How Much Does a Wrought-Iron Fence Cost to Install in 2024?
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The simple but stately look of a wrought-iron fence adds curb appeal and security to any home. The national average wrought-iron fence cost is $3,360, with homeowners paying between $1,420 and $17,000 in many cases.
Highlights
- It typically costs between $1,420 and $17,000 to install a wrought-iron fence, with homeowners paying a national average price of $3,360.
- Some of the main factors affecting wrought-iron fence cost include the fence length, height, and thickness; the iron quality; the installation location; and the cost of labor.
- Wrought-iron fences have numerous benefits, including durability, privacy, security, sustainability, ease of installation and maintenance, and a potentially increased home value.
- Wrought iron is a heavy material, which makes it difficult to work with. For this reason, it’s typically recommended that homeowners hire a pro to install a wrought-iron fence.
For homeowners who want to install a fence around their yards, there are many different type of fence material to choose from. One material that’s often overlooked is wrought iron. This type of fence boasts a clean, finished look that is attractive and low maintenance, and provides the additional benefits of security. But how much does a wrought-iron fence cost to install?
The national average cost for fencing made of wrought iron is $3,360, with an average range $1,420 to $17,000. The actual cost for an individual project will depend on several factors, such as the purpose, length, height, and style of the fence, as well as the coating and the difficulty of the installation. When homeowners are seeking estimates from wrought-iron installers, bargaining is more effective when the different components of the project are clear.
Key Cost Factors
Every fence type and cost is a little bit different. Wrought iron is available in a range of styles, types, and sizes, so assessing the purpose of the fence is the first step: Will it be a decorative wrought-iron fence? An enclosure focused on security? A fence to keep pets and children in, or deer and other critters out? The following choices will help homeowners understand the various costs of building a fence as well as other components and additions that can be considered later.
Fence Length, Height, and Thickness
Fencing is measured in linear feet, or the distance the fence will cover in a straight line. Marking out the area to be enclosed with stakes and string or chalk will make it easier for a homeowner to assess how long the fence will need to be and can help them figure out how big an area they want to be fenced. Measuring each side of the staked area and adding the measurements together will determine the total linear footage of fencing necessary. Generally, wrought iron fencing cost runs between $25 and $35 per linear foot.
| Fence Length | Cost Range (Per Linear Foot) |
| 30 feet | $720 to $1,020 |
| 70 feet | $1,680 to $2,380 |
| 102 feet | $2,400 to $3,500 |
| 135 feet | $3,200 to $4,600 |
Customers will also need to decide on fence height. Security fences are usually composed of 8-foot fence panels, while decorative garden fences may be only 3 feet tall. Privacy fence cost typically falls in the middle. The height differences explain the wide range of costs per linear foot: A 3-foot-high panel of wrought-iron fence will likely cost close to $25 per linear foot, while a taller fence will cost closer to $35 per linear foot.
Another component that decides how expensive a fence will be is the gauge, or thickness, of the bars. The standard bar thickness for a wrought-iron fence is 12 millimeters. However, wrought iron is extremely customizable, so the customer can get the look and the degree of security they desire. Bars can be made narrower or wider, thicker or thinner. Heavier bars are more difficult to work with and require more material, so thicker or custom gauge will add to the cost.
Iron Quality
As is true with most construction materials, there are different grades, or qualities, of iron. Base-level quality is priced at the lower end of the cost range, while mid- and high-grade iron are at the top. What’s the difference? In terms of initial appearance, very little. The biggest difference is in durability. Higher-grade iron will require less maintenance, take longer to rust, and hold up better under difficult weather conditions, while lower-grade iron will require more frequent sealing or painting and will fail sooner. Those looking to save a little money and don’t anticipate staying in their home long enough to enjoy the longer lifespan of a high-grade iron fence might choose a lower quality to cut down costs in exchange for a little more maintenance and a shorter fence life.
Labor
Fence installation labor isn’t as straightforward as it is for some jobs. First, there’s the matter of the regional hourly cost of labor, which can be haggled a bit with a contractor but is generally fairly fixed. Where the home is located will be the deciding factor. However, other considerations such as the ease of access to the site will also affect the cost: Can the contractors use motorized vehicles to move the heavy iron fence pieces to the area where they’ll be installed, or will the pieces have to be carried by hand? Hand-carrying will take more effort and more time, so the labor will cost more if that’s the case. The terrain will also affect the labor cost; if significant regrading is necessary, the cost will increase to cover that work. The number of gates to be installed will increase labor prices as well. Finally, the length of the fence will directly impact the installation time, so labor costs will be higher for a longer fence than for a shorter fence.
