Ultimate Guide to Wrought Iron Railing Costs

Wrought iron is a type of iron that is fibrous, soft, and pliable. Formed from pure iron globules, it is used as a decorative feature that adds beauty to internal and exterior stairs. It can be used on staircase railings, porch railings or balcony railings and can be fashioned for just about any application.

Wrought iron railing experts can take a piece of wrought iron and give it a unique luxury appeal that often comes with an expensive price tag. This is because building and installing wrought iron railings takes great skill and we highly recommend getting professional services to design and install your new railings.

You need to work with a wrought iron professional that is experienced and knowledgeable on how to build custom railings from scratch. Not only does it take skill to create wrought iron railings, but there are also specialized tools and materials that need to be used.

The quality of the finished product depends highly on the skill of the person building the wrought iron railing and the materials used. If you believe you have the skill and experience to build your own wrought iron railing, the good news is that you may be able to save anywhere from $300-$1,000 in labour costs. However, one of the challenges you may face will be sourcing proper materials, which can be costly. And if you do not already have the specialized tools, you will need to purchase them and incur an additional expense. On average, wrought iron railing cost approx. $150-$200 per ft. This does not include labour costs or any additional factors that may affect the cost.

In this blog, we’ll explore the different factors that affect wrought iron railing costs from design, style, installation and more. The average costs outlined will provide you with a better understanding of how to budget for custom railings and may change based on market value and varying factors. Keep in mind, each property is different, so prices will vary based on your unique specifications.

 What affects wrought iron railing cost?

exterior porch with wrought iron railings image

Factors affecting the cost of wrought iron railings include design complexity, size, customization, installation considerations, material quality, finishing, and market conditions. Depends on whether you plan to install them yourself or if you will have a professional do it. Other factors affecting the cost include:

Project type

Most wrought iron professionals charge based on the project.

The level of complexity of your project will determine how much a contractor may charge for building and installing your wrought iron railing.

Material

The type of material and the components needed for your project will impact how much you’re going to pay for the job. Wood railings cost an average of about $10-$40 per linear foot.

Glass railings are on the higher end and can start at $50 and up to $500 per linear foot.

unique iron railings image

Removing old railings and balusters

If you have an existing railing that needs to be removed, your contractor would charge more for this task. Removing railings and balusters from plaster, concrete or brick sometimes involves having to repair the wall or staircase before a new railing can be installed.

Given the additional work, on average the removal can cost anywhere from $70 to over $150 an hour. And if there are repairs needed for the concrete, additional costs can range from $250-$700, based on the scope of the damage.

Shape of staircase

If there are any curves or bends on the staircase, the wrought iron will need to be custom-made to accommodate this unique shape.

This can increase the cost approx. $1,000 or more, depending on your staircase shape. In addition, the installation of this unique staircase will also cost more.

Image of outdoor railings on concrete stairs
luxury indoor railings image

Building permits

The cost of acquiring a necessary permit for your project will depend on its details. If the project involves installing steps and is large in scale, the cost could range from approx. $20 to $2,000. It is crucial for your contractor to be aware of the local safety codes regarding railings to ensure their safe construction and installation in compliance with the local guidelines.

However, if you are performing minor repairs or replacing an existing railing, a permit may not be required. The permit is typically necessary only for new installations that are built from the ground up. It is important to discuss the need for a building permit with your contractor to determine the best course of action.

Location and accessibility

The level of difficulty involved in accessing your wrought iron stair railings will impact the cost. If you live in a remote location or if the railing is challenging to access and install, the additional skill required and the time needed to get to your location will be reflected in the contractor’s rate.

To get an accurate estimate, have the contractor visit your location to assess any complexities that may affect the pricing. If the railing is part of a larger unit, there might be some load-bearing issues that need to be addressed at an additional cost.

second floor window with Wrought iron railings

How much does it cost to install wrought iron railing by style?

iron railings representation

The additional components that come along with the wrought iron play a role in your stair railing cost since the additional metal will also need to be installed as part of the unit. Listed below are some style options and the cost of wrought iron railings with these features.

Custom balusters or spindles

If you have opted for a prefabricated iron railing, chances are you will need to install custom spindles or balusters. A spindle or baluster is a short column that provides support to the railing.

Replacing spindles generally costs between approx. $260 and $2,000. If you are replacing wood balusters with iron ones, your contractor will have more work to do, increasing the cost to between approx. $400 to $2,500 or more.

