Wrought Iron Fencing Cost

Want to know how much wrought iron fencing costs?

You will often see genuine wrought iron fencing on expensive period buildings where the use of cast iron was common before the invention of steel. These days wrought iron fencing is mostly a bespoke choice and the ironwork is hand-crafted to order.

How Much Does Wrought Iron Fence Cost?

If you're looking to replace your garden fence, wrought iron is a great option.

That’s why wrought iron is sold on a per metre basis with a price that depends not only on the size of the fence or railings, but also on the intricacy of the design. Prices start at around £90 a metre and average at £145 a metre, but you can pay a lot more.

Steel is now a more popular choice as it is cost-effective, but with the strength and style of wrought iron. Steel fencing is often advertised as wrought iron ‘style’ fencing and you can buy steel that is advertised as wrought iron fencing panels.

The chart below will give you the approximate cost of a wrought iron fence. This is for genuine wrought iron, not steel.

Wrought Iron Fencing Prices

Fencing Type	Price Per Metre	Number of metres	Total cost
Wrought Iron	£90 - £180	3	£270 - £540
Wrought Iron	£90 - £180	5	£450 - £900
Wrought Iron	£90 - £180	7	£630 - £1260
Wrought Iron	£90 - £180	10	£900 - £1800

Wrought iron fencing is often found in residential properties. It is used the separate the front garden from the street and is incorporated into the top of a wall. Or you will find wrought iron fencing used to enclose a basement property in a period terraced house. This type of fencing is often marketed as iron railings, rather than fencing.

The reason for its use in smaller properties is because of the price. If you were to use standard steel to fence in a piece of land at just over 127 metres in length, for example, you would be looking at around £9,200.

If you were to fence in 127 metres of land using strong and sturdy chain link fencing, you would be looking at a price of around £3,300.

Labour Costs and Timescales

Again, because wrought iron fencing is hand crafted it is difficult to give a concrete figure for labour because most bespoke quotes will include the making of the fence in the quote they provide.

However, to make bespoke wrought iron fencing you would need a blacksmith because their job is to shape and form metal. If on the other hand, you wanted to repair wrought iron fencing you could use a welder who melts and fuses metal.

A blacksmith is more likely however to charge on a project basis for making fencing or railings because the job can stretch out for weeks depending on the size and the design of bespoke fencing or railings.

Here’s the average hourly rate of a blacksmith and a welder. But as you compare take into consideration that making bespoke railing and fencing is not your average job and therefore won’t be cheap.

Tradesperson	Hourly Rate	Daily Rate
Blacksmith	£20 - £40	£160 - £320
Welder	£50 - £70	£400 - £560

Additional Wrought Iron Fencing Costs

If you want to do other jobs around the garden while you’re putting up new wrought iron fencing here are some of the jobs you might decide to do and the prices you can expect to pay.

New Wall

If you want to incorporate your wrought iron fencing into a wall, then you may want the wall building.

If you have a small wall built so that the railings can be placed on top of the wall, then you will likely have a wall with a height of between 1.5 metres and 2.5 metres. Have a look at the chart below for the average costs.

Wrought Iron Fence Cost of Making a Wall

Height of Wall	Length of Wall	Material	Average Cost
1.5 metres	3 metres	Brick	£31 - £41
1.5 metres	4 metres	Brick	£41 - £56
1.5 metres	6 metres	Brick	£42 -£57
2 metres	3 metres	Brick	£63- £84
2 metres	4 metres	Brick	£56- £75
2 metres	6 metres	Brick	£83 - £112
2.5 metres	3 metres	Brick	£52 - £70
2.5 metres	4 metres	Brick	£70 - £93
2.5 metres	6 metres	Brick	£105 - £139

Garden Makeover

Giving the garden a tidy up might be a job you’ll think about doing while you are having wrought iron gates installed. Have a look at our website if you need quotes. We’ll contact local gardeners who can give you quotes for any type of gardening project. A gardener will cost on average, between £120 and £360 a day or between £15 to £45 an hour.

A ballpark figure for a garden renovation is £400, but if you decide you want to lay new turf then you should budget for between £700 and £800 for a 50-foot lawn.

Gardeners will also be happy just to give your garden a tidy-up. They will charge somewhere around £30 per square metre.

Decorative and/or Security Lighting

Lighting up your garden at night not only highlights the beauty of your plants, trees, and shrubs but also gives you added security. Garden spotlights can be cheap to buy. You can get basic lights for as little as £23 each, but you can pay as much as £80 or more depending on the quality and the design.