In general, labor for fence installation runs between $1,000 and $4,500 or between $30 and $80 per hour. A fence that stretches between 150 and 200 feet will take 20 to 35 hours to install on average.
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Geographic Location
The cost of labor can vary depending on the home’s geographic location. Labor prices tend to be higher in more populated areas, such as large cities, and lower in rural areas with smaller populations. The following table lists the average cost ranges in a handful of states.
| State | Cost Range |
| Colorado | $1,000 to $4,000 |
| Nebraska, Maine | $1,000 to $4,500 |
| Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, North Carolina | $1,300 to $4,500 |
| Arizona | $1,400 to $3,500 |
| California | $1,500 to $4,500 |
Installation Location
Fence installers love a flat yard with easy, wide access to all parts of the yard. That’s because iron is heavy, and the ability to move panels and gates easily from place to place with a trailer makes their job much easier—and thus less expensive. Similarly, flat terrain makes installation very straightforward, and thus faster and less expensive. Hills and dips in the fence line require the installers to build step-ups and step-downs to accommodate the slope and to decide if the top line of the fence will be level or follow that slope. This requires time, calculation, and in the case of iron fencing, custom fabrication. These will add cost to the project.
Land Survey and Permit Costs
If the new fence is replacing an older fence that was permitted and surveyed and those records are still available, it’s possible to avoid paying the $330 to $670 that a land survey will cost. If a survey has not been conducted recently, it is an important first step before materials are purchased or contracts are signed. Often there is a temptation to skip this step and just wing it, but it’s critical to have the survey done. Each town and city has its own regulations in place that guide how high a fence can be and how close it can be to the property line. Skipping a survey may save a few hundred dollars, but if the fence is installed too close to the property line and a neighbor files a complaint, the homeowner will be liable for the cost to remove the fence they’ve just paid to install as well as the cost to have it reinstalled. It’s simply not worth the risk to save the cost of the survey.
In addition to the survey, most cities and towns require that property owners purchase a permit for fence installation. The permits usually cost between $20 and $400 and require that the owner file plans for the fence, then have it inspected after the installation is complete.
Additional Costs and Considerations
Once the basics of the fence are selected and budgeted—the size of the fence, quality of the materials, labor costs, and permits—there are some other factors to consider when homeowners are planning the project. Some of these won’t apply to every situation, but when they do apply, they can significantly affect the cost of the fence.
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Wrought Iron vs. Cast Iron
Not all ironwork is alike. Cast iron is poured into molds (casts) while it is red-hot, then cools and hardens into hollow-rod iron fences. It makes a good, solid fence and it looks nice, though there is no option for custom work because it is mass-produced. It can also be brittle, because it is so hard that it has a tendency to fracture. Cast-iron fences cost an average of $2,500 to $4,000. Wrought iron, in contrast, is softer and more workable; it is heated and then bent to shape it into unique and decorative shapes by craftsmen. While it is strong and solid, its flexibility makes it more durable. Some wrought iron is produced in stock shapes and patterns, but custom work is always available. It’s a bit more expensive because of the craftsmanship involved and the longevity of the product.
Land Grading and Landscaping
If the area to be fenced includes a significant slope, the fence will likely need to be shaped with step-ups and step-downs to accommodate the contour of the land. If, however, the fence line includes smaller hills and dips, it makes more sense financially and aesthetically to have the land graded to level. The cost for this service will vary depending on the amount of work to be done and the amount of fill needed. Other landscaping costs can involve the removal of trees, stumps, shrubs, or rocks along the planned fence line. A homeowner can assess the area where the fence is to be installed and consult a landscaping company to find out how much the necessary work will cost.
Old Fence Removal
If there is an existing fence in the area where the new fence is to be installed, it has to be completely removed. This can be a DIY job if the fence is wood or vinyl, but stone fences and iron fences aren’t easily removed and may require specialized equipment as well as the skills of experienced contractors. Also, if fence posts have been anchored into the ground with concrete, additional digging equipment or jackhammers may be required. In general, professionals can remove old fencing at a cost of $3 to $5 per linear foot.
