replace the entire fence far sooner than the enduring wrought iron version.
3. Consider Your Finials
There are two parts to wrought iron fencing: the spires (the vertical posts) and the finials. These are the decorative tops that give this fencing type its distinctive style.
There are a few classic styles – such as spikes or fleur-de-lis – but if your budget allows for it, introduce a custom design.
Work with your fence supplier to develop a finial that matches your property, your personality, and your style to really personalize something that will last for years and years to come.
If you’d like custom finials but your budget is restricted, consider introducing them only as part of the major fence elements, such as on a gate post.
4. Straight or Scroll Spires?
The spires of your fence can be as decorative as the finials. Straight spires are a classic square rod that delivers a minimalist style.
Scrolls, however, are made by twisting the iron when it is molten hot. This takes significant skill by the metalworker, as the scrolls must be evenly spaced across the entire pole.
Scrolls add an air of elegance to your fence and fit in very well with period properties that require a more sympathetic historical style.
5. Consider Additional Decoration
The beauty of wrought iron fencing is how it can span any personal style. From ultra-modern blocks with heavy geometric shapes to light and intricate filigree styling.
You can choose to add spirals or decorative elements between the spires of your fence to add more privacy without blocking the view entirely. These spirals can be anything from a simple elongated ‘s-curve’ scroll the length of the spire to incredibly detailed floral designs.
6. What Is Around the Fence Area?
When you’re designing your wrought iron fence details, do consider the surroundings and maintenance too.
Do you need full visibility through your fence? Opt for a simple and widely-spaced fence design. More solid scroll designs with a lot of iron between the railings may restrict your view.
Are there plants and shrubs near to the railings? If so, do you want them to become part of the fence or will they be in the way? A more intricate pattern allows for climbing plants to take hold – but a modern, simple design makes it easy to maintain your garden.
Note that if your plants are going to be integrated into the fence boundary, the damp vegetation can incite rust and so more maintenance will be required to prevent erosion.
7. Do You Want a Gate?
A gate can perfectly set off your wrought iron fence to complete the boundary with effortless style.
However, these gates are heavy and may be tricky to handle if you have limited mobility. It’s not impossible, however, especially if you consider having an automated opening system installed so that you don’t have to manually open it.
Sometimes, a good alternative to a gate is a wrought iron archway. This helps to frame the entrance of a property in a more welcoming way compared to a gate which fully closes the boundary. You can also allow climbing plants to grow over the arch for a homely style, although be aware this will add to the maintenance of your fence.
Maintenance Tips for Your Fence
The beauty of wrought iron fencing is its longevity: it’s going to last for decades. The maintenance is low, but if you spend time each year looking after it, the lifespan will be significantly extended.
Clean the railings with soapy water every so often. This will help to wash away any grime and debris that has built up and may cause slow erosion or minor rusting. Once clean, apply a wax finish to prevent rust.
If you notice rusty spots on your fence, use a wire brush to gently scrub the rust away before cleaning with soapy water. You’ll need to apply a rust converter, a primer, and then repaint your fence.
Speak to a Wrought Iron Fencing Expert
Designing your wrought iron fence is fun – but speaking to an expert takes it to a whole new level.
At A Straight Up Fence Company, we have experienced metal workers who will be able to advise and design the perfect fence for your property.
Contact us today to find out more and receive a free estimate for your wrought iron fencing requirements.