Wall lights cost between £20 and £140. You can use wall lights to illuminate steps or porches.

You’ll need an electrician to install the lights. Expect to pay between £50 and £120 per hour. The average lighting installation may take from a couple of hours to a whole day. That means you’ll be paying between £100 and £960 for the installation work.

Security lighting is a cost-effective way of deterring intruders.

Security lights can be as little as £10.00 each, but motion sensor lights are usually in the region of £50.00.

An electrician will typically charge between £50 to £120 an hour,

If you were to buy and install 4 security lights the cost would be between £10 and £50 plus the cost of installation. If an electrician takes half a day to install four lights, then their rates would be between £240 and £680.

Number of Lights

Cost of Light	Electrician Charges	No of hours	Total Cost
4 £10	£50 - £120	4	£240 - £520
4 £50	£50 - £120	4	£400 - £680

You can pay all sorts of prices for security lighting. It depends on where you buy them and the quality and design of the lights. The average price for installing one security light is between £60.00 and £170.

Putting in a Video Doorbell

Video doorbells are becoming popular with householders who want to see who is at the door before it’s opened. Some video doorbells also have a telephone app so you can see who is ringing your bell while you are out of the house.

Video doorbells cost on average, between £80 and £90. The installation will be around £150. Therefore, the total cost of a video doorbell is between £230 and £240.

Buying and Installing a New Garden Gate

The average price of a wrought iron garden gate is between £310 and £590 depending on the gate size and the type of design you choose. Intricate designs cost more.

The installation of the gate can be carried out by a handyperson who will charge between £240 and £320 per day. The installation of a single garden gate will probably cost between £120 and £240 for around 6 hours work.

Painting your home’s exterior

To freshen up the outside of your home you’ll need a painter to paint the exterior. Painters charge on average, between £120 and £320 for a day’s work. Your budget should also include the cost of the paint. Masonry paint for example costs between £24 and £40 for a 10-litre tub. You’ll pay more if you want coloured paint.

It should take around 4 to 5 days to paint an average 3-bedroom semi so you are looking at a ballpark figure of between £600 and £1600.

Here are some average prices of the typical tradesperson you may need for additional jobs:

Tradesman

Average Cost Per Hour	Fence Installer	Painter	Gardener	Electrician	Builder	Handyperson
£35 -£55	£15 -£40	£15 -£45	£50 -£120	£20- £35	£30 - £40

The price you pay a tradesperson will depend on what part of the country you come from. London and the South East of England is always more expensive.

Cost Factors of Installing Wrought Iron Fencing

Wrought iron fencing isn’t as common as other fencing materials. Cost factors include the size and the design you choose. If the design is straightforward then the cost of a wrought iron fence will be cheaper than if you choose an intricate design. Most wrought iron fencing is made to order rather than produced at a factory. It means large or complex designs can take weeks to produce and this is reflected in the cost.

A cheaper way to get the look of wrought iron is to buy wrought iron-style gates and fences. The materials used are zinc-coated galvanised steel. They are not a cheap option, but they are cheaper than wrought iron.

For example, you can buy an iron-style railing to fix into an opening of 914mm (almost a metre in length) x 457 mm high (almost half a metre) for around £98.00. Or you can buy railings to fit an opening of 1830mm (6 feet) at a height of 560mm (almost 2ft) for around £256.00.

How a Wrought Iron Fence is Installed

If you are having wrought iron railings installed into a gap in the wall, then you will need screw-on bolt fittings to attach to the brickwork. There are normally 2 bolts at each end of the wall.

While one end is being installed someone should be holding the other end. Once one end has been bolted onto the wall you can work on the other end. A small railing on top of a wall can be installed by a professional or someone who is competent at DIY.

If you use a fencing installer, then expect to pay between £35 and £55 an hour. A handyperson will cost between £30 and £40 an hour.

Types of Wrought Iron Fencing

Wrought iron fencing is made of pure iron which means it is very heavy and strong. Wrought iron ‘look’ fencing is made from galvanised steel. Wrought iron will usually last for decades. Galvanised steel is often guaranteed for 25 years.

Flat Top

Flat-top wrought iron fences are all about those neat, straight lines with a smooth top, giving off a cool, modern look. People like this style because it's got a low-key appearance that fits in just as well with contemporary houses as it does with traditional.

Plus, it looks good without trying too hard, and it's perfect if you want to keep things safe without making your place look like a fortress. It's a top pick for homes where you want to feel secure but still keep things looking friendly and inviting.

