Wrought Iron Fence Cost

How Much Does a Wrought Iron Fence Cost?

Materials: $20-$100+ Per Foot

With Professional Installation: $30-$300+

Post

Comments (5)

Sometimes called rod iron or rot iron, wrought iron is a tough, malleable and rust-resistant iron alloy that is hand-turned, hammered, bent and welded into desired shapes and forms. However, actual wrought iron is labor-intensive and expensive, and has not been commercially produced in the United States since the 1960s, according to the National Ornamental & Miscellaneous Metals Association. The ornamental metal fencing sold as "wrought iron" today is made from forged (not wrought) steel or aluminum. Also referred to as ornamental metal fencing, modern "wrought iron" fencing is typically durable and relatively rust-resistant.

Typical costs:

Some modern wrought-iron-style fencing comes in 6'-8' long panels 3'-6' tall, and with posts and mounting brackets is often designed to be installed by either a weekend do-it-yourself willing to dig fence post holes or a professional fencing contractor. Do-it-yourself materials can cost $20-$100 or more a linear foot, depending on the type of metal (steel is typically stronger but more expensive than aluminum), height, the number of ornamental details, number of gates, and the number and spacing of the fence posts. A 100' fence with a basic walk-in gate can cost $2,500-$11,000 or more. DIYNetwork provides instructions^[1] for installing a wrought iron fence and two gates to enclose a small courtyard, and estimates this moderate-to-hard project will take one day and cost $1,000-$2,500.
With professional installation, the total cost for labor and materials for wrought iron fence panels can be $30-$300 or more per foot, depending on local rates and the height, style and complexity of the installation (installing metal fencing on a slope costs more). With a gate and other additions, total project costs can be $3,500-$35,000. Note that some manufacturers ship their fencing materials unassembled and the fencing contractor assembles the finished panels, which requires more skill and experience than installing prebuilt panels.
A Chicago remodeling company charges $12-28 for materials per linear foot and $16-$39 for installation, for a total of -^[2] per linear foot.

Related articles: Aluminum Fence, Handyman, Fence

What should be included:

Installation of a wrought iron fence is typically done in two stages. After the fence path is cleared, post holes are dug and the posts installed in concrete. A day or two later, when the concrete has hardened, fence panels are attached to the posts and the gate is installed. The Amazing Gate company provides a how-to installation video^[3] .
Wrought iron fencing installs best on flat land. On a hilly or sloping property, the fence panels must be either stair-stepped down a slope (using fence posts of varying lengths) or what is referred to as "biasing" or "raking" the panels so they're at an angle, following the contour of the ground. Hoover Fence Co. illustrates stair stepping and raking^[4] . The other option is a custom installation, with each picket on a downhill slope slightly longer than the last, so the top of the fence remains level but there's no gap at the bottom.
Steel ornamental fencing is heavy and durable, and stands up to a lot of wear and tear, but it will begin to rust over time so it does require some maintenance (wire brushing and repainting every 2-3 years, or re-coating every 10-15 years). Aluminum ornamental fencing is lightweight, durable and relatively low-maintenance, but is not as strong as steel fencing. AZCentral.com lists the pros and cons^[5] of steel, wood and aluminum fencing materials.
Before installing a fence, call 811^[6] to have utility companies mark any underground utility lines; or contact local utility companies directly. Also check local zoning, building and neighborhood codes; many dictate the height and type of fencing allowed, and property line set-backs required.

Additional costs:

If the fence encloses a driveway, an ornamental driveway gate can cost $1,400-$9,000, depending on whether it's manual or automatic.

Shopping for a wrought iron fence:

Wrought-Iron-style fence panels are available from home improvement centers like Home Depot^[7] and Lowe's^[8] .
Search for local fencing contractors through the American Fence Association^[9] or the National Ornamental & Miscellaneous Metals Association^[10] .
Get several estimates; verify that the company is properly bonded and insured; ask for and check references; and search for any complaints with the Better Business Bureau^[11] .

Post

Comments (5)

CostHelper News

10 Reasons to Shop Small Business Saturday on Nov. 28
After the retail insanity of Black Friday, consider checking out locally-owned companies on Saturday, Nov. 28. || Posted October 25 2020

10 Key Ways to Prepare for Extreme Snow
Forecasters are predicting a true nor'easter will hit the eastern and central states with rain, thunderstorms, ice, snow and high winds over the Thanksgiving weekend. It's crucial to plan ahead, before bad weather hits. || Posted November 26 2013



	‣ All CostHelper Blog Posts

What People Are Paying - Recent Comments

Wrought iron metal 6ft. Tall and 8 ft. Wide for sale

Amount: $70.00

Posted by: Buck Glenn in Houston, TX.	Posted: September 23rd, 2019 06:09PM
Number of Feet: 6ft tall 8 ft wide Estimated	Height: 6ft tall 8 ft wide Estimated
Installer: I need to sale

Need to sale 70$ a piece I have about 60 pieces