True wrought iron railings can be special ordered for older buildings.
Install wrought-iron railings to add elegance and security to a home. Keep in mind that wrought iron is used as a term for artistically appealing, forged-steel designwork. True wrought iron has not been commonly made since 1969 because manufacturing it is expensive. A version of steel called "mild steel" is subsituted for wrought iron in many cases. Commercial dealers use the term "wrought iron" for metal that features scroll work, twists and turns or a hammered look. True wrought iron railings are available on special order for historic buildings or special projects, however. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Measure the porch perimeter and steps area. Obtain home design books featuring porches and remodeling magazines with steel porch railings. Become familiar with various styles of metal materials by going online as well. Railings made of steel, which are crafted in beautiful designs with curves, twists and special shaping, are available at reasonable costs. Add these railings for strength in areas where safety issues come into play.
2. Sketch the metal railings to the desired height and overall shape. Choose metal balusters that are smaller in diameter and a more delicate shape to cover a longer porch length. Install them in areas where light is important, since wooden balusters may tend to darken a long porch area. Keep in mind that a wooden handrail can be used with metal balusters. Select a pre-made metal gate before deciding on the final height for the railing.
3. Draw the house facade with the porch on graph paper. Sketch every detail to scale, so the design of the "wrought iron" railings will be spaced correctly to look right from all angles. Design the railing to fit the size and scope of porch posts and window shutters. Avoid metal handrails and balusters that are very inexpensive, or they will cheapen the look of the house. Select high-quality railings that will not bend or twist out of shape over time; steer clear of aluminum products, for example, in favor of sturdier steel.
4. Create formal metal railings, reminiscent of well-crafted European designs, for steps leading to a very formal porch. Use heavy metal support posts or metal lantern-type light fixtures in the yard space. Choose a front entry door with an ornate design to complement more ornate railings for homes suited to this style. Buy a storm door with a solid glass front, since a typical storm door with low-cost aluminum scroll work with look inappropriate with high-quality metal railings.
5. Use colored pencils to draw metal railings in various colors. Draw the house with steel porch railings in light green, for example, to match pale green siding. Select white railings or black in some cases, but also review copper and bronze railings as possible options. Buy railings that fit the home's colors and architectural style in every way, since inappropriate metal porch railing designs or colors will take away from the market value of the home.
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