Handrails

Handrails provide an extra level of safety and support. If you do not like the handrails that come with the wrought iron railing, you can have them replaced with a custom handrail that better suits your taste

The cost of custom handrails depends on the type of material and the size, but on average it can start at $2,000 for a standard 25-foot handrail.

outdoor iron railings image
photo of front porch outdoor railings

Paint



Black is not your only choice for wrought iron railings. For approx. $6-$10 per linear foot, you can have your railings painted a colour of your choice. If you have two railings that are about 10 feet each, the cost to paint them will be between approx. $120 and $200.

You don’t need to have a professional paint your railings. You can do the paint job yourself as a DIY project. With the paint costing roughly $30-$40, you could save yourself some money by doing the painting yourself. However, it is important to note that you need to be selective about the type of paint you choose because not all types of paint fare well outdoors.

How Much Does It Cost to Install Wrought Iron Railing by Type?

Plain black wrought iron


Plain black wrought iron is usually pre-built and available at a standard length and height, making the installation relatively straightforward. It is the most affordable wrought iron railing type.

Although this traditional wrought iron railing does not come with decorative features, plain black wrought iron can look great in interior staircases. On average, this type of wrought iron costs approx. $150 to $200 per linear foot and is ideal for interior use i.e. basement stairs.

iron railings image
Image of outdoor railings with elevator access

Galvanized wrought iron

Galvanized wrought iron is mostly used for exterior railings. During manufacturing, wrought iron is coated with zinc, which provides a protective layer against the elements and prevents rust.

If you are planning to install a railing on your patio or porch, this is the type of wrought iron to select. Galvanized wrought iron comes at a slightly higher cost than plain wrought iron. On average, this type of railing starts at $150 to $200 per linear foot or based on market value, depending on the various factors involved.

Ornamental wrought iron

Ornamental wrought iron truly lives up to its name, as it is not merely functional but serves as a statement piece. With its intricate designs and attention to detail, ornamental wrought iron is the epitome of elegance. While it is the most expensive type of wrought iron starting at approx. $200 per linear feet, the investment is well worth it.

The lower range typically applies to pre-formed ornamental designs, while the higher range includes customizable options. Ornamental railings have the power to transform any staircase into a stunning focal point, adding undeniable beauty and sophistication to your space.

exterior porch railings
front outdoor-railings

The average cost of wrought iron railing installation


The cost to install wrought iron railing on average is approx. $2,600 but can fall within a range of approx. $700 and $4,600, depending on the complexity of the job and other factors that we’ve already mentioned above.

You can expect the labour to be between $70 and $150 per hour, and it typically takes between 6-10 hours to complete railing installation.

At Railings Toronto, our quotes include supply and install. Contact us for a quote today!

Understanding the installation process

A thorough understanding of the installation process for wrought iron railings is essential for a seamless and efficient project. It begins with careful site preparation, ensuring a clean and stable foundation. Accurate measurements and markings are made to ensure precise placement and alignment. Anchoring mechanisms, such as brackets or posts, are securely installed to provide the necessary structural support.

Finally, the railings are expertly attached, utilizing specialized tools and techniques to ensure a sturdy and level installation. By comprehending the installation process, you can effectively communicate with professionals, make informed decisions, and ultimately achieve stunning and long-lasting wrought iron railings for your property.

custom steel outdoor-railings image
porch railings
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Get quotes from professionals

The process of selecting the right wrought iron specialist for your project is a key element that you need to lend time and diligence to. You want a professional who has the experience and necessary qualifications. Before you hire a contractor, make sure you look into their professional history and reach out to their references to ask about their previous work.

Then, if you decide to proceed, reach out to the contractor once again to discuss the details of the job and ask them to provide a quote. It’s best to schedule an onsite visit so the contractor can see exactly what the job will call for. This will lead to a more accurate quote. Ask for a cost range so you can budget accordingly. 

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We take great pride in providing a comprehensive and professional guide to average wrought iron railing costs. Our aim is to empower customers with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their railing projects. With our unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, we have established ourselves as the trusted choice in the industry. Railings Toronto has a team of highly rated wrought iron specialists you can always rely on for affordable rates and quality wrought iron installation services. We’re up to speed with Toronto’s safety codes and can assure you that your railings will be installed correctly for your safety. Our customers are our #1 priority and we use the latest advancements in technology to ensure you get nothing but the best-wrought iron installation services in Toronto. Contact us today to learn more.