Wrought iron fences have been around since the 12th century, and they are still just as popular and appealing today as they were nine centuries ago. At the turn of the last millennium, wrought iron fences were the result of advancements in medieval technology, and they required many hours of skilled labor to fabricate.
Today, modern wrought iron fence designs are commercially available and can be purchased by anyone who appreciates their timeless aesthetic.
Modern Wrought Iron Fence Designs
Let’s take a look at some of the special characteristics of iron and why it is such a great fence-making material. We’ll also go over some of the advantages of modern wrought iron fence designs, as well as some of the styles you can purchase for your home.
What Makes Iron Special?
Before we discuss what a wrought iron fence is, first, we need to talk about iron and some of its properties. Iron is the most abundant element on our planet, as much of Earth’s interior is composed of this versatile metal.
Iron has been used throughout human history for many different purposes, and its earliest known uses date back to around 1200 BC. In modern times, iron alloys and special heating processes have been developed to increase its strength, durability, and versatility.
One of the main reasons why iron is so widely used is its incredible tensile strength. Although pure iron is neither exceptionally strong nor hard, iron has properties that allow it to withstand enormous amounts of pressure when combined with other elements.
For example, iron is combined with carbon and chromium to create one of the most commonly used metals in manufacturing – stainless steel. Carbon is added to reshape the iron’s crystal structure, which makes the alloy much harder. This is also combined with chromium to increase its resistance to corrosion.
What Is Wrought Iron?
Wrought iron gets its name from the process by which it is shaped. When something is “wrought,” this means it has been “worked” into a shape or some other state of being.
When making wrought iron, the elemental iron retains a small amount of slag which increases its strength and makes it more workable. Slag is a byproduct of iron smelting that typically contains a mixture of aluminum oxides, phosphorus, silicon, and sulfur.
During the manufacturing process, the slag is expelled from the iron and hammered into the overall structure of the piece, creating a fibrous matrix that intertwines throughout the iron structure. This gives the iron a wood-like “grain” that gives wrought iron its distinctive look.
This is just a brief overview of how wrought iron has historically been made, but there are many methods and variations to this process. There have also been many developments to improving the manufacturing process of wrought iron, especially in recent times.
How Is Wrought Iron Fencing Made?
Although modern wrought iron fencing is made with much more advanced manufacturing processes than it was in the past, it still retains its timeless and sophisticated “wrought iron” look.
When wrought iron fencing was first developed, it was hammered into shape by hand and forge-welded together into a solid piece. Today, most types of wrought iron fencing are made of aluminum or galvanized steel. This material is then either bolted or tack-welded together, after which it is sealed with a powder-coated paint to increase its longevity.
Producing wrought iron fencing this way is much more efficient and cost effective than traditional means of manufacturing, making it much more attainable for modern homeowners.
What Are the Benefits of Wrought Iron Fencing?
There are many benefits to modern wrought iron fence designs that make them extremely attractive to homeowners.
Here are a few that made our list:
Wrought Iron Fences Add Curb Appeal
Modern wrought iron fence designs have a classic look that will never go out of style. Wrought iron fencing will add a charming and cultured look to your home that is unequaled by any other type of fencing.
One thing we are sure of is that you will never get tired of pulling up to your house and seeing your modern wrought iron fence design!
Wrought Iron Fences Add Resale Value
Another added benefit of your new and improved curb appeal is the resale value it will add to your property. If you ever decide to sell your house, a modern wrought iron fence design can increase your home’s value by more than the initial investment of your wrought iron fence.
A study conducted by Michigan State University showed that curb appeal can increase a home’s market resale value by an additional 5 – 11%, which makes exterior improvements one of the most important things you can do to boost your property’s price tag.
Since modern wrought iron fence designs give your home a more inviting and upscale look, it will continue to increase your house’s perceived value for as long as your wrought iron fence is standing.
Wrought Iron Fences Have Great Longevity
If your modern wrought iron fence design is built and installed properly, it will likely last as long as your home. Modern wrought iron fence designs are built with better design specifications than those of the past, which makes them strong, resilient, and resistant to corrosion.
Since modern wrought iron fence designs are typically galvanized, they will take much longer to rust, even if the paint is scratched and bare metal is exposed.
Additionally, modern wrought iron fence designs are sealed using powder coating. Powder coating is a type of paint that is applied in a dry powder and baked onto the metal’s surface, giving it a strong and durable finish that is resistant to wear and tear.
Wrought Iron Fences Provide Excellent Security
Modern wrought iron fence designs provide an excellent means to keep pets and small children in your yard, while also keeping out large animals and intruders. Modern wrought iron fences are extremely difficult to scale, and the vertical posts are close enough together that it would be nearly impossible for a human or large animal to squeeze between them.
Their impenetrability makes wrought iron fences an excellent choice for people who live in secluded areas where large animals such as bears, coyotes, mountain lions, and other dangerous animals can run into unsuspecting residents.
Wrought Iron Fences Are Low Maintenance
Modern wrought iron fence designs require an incredibly low amount of maintenance. Due to their toughness and resistance to the elements, maintaining a modern wrought iron fence design is as simple as checking for scrapes and scratches, then applying a matching rust-resistant paint.
