On this page of the Fence Guides website we will help you evaluate this type of fencing and decide if it is right for your home or business project. We provide you with details about types, maintenance and whether installing it yourself is a viable option for most homeowners. We also include a detailed breakdown of the wrought iron fence cost, so you know exactly what you’re project is likely to cost you.
Wrought Iron Fence Cost for a 164 Linear Foot Project | |
Low Cost | $3600 – $4050 |
Medium Cost | $4200 – $4650 |
High Cost | $4800 – $5100 |
Average Cost | $3800 – $4200 |
Wrought Iron Fence Costs Compared With Other Fence Types
Wrought iron fencing gives any property a distinguished, traditional look that is very appealing. Used for both decoration and functionality, it is made from iron and other types of metal including steel. Wrought iron or metal fencing is worked in a variety of ways to produce a wide range of specific styles. The bars, rails and caps are combined to form a unique package.
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How Much Does a Wrought Iron Fence Cost Installed?
As you might expect, wrought iron fencing is relatively expensive when compared with chain link, wood or vinyl. Depending on the height and how elaborate the wrought work is, expect wrought iron fence price estimates in the range of $24-$34 per linear foot. While expensive, with the durability it offers along with the enhanced appearance and increased value it gives your home, wrought iron provides good long-term value for the homeowner.
Table 1: Comparison of Wrought Iron Fencing Costs for Standard, Mid-Range and Top Quality Fencing.
Fence Type | Cost Of Materials | Installation Cost | Total Project Cost | Cost Per Linear Foot |
Standard Wrought Iron Fence | $2400 – $2700 | $1200 – $1350 | $3600 – $4050 | $24 – $27 |
Mid-Range Wrought Iron Fence | $2800 – $3100 | $1400 – $1550 | $4200 – $4650 | $28 – $31 |
Top-Quality Wrought Iron Fence | $3200 – $3400 | $1600 – $1700 | $4800 – $5100 | $31 – $34 |
Table 2: A Wrought Iron Fence Price Comparison from Around the Web
Company | Cost Per Linear Foot | Total Project Cost |
Fence Guides | $24 – $34 | $3600 – $5100 |
ImproveNet | $25 – $30 | $4100 – $4920 |
HomeGuide | $24 – $44 | $3600 – $7216 |
Komparit | $35 | $5740 |
HomeAdvisor | $24 – $34 | $3600 – $5576 |
Note: Our pricing data are carefully calculated from industry averages as well as submissions from our own readers. This allows us to provide you with the best idea of the likely cost for your fence project. The above data is costed on an average of 164 linear foot. If you have a price we’re missing from our price comparison then please submit it on our price submission page for display above. |
Factors Which Affect the Cost of Wrought Iron Fence
The main things likely to affect the cost of the wrought iron fence for your yard as as follows:
- Thickness of the fence – As standard wrought iron fencing is made with 12mm solid bar, so if you’re having a custom fence made and you choose to have thicker rod iron bar used, then obviously it’s going to cost more due to higher costs of materials and the fact that thicker bar is often harder to mould and work with.
- Steel bar spacing – The spacing of the steel bars is 100mm apart as standard, however with custom made wrought iron fencing you can choose to make the gaps between the vertical bars wider or narrower. If you make the gap less than 100mm then the amount of materials used will increase, as will the labor cost to contruct the fence, therefore overall manufacturing costs will increase.
- Height of the fence – It’s usual to see a 3, 4 or 6 foot heigh wrought iron fence, the taller the fence, the higher the cost.
Considerations for Installation
This type of fencing can be an installation challenge, especially when masonry walls or other types of structure are integrated into the project. If you’re considering doing the work yourself, you should be comfortable working with concrete and have skills in using a level and chalk line in order to ensure the base mounts for the fencing are level and in line.
On a typical wrought iron fence job, 20% to 25% of the total cost is labor for installation. If you planning a DIY project, that’s what you can expect to save. With the difficulty of doing the work correctly, many homeowners choose to hire a contractor in order to get a professional installation. Before you get started, consider getting several competing estimates from fence contractors in your area. You’ll find out how much you can save by doing it yourself versus the tradeoff of letting a pro do it.
Wrought Iron Fencing Style, Usage & Details
Wrought iron or metal produce a classic look and work well with both traditional and contemporary types of home architecture. The durability is outstanding, and most fences made from this material will last for 50 years or longer with proper maintenance. Pre-painted fencing is available in black, gray, white and other popular colors.
Height for wrought iron fencing is most commonly 4’ to 6’ in residential settings, and fencing up to 8’ is available for commercial and industrial use primarily. You’ve got several installation options including mounting the fence flush to the ground with posts set in concrete, or installed on top of brickwork or an existing concrete wall. Matching gates for walkways and driveways, including those with automatic openers, can be used in any wrought metal or iron fence installation.
Common Uses of this Fence Type
Wrought iron fence produces a strong perimeter for any yard or area within a larger property. In residential settings, it works well to keep children and pets close to home while keeping out unwanted dogs from the neighborhood. It offers medium security, though a 6’ fence is better than a 4’ fence for security purposes.
In commercial and industrial setting, wrought iron fencing is used for appearance and security. It’s distinct form provides clear boundaries to the property as a whole or to areas off-limits to unauthorized personnel. An 8’ fence is an excellent deterrent to trespassers too. The single-largest drawback to this type of fencing is that it does not offer significant privacy.
Maintenance and Upkeep of Wrought Iron Fences
This is a fairly low-maintenance type of fence. Using a power washer to clean it as needed, perhaps once or twice per year, is all that is required until the paint begins to fail. You’ll typically need to repaint the fence in 12-18 years depending on climate factors in your area. If it is anchored in masonry, concrete or brick repairs may need to be done as well. With consistent upkeep, a wrought iron fence will have a nearly unlimited lifetime.
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