Your home is a reflection of your individuality.
When it comes to making decisions regarding additions to your property, being cautious before making a purchase is understandable.
Perhaps you’re thinking about building a new fence. There are many options available, but maybe you’ve decided to pursue a wrought iron ornamental design.
If you’re looking for durability and something that’s easy on the eyes, it sounds like you’ve made the right choice. Another positive is that a well-made wrought iron fence can add value to your home.
Whether you’re looking to stand out among your neighbors, or you’re simply looking for a barrier between you and the outside world, you might find this a worthy investment.
It’s also important to choose a fencing company that is reliable and known for doing good work.
Taking a deeper look at this classic material in comparison with others might make your decision that much easier.
Why Wrought Iron is the Best Fence
Wrought iron fences are the blue jeans of fences. They’ll never go out of style. They’ve been around for many, many years. Some of the most famous properties in the world have an iron wrought fence surrounding them. Think of Buckingham Palace. Or the White House.
Your property could be next.
Just as the name suggests, traditionally, a wrought iron fence was made of iron.
Traditional cast iron is strong, but when enduring direct impact, things can change. With direct impact, the fence becomes more prone to damages.
Nowadays, a wrought iron fence can be made more durable using galvanized ornamental steel. According to the U.S. General Services Administration, “Galvanizing is a process of coating iron or steel with zinc in order to provide greater protection against corrosion for the iron or steel base. The process of galvanizing sheet iron was developed simultaneously in France and England in 1837. Both of these methods employed a ‘hot dipping’ process to coat sheet iron with zinc.”
Though they’re advertised as “wrought iron fences,” a lot of the time, they are made of both iron and steel.
Since steel is more durable than cast iron, under pressure, it tends to not break or bend. Even with the move to a galvanized steel, the wrought iron fence maintains its traditional beauty.
A wrought iron fence can come in a variety of designs, which gives you the chance to find one that best fits your taste.
When considering a wrought iron fence, staying away from ones made from cheaper materials like aluminum might be the way to go.
Wrought iron can be used not only for fences but also for:
- Balconies
- Staircases
- Handrails
- Furniture
Today, many people will choose between either an ornamental flat top or an ornamental spear top. It really depends on what you’re looking for.
These fences can be installed above head height, and can also be built to make sure neither pets nor children can sneak through.
Is Wrought Iron Fencing Worth It?
Wrought iron fences date back centuries.
With wrought iron being used for thousands of years for items ranging from swords to fences, it has quite the history.
Many people choose a wrought iron fence because it has somewhat of an elegant or royal feel to it.
Whether it’s for residential or commercial properties, the iron wrought fence suits either. Commercial properties typically use this type of fence for its combination of security and beauty. At home, many people will also choose this fencing for their yards, pools, driveways, or anything else they need to enclose.
It’s a versatile choice.
Wrought iron fences also tend to last longer, making them a strong choice when looking for something that can stand the test of time.
These fences are often easy to maintain. If they are properly coated and painted, deterioration may not be a problem.
So, if you’re looking for toughness and beauty, you might not have to look any further.
Wrought Iron Fences Are Usually Low Maintenance
As mentioned above, these fences are often easy to maintain. This could be a helpful feature, especially if you’re busy and don’t have the time to do regular check-ups.
Fences made from other materials require attention, especially during the winter months. Since water and snow can be damaging to those materials, they need to be cleaned off, and also coated with a protective paint on a regular basis.
Wrought iron fences aren’t as needy.
Posts are placed deep into the ground and given a protective coating, which prevents the fence from rotting from the ground up.
Does a Wrought Iron Fence Add Value to Your Home?
Everyone wants to add value to their home, especially if you don’t plan on spending your entire life in the house you’re currently living in.
By choosing a wrought iron fence, you could be adding value in a number of ways.
The beauty of an iron wrought fence is beloved by many. When looking to purchase a home, many will consider things like security, curbside appeal, maintenance demands, and privacy.
We’ve already discussed the appealing look of the wrought iron fence and its low maintenance. When it comes to security and privacy, although it’s not as sheltering as, let’s say, a privacy fence, these fences still serve as a sturdy barrier between you and the outside world. This is especially true when you can build the fence to a height above that of the average person.
Some may choose to install a wrought iron fence around their front yard, which can also boost value. This isn’t the case with other fence types.
Keep in mind, you might not put a privacy fence or chain link fence around your front yard, but you’d consider something as elegant as an ornamental flat top or spear top wrought iron fence.
Remember, curb appeal is important.
