Wrought Iron Fence Cost

Want to know how much wrought iron fencing costs?

Wrought iron fencing is often associated with period homes and heritage buildings.

Today, it is considered a bespoke, premium option, chosen for its durability and timeless appeal.

Traditional wrought iron fencing is often handcrafted to order, though many modern wrought iron fences use modular steel panels, which makes it a premium choice.

Of course, this level of craftsmanship and quality comes with a price tag. In this guide, we'll break down the key factors that influence the cost of a wrought iron fence, from design and materials to installation and alternatives, so you know exactly what to expect before you invest.

How Much Does a Wrought Iron Fence Cost?

If you're looking to replace your garden fence with something durable and stylish, wrought iron is a great option.

Wrought iron railings cost is priced per metre with prices influenced by the size of the fence and complexity of design.

Prices typically start around £90 a metre and average about £180 per metre, though highly detailed or bespoke wrought iron fence designs can cost a lot more.

Many modern alternatives use steel which is more affordable while still offering a similar look. These products are usually made from galvanised steel with a black powder-coated finish to mimic traditional ironwork.

While not inexpensive, they offer a durable and stylish metal fencing option at a much lower price point than hand forged wrought iron. Decorative steel railings can cost around £100 for a one metre section, or £250 for a wider, six-foot section.

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

Wrought Iron Fence Prices

Wrought iron fencing is commonly seen on residential properties, often as decorative railings along front gardens, atop boundary walls or around basement areas in period terraced houses.

Due to its premium price, wrought iron is typically used in smaller installations rather than for enclosing large plots of land.

Most homeowners use wrought iron for smaller projects such as front garden railings, decorative panels or on top of boundary walls, or as a wrought iron gate. The wrought iron railings cost is typically between £1,000 and £3,000.

Wrought Iron Fencing Cost Calculator

Wrought Iron Fence Installation Costs (Labour Only)

As genuine wrought iron fencing is hand-forged, labour costs can vary widely.

Most quotes include both fabrication of the ironwork and the installation, which makes it difficult to separate material and labour costs.

However, understanding who is involved in the process can give you a clearer idea of where the money goes.

Fabrication Labour Costs

Bespoke wrought iron fencing is typically crafted by a blacksmith, whose specialist skills are required to shape and form the metal.

Blacksmiths usually charge on a project basis rather than strictly by the hour, as crafting intricate railings can take several weeks depending on the scale and design.

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For repairs, however, a welder is often used to fuse or restore existing ironwork.

Here are the average hourly rates of a blacksmith and a welder:

Installation Costs

For fences mounted on walls, labour may be higher due to the need for specialist fixings such as screw-on bolts and precise alignment.

Ground mounted fences may require digging, concrete footings, or additional posts, which can also add to the overall cost.

Other factors influencing installation costs include fence height, design and site accessibility.

Here are the average rates for professional fencing installers:

When commissioning bespoke ironwork, remember that labour doesn't just relate to installation.

The design, fabrication and finishing all add to the overall cost and timescale. For larger, more detailed projects, it's common for the work to run over several weeks, especially if crafted entirely by hand.

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Additional Wrought Iron Fence Costs

Cost of Integrating Fencing Into A Wall

If you plan to mount your wrought iron railings on top of a brick or stone wall, the cost of building the wall (if it's not already there) should be included in the budget.

For example, a standard brick wall for a small section of fencing may cost anywhere from £30 to £140 per 3-6 metre section depending on the height.

Cost of Wrought Iron Gates

A matching wrought iron garden gate adds both style and security.

Gate prices typically range from £310 to £590. Installation is often carried out by a handyperson or fencing specialist and can cost around £120 to £240 for a single gate, based on roughly 6 hours of work.

Cost of Painting and Finishing

To protect your wrought iron fence and maintain its appearance, painting or applying a protective finish is recommended.

Professional painters or fence specialists typically charge between £15 and £40 per hour.

The total cost will depend on the fence length and whether any additional preparation (like rust removal) is required.

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.

