Wrought Iron Fencing Cost

Want to know how much wrought iron fencing costs?

Wrought iron fencing is often associated with period homes and heritage buildings.

Today, it is considered a bespoke, premium option, chosen for its durability and timeless appeal.

Each piece is handcrafted to order, which makes it a premium fencing choice.

Of course, this level of craftsmanship and quality comes with a price tag. In this guide, we'll break down the key factors that influence the cost of a wrought iron fence, from design and materials to installation and alternatives, so you know exactly what to expect before you invest.

How Much Does a Wrought Iron Fence Cost?

If you're looking to replace your garden fence with something durable and stylish, wrought iron is a great option.

Wrought iron railings cost is priced per metre with prices influenced by the size of the fence and complexity of design.

Prices typically start around £90 a metre and average about £180 per metre, though highly detailed or bespoke wrought iron fence designs can cost a lot more.

Many modern alternatives use steel which is more affordable while still offering a similar look. These are often sold as wrought iron style railings.

The chart below will give you the approximate cost of a wrought iron fence installation. This is for genuine wrought iron, not steel.

Wrought Iron Fencing Prices

Wrought iron fencing is commonly seen on residential properties, often as decorative railings along front gardens, atop boundary walls or around basement areas in period terraced houses.

Due to its premium price, wrought iron is typically used in smaller installations rather than for enclosing large plots of land.

Most homeowners use wrought iron for smaller projects such as front garden railings, decorative panels or on top of boundary walls, or as a wrought iron gate. The wrought iron railings cost is typically between £1,000 and £3,000.

Labour Costs and Timescales

As genuine wrought iron fencing is hand-forged, labour costs can vary widely.

Most quotes include both fabrication of the ironwork and the installation, which makes it difficult to separate material and labour costs.

However, understanding who is involved in the process can give you a clearer idea of where the money goes.

Bespoke wrought iron fencing is typically crafted by a blacksmith, whose specialist skills are required to shape and form the metal.

Blacksmiths usually charge on a project basis rather than strictly by the hour, as crafting intricate railings can take several weeks depending on the scale and design.

For repairs however, a welder is often used to fuse or restore existing ironwork.

Here are the average hourly rates of a blacksmith and a welder.

When commissioning bespoke ironwork, remember that labour doesn't just relate to installation.

The design, fabrication and finishing all add to the overall cost and timescale. For larger, more detailed projects, it's common for the work to run over several weeks, especially if crafted entirely by hand.

Wrought Iron Fence Installation Costs

The cost of installing a wrought iron fence depends on more than just the price of materials. Labour, design complexity and site conditions all play a role in the final price.

Simple, straight-line railings are quicker to fabricate and therefore more affordable, while intricate or decorative patterns require additional craftsmanship and time.

There are additional factors that affect wrought iron fence installation costs too.

Integrating Fencing Into A Wall

If you plan to mount your wrought iron railings on top of a brick or stone wall, the cost of building the wall (if it's not already there), should be included in the budget.

For example, a standard brick wall for a small section of fencing may cost anywhere from £30 to £140 per 3-6 metre section depending on the height.

Wrought Iron Gates

A matching wrought iron garden gate adds both style and security.

Gate prices typically range from £310 to £590. Installation is often carried out by a handyperson or fencing specialist and can cost around £120 to £240 for a single gate, based on roughly six hours of work

Painting and Finishing

To protect your wrought iron fence and maintain its appearance, painting or applying a protective finish is recommended.

Professional painters or fence specialists typically charge between £15 and £40 per hour.

The total cost will depend on the fence length and whether any additional preparation (like rust removal) is required.

Painters charge on average, between £120 and £320 for a day’s work. Your budget should also include the cost of the paint. Masonry paint for example costs between £24 and £40 for a 10-litre tub.

Since wrought iron fencing is made to order, larger or more detailed projects can take weeks to produce.

If you like the look of wrought iron but want to keep the costs down, a popular alternative is wrought iron style fencing.

These products are usually made from galvanised steel with a black powder-coated finish to mimic traditional ironwork.

While not inexpensive, they offer a durable and stylish option at a much lower price point than hand forged wrought iron.

Decorative steel railings can cost around £100 for a one metre section, or £250 for a wider, six-foot section. This offers a practical way to achieve the wrought iron look without the high cost of bespoke fabrication.

