Ornamental Iron

Ornamental metalworking techniques have been around since the early 1900s. While general metalworking has been streamlined by machining and basic metalworking has become a popular hobby, true ornamental iron working remains a specialized skill of highly trained artisans. As a testament to the durability of ornamental metalworking, many of the ornamental pieces created more than 100 years ago are still in great condition today.

Ornamental Iron and Home Improvement Projects

Fences and Gates: Having a hard time choosing between the classic look of wood and the low-maintenance features of aluminum or vinyl? Well, ornamental iron is one of the only options that combine these two qualities, which helps explain its enduring niche in the residential fencing market. If you decide you simply can't afford the cost of a wrought iron fence, you might still consider hiring an ornamental metalworking artisan to create a beautiful wrought iron gate for your home.

Railings: Everybody seems to know what railings are, but they can have very different designs, looks, and functions. Guard rails, sloped rails for stairs and ramps, rails for balconies, balustrades, each requires a slightly different eye during its initial conception. It's one the home improvements that can seem straightforward at first, but subtle differences can make a huge impact on the overall ambiance of your home's interior and/or the aesthetic for home's curb appeal. Stairs: Whether an old-fashioned spiral staircase, gently curved staircase, or a straight shot, don't feel like you need to automatically run into the arms of your local carpenter. Metal, especially ornamental metal and iron, can also make for stunning and modern stairs. And for your outdoor stairs for decks and porches, metal stairs are going to involve a lot less maintenance.

Finding an Ornamental Iron Contractor
You may be surprised to learn, that ornamental metalworking and fabrication is a thriving U.S. industry, commonly referred to as Architectural and Ornamental Metal Work. Indeed, this industry is self-regulating with several national organizations, including the National Ornamental and Miscellaneous Metals Association, the National Association of Architectural Metal Manufacturers, and the International Association of Ornamental Iron Workers.

Still, it can be difficult to find a local contractor with the right experience in ornamental iron and metals, especially compared to the plethora of kitchen and bathroom remodeling companies, electricians, plumbers, and carpenters that may seem ubiquitous by comparison. To this end, HomeAdvisor's database includes 500 pros for wrought iron fence work, 160 for metal stairs and railings, and another 100 for ornamental metalworking and fabrication. Each of these pros has endured our rigorous ten-step screening process. If you want a custom staircase, railing, fence, or gates, there's a decent chance we can find at least one local company who can take care of your ornamental metalworking needs.