Thursday, October 28, 2010

Wrought Iron Fence Information

Wrought iron gate


Wrought iron fences offer advantages and disadvantages over other fence styles. This type of fencing is some of the most expensive types of fencing on the market. Perhaps the largest advantage that wrought iron fences have over most other types of fences is their durability. Wrought iron fences can last for several generations if they receive the proper care, which is not much, throughout the years.


Installation


Wrought iron fencing is easy to install into the ground like most other types of fencing. Holes are dug a few feet into the ground where iron posts are inserted and surrounded with a collar of usually concrete. Wrought iron fencing is also commonly installed onto walls. This process requires much more effort, which is clearly reflected in the overall cost of a wrought iron fencing installation project. Many consumers opt to have wrought iron fencing installed atop 2-foot walls.


Cost


According to Service Magic, wrought iron fencing is one of the most expensive types of fencing on the market. Consumers can expect to pay anywhere between $15 and $20 per linear foot to have wrought iron fencing installed by professionals, according to the LA Times. Having wrought iron fencing installed on a wall greatly increases the cost per foot. The LA Times claims that wrought iron fencing can cost between $30 and $40 per linear foot if it needs to be installed on the top of a wall.


Design


Wrought iron fencing is available in many styles. Some of the styles offered by manufacturers like Cassidy Brothers are the Arlington, Clarendon, Lancaster, Tremont, Montvale and the Glendale. Arlington, Clarendon and Lancaster-style fences feature pickets that are spaced 6 inches apart. Tremont, Montvale and Glendale-style wrought iron fences feature pickets that are 4.5 inches apart.


Finials


Finials are the ornaments on top of wrought iron fencing posts and pickets. Cassidy Brothers offers several post finial style options including the pyramid, pineapple and spade. Pyramid finials resemble a four-sided pyramid. Pineapple finials are constructed to resemble a pineapple. Spade finials are formed to represent a three-dimensional spade. Some picket finial styles include the square, pyramid, trident and spade. Trident finials resemble a miniature trident, while spade finials resemble a flat, pointed spade. Pyramid finials are available in various grades of steepness.


Facts


Unlike many other types of fencing, wrought iron fencing requires only a moderate level of regular maintenance, according to the LA Times. According to This Old House, early wrought iron fencing can be identified by its ribbonlike designs, pattern irregularities, hammer marks and variations in thickness. To prevent corrosion, finials and posts should be finished separately before getting joined with a stainless steel screw. This type of fencing is commonly found around homes that are on slopes or terraces, according to the LA Times.







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