According to a Wall Street Journal article from 2020, “Analyzing Google Street View photos and sales data from 88,980 properties in the greater Denver area, the researchers determined that on average a home with excellent curb appeal sold for 7% more than a similar house in the same neighborhood with poor curb appeal. In slow real-estate markets (when buyers can afford to be choosier), that premium rose to as high as 14%.”
How Expensive is a Fence?
It depends.
Price comes down to:
- Fence type
- Size of the fence
- Gate installations
- Any work needed to remove old fencing
Fences can cost anywhere from $10 to $75 per linear foot. In total, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,200 to $8,000 for a wrought iron fence. Many factors will affect the price, including:
- Labor
- Excavation
- Removing old fence materials
- Marking underground utilities
- Getting building permits
Essentially, in order to determine a price, you should contact a trustworthy and experienced contractor. Finding the right contractor is important. Before deciding which company to go with, ask around and do your research. A team of experienced professionals can start and finish your fence in a timely manner.
How to Plan for Your Fence
A virtual fence planning tool is a great start to the buying process. Try one free here.
It’s a simple process that will make things easier in the long run. This will give you and the contractor a better understanding of what you need and want, including fencing styles, functionalities, and structure.
You’ll begin by finding your property on an interactive map. It’s as simple as clicking, dragging, and dropping. Once you’ve found your location, you’ll begin the virtual placement of your fence. You can even choose to install a gate near:
- Driveway entrances
- Pools
- Mailboxes
- Sheds
- Pastures
- Gardens
- Garages
- Walkways
- Paths
The third step is to determine your fencing design. You’ll be able to choose from wrought iron, chain link, or vinyl fence types. As for styles, you’ll be able to pick from chain link, picket vinyl, privacy vinyl, or 3-rail ornamental iron. Some fence colors include:
- Black chain link
- Galvanized chain link
- Arctic blend
- White
- Black
- Tan
- Dark brown
- Two-tone
On the fourth step, you’ll choose your fence height. Fences usually range from 4 to 6 feet tall.
The last step in the process is to get an estimate. Once you’ve completed the previous four steps, the virtual fence planning tool software will provide that estimate.
If you’ve decided to purchase a wrought iron design, keep these helpful hints in mind:
- Remove vines and other debris from the fence
- Take a little bit of time each season to do some cleaning
- Keep an eye out for rust
Inspections are key for any fence. By doing these things, you can extend your fence’s lifespan.
A Family Owned Fence Business is Here for You
It’s hard to find a fencing company more reliable than Northland Fence.
Since 2004, Minnesota-based Northland Fence has been a quality, trustworthy company.
As a family owned business, Northland Fence understands the needs of the average household. People work hard for their money, and Northland Fence understands that. The company started 17 years ago with just one employee.
They’ve seen steady growth, and now employ 35 people.
There’s a reason they’re regarded as a top fencing company in Minnesota.
Northland Fence values honest, friendly, and knowledgeable customer service. They’re also the first company in Minnesota to use driven posts on all fences, and have even removed traditional material because it didn’t meet their core values. Driven posts are durable, waterproof, guaranteed not to heave, cleaner, and stronger than cemented posts.
They have even removed cedar fences from inventory due to the many issues those can face, such as failed cement footings and post rotting. They now use the industry’s best products and installation process.
There are multiple styles to choose from with Northland, including chain link, vinyl, and of course, wrought iron fences.
Northland Fend is committed to exceeding your expectations.
Northland Fence Is Just a Phone Call Away
Northland Fence is here to meet your fencing needs.
With an excellent Better Business Bureau rating, Northland Fence proves time and time again they’re setting the standard for fencing.
They offer a lifetime warranty on materials, and a 10 year warranty on labor.
With Northland Fence, you don’t have to worry about dealing with subcontractors. You’ll work with Northland employees from start to finish.
It’s important to have confidence in the company you’ve chosen, and Northland takes that responsibility seriously.
Call 763-316-4881 today to experience, firsthand, Northland Fence’s customer service. You’re welcome to request a free estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of wrought iron fencing?
It all depends. Price will ultimately come down to the size of the fence, if you need a gate installed, and if old fencing needs to be removed. Wrought iron fences can range anywhere from $1,200 to $8,000.
How long will a wrought iron fence last?
Typically, wrought iron fences are quite strong. Northland Fence will apply a protective coat to your fence to help with durability. Water and snow may be harmful to other fence types, but wrought iron fences tend to be easier to maintain.
Is wrought iron fencing more expensive than wood?
It can be, but wrought iron is durable, and maintenance is quite simple. While wrought iron fences can range anywhere from $1,200 to $8,000, fences made of wood typically fall between $1,600 and $4,000.
