In the world of railing, there have been many choices available to choose from, from metal to glass, from aluminum to wood deck and so on. This time, we focus on wrought iron railing reviews to enrich your ideas about what type of railing you are going to use for your next project.
So let’s navigate you to the content of the reviews which includes the understanding of wrought iron railing, the draw of wrought iron railing, the types of wrought iron railing, the cost of installation, the pros and cons, the method of installation and the use of professional installer as well as the buyer’s guide to find the right option of wrought iron railing reviews.
Understanding Wrought Iron Railing Reviews
Firstly on this wrought iron railing reviews, let’s understand more about wrought iron railing.
What is actually a wrought iron railing?
It is an iron alloy that comes with a very low carbon in order to make it strong and pliable. The carbon content is around 0.8 percent so that the most “shaped” iron is a form of wrought iron. Meanwhile, cast iron has a higher content of carbon, making it fragile.
Today, absolute wrought iron is rare, making it a valuable commodity. Absolute wrought iron is made by hand, therefore, it left irregularities and marks, showing that it is the signs of “Real thing”.
Wrought iron is naturally resistant to corrosion. It is tough enough though it may not be seen among other building materials. Since it is easy to weld, the recommended installation is to hire a professional installer.
Actually, the term “Wrought iron” is originated from the ironworkers that use the method in rolling and hammering the iron while it is hot, resulting in a discharge of molten slag.
Wrought iron has existed for thousands of years and it remains beautiful among the building material today.
The Draw of Wrought Iron Railing
Believe it or not, wrought iron is not only seamless but also beautiful and strong, making it frequently demanded after railing. In this regards, there are a number of reasons why people love using it.
High Durability and Easy Maintenance
The inherent properties that construct wrought iron make it strong and long lasting. Wrought iron railing comes with anti-corrosion feature, requiring you to paint it very often to keep its fantastic shape. However, it much depends on the location and the weather as well as the temperature.
You cannot expect for aesthetic from a rusty wrought iron railing. However, it is still able to hold up for years awaiting for restoration.
Safety Feature
Wrought iron railing is not only offering a great look but also safety as railing for stairs, lining balcony, for protecting pools and ponds. Due to its anti-corrosive properties, wrought iron railing will not form spots or create ay hazardous situation for children.
Visible View
According to this wrought iron railing reviews, it is stated that wrought iron railing allows you to enjoy visible view of the railing itself as well as the surroundings.
This kind of railing is also appealing to permanently install on the front porch or stairway. It’s simple presence will invite anyone to feel interested in the high-quality design and finishes.
Plenty of Design Options
There are plenty of design options that will catch everyone’s eyes. The styles of wrought iron are not inspired by the surrounding. It can fit the landscape itself, the interior décor and any of the materials instead.
Types of Wrought Iron Railing
Historically, wrought iron railings were invented around 15th century and it has been widely used for thousand years up to now. Iron itself has existed in building design and style since that moment.
From times to times, the use of wrought iron railings spread as a mainstay in the design. They are frequently added to Gothic churches and cathedrals. The balusters which are mixed with the wooden railings became popular in the period of Gothic.
Later, they remained their popularity for three periods. These were when the wrought iron railing were mainly used.
The Georgian style of architecture offers a powerful sense of symmetry, extravagant decoration and detail as well as the standardized proportions.
The use of symmetry style in the architectural period led to enter Europe in term of square and spiral wrought iron railings, offering such an elegant uniformity.
In the Victorian era, the wrought iron railings were aimed for lower classes. It included the Georgian symmetry as the welcomed new style and special metal work.
In the early of 1900s when it was known as Edwardian period, wrought iron was used combined with the Georgian and Victorian elements. It was when symmetry and harmony became the style.
Based on our wrought iron railing reviews, the modern wrought iron design is inspired by the design of those three periods. The wrought iron today dominates the industrial and classic designs, offering an element of diversity.
Be Aware of Wrought Iron Imitation
We are not making you scare but the reality about wrought iron imitation is true. In most cases, those imitation products come in a budget-friendly costs. They are claimed to be wrought iron but simply they are not.
Typically, decorative aluminum is often substituted for wrought iron. It is proper to use in certain applications.
This way, durability is one thing to remember. Wrought iron railings’ durability cannot be duplicated by any other types of railing imitation.
The Cost of Installation
The fact that wrought iron railings are beautiful, durable and timeless makes the price noticeably expensive. Dealing with the cost, there are two forms of wrought iron.
First, it is manufactured (pre-made) and custom (designed based on your request). The cost of manufactured wrought iron railing can up to $40 per foot. This is the double or even triple cost compared to the other railing materials.
On the other hand, the customized wrought iron railing costs ten times as much $300 per foot without the installation cost. Installation cost usually depends on the railing size and location.
However, installing wrought iron usually requires high cost and high quality professional to carry out the project.
Read Also: Fortress Railing Reviews
The Pros and Cons of Wrought Iron Railing
There are always pros and cons of railing materials including wrought iron. These pros and cons must be taken into account to ensure your way of making decision. However, wrought iron railing is noted to be beautiful.
Pros
- Durability
How wrought iron is produced leads to its durability. Truly, wrought iron is best described to be the long lasting material for railings. It is strong and unbreakable. This way, durability becomes a big pro.
- Easy maintenance
Thanks to the easy maintenance feature added to wrought iron railings. Even you believe it or not, they don’t need any maintenance.
A simple coat of fresh paint is just enough to keep the railings look fantastic. Further, the paint will also protect the wrought iron railings from corrosion.