Cost of 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.

Cost of Removing a Wrought Iron Fence

Wrought iron fences are often sought after on second-hand sites.

Many people who remove a wrought iron fence will hire a professional to do it to avoid any damage 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 up to £0.25 per kilo for scrap, but prices will depend on where you live and the scrap metal dealer you contact.

Types of Wrought Iron Fence

Wrought iron fencing is known for being heavy, strong and timeless, often lasting for decades.

Fencing style affects not only the visual appeal but also the price and installation complexity.

Flat Top

Flat-top wrought iron fences have straight, clean lines and a smooth top, giving a modern, understated look, and their simplicity makes them one of the more affordable styles to have made.

They provide security without appearing imposing, and suit both contemporary and traditional properties.

Arched Top

Arched top wrought iron fences feature curved tops for a classy and elegant appearance. They add height and visual interest while enhancing security by deterring climbing, though shaping the curve adds to the cost compared with a flat design.

Fleur-De-Lis

Fleur De Lis fences incorporate the iconic lily motif, combining historic elegance with practical security, and the intricate detail of the motif makes this among the pricier design choices.

The pointed design helps prevent intruders while adding a decorative touch to gates and fence tops.

Spearhead

Spearhead wrought iron fences have pointed tops for a traditional, secure design.

They are available in simple or highly detailed patterns which vary in cost, offering both classic style and effective deterrence against climbing.

Ball Top

Ball top fences feature rounded caps on each picket creating a softer appearance.

They maintain security while being a safer choice for homes with children or pets.

Scalloped

Scalloped wrought iron fences have wavy tops that add visual flair.

They can be customised with shallow or deep curves and are often combined with decorative motifs to enhance garden aesthetics, with deeper or more elaborate curves adding to the cost.

Closely-Spaced Pickets

Closely-spaced wrought iron fences have minimal gaps between pickets providing maximum privacy and security.

They are ideal for areas where privacy is a priority while retaining the classic wrought iron look, though the extra iron used makes it a more costly design.

Ornamental

Ornamental fences feature intricate patterns, scrollwork, or bespoke emblems, making them one of the more expensive styles.

These types of wrought iron fences combine high end security with aesthetic appeal, often enhancing the value and character of luxury or historic properties.

Straight Top

Straight top wrought iron fences keep it simple with clean, straight lines across the top, giving it a clean, compact, well-finished aesthetic, and keeping fabrication costs relatively low. This style is super flexible and never goes out of fashion, working well with all kinds of buildings.

If you're still looking at alternative fencing options, you might also want to explore composite fencing or our chain link fencing guide.

Planning Permission and Building Regulations for Installing a Wrought Iron Fence

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 install wrought iron railings adjacent to a 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 metres.

You may need planning permission if you live in a listed building, or your property is in a conservation area. Altering or removing certain existing walls or railings may also require permission.

Building Regulations

There aren't typically building regulations applicable to installing a wrought iron fence, but they do apply to safety balustrades for raised areas like balconies.

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.

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Repairing a Wrought Iron Fence

You can replace or repair a wrought iron fence 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.

Checklist: Hiring a Wrought Iron Fence Installer in the UK

Finding a local installer for a wrought iron fence doesn't have to be time consuming.

Here are some things to consider when hiring a wrought iron fencing installer:

• Are they a member of a recognised trade body? For bespoke ironwork, look for membership of a body like the British Artist Blacksmiths Association. For installation, the Association of Fencing Industries runs a Certified Contractor Scheme for fencing contractors.
• Do they have insurance? Ensure they have valid business insurance. This protects you in case of accidents or damage during your wrought iron fencing installation.
• Have you compared multiple quotes? Get at least three quotes to compare pricing and services before deciding who to hire.
• Does the quote cover fabrication and installation? Check whether the quote includes both fabrication and wrought iron fencing installation costs, or just one, so there are no surprises later.
• Are they experienced? Look for examples of past wrought iron fencing work, photos, and testimonials on their MyJobQuote profile for insight into their quality and style.

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