Is Wrought Iron Fencing for You? Pros and Cons

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Homeowners have a  variety of options for their home fencing, including wood, vinyl, aluminum, and wrought iron, all with their own pros and cons.

Though wrought iron fencing doesn’t get as much attention as some of the more modern materials, it offers unmatched security and aesthetic value for your home. Learn more about what wrought iron is, its pros and cons, and how to determine if it’s the right choice for your home.

 
 
“Wrought iron fences and gates have been a beautiful and classic addition to homes for over 200 years.”

What Is Wrought Iron Fencing?

Wrought iron fencing is a heavy, durable, and malleable metal fence made of iron alloy. It’s constructed by rolling flat steel into a tubular shape and welding it together, leading to a range of different shapes and patterns.

In its natural form, iron is a raw element that’s harvested from the earth. Iron can be used to produce pure iron, cast iron, or wrought iron, which is an iron alloy with a low carbon content. Before the advent of steel, wrought iron was preferred to pure iron for its ability to be shaped and formed. It earned its name from its ability to be hammered, rolled, or worked under heat.

Historically, wrought iron was used for axes, swords, chisels, cutlery, and other products. As steelmaking became more accessible and affordable, steel replaced iron for many of these products. However, wrought iron is still used to create attractive, secure, and durable fences.

Wrought Iron Fencing Pros

There are many pros of wrought iron fence designs, including:

Strength and Durability

Few materials have the durability of wrought iron. The combination of steel and iron can last for decades, which is why it’s common to see wrought iron fences standing in centuries-old homes. Other fence types degrade over time, sometimes less than a decade, and need to be replaced.

Security

If you want a fence that acts as a security barrier, wrought iron is a great choice. The strength of wrought iron makes it more difficult to destroy to enter your yard. Unlike chain link or wood, it’s extremely challenging to climb wrought iron fences as well.

Upscale Aesthetic

Wrought iron fences have a sophisticated look that other fence types lack. These fences are functional and secure, but still provide a beautiful-looking barrier for your property and enhance the look of your home.

Classic Look

Like other home décor, fence materials and designs come in and out of style. Wrought iron fences and gates have been a beautiful and classic addition to homes for over 200 years. The design pairs well with homes in various styles, including modern and contemporary homes.

Customization Options

If you want to inject some personality into your fence, wrought iron offers a lot of creative freedom. The malleability of wrought iron offers virtually limitless designs and styles, whether you’re looking for a classic design or something more avant-garde.

Wrought Iron Fencing Cons

Wrought iron fencing does have its cons, however:

Potential for Rust

One of the downsides of wrought iron is its potential for rust. It takes a little more maintenance to keep wrought iron looking its best, including some occasional repainting or refinishing to remove rust and give it a clean look.

Cost

How much is wrought iron fencing? It varies by many factors, but wrought iron is one of the more expensive fencing materials you can choose. You can expect a high upfront price for a wrought iron fence, especially if you’re installing a fence around a large yard or choosing more ornate designs.

However, this cost is offset by the longevity and durability of wrought iron. You won’t need to replace your wrought iron fence as often as other fence materials, so it’s an investment into your home.

Difficult for Graded Yards

While the welded construction of wrought iron fencing helps its strength, that can limit your options if you have an unusual yard with a lot of hills or heavy grades. Wrought iron is usually fine on mild slopes with a stair-step design, but steep grades may be a problem.

However, there are customization options that can help with challenging yards. Keep in mind that this may lead to higher upfront costs for your fence and installation.

Availability

With the popularity of vinyl and the economical chain link, quality wrought iron fences may be hard to come by. Many of the characteristics that make wrought iron a valuable fencing option also make it costly and labor-intensive to produce.

That said, if you want a wrought iron fence, there are still reputable, skilled companies producing wrought iron, including Northwest Fence & Iron.

How to Decide Which Type of Fence Is Right for You

Wrought iron fencing has a lot of advantages, including strength, security, and versatility, but it may not be right for every home. Here are some things to consider:

• Style: Wrought iron fences look attractive with a lot of historic homes and newer homes, depending on the design.
• Maintenance: Wrought iron fences can be susceptible to rust, so be prepared for the maintenance needs.
• Durability: Wrought iron fences are durable and can withstand storms and the elements.
• Appearance: Wrought iron fences come in a wide variety of designs, ranging from simple to ornamental.
• Cost: Wrought iron has longevity and strength, but it’s often more expensive to purchase and install upfront.
• Privacy: Wrought iron designs are more open, so they may not be the right choice if you’re looking for a solid privacy fence.
• Security: If security is important to you, few fence types match the defense and protection of wrought iron.

Wrought Iron Fencing in Austin

If you’re considering an ornamental iron fence in Austin, Northwest Fence & Iron can help. We offer wrought iron gates and fencing in an array of styles and designs to suit your home’s aesthetic. Contact us today to learn more about our wrought iron fence options and wrought iron fence installation in Austin.