- Customizable
There are many ways to customize wrought iron railings, from the production phase to the finishing like knuckles and shoes. In short, customizing wrought iron railing is always possible.
Cons
- Expensive cost
Just like bringing elephant into the room, installing wrought iron is expensive. It is a costly investment to have a full customized wrought iron railings. The pricey railings are typically due to the difficult production and customization.
- Weathering
Having wrought iron railings outdoor is vulnerable to weathering. Corrosion is possible. Further, outdoor wrought iron railings are difficult to maintain apart from its beauty.
- Regular maintenance
As we mentioned, wrought iron railings require only a little maintenance. However, for outdoors railings, regular maintenance is needed to ensure the coating stays along with anti-corrosive.
- Lacking privacy
It is considered that wrought iron railings offer only a little privacy for outdoor spaces like decks, balcony and patios.
The Method of Installation
Later on our wrought iron railing reviews, it is stated that installing this type of railings is extremely challenging. Thus, it is also mentioned that it would be best to hire a pro.
To help you with the information about installation method, here are the things to prepare and the steps to do:
Things to prepare
- Baluster
Baluster is a short pillar that functions to support the rail. You will typically find it in series.
- Shoe
Shoe is a decorative component that fits around the top and the bottom of the baluster. Shoe is needed to cover the holes and give a nice finish.
- Knuckle
Knuckle is decorative embellishment affixed to the middle of the baluster.
Steps to do:
- Select your design
There are so many design options available. You will often find them in polished back finish. Many of the options are combined with the balusters, shoes and knuckles. Narrow your choices through the buyer’s guide and consider some tips when making selections.
- Buy the parts
Buy the parts including the balusters, knuckles and shoes. Shoes are very important to fill the holes.
- Cut the balusters
Free up your old wooden balusters and remove all the hardware such as nails or screws that you have used for railing. This way, the balusters of wrought iron needs a deeper hole than the one left by the wooden spindles. So use drill to deepen the hole.
Set the baluster into the hole on the bottom of the wooden railing. Mark a nice spot to cut the wrought iron. This way, the baluster must be cut long enough to hold into the railing without falling out.
Use a jigsaw to cut the balusters.
- The installation
The cut baluster must be put into the bottom hole and fit it into the top hole. If it doesn’t properly fit, remove the baluster and fill with shoes and knuckle onto the baluster.
Glue the wrought iron using the hot glue or different type of adhesive before inserting into the railing holes for more security.
Tighten the hot glue and let it dry. Tighten the shoes and knuckles with the proper hardware. Finally you can change your boring wooden balusters with the nice-looking wrought iron. If these steps are too complicated, you can hire a professional installer.
Using a Professional Installer for Wrought Iron Railing
The steps above is just a very basic installation covering a DIY baluster replacement project. If you have more complicated project, well, you need to consider hiring an installer.
Considering that wrought iron railings are not the cheapest option, doing the project improperly will waste your investment.
So if you want to find a professional installer, use the convenient tool to find the right and qualified contractor in your local area.
A Buyer’s Guide to Finding The Right Wrought Iron Railing
The last but not least section to discuss in this wrought iron railing reviews is the buyer’s guide to finding the right wrought iron railings. The guides usually include the cost, privacy and style preferences.
If you want to make the perfect choice, please consider the following buying guide;
Cost
First of all tips is setting a budget. This will help you to avoid an option that would break the bank. Wrought iron railing is more expensive than any other railing materials. However, the expensive price really worth the durability.
One thing to keep in mind is the maintenance need of the wrought iron railings that require you to paint them.
Can you paint them as soon as you finish installing them?
Will you always keep up with such kind of maintenance?
Privacy
Wrought iron railings are admired for their open and airy feeling as well as their strength.
However, the openness shows the lack of privacy toward the railings surrounding. Wrought iron railings let you have a full display on balconies, decks or porches.
Style
The last but not least thing to consider when it’s comes to buy wrought iron railings is the style. This way, people will typically refer to two options; aesthetic and preference. The question is whether you choose the style based on aesthetic or your preference.
If you have a modern home with lots of glass and stainless steel, it would be hard find the suitable wrought iron railings since they don’t match. As other option, if you have a Victorian home with aesthetic value, wrought iron railings will just fit it well.
Note, wrought iron is a kind of statement railing. It is not only about the railing materials but also the way you feel. If you feel comfortable with the railing, well, it will be durable fixture.
In short, you need to keep cost, privacy and style preferences in mind when you choose for a long lasting wrought iron railings.
Read Also: Hog Wire Deck Railing Reviews
FAQs Wrought Iron Railing Reviews
Lastly in our wrought iron railing reviews, we would also include the frequently asked question. This way, it is quite possible that you have some similar questions showing that you are curious enough about the railings.
Should I paint the wrought iron railing very often?
To keep your railings look shiny and avoid corrosion, painting can be the best way to do. You can keep up with this maintenance periodically.
How long can I expect to finish completing the wrought iron railings installation project?
Wrought iron railings are extremely hard to install. If you choose DIY installation method, you need a longer time to complete the project. Even though you hire a professional installer, you must be patient to wait if you want a properly maintained railing.
What is the biggest downside of Wrought Iron railing?
The pricey wrought iron material for railing is considered the biggest downside of installing it.
What design is mostly provided by wrought iron railings manufacturer?
Wrought iron railings are mostly available in classical design, fitting much the homes with classic style. For example, you have Victorian homes. So the most suitable railings you may consider is wrought iron railings.