Arched Top

Arched top wrought iron fences really bring that classy and elegant feel to any spot with their smooth, curvy lines that swoop into an arch over each panel or picket.

This look throws in a dash of height and a bit of elegance, making it a go-to for dressing up garden gates, house fronts, and big fancy properties. Those arches aren't just pretty to look at; they also throw a bit of a curveball to anyone trying to hop over, adding a sneaky layer of security.

Fleur De Lis

Rocking that iconic lily flower symbol, Fleur De Lis wrought iron fences are all about mixing history with a dash of class. You'll see this fancy design sitting pretty on top of fence pickets or as part of the gate, giving off major royal vibes and a nod to some cool heritage.

The Fleur De Lis is flexible, looking right at home with classic styles or for more elaborate scenes. Plus, it’s not just about looks - its pointy shape means it’s also pretty handy at keeping climbers at bay.

Spearhead

Spearhead wrought iron fences are popular because they have these pointed, spear-like tops that look good and keep people from climbing over. This idea isn't new – it goes way back when those sharp tops were all about beefing up security.

These days, they still keep climbers at bay but are also loved for their classic look and how they can make a place look even better. You can find spearhead fences that are pretty simple and low-key or super fancy with lots of details around the spear tips up.

Ball Top

Ball top wrought iron fences have these cool round, ball-shaped caps on each picket, giving them a friendlier vibe than the spiky ones. These fences are tough as nails but still look nice, fitting in with pretty much any kind of place.

They're a big hit for homes, adding a bit of class without skimping on keeping things secure. Plus, the round tops make them a safe choice if you've got kids or pets running around, making sure everyone stays safe and sound.

Scalloped

Scalloped wrought iron fences stand out with their cool wavy tops that make curves or scallops along the edge. This gives the fence a bit of flair and makes it look interesting, perfect for anyone wanting to spice up the look of their property's border.

You can get them with curves that are deep or shallow, frequent or spaced out, so there's a lot of room to play around with how dramatic or simple you want it to look. People often throw in some floral or vine designs with these fences to really up the garden look.

Closed Iron

Closed Iron wrought iron fences are all about keeping things tight with hardly any gap between the pickets, so you get top-notch privacy and security. This style is awesome for places where you really want to keep out unwanted visitors or if you're not into the idea of nosy neighbours peeking through.

Despite being so snug, these fences still look great, holding onto that classic wrought iron charm. They're a solid choice whether you're decking out your home or sprucing up a business spot.

Straight Top

Straight top wrought iron fences keep it simple with clean, straight lines across the top, giving off a tidy and well-put-together vibe. This style is super flexible and never goes out of fashion, fitting in with all kinds of building looks without stealing the show.

They strike a cool balance between being open enough to not feel like a fortress but secure enough to keep things safe, making them perfect for anyone wanting a stylish fence but not too flashy.

Ornamental

Ornamental wrought iron fences are all about the details, featuring intricate patterns, designs, and decorations that transform a simple fence into a work of art. From elaborate scrollwork and floral motifs to custom emblems and crests, ornamental fences are tailor-made to reflect the owner's personal style and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the property.

This type of fence is often seen around luxurious estates, historic properties, and in areas where architectural beauty is paramount. Ornamental wrought iron fences not only provide security but also add significant value and character to any landscape.

Other Types of Fencing

If you change your mind about wrought iron fencing, there are other options to consider. Have a look at other types of fencing together with the average costs of installation.

Wooden Fencing

Wooden fencing is cost-effective, and it is popular with people who prefer to carry out DIY installation.

Picket fencing is a good choice for a front garden, whilst fence panelling is common in back gardens. A 6 ft by 4ft (1.828 metres x 1219 metres) wooden fence panel will cost between £25 and £35.00. If you have 5 panels installed, you’ll be paying between £125 and £175 in total to cover a length of 30 feet (914 metres).

Picket fencing with timber fence posts will cost between £550 and £700 to supply and fit in a garden that is 36 feet in length (10.972 metres) and 6 feet tall.

Aluminium Fencing

Aluminium fencing is often sold in panels and can be tailor-made with a particular design or pattern. It is durable and strong and often comes with a guarantee of between 15 and 20 years.

For example, a typical aluminium fence on top of a wall with 3 panels and posts will cost around £400 for a fence that is 300mm high and 1828mm wide.

Chain Link Fencing

Chain link fencing is often used in back gardens where privacy isn’t an issue. It’s cheap to buy and install and it’s a popular DIY option. You can PVC coated chain link or galvanised steel, which is slightly more expensive.

