The price of wrought iron varies by project: installed fencing commonly runs $25-$75 per linear foot, while railings and gates can cost more because of custom fabrication. Project size, steel grade, finish, site access, and local labor rates are the main cost drivers.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed fence | $25 per linear ft | $45 per linear ft | $75 per linear ft | Standard panels and normal access |
| Installed railing | $50 per linear ft | $110 per linear ft | $200 per linear ft | Stairs and custom layouts raise price |
| Walk gate | $300 | $900 | $2,500 | Opening size and ornamentation matter |
| Driveway gate | $1,500 | $4,000 | $10,000+ | Automation can add substantially |
What Wrought Iron Fencing Costs Per Linear Foot
For a typical residential project, a 100-foot ornamental iron fence costs about $2,500-$7,500 installed, with an average near $4,500. This assumes a 4-foot fence, standard steel panels, concrete-set posts, and no major grading or demolition. Many products sold as wrought iron are actually welded steel designed to resemble traditional iron; true wrought iron is less common and usually custom-made.
Material-only panel prices often fall around $15-$40 per linear foot. Installed rates include posts, footings, labor, and ordinary hardware. A useful starting budget is $45 per linear foot for a standard, level-site fence. Assumptions: U.S. midmarket labor, standard decorative steel panels, clear access, and no old fence removal.
What Fence Posts, Panels, and Labor Add
Quotes may bundle materials and installation, so buyers should ask for an itemized estimate. The ranges below describe common portions of a standard fence project; exact shares vary with panel design, post spacing, and local labor.
| Quote component | Typical price | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|
| Steel panels and finish | $15-$40 per linear ft | Panel height, steel thickness, coating |
| Posts and concrete | $5-$15 per linear ft | Post spacing and footing depth |
| Installation labor | $10-$30 per linear ft | Terrain, layout, access, crew time |
| Hardware and basic gate | $100-$900 per gate | Latch type, width, decorative details |
| Removal and disposal | $3-$10 per linear ft | Existing fence material and hauling distance |
Labor is often the largest variable after panel selection. A contractor may quote a per-foot installation rate or estimate crew hours, typically at $50-$100 per worker-hour.
How Height, Terrain, and Finish Change the Quote
Height has a direct effect on material use and footing requirements. A 3-foot fence may cost roughly $20-$45 per linear foot installed, while a 6-foot version can reach $40-$90 per linear foot. Heavy-gauge panels, closely spaced pickets, and decorative finials can add 10%-30% compared with basic designs.
Slopes, tree roots, retaining walls, and rocky ground can add $5-$25 per linear foot or require separate site work. Standard powder coating usually costs less over time than a custom color or hand-applied finish. Confirm the quoted height, steel thickness, coating, and post spacing before comparing bids.
Where U.S. Fence Labor Raises or Lowers Prices
Labor and delivery make the same panel package cost differently across the country. Dense coastal metros and high-cost areas may run 15%-30% above a national midmarket estimate, while some rural markets may come in 10%-20% below it. Local permitting, contractor demand, and travel distance affect the final quote.
For example, a standard 100-foot installation priced at $4,500 in a midmarket area could reach about $5,175-$5,850 in a high-cost metro or fall to roughly $3,600-$4,050 in a lower-cost rural market. Use local written quotes rather than assuming a national per-foot rate applies everywhere.
What Railings and Gates Cost Beside Fencing
Exterior wrought iron-style railings typically cost $50-$200 per linear foot installed. A straight balcony run with stock sections may be near the lower end; stair rails, curved runs, and custom measurements often fall toward the upper end. Interior stair railings can cost more when the job requires precise fitting, finish matching, or wall repairs.
A basic walk gate commonly adds $300-$900, while a larger decorative gate can cost $1,000-$2,500. Driveway gates often range from $1,500-$10,000 or more; an opener, electrical work, and safety sensors may add $800-$3,000. Price gates separately because their hinges, posts, and fabrication can change the project total sharply.
How to Lower the Price Without Cutting Strength
Use standard panel widths and a simple picket pattern where the design allows. Limiting custom curves, finials, and specialty colors can reduce fabrication charges while preserving a durable steel frame. Keeping the fence line straight and clearing brush before installation can also reduce layout and labor time.
Compare at least three itemized quotes that specify panel height, finish, post spacing, footing method, gate hardware, and cleanup. Ask whether a repair or replacement of selected sections is practical before replacing an entire fence. Control decorative upgrades and scope changes first, rather than choosing undersized posts or a weaker coating.
What Removal, Coating, and Custom Work Add
Old fence removal may add $3-$10 per linear foot, with extra charges for concrete post extraction or difficult hauling. A small job may also face a contractor minimum of $500-$1,500, even when the per-foot rate looks low. Custom fabrication, special colors, and curved sections commonly add 10%-40% over stock designs.
Repainting an existing fence may cost about $5-$15 per linear foot, depending on surface preparation and rust removal. A durable coating can reduce frequent repainting, but badly corroded joints or posts may make replacement more economical. Get separate prices for repair, stripping, recoating, and replacement to compare the full scope.
How Long a Typical Iron Fence Installation Takes
A two-person crew may install about 50-100 linear feet of straightforward fencing in one to three days, after layout and materials are ready. A 100-foot job with gates, slopes, or concrete removal may take three to five days. Weather delays can affect concrete curing and exterior coating work.
Confirm whether the schedule includes utility marking, permit review, delivery, and cleanup. Local rules may require permits for taller fences, corner lots, or installations near sidewalks; fees often range from $50-$300, but requirements and charges differ by municipality. Check local rules and underground utility locations before setting posts to avoid rework.