Wrought iron fencing has many benefits—it is durable, low maintenance, secure, and can add monetary value to your home. Because it is also customisable, the addition of intricate designs and patterns can add a unique point of difference and increase your property’s appeal. And although it’s not the cheapest type of fencing out there, its beautiful aesthetics more than make up for the financial investment required. So how much does a wrought iron fence cost?
The cost of erecting a wrought iron fence can vary depending on a range of factors, including:
The cost of a fence is typically charged on a per metre basis, and when it comes to wrought iron fences, this is usually $950 per metre, although customisation may add to the cost. In order to quote accurately, your fencing contractor will visit your property to inspect the site. They will then provide an itemised quote that includes materials and labour.
Wrought iron is one of the most impressive and beautiful materials that can be used throughout your home. However, it does have a downside. Because it contains a lot of carbon atoms and these atoms come into contact with dirt, grime or moisture, rust can quickly form. Maintenance tips for wrought iron fencing include:
Sand, dirt and dust are made up of tiny particles that can scratch the surface of wrought iron and wear away its coating, which makes it susceptible to rust. Regular cleaning is one of the best ways to prevent rust from forming, as it washes away these abrasive materials that can collect on the surface of the wrought iron.
Abrasive materials can also often disguise hidden rust underneath, so removing them will enable you to then deal with rust spots. To clean wrought iron, all you will need is a cloth, a sponge, warm water and a mild, non-intrusive cleaner like liquid soap, so the cost is minimal. You can find out more about the process here.
If rust spots become evident, they can be filed down with sandpaper, a piece of steel wool or a coarse wire brush, which is, again, a cost-effective maintenance method. For more extensive rust or if you live in an area where rust quickly forms, it is worth buying a portable sandblaster, which will cost around $60.
Another wrought iron fence maintenance tip is to apply a protective product that will slow down the rusting process. These include epoxy enamels, zinc-based primers and silicone-based products. Each has its own pros and cons, and many also come in a range of different colours and glosses (flat, satin etc.), allowing you to match your designed look.
The Dulux brand offers a wide range of wrought iron metal protection products, including:
This is a UV-resistant silicone modified enamel topcoat with superior weathering properties compared to that of conventional alkyd enamels.
This product protects against rust and corrosion and requires no primer if it is being applied to wrought iron surfaces. It comes in a wide range of colours.
Similar to the Dulux Metalshield Epoxy Enamel Gloss, it is available in Flat White and Satin Black bases.
This is similar to the Dulux Metalshield Epoxy Enamel Satin.
This is a fast-dry, thin-film zinc phosphate primer for all metal surfaces, which has excellent adhesion.
This zinc-rich, anti-corrosive primer contains a high level of zinc metal that provides cathodic protection and a highly effective barrier against moisture.
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