Gate Installation
For a fence to be effective, it needs to enclose the desired area, but the home’s residents need to be able to get in and out of the area, too—and while most people think to include a gate in a front-yard fence, rear enclosures need access points, too, and a gate can be a surprise addition to the backyard fence cost. Especially if security is a concern, gates need to be installed in one or more locations to provide access in a way that can also be secured. Gates are set in between two level posts, and vary widely in price: A prefabricated walk-through gate can cost as little as $300 installed, while a large, custom drive-through gate to enclose a driveway can cost $9,000 or more. Custom work on the gates, such as decorative elements or security features, can add to the cost as well.
Customizations and Finishing
Since wrought iron is fabricated by craftsmen, chances are that a homeowner’s dream fence can become a reality. Whether it’s a personalized monogram, a whimsical combination of twists and floral accents, or a variation from the standard perpendicular fence in the form of an undulating shape that wanders through the gardens, a craftsman can bring the vision to life. The cost can be significant, but if the fence creates a finishing touch that makes a home truly unique, it may be worth it.
Railings that coordinate with a fence that encloses the yard can add safety to any steps and security for decks. Railings can be purchased in stock designs or prefabricated units, or they can be customized to match the fence.
A variety of finishes can also be applied to wrought iron. A galvanized finish offers protection and reduces maintenance, but if the look of galvanized iron doesn’t fit with the rest of the design, there are other coatings and water repellents that can be applied for an extra cost.
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Masonry Work
Wrought-iron fencing looks classic and stately when paired with brick pillars, stone walls, and other masonry. Masonry work is a specialized field that will likely require a contractor other than the wrought-iron fence installers; this will come at an extra cost. Those costs will depend on the complexity of the masonry work and the material costs based on individual plans. Adding a brick column can cost anywhere from $434 to $1,258.
Types of Wrought-Iron Fences
Wrought iron comes in several different variations, and the customizations that are available can change the whole look of the fence even though it’s all the same material. The following table offers a glance at the per-linear-foot cost of each type of wrought-iron fence.
| Fence Type | Cost Range (Per Linear Foot) |
| Plain | $24 to $30 |
| Galvanized | $28 to $32 |
| Ornamental | $27 to $34 |
Plain
A plain, uncoated black wrought-iron fence is classic. It usually has a matte finish and blends beautifully with the natural surroundings; the plain finish lets the artisan aspect of the wrought iron take center stage. Plain, uncoated fencing can be prone to rust, though; to protect the strength and beauty of the wrought-iron fence panels, homeowners are advised to maintain the fence meticulously so that rust spots are identified and repaired promptly. Protective coatings can be added after the fencing is installed if desired. This type of fencing costs $24 to $30 per linear foot. Plain wrought iron can also be green, white, bronze, or other colors, which will bump the fencing price per foot to the higher end of the range.
Galvanized
Galvanizing metal, or dipping it into a zinc bath to seal the iron and make it resistant to rust, adds about $2 to $4 per linear foot to the cost of a panel. This additional upfront cost pays off in lower maintenance costs and an increased lifespan for the fence: The zinc coating means that less vigilance is needed, because rust is less likely to form, and so there’s less need for costly repairs and replacements down the road.
Ornamental
While some customers prefer a simple linear pattern for their wrought-iron fence, others choose the material specifically for the attractive look of twists, curls, curves, and bends in the metal that can make a fence look custom-made (even when it’s not). Ornamental wrought-iron fences cost between $27 and $34 per linear foot. Options can include finials and toppers, gate hardware, and panel ornaments that are custom or stock. These can add to the personality of the fence and the home.
Benefits of Choosing a Wrought-Iron Fence
Wrought-iron fencing is more expensive than most other types of fencing, but it provides a number of benefits that other fences can’t match.
Durability
Well-maintained wrought-iron fences can last for decades—some experts say 50 years, while others say a lifetime. When the metal is treated and when rust spots are immediately addressed, wrought iron maintains its smooth finish for its lifespan and retains its strength. Other types of fencing require replacement much sooner and do not age as well.
Privacy and Security
Tall wrought-iron fences are structurally strong and difficult to climb while still remaining attractive; other security fences may be as strong but nowhere near as decorative, or decorative but easily breached. Adding a wrought-iron gate and fence will add security that’s still attractive: wrought-iron privacy fences create privacy without creating a solid wall around the property. Placing the posts close together crea