How Much Does a Wrought Iron Fence Cost to Install? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $1,411 - $5,165
The average cost to install a wrought iron fence is around $3,157, and depending on a few factors, you’ll pay between $1,411 and $5,165. The typical cost per linear foot is between $25 and $35.
The wrought iron fence is a classic security and style upgrade for any home, making this a relatively affordable home improvement project, especially for the value you get in return.
Installing a wrought iron fence costs $3,157 on average, and most homeowners pay between $1,411 and $5,165, depending on the length of the fence, the fence height, and some other factors.
In this guide, we’ll explain the cost of wrought iron fencing and how to get an accurate estimate for your fence installation.
- Average
- $3,157
- Low end
- $450
- high end
- $10,400
Cost Factors of Wrought Iron Fence Installation
While a wrought iron fence costs around $3,157 on average to install, the installation price varies based on factors like the height of the fence, the size of the space you’ll be enclosing, and even the thickness of the iron. You’ll also need to consider labor and permit costs.
Size
| Linear Feet of 4-Foot Fencing | Wrought Iron Fence Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 50 | $1,250–$1,750 |
| 100 | $2,500–$3,500 |
| 150 | $3,750–$5,250 |
A wrought iron fence costs $25 to $35 per linear foot for materials for a typical 4-foot fence, so the larger the enclosure, the higher the price. The height of the fence can also influence the cost. While a 3-foot-tall fence will cost around $22 to $26 per linear foot, a taller fence of about 6 feet costs about $33 to $36 per linear foot.
These prices based on height and length can also vary based on other factors, like the thickness of the iron and the coating, which we’ll discuss in a bit.
Material
Wrought iron fence materials cost around $1,925 to $3,500 per project. To install a wrought iron fence, you’ll need the fence panels and posts, gravel for drainage in each post hole, concrete to set the posts, and post caps. For most fences, you’ll also need a gate and the gate hardware.
Materials alone account for around 40% of your total wrought iron fence installation costs, although taller fences that don’t require much additional labor can bring the material portion up to around 45% of the total.
Thickness
A standard wrought iron fence has a 12 mm solid bar and will average around $25 to $35 per linear foot. Thicker wrought iron fences will cost more, not only because they require more material, but also because the thicker metal is harder to work with and can increase labor prices a little.
Thicker wrought iron fences won’t add much in the way of security, as a standard thickness is already difficult to cut through, so the added cost may not be worth it, depending on your needs.
Labor
The cost to install a wrought iron fence ranges from around $8 to $40 per linear foot, or around $1,500, on average. Taller, heavier wrought iron fences or fences covering larger areas will increase the project cost significantly, mostly due to the added labor cost. You may also pay more for labor if you need extra services, like yard grading, existing fence removal, or tree removal.
All in all, labor usually accounts for around 50% of the total price of your wrought iron fence costs.
Permits
In most cases, perimeter fences require building permits to ensure your fence is up to code in terms of fence height, setback, and proximity to structures. To install a wrought iron fence, you can expect to spend around $20 to $60 on the cost of building permits. This may seem like an unnecessary expense, but it can help avoid having to take your fence down and reinstall it, which would cost much more.
Property Survey
Unless you’re taking down a fence that you know is yours and is installed on the property line or on your side of the line, you should pay for a property survey to make sure your fence is legal and on your property. A survey will cost between $200 and $1,000, so make sure you budget for this added expense.
Fence Removal
Removing a fence costs about $3 to $5 per linear foot if you hire a pro, and you’ll need to carry out this service if you’re replacing an old fence with your new wrought iron fence. While you may be able to take down fence panels yourself, digging out the fence posts, which are typically set in concrete, can be difficult. Rather than tearing up your lawn, talk to your fence installer about removing the old fence.
If you pay for this add-on, your professional might charge you extra dumping fees if they can’t recycle or scrap your old fence.
Tree or Bush Removal
If you need to take out or relocate trees and bushes to install the fence, expect to spend $200 to $2,000 for the cost to remove each tree or bush. While you may be able to plan your fence around existing vegetation, it’s not always possible or ideal, as it will drive up material and labor costs if you need to create bump-outs around obstructions.
Land Grading
Land grading costs $1,000 to $3,225 on average, although costs can increase to over $6,000 to raise steep land by 10 degrees or more. Heavy, wrought iron fences are difficult to install, but installing them on sloped yards can be even trickier and may not even be possible. You may need to regrade the land to level it out before installing the fence.
Gates
Installing a wrought iron gate costs anywhere from $600 for a smaller, manual gate to over $8,500 for an automated driveway gate. Most fences will require one or more gates, so make sure to keep this in mind when deciding on a fence budget.
Brick Columns
Installing brick columns in place of fence or gate posts costs $450 to $1,275 per column, which will quickly increase your wrought iron fence cost. This design choice can give your property a stately appearance, though, so it might be worthwhile. To save money while still implementing the brick columns, you could add just one column on each side of the wrought iron gate, rather than using brick columns around the entire fence.
