Wrought iron was one of the first types of materials used for fencing with its use in this field going back to at least the 12th century AD. As time went on, blacksmiths discovered improved ways to smelt the iron ore to create stronger wrought iron. At the same time, they began utilizing new ways to shape the iron to create increasingly intricate shapes. Many examples of beautiful wrought iron from well over a hundred years ago still exist today.
The wrought iron fence still remains an incredibly popular choice for business owners and especially for homeowners who want to create a sophisticated look on their properties. The traditional look of wrought iron along with its ability to be worked and molded into nearly every imaginable shape makes it exceedingly popular to this day. Whether you are looking for a very strong fence that will last for decades or want a classical fence that matches the architecture of your home or your historical business, a wrought iron fence from Reliable Fence may just be the best choice for you. Consider some of the following benefits of wrought iron fences as you make your choice.
First, wrought iron fences are incredibly secure and strong. Wrought iron is iron that has been worked in the heat and that has been molded into a new shape. The more that iron is heated and reheated, the stronger it actually becomes. Wrought iron is far stronger than cast iron. This strength makes it among the strongest fences you can buy, which is why wrought iron fences and gates are often used as security fences around certain housing developments or business. Whether you are trying to keep intruders off your property or are looking for increased peace of mind at home, a wrought iron fence from Reliable Fence is the right way to go. It also stands up well even in the most inclement weather.
Second, wrought iron fences are known for being among the longest-lasting fences on the market today. This strength in all types of weather ensures that your wrought iron fence will last for decades. In fact, these fences are frequently called 100-year fences because with proper, regular maintenance, they should last at least this long. In fact, some wrought iron fences installed in the late 1800s are still in existence today. Because they last so long, you can rest assured that this is an incredibly eco-friendly choice for your family, and you can feel proud of the investment you are making on your property.
Third, wrought iron fences may not need as much regular maintenance as you may have thought. Although they can eventually rust if you do not care for them regularly, wrought iron is not as prone to rust as plain iron is thanks to the metal’s high concentration of carbon. When you do need to maintain this fence, it is quick and easy to sand away any rust that has formed and to give it a quick coat of paint. Because it is so strong, a wrought iron fence rarely gets bent or broken. If it is damaged, professionals from Reliable Fence can quickly repair it or replace any necessary parts.
Fourth, wrought iron fences create a wide open look with just a bit of privacy to help you create a beautiful yard with plenty of light and air flow. While you will never see wrought iron fences designed as privacy fences, you will still have the security you need without impeding any breezes or sunlight in your yard. This will ensure that you have a gorgeous view, and this fence will add value to your property when it comes time to sell.
Finally, if you have ever seen a wrought iron fence in person, you know just how beautiful it is. It easily sets off the existing architecture of your home or business, creates a beautiful accent for gardens and matches with any style your property already has. Although wrought iron fences can easily create a Victorian or gothic look, newer options can also create a modern or casual look just as easily.
Although wrought iron fences may look complicated, they actually do not take that long to install once the materials are on site. However, you may have to wait longer before the installation process can start than you would for a wood, chain link or vinyl fence because a true wrought iron fence can take some time to be made. In addition, any customized elements will take extra time to form. Once the fencing materials are made and delivered, the actual installation process often takes only one to two days for smaller projects, such as front yards or backyards.
The very first step to take before gathering fencing supplies is to measure the area to be fenced to ensure that the correct amount of supplies are purchased. A professional from Reliable Fence will take care of this step for you and will also give you an initial estimate for the price of materials and labor.
On installation day, installation experts will begin by marking where the fence will go by using stakes and lines to keep the fence straight and to create perfect corners. Next, the corner and end posts will be placed by digging holes and pouring cement around each post. The rest of the posts can then be placed with even spacing between them. The fence panels can be put together if needed and installed with strong brackets to the posts. Finally, gates are hung. At Reliable Fence, we make sure that we take care of every detail for you, including cleanup, so that you do not have to worry about a thing.
Regular fence maintenance not only will help your fence look its best and maintain your home’s curb appeal but also will ensure that your fence stays strong and sturdy for years. You will want to look carefully at your fence at least once to twice each year to see if any spots are rusting. If you notice rust, just use a paint scraper or sandpaper to get rid of it. You can then apply rust cleaner before washing off the fence. You will also want to completely repaint your fence every few years. Applying metal-grade wax once the paint is dry will help water roll right off your fence, decreasing the chance for rust in the future.Although wrought iron fences may look complicated, they actually do not take that long to install once the materials are on site. However, you may have to wait longer before the installation process can start than you would for a wood, chain link or vinyl fence because a true wrought iron fence can take some time to be made. In addition, any customized elements will take extra time to form. Once the fencing materials are made and delivered, the actual installation process often takes only one to two days for smaller projects, such as front yards or backyards.
There are quite literally hundreds of possible wrought iron fence styles depending on how you choose to customize your fence. A picket style wrought iron fence is quite popular in some areas, but there are a number of ways that you can make this style yours. You may put thin arches over each picket, which is called a Lexington Style. You may place a bar along the top of the pickets with a scrollwork or circular design in it. This is called the Buckingham or Kensington style, depending on the exact features.
