You can’t go wrong with wrought iron if you want a fence that’s low-maintenance, sturdy, and safe. So, how much do they actually cost? We’ll answer all of your questions here
Materials for a wrought iron fence range from $25 to $35 per linear foot, so the bigger the enclosure, the more expensive it will be.
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How Much Does a Wrought Iron Fence Cost Installed?
The average Wrought iron fence cost $25 to $35 per linear foot. So what this mean is for a 6′ high fence running 160′ feet in length will cost you $4,960 on average for installation. However, this doesn’t take into account the cost of: posts, brackets for posts, and challenging site work. Each footing costs on average $100 each.
Wrought iron fence cost estimator A number of factors affect the price of a wrought iron fence, including: Your location; the thickness of the fence; the level of detail you want in the fence decorations; the size of the fence overall; and the finish you select (e.g. do you want it painted, galvanised or left natural?) Before you can get precise quotes, you must measure the length of the area that needs fencing after determining the impact of each of these on your project. Or simply request a site visit from a local tradesperson who’ll measure up for you, then quote accordingly
Installation Cost Factors
The cost to install a wrought iron fence is affected by a number of variables, including the fence’s height and length as well as its location, terrain, and type.
Fence Height and Length
Your fence’s price is influenced by both its height and length. While the materials for a 3-foot wrought iron fence can cost as little as $ 24 per linear foot, a high-end, 6-foot tall wrought iron fence can cost $ 34 per linear foot for materials. More material is needed for fences that are higher in height.
Gauge Or Thickness of Fence
12mm thick bars are typical for wrought iron fences. For security or aesthetic reasons, thicker bars on a custom fence will cost more to install and will cost more to labor on. More material is needed for thicker bars. Additionally, the difficulty of cutting, molding, and working with thicker bars increases labor costs.
Labor Costs
About 25% of the project’s total cost is labor. A fencing pro typically costs $30 to $ 80 per hour. Your location and the amount of work involved will affect the price. 20 to 35 hours are typically needed to install 150 to 200 linear feet.
Fence Location
The terrain and location of the installation site can have a big impact on the price. You’ll spend more money on labor if the site is challenging to get to because it takes longer and might necessitate using hand tools or smaller machines if the access point is small.
You’ll pay more for installation if the terrain is rocky and uneven because it’s a more complicated job that necessitates installing step-ups or step-downs, which require more labor and materials.
Quality of Iron Used
Price varies significantly depending on the type of iron you select. The most affordable type costs $25.50 per linear foot, on average, compared to the most expensive, at $ 32.50 per linear foot. The iron will last longer and require less upkeep if it is of higher quality. Since high-quality iron lasts longer and costs less over time, it is more expensive initially.
Bar Spacing
Wrought iron fencing uses a standard bar spacing of 100mm. However, if you have dogs and want to ensure they can’t get any parts of themselves between the bars, you can choose to have the bars placed closer together in a custom design. It should be noted, however, that the fence will require more materials the closer the bars are together. You’ll also have to pay extra for the customized design.
Permitting Or Land Survey Costs
Hiring a land surveyor costs between $330 and $670. A new fence needs to take this crucial first step. You won’t know the exact location of your property’s edge without it. Your land’s boundaries are set by the surveyor.
After the survey, you need a permit that costs between $20 and $400. The majority of counties and municipalities demand a permit, but it makes sense to confirm first. You can apply for it with the assistance of your contractor.
Cost to Install An Iron Fence by Iron Type
There are numerous kinds, hues, and designs of wrought iron. The final cost of your fence installation project depends on the options you select. Other than black, you can choose from green, white, or bronze as well as ornamental designs with curved iron patterns, twisted or curved bars, and intriguing toppers.
Plain Black Iron
Plain black iron starts at $24 per linear foot. These fences prioritize functionality over aesthetics and provide little in the way of personalization or embellishment. At the upper end of this budget range, which is $30 per linear foot, you can have colored wrought iron, in white, green, gray, bronze, and other popular colors to give your home’s perimeter a little personality.
Galvanized
Galvanized wrought iron costs $28 to $32per linear foot. Posts and panels are already galvanized or zinc-coated for protection. The process of galvanizing iron shields it from the elements and delays the onset of rust. Galvanized steel is more expensive up front, but requires less upkeep over time and extends the life of the fence.
Ornamental
Ornamental wrought iron fences cost $27 to $34per linear foot. Plain iron and galvanized iron both have decorative uses, but galvanized iron will cost more. Toppers, curved or twisted bars, and other adornments are examples of ornamental options.
Conclusion
Where you live has little effect on how much the materials for a wrought iron fence cost, unlike wood fences. It should be noted, however, that not all areas of the nation experience the same national average prices. The labor costs are not constant, despite the consistency of material costs.
Fence installers in small towns will probably bill per work hour at a lower rate than those in big cities. Alternately, smaller companies with fewer clients might levy a higher price than bigger firms with more revenue streams.
Consider the location of your home and the particular contractor you choose when determining the cost of a wrought iron fence. If your local costs differ from the listed national averages, don’t be alarmed.
FAQs
Is Wrought Iron Fence Worth It?
Numerous advantages of wrought-iron fences include their durability, privacy, security, sustainability, ease of installation and maintenance, and perhaps even a rise in property value.
Why is Wrought Iron So Expensive?
Cast iron is heated and shaped repeatedly to produce wrought iron. Wrought iron is an expensive substance due to the manufacturing process that gives it its laminar structure. Its tensile strength is significantly higher than cast iron’s, and it is also more ductile.
Is Wrought Iron Cheaper Than Wood?
The numbers on the ground show us that wrought iron is significantly more expensive when costs are compared.
Is Wrought Iron More Expensive Than Steel?
For outdoor projects that will be subjected to the elements over time, steel is a better material to use than wrought iron due to its strength. Steel is also much more affordable than wrought iron because of the market’s abundance of it.