When maintaining your modern wrought iron fence design, it is important to use a paint designed specifically for metals to ensure proper adhesion.
Wrought Iron Fences Are Easy to Install
In addition to their easy maintenance, modern wrought iron fence designs are extremely easy to install. Installation of modern wrought iron fence designs is carried out by setting posts in concrete at regular intervals and attaching each section of fence to the posts on either side.
The amount of time it will take to complete the installation will vary depending on the size of the enclosure, as well as the topography of your perimeter. However, for most simple projects, the process can be completed in just a few days.
Wrought Iron Fences Are Customizable
As we mentioned previously, there can be different requirements for installing a modern wrought iron fence design depending on the area where they are being placed. For graded landscapes, posts will need to be placed in such a way that each section of fencing can be attached to the post while maintaining the integrity of the enclosure.
Modern wrought iron fence designs can be customized to fit into any landscape, but if the terrain is varied and challenging, it is important to make sure that you are working with experienced professionals.
Modern wrought iron fence designs are also customizable in their appearance. With several different design options, you can choose the style that works best for the look you want to achieve.
Wrought Iron Fences Are Versatile
Modern wrought iron fence designs go great with any home or architectural style. Whether you live in a single-story ranch style home, an ultra-modern bunker style home, or a 17th century colonial mansion, wrought iron fences will give your home a classic aesthetic that is universally appealing.
Modern Wrought Iron Fence Designs
There are several different styles of modern wrought iron fence designs, but they are all similar in their overall characteristics and qualities. The main differences among these styles is their size and aesthetic.
Wrought Iron Ornamental Porch Railing
Ornamental porch railing is a modern wrought iron fence design that stands a little higher than the waist and is primarily used as a banister on stairs, door stoops, porches, and decks.
This wrought iron railing features two horizontal pieces on the top and bottom, and each horizontal piece is used to hold the vertical railing in place. This is a great option for decks and porches because of its durability and sleek, elegant design.
In addition to its attractiveness, this modern wrought iron fence design will eliminate the issues you will run into with a wooden railing. Wrought iron porch railing does not need to be painted or stained, it doesn’t fade, and it will not rot or disintegrate over time.
This option looks great when paired with weather treated lumber, but it goes especially well with composite decking. When combined with composite decking, you know you are getting a final product that will last for decades or longer. However, if you choose to go with a wood deck, you can always remove and reuse your ornamental porch railing when your wood decking needs to be replaced.
Wrought Iron Rail Western
Rail Western is a modern wrought iron fence design that comes in two different styles.
The first style features two horizontal rails. The top rail fits over each of the vertical rails, creating a seamless profile. On the bottom, the second horizontal rail is affixed to the vertical rails a short distance from base of the fence, and the ends of vertical rails are “floating.”
The second Rail Western style is similar to the first, but it has a third horizontal rail that sits just below the top horizontal rail.
Rail Western is a great option for those who live in rural areas, as sometimes large animals like deer may try to jump over the fence. Although it is highly unlikely that a deer would be able to successfully jump over the fence, having the tops of the vertical rails covered by a horizontal rail will help protect the animal from injury in the event that it does try to leap over the fence.
Wrought Iron Rail Vista
The Rail Vista model comes in three different options – the Rail Vista and Rail Vista Capped.
The Rail Vista is similar to the Rail Western in that it has two horizontal rails. The difference is that both the top and bottom horizontal rails are a short distance from the ends of the vertical rails, leaving both ends “floating.”
The Rail Vista Capped is an elegant option that adds a little more detail to the design. The Rail Vista Capped has three horizontal rails. The top one “caps” the vertical rails, sitting directly on top of them, much like the Rail Western. The second horizontal rail sits a short distance below the top rail, and the bottom horizontal rail is slightly raised allowing the vertical rails to “float” on the bottom.
What gives this model a more interesting look is that the vertical rails have two sizes. Every other vertical rail is slightly shorter, leaving a small gap between it and the “cap” rail.
The Rail Vista Capped is also a great choice for country homes, and it has a little added dimension of design, giving it an interesting yet sleek look.
The third Rail Vista option has three horizontal rails. One sits slightly above the bottom of the vertical rails, and the other two sit just below the top of the vertical rails, allowing the tops to “float.”
Wrought Iron Rail Classic
The Rail Classic model has more of an antique look, as it includes spiked vertical rails on the top.
It comes in two different styles – one with two horizontal rails and one with three horizontal rails. Both bottom horizontal rails sit above the bottom of the vertical rails, and the top horizontal rails sit below the spiked vertical rails in both models.
If you live in an area where there are animal species that could present a threat to your wellbeing, this could be a great option for added security.
Butte Fence Has Everything for Your Fencing Needs
If you are shopping for modern wrought iron fence designs, Butte Fence has you covered! Not sure what you’re looking for just yet? Our knowledgeable salespeople can help you choose the right option for your home!
And with our fast installation process, your home will be fenced in by experienced fencing professionals! Contact Butte Fence today to learn more!