Ten metres of PVC chain link fencing will cost between £60 and £70 at a height of 90cm. Galvanised steel chain link fencing of the same size will cost between £70 to £80.00.

uPVC Fencing

Another type of cheaper fencing is uPVC panels. They are durable and easy to install. You can also choose a small selection of colours. If you buy a panel that’s 3ft high (just under a metre) and 6 feet (1.828 metres) wide you can expect to pay between £40 and £50 per panel. Therefore 5 panels will be a total cost of between £200 and £250

Composite Fencing

Composite fencing is a smart, eco-friendly choice for folks who fancy the look of wood without the fuss. Made from a mix of wood fibres and recycled plastics, this type of fencing gives off a natural vibe but is way tougher and more long-lasting.

You won't find it warping, rotting, or needing a new coat of paint every year, making it a right bargain in the long run. It's pretty versatile too, with loads of designs and colours to match your garden or house style.

Plus, it's good for the planet, using up recycled materials and cutting down on waste. So, if you're after a fence that looks ace, lasts ages, and is kind to the earth, composite fencing is your best bet.

Planning Permission and Building Regulations

Planning Permission

You don’t need planning permission to install wrought iron railings as long as the following height restrictions are complied with:

If you are installing wrought iron railings at the front of your property where you are within three metres of the road, the wall and the railings cannot be more than one metre high. If your property boundary isn’t near a road (like most rear gardens) then you can install railings up to a height of 2 feet.

You may need planning permission if you live in a listed building, or your property is in a conservation area.

Building Regulations

There are no building regulations applicable to installing a wrought iron fence. It is however necessary to inform your neighbour before installing a wrought iron fence on a boundary wall.

Contact the Land Registry and obtain your Title Plan or a Property Summary to find out whether a fence is yours or a neighbour’s. You can do this online. A Property Summary is free, but a Title Register and Title Plan are £3 each.

Repairing a Wrought Iron Fence

You can repair or replace wrought iron if it is damaged. Use a professional to do the job as they will be able to source the right materials and cast replicas of the original features. As every job is different the work is tailor-made to your requirements so you will need a quote to get a price.

Cleaning and Maintaining a Wrought Iron Fence

A wrought iron fence does need some maintenance. It should be regularly cleaned to remove dust and dirt. It might also rust which will need removing.

When the railings need re-painting, you need to clean and prime the area before painting the railings with a roller. The cost of the paint will depend on the brand and where you buy it. An average 5-litre tin of black gloss paint is around £70.00.

Removing a Wrought Iron Fence

Wrought iron fences are often sought after on second-hand sites and so many people who remove a wrought iron fence will get a professional to do it so that as little damage as possible is done to the fence.

If the fence is damaged and can’t be used again then the bars can be cut away and the posts removed from the soil or concrete.

If you want to dispose of the metal a good idea is to contact a scrap dealer who will weigh the metal, give you a price and take it away. Iron might be worth as between £50 and £80 per kilo for scrap, but prices will depend on where you live and the scrap metal dealer you contact.

Checklist for Hiring a Wrought Iron Fencing Installer

Rather than spend hours trawling the internet you can use our website to find at least 3 quotes for wrought iron installation. Simply type in your postcode and answer a few questions about the job you want to do.

Three quotes are recommended so that you have a choice and can compare prices.

It’s a good idea to ask a fencing contractor a few questions when you meet them. This will give you a better idea of how they work and what experience they have.

Find out if they have a website. It’s not always necessary but it does help if you can see photographs and read descriptions of the type of work they do. If they don’t have a website, ask if they have any photographs or letters from satisfied customers.

Ask them how long they have been in the business. You might prefer someone who has been doing the job for a long time. However, bear in mind a new business might be just as good as long as the company has trained and enthusiastic staff.

Make sure they have business insurance. This is important if they are going to be working on your premises. It means if there is an accident, and you want to make a claim you can deal with their insurance company. If they don’t have insurance, it means you have to claim from the person, or their business and they may not have the financial resources.

FAQs

Sources

https://www.thegreatgatecompany.co.uk/product/alternating-finials
https://www.periodproperty.co.uk/forum/threads/fencing-costs.11776/
https://www.steelburnerwelding.com/musings/blacksmith-work
https://www.wroughtirongatesdirect.co.uk/product/balmoral-wrought-iron-style-metal-garden-railings
https://www.metalfabricationlondon.co.uk/project/railing-repairs-london-e14