The Pros and Cons of Wrought Iron Gates

When deciding on a fencing material, you have a lot of options depending on your needs. Despite the myriad of choices, the wrought iron fence and gate continues to be a well-known and classic design choice for most homeowners.

Although this type of fencing has many positive characteristics, it’s always a good idea to weigh both sides before deciding if this option will satisfy all of your fencing needs.

Pros of a Wrought Iron Fence

1. Durable

Only a few types of fences can match the indestructible quality of a wrought iron fence. Whatever you expect to come crashing into your fence, wrought iron will likely survive it. It can also withstand the thrashing caused by large livestock or extremely strong weather conditions. These make this fence type a smart choice if you want extra security.

2. Pest-proof

Insect infestations and other pest issues commonly affect fencing materials and cause damage. With a wrought iron fence, you will never have to worry about anything living inside or chewing on your gate. There are also special design options that can be made to deter larger animals from entering your home.

3. Higher-end look

A wrought iron fence offers an air of beauty and sophistication no other fencing material can provide, not to mention increase the curb appeal of your property. Although other types like wood, vinyl, wood, and chain link can give you a decent barrier, they are focused more on function instead of looks. In some cases, those fences don’t compliment your home in the same way a wrought iron fence can.

Cons of a Wrought Iron Fence

1. Cost

This material is long-lasting and, thus, doesn’t come cheap. Because of its weight, wrought iron is noticeably harder to work with. Even the mild steel variety, which is easier to manipulate and imitates the strength and appearance of wrought iron, is still more expensive than other materials.

When choosing this option for your gate, prepare to pay more than you would for a conventional wood or vinyl fence.

2. Lack of privacy

Most wrought iron fencing designs out there are known for being open-designed. This means you can see right through the fence. Some might like this feature for style purposes. If you want an extra layer of security, you certainly don’t want to hide your garden or house away. The only downside is that an open design won’t give you the privacy you want.

3. Labor-intensive installation process

Wrought iron is a heavy material, which means more work is needed to install it correctly. Proper anchoring is also required so that it will not just fall over in certain kinds of soils. You’re either going to have a team working on it for a long period of time, or you’re shelling out a premium amount to install the gate in as little time as possible.

Making the Final Choice

In this day and age, choosing the most ideal type of fence for your property can be dizzying. There are all sorts of options both online and in physical shops. Hopefully, the above information helped you decide whether or not a wrought iron fence is the best option for you.