Fort Smith Fence Pros takes requests for wrought iron and ornamental steel fence installation in Fort Smith, AR and passes each one to an independent local contractor, for front yards, driveway gates and older homes that call for a heavier metal fence.
Iron and steel fences carry weight, both visually and literally. They suit large gates, historic houses and properties that want security without a solid wall. They also need the right finish and footings to stand up to a humid climate. Here is what to know before you request a free estimate.
True Wrought Iron vs Ornamental Steel Fencing
Most new fences sold as wrought iron today are actually steel. The difference matters for price and upkeep.
Wrought or cast iron
Hand-forged or custom fabricated iron is heavy, very strong and can be shaped into scrolls and detailed pickets. It is often used to match or restore older ironwork.
Ornamental steel
Prefabricated steel panels, usually galvanized and powder coated, give a similar look at lower cost and install faster.
Aluminum
If you mainly want the look and not the strength, our aluminum fence page covers the lighter alternative.
Keeping Iron and Steel Fences From Rusting in a Humid Climate
Fort Smith's humid subtropical climate means metal stays damp from dew and rain much of the year. Rust usually starts at welds, scratches and the bottom of posts.
- Ask for galvanized steel under a powder coat finish, not paint over bare metal.
- Keep sprinkler spray and soil off the bottom rail.
- Touch up chips as soon as you see them.
- For older iron, sanding, rust converter and a quality metal paint every few years keep it sound.
Ironwork and Fences Around Belle Grove's Historic Homes
The Belle Grove Historic District, listed on the National Register in 1973, holds homes built mostly between about 1870 and 1930 in Gothic Revival, Eastlake and other Victorian styles. Ornamental metal is a natural fit for these houses. The city's Certificate of Appropriateness form lists certain wood privacy and picket fences as minor work but does not list iron or steel fences, so plan for review by the Historic District Commission and bring drawings, photos and product details with your application.
Driveway Gates, Walk Gates and Heavy Posts
Gates are where metal fences earn their price. A swinging driveway gate puts enormous leverage on its hinge post, so that post needs to be heavier and set in a larger, deeper footing than the rest of the line. Ask about:
- Gate post size and footing depth
- Adjustable heavy-duty hinges
- Whether the gate can be prepped for an automatic opener later
- Rolling or cantilever gates for sloped driveways
Typical Costs for Wrought Iron and Steel Fences
Angi lists wrought iron fencing at a typical range of about $25 to $55 per linear foot and steel at about $17 to $90, depending on style and grade. HomeAdvisor puts typical total wrought iron projects at roughly $5,250 to $11,400. These are national estimates. Custom fabrication, decorative finials and scrolls, gate size, openers and footage all affect your actual price.
Common questions
How much does a wrought iron fence cost per foot?
National cost guides from Angi list wrought iron fences at a typical range of about $25 to $55 per linear foot, with ornamental steel ranging from about $17 to $90 depending on grade. Custom work and large gates cost more. Request a free estimate to get a price based on your footage, gates and the style you want.
How long does a wrought iron fence last?
A properly maintained iron or steel fence can last for decades, often longer than the wood or vinyl fences around it. The key is controlling rust by keeping the finish intact, touching up scratches, and keeping the base of posts free of standing water and soil. Neglected iron can rust through at the posts.
Can an old iron fence be repaired instead of replaced?
Often, yes. Bent pickets can be straightened, broken sections welded, and rusted posts replaced while the original panels are kept. Restoration is common on older homes where the ironwork is part of the house's character. A contractor or metal fabricator can look at the fence and tell you whether repair or new panels make more sense.
Is steel fence as strong as wrought iron?
Heavy-gauge ornamental steel is strong enough for most residential and light commercial uses, and galvanizing makes it more rust resistant than bare iron. Solid wrought or forged iron is denser and can be shaped into more detailed designs, which is why it is still used for custom gates and restoration. For most new yards, steel is the practical choice.