Why Is Wrought Iron So Expensive?

Wrought iron continues to be a great material for fences and gates in many New Orleans yards.

It is a popular attractive and durable fence type and can be used for both residential and commercial applications.

Wrought iron fence has so many great points, like security, strength, and beauty.

It is also proven to last a long time, just look at many vintage homes and buildings we have here in NOLA!

If you want to install a wrought iron fence, you might be surprised to find out about the wrought iron fence cost.

Prices even go up for custom wrought iron fence costs. Just how much will be to have the sturdy and timeless wrought iron fence in your yard today?

Cast Iron vs Wrought Iron

It can be easy to get confused about the two. There is actually a huge difference between wrought iron and cast iron.

If we base the definitions on early iron blacksmith processes, it would be easy to differentiate the two types of iron.

For easy remembrance, wrought iron is the kind of iron that is shaped and molded with tools after heating.

Cast iron goes through a simpler process after iron is melted. It would just be poured in a mold and then it would take time to solidify.

Early wrought iron is made from mostly iron that is mixed with 1 to 2 percent slag.

Slag comes from iron ore, which is made up of phosphorus, sulfur, silicon, and aluminum oxides.

It will be heated and many times so it can be shaped into different shapes. It becomes stronger the more that it is reheated and worked.

Compared to cast iron, there is a multitude of designs that can be done with wrought iron.

Cast iron only follows the shape of the mold it is poured into and is not malleable like wrought iron.

Original wrought iron is very expensive to use nowadays. Since it has to be heated and molded repeatedly, only a few blacksmiths continue to make pure wrought iron today.

Even if they did, they would only make large batches of wrought iron which adds to the large wrought iron cost.

The wrought iron advertised and used for fencing is much cheaper than the historical wrought iron pieces.

Steel would be used to make “wrought iron” and machines would make the designs and shapes, making it best for custom fence designs.

It is still more expensive than other fencing materials like aluminum or wood even though it is only made from steel.

How Much Does Wrought Iron Fencing Cost?

On a national average, homeowners in America pay about 2,700 dollars for wrought iron fencing according to HomeAdvisor.

Materials can vary in costs depending on what wrought iron will be used for your project.

Installation and labor costs would also depend on the materials, tools, and labor needed.

The more intricate the installation would be for the wrought iron pieces you have, the more expensive it can be.

The good point about wrought iron fencing is that it would last a long time compared to materials like aluminum.

If you want custom fence designs and ideas, you can work with wrought iron contractors. It is also perfect for restorations of historical sites and venues.

Wrought Iron Fence Materials Costs

The cost for different wrought iron materials can be around 24 to 34 dollars.

For example, plain black wrought iron can be around 24 to 30 dollars. It is the cheapest wrought iron material available and if you don’t like black, you can opt for gold, bronze, white, or red options.

Galvanized wrought iron costs 28 to 32 dollars per linear foot and would have an additional layer of protection.

It helps you save on future maintenance and repairs and it makes the iron more durable.

Plain wrought iron can begin to rust after three years and would need more maintenance than it needs.

Ornamental wrought iron can cost about 27 to 34 dollars per linear foot.

It costs extra because of the designs plus post toppers and the curves in the iron. Even if there is an emphasis on design, the durability and strength of wrought iron are still there.

Wrought Iron Fence Installation Costs

Fencing installation also includes labor costs which can be between 600 and 1,300 dollars.

Contractors would charge you per linear foot but it can also change depending on terrain and other obstructions.

Installation costs can total up to 2,440 to 10,100 dollars.

The breakdown includes materials, labor, gates, installation hardware, panels, and post toppers. Materials can run from 24 to 34 dollars per linear foot.

Labor can be around 600 to 1,300 dollars, with installation hardware amounting to 40 to 150 dollars.

If you choose to add a wrought iron gate, it can cost you 300 to 3,000 dollars in total. Decorative panels can be 20 to 180 dollars per panel while post toppers will be 5 to 30 dollars per post.

You would also need to take care of permits and land surveys. Your wrought iron fence installation would not move forward if you do not take care of these steps.

If you will hire a land surveyor, you can expect to pay about 330 to 670 dollars and they will tell you where your land boundaries lie. Permits would be around 20 to 100 dollars.

This is required by many municipalities and counties. If you work with fence contractors, they can help you with both land surveys and permits.

Should You Do It Yourself Or Hire Fence Contractors?

Installing a wrought iron fence would need a lot of preparation and investment.

Even the most skilled DIYers can find installing wrought iron a challenge.

There are a lot of procedures to follow, plus materials that you would need to work with. If installed right, you can expect your wrought iron fence to last a long time.

You can never go wrong with choosing a wrought iron fence. It is made to last a long time and if given proper care and maintenance, you can expect to enjoy it longer than the investment that you paid for.

Proper installation makes all the difference and you can find experts here in Big Easy Fence.

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