Wrought iron is the most expensive fence material on the residential market - and the only
one that's still genuinely custom-fabricated in most cases. A 150-foot wrought iron run can
run $7,500 on the low end and north of $20,000 for ornamental work
with custom finials, scrollwork, and monogrammed gates. If you're quoting wrought iron, you
need to separate the wholesale fence run from the art.
This guide covers baseline cost per linear foot, what pushes a project from "fence" to "heirloom," and how our calculator estimates the base material cost before the custom premiums stack on top.
Wrought Iron Cost by Project Type
Installed cost per linear foot, 5-foot height, standard picket spacing. Custom work premiums apply on top.
- Off-the-shelf wrought iron: $45 – $65 per linear foot
- Semi-custom (stock panels, custom gates): $60 – $85 per linear foot
- Fully custom blacksmith-forged: $90 – $200+ per linear foot
- Ornamental driveway gate (single): $2,500 – $8,000+
- Ornamental driveway gate (double / swing or slide): $5,000 – $20,000+
For perspective: a 100-foot off-the-shelf wrought iron perimeter with a standard 4 ft walk
gate typically falls between $4,800 and $7,000 installed. Add
$2,500–$10,000 for a proper ornamental driveway gate with an
electric operator.
What Pushes Wrought Iron Prices Up
1Forged vs. Fabricated
"True" wrought iron is hammered by a blacksmith and costs 3–5× more than fabricated steel that's finished to look like wrought iron. Most modern "wrought iron" fencing is actually welded steel with a textured powder-coat or paint. Always confirm what you're actually quoting - the price difference is massive.
2Rust Prevention
Iron rusts. The difference between a 10-year and a 40-year fence is entirely in the coating system: galvanized base + epoxy primer + polyester topcoat is the minimum for a 20+ year lifespan. Cheap shop-painted fences show rust bleed through in two winters in any salt-air or freeze-thaw climate.
3Ornamentation
Every finial, scroll, monogram, or cast component is a separate line item. A basic spear-top
picket adds $2–$5 per picket. Cast bronze finials can be
$50+ each. Custom monograms for entrance gates run $500–$3,000
for the single piece. Budget the ornament separately - don't roll it into your per-linft rate.
4Installation & Engineering
Wrought iron panels are heavy. Posts for a 6-foot ornamental run are typically concrete-set at 30–36 inches deep, often with rebar reinforcement. Sloped sites may require engineered step-down panels and custom hinge geometry on gates. Get the installer involved before finalizing the design if the site has any grade.
Run Your Numbers
Our Wrought Iron Fence Calculator returns a base-cost estimate for off-the-shelf and semi-custom wrought iron work. For fully-custom blacksmith work, use the calculator output as your material floor, then have your fabricator quote the ornamentation separately.
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