Add-Ons
During the fence installation, you may want to tackle some other outdoor improvement projects at the same time. From adding wrought iron railings to your deck to match the new fence to installing new lights around the backyard, here are the costs of common add-ons:
Wrought iron railing cost: $700–$4,600
Outdoor lighting cost: $2,000–$6,000
Landscaping cost: $225–$13,000
Brick retaining wall under your fence: $2,000–$5,000
Wrought iron fence privacy features: $500–$2,000
Wrought Iron Fence Cost by Type
When it’s time to choose your wrought iron fence, you have a few different options, each with its own price range. A standard wrought iron fence comes in limited color selections and has the lowest upfront cost. For more design choices, you may want an ornamental fence. If you’re looking for something a little more low-maintenance, you’ll want to go with pre-galvanized metal.
Plain Iron Fence Costs
Plain black iron fences cost between $25 to $30 per linear foot and are the least expensive. The standard is black, but you can choose some additional colors (e.g., gold, bronze, white, green, or maroon). Some colors may cost more than others, but any color other than the natural black finish will add to your total a bit.
Galvanized Costs
A galvanized post and panel costs about $30 per linear foot. The zinc finish on the metal helps protect against rusting and is durable, so you save money on maintenance in the future. This might be a good option if you live in a particularly humid area or by the ocean, where salty air can corrode metal and finishes more quickly.
Cost of Ornamental Fence Options
Ornamental fence options cost between $30 to $35 per linear foot. They include additions like post toppers, curves or twists in the iron, specific patterns in the bars, and more. Particularly intricate designs can bring your cost per linear foot up to around $50.
What's the Difference Between Wrought and Cast Iron?
| Material | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Cast iron | $2,500–$5,200 |
| Wrought iron | $1,500–$4,000 |
Wrought is an ancient word to describe the process of hammering metal into shape, so, as its name suggests, wrought iron is made by a metal worker who shapes it by hand with manual tools. For the lower price of wrought metal, you get less stability due to hollow posts that won’t last as long. You can, however, pay more for solid wrought iron posts and balusters, but this will drive up costs significantly.
Cast iron fencing is made by melting iron, pouring it into a mold, and letting it cool. The process demands less manual labor but more material since the posts and balusters are always solid rather than hollow. Mass-produced cast metal does not offer customized decorations or patterns either.
Installing a Wrought Iron Fence Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro
You can save around $1,500, or around $8 to $40 per linear foot, with DIY wrought iron fence installation, but there will still be some costs to consider.
In addition to the $25 to $35 per linear foot for the cost of materials for a wrought iron fence, you’ll need to spend another $100 to $200 on supplies, like a post hole digger, safety goggles and gloves, and stakes and spray paint or rope to outline the fence. You’ll also still need to pay for a property survey and building permits for your fence.
Keep in mind that DIY fence installation can be challenging if you’re inexperienced with this type of project. Even if you’re familiar with installing other types of fences, wrought iron is a heavy material. That makes keeping it level, setting the posts, and installing the fence and gate extremely difficult and labor-intensive.
If you have the tools already, some DIY experience, and friends or family members to help you out, then DIY fence installation might be a good option. However, we strongly recommend hiring a wrought iron fence company near you if you need automatic gates installed or land leveling. A professional can make sure your fence is installed properly, looks neat and clean, and provides the security you want and need for your property.
3 Ways You Can Save Money on Wrought Iron Fence Costs
Wrought iron can be an expensive fence option, but fortunately, it’s a long-lasting material that will save you money on fence replacements over the long run. Still, if you want to reduce wrought iron fence costs, there are a few tricks to employ.
Seal or Paint It Yourself
If you ask your fence installer to paint or coat the wrought iron fence for you, it could add about $8 to $10 per linear foot for materials and labor. You could save by sealing or painting the fence yourself. The fence will need to be re-coated about once every two to three years, so you could save quite a bit in the long run by doing the work yourself.
Skip Customizations
Adding ornate details or choosing custom or thicker iron can increase the cost. Unless you have your heart set on thick wrought iron with flourishes along the top of the fence, skip the add-ons and opt for a standard fence. Instead, put more money toward pre-galvanized iron if you want to spend less money on maintenance over time.
Minimize the Size
From height to enclosed area, reducing the size of the fence can help lower costs. Unless you need a 6-foot-tall fence for a pool enclosure, opt for shorter heights. If you can reduce the perimeter of the fence, you’ll save an additional $20 to $35 per linear foot, too.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most homeowners who install a wrought iron fence do so because it provides security. The material is sturdy and deters intruders from entering your property. They're also built to last and won't rust if you purchase a galvanized iron fence. So, you don't have to worry about replacing fencing every few years like you might with wood or other less expensive materials. Most homeowners also adore the look of wrought iron fencing, which adds a timeless look to just about any style home.
A high-quality wrought iron fence should last you a lifetime, but it will require some TLC on your end. Wrought iron fences are incredibly strong and durable, but they can be susceptible to rust and corrosion, so you’ll need to clean and refinish your fence every two to three years. If you notice rust developing, hire a professional fence repair company to clean the rust and reseal the area of fencing to prolong its lifespan.
You can buy wrought iron fencing from a trusted fence installation company near you. You could also opt to buy it privately from a homeowner who is interested in recycling their own wrought iron materials. Manufacturers stopped mass production of wrought iron as steel became more affordable to produce, so you likely won't find it in any local big box stores.