How to Install a Wrought Iron Fence

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Wrought iron fencing is becoming a lost art, since many companies have started to install aluminum fencing instead. Wrought iron fencing is stronger, however, offering a high level of security, not to mention a greater sense of history. While the installation of a wrought iron fence is usually best left to professionals, since it is so labor intensive, you may be able to do the job yourself with the right set of materials and tools.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Wrought iron rods
Wrought iron connectors
Cinder blocks or concrete
Masonry drills, bits and hardware

Step1

Decide whether a wrought iron fence is the right style of fencing for your house, as well as your neighborhood. Wrought iron fencing tends to work better on larger properties, with such architectural styles as Tudor, Victorian or any house that uses masonry extensively. You may also want to choose the type of entry gate, which is the hallmark of a traditional wrought iron fence.

Step2

Check with your local zoning inspector to obtain a permit to install a wrought iron fence on your property. You may need to be a licensed contractor with masonry certification to install a wrought iron fence in your area.

Step3

Determine how you want to secure your wrought iron fence to the ground. Many zoning laws require that a true wrought iron fence must be secured to concrete or cinder block construction to ensure that this heavy fence will not fall over and cause property damage or personal injury.

Step4

Obtain the materials for your wrought iron fence from a local fencing supply company. These materials will include the individual iron rods that comprise the fence, which are available in a variety of styles. In addition, you will need to purchase horizontal connectors, and any special section or pieces such as corner posts, doors or gates.

Step5

Purchase all masonry materials required to install a wrought iron fence as per local zoning restrictions. This may include concrete, masonry drilling equipment, cinder blocks and mounting hardware.

Step6

Install your wrought iron fence according to the specifications from the manufacturer of the fencing materials. Generally, this will involve pouring concrete, digging holes for support posts, and securing the posts to the concrete and cinder blocks through masonry bolts. Once the fence is installed, you may need to have it inspected by a local zoning oficial.

Tips & Warnings

Ornamental aluminum fences are largely replacing wrought iron fences these days, mostly because of the higher cost and more labor needed to install wrought iron.