Another popular wrought iron fence type is the classic appearance that has a horizontal bar along the top and the bottom of the vertical rails. The traditional variation on this leaves an empty horizontal space along the top. However, the Argyle, Waterford, Windsor, Calais and Tuscany styles add beautiful wrought iron designs in this space.
Let your imagination be your guide as you choose the right type of wrought iron fence for your property. Thanks to the malleability of wrought iron, almost any design is possible these days.
Today, you can find a myriad of wrought iron fence designs that are readily available for installation by professionals from Reliable Fence. However, these designs can be tweaked to match your exact needs. On the other hand, you may be interested in creating a completely customized look for your fence, adjusting the height, style and a variety of design elements to create a one-of-a-kind look. While it can be more costly to install a customized wrought iron fence, you will most likely find that you are highly satisfied with the completed look.
One of the easiest ways to customize your wrought iron fence is with post toppers and finials. Finials are incredibly popular on the top of individual wrought iron pickets. They often help to modernize your fence or create a more traditional look depending on what you want.
Another top customization option is the addition of scrollwork. This helps to create a fancier and more formal look for your yard. You may choose to use scrollwork only on your fence gate rather than at the top of the entire fence, or you may prefer a simpler scrolling pattern used along the entire top edge.
Finally, you may want to add design elements on the pickets or posts themselves. For example, you could add your address to a wrought iron plaque that is attached to the outside of your fence. You could also add ornamental designs between pickets although this could dramatically add to your cost.
Wrought iron fences compare incredibly favorably with a variety of other popular fence types. If you are looking at different wood, chain link, vinyl and aluminum fence options, you will want to know how wrought iron compares when it comes to design features, maintenance, lifespan and much more.
When choosing between wrought iron and wood, wrought iron comes out as the clear winner when it comes to beauty, classical design and even customization. While a wood fence can certainly be customized, it lacks the malleability, strength and long life that a wrought iron fence has. You may find that it is actually cheaper in the long run to invest in a wrought iron fence that is sure to last the rest of your life. However, wrought iron does not provide the level of privacy that wood can.
Once again, wrought iron is far prettier than chain link. While chain link is well-loved for its affordable and utilitarian design, wrought iron offers gorgeous shapes and designs that can more readily set off the architecture of a home. Chain-link fences may be strong, but wrought iron is stronger still and designed to last for many more decades.
When compared to vinyl, wrought iron fences also come out ahead, adding a high degree of beauty and sophistication to their locations. While vinyl is stronger than wood, it cannot compare to wrought iron. It also does not have as many design features or style options although it does come in private or semi-private styles.
Perhaps the fence type that is most like wrought iron is aluminum. Many aluminum fences are now made to look much like wrought iron fences. However, they are lighter weight and not nearly as strong as the iron that they are trying to mimic. Aluminum fences may not require as much maintenance as wrought iron, but they can only be expected to last 30 to 50 years.
You may be surprised at how affordable some wrought iron fences can be. While materials cost more than they do for wood, chain link or even vinyl fences, they typically only cost $24 to $34 per linear foot. You should also plan to pay approximately $1,000 or more for installation costs. Of course, if you are planning a highly decorative wrought iron fence with many customizations, you could end up seeing your price skyrocket from the average price of $3,000 to $4,000 all the way up to $10,000 or more. You may also need to plan extra for gates, especially if you are hoping to have a manual or automatic security gate.
At Reliable Fence, we can guarantee that you will be happy with your new wrought iron fence. In fact, we are so sure that you will love your fence that we offer a one-year happiness guarantee. Our incredible attention to detail throughout every step in the process ensures that you get exactly what you want. Plus, we offer affordable pricing so that you can more easily bring your dreams to life.
With nearly 30 years of experience in the Baltimore area, Reliable Fence has the ability to work with any popular fencing material. We help our customers from start to finish with a focus on incredible customer service and craftsmanship. If you are ready to see how a wrought iron fence could benefit you, contact Reliable Fence today to speak to one of our friendly representatives.
It's in the name! We at Reliable Fence strive to provide a smooth and quality experience to everyone, whether you are a prospective client or a paying customer. In an industry infested with no-shows and corner-cutters, a little Reliability is sorely need and that is what we bring. We take pride in building quality, long lasting fences on-time and with no complications, as it should be!
Founded in 1992, Reliable Fence has worked on a massive range of projects big or small. We work fast and efficient due to our years in the business. Whether you're unsure of your wants and needs or already have plans drawn up, we will make sure that after we visit your project site, you will be happy and content, knowing you are in safe and reliable hands!
None of us would want a shoddy fence so why would we build one for you? We've encountered tons of contractors whose only motivation is their hourly wage, milking the clock, cutting corners, or just not putting in any effort. Not at Reliable Fence! We treat our customers with absolute respect by building with top quality material and making sure that your fence will last for many years to come...Still on the fence? Get in contact with us and our master craftsman will answers any questions you may have and get you started on securing your business!