When budgeting for a wrought iron fence, it's important to factor in additional costs beyond the fence itself.

These are typically related to installation, integration with existing structures, or complementary features such as gates.

How Installation Affects Wrought Iron Fence Costs

The cost of installing a wrought iron fence depends on several factors beyond the price of materials.

For fences mounted on walls, labour may be higher due to the need for specialist fixings such as screw-on bolts and precise alignment.

Ground mounted fences may require digging, concrete footings or additional posts which can also add to the overall cost.

Other factors influencing installation costs include fence height, design and site accessibility.

For budgeting purposes, expect professional fencing installers to charge between £35 and £55 per hour, while a handyperson may cost slightly less, around £30 to £40 per hour.

Types of Wrought Iron Fencing

Wrought iron fencing is made of pure iron making it heavy, strong and timeless, often lasting for decades. Galvanised steel is often guaranteed for 25 years.

Fencing style affects not only the visual appeal but also the price and installation complexity.

Flat Top

Flat-top wrought iron fences have straight, clean lines and a smooth top, giving a modern, understated look.

They provide security without appearing imposing, and suit both contemporary and traditional properties

Arched Top

Arched top wrought iron fences feature curved tops for a classy and elegant appearance. They add height and visual interest while enhancing security by deterring climbing.

Fleur-De-Lis

Fleur De Lis fences incorporate the iconic lily motif, combining historic elegance with practical security.

The pointed design helps prevent intruders while adding a decorative touch to gates and fence tops.

Spearhead

Spearhead wrought iron fences have pointed tops for a traditional, secure design.

Available in simple or highly detailed patterns offering both classic style and effective deterrence against climbing.

Ball Top

Ball top fences feature rounded caps on each picket creating a softer appearance.

They maintain security while being a safer choice for homes with children or pets.

Scalloped

Scalloped wrought iron fences have wavy tops that add visual flair.

They can be customised with shallow or deep curves and are often combined with decorative motifs to enhance garden aesthetics.

Closed Iron

Closed Iron wrought iron fences have minimal gaps between pickets providing maximum privacy and security.

Ideal for areas where privacy is priority while retaining the classic wrought iron look.

Ornamental

Ornamental fences feature intricate patterns, scrollwork or bespoke emblems.

These types of wrought iron fences combine high end security with aesthetic appeal, often enhancing the value and character of luxury or historic properties.

Straight Top

Straight top wrought iron fences keep it simple with clean, straight lines across the top, giving it a clean, compact and well-finished aesthetic. This style is super flexible and never goes out of fashion, working well with all kinds of buildings.

If you're still looking at alternative fencing options, you might also want to explore composite fencing or our chain link fencing guide.

Repairing a Wrought Iron Fence

You can repair or replace wrought iron if it is damaged.

Use a professional to do the job as they will be able to source the right materials and cast replicas of the original features.

As every job is different the work is tailor-made to your requirements so you will need a quote to get a price.

Cleaning and Maintaining a Wrought Iron Fence

A wrought iron fence does need some maintenance. It should be regularly cleaned to remove dust and dirt. It might also rust which will need removing.

When the railings need re-painting, you need to clean and prime the area before painting the railings with a roller. The cost of the paint will depend on the brand and where you buy it. An average 5-litre tin of black gloss paint is around £70.00.

Removing a Wrought Iron Fence

Wrought iron fences are often sought after on second-hand sites.

Many people who remove a wrought iron fence will hire a professional to do it to avoid any damage to the fence.

If the fence is damaged and can’t be used again then the bars can be cut away and the posts removed from the soil or concrete.

If you want to dispose of the metal a good idea is to contact a scrap dealer who will weigh the metal, give you a price and take it away. Iron might be worth as between £50 and £80 per kilo for scrap, but prices will depend on where you live and the scrap metal dealer you contact.

Checklist for Hiring a Wrought Iron Fencing Installer

Finding a local installer for a wrought iron fence doesn't have to be time consuming.

Start by obtaining three quotes to compare prices and services.

• Ask how long they've been in business and request examples of past work. Photos, customer testimonials, or a company website can give you insight into their quality and style.
• Ensure the contractor has valid business insurance. This protects you in case of accidents or damage during installation.
• Assess how well they answer your questions, explain the process and provide advice on design, materials and installation methods.

FAQs