Origins of Ornamental Ironwork
Wrought Iron
The Hittites, the ancient inhabitants of present day Turkey, invented a way to smelt iron ore around 1500BC. This technology allowed them to remove impurities from iron to develop a metal strong enough for use as weapons and tools such as the spade, spear, shield and ax. Known as wrought iron, this metal could be bent and worked into many useful shapes and structures. The Hittites grew to be well known for the fine detail and ornament of their wrought iron work. Although they tried to keep their process a secret since it was key to their prowess, their iron metallurgy spread throughout the entire Middle East and China, then west to Greece, Spain and Northern Europe.
During the Medieval Ages, wrought iron screens were fabricated to protect the inner sanctums of great churches and cathedrals. Castles were decorated with wrought iron ornament sometimes intricately inlaid with gold and precious stones.
In the 1600’s, Spain and Italy became masters in the art of producing wrought iron often in the form of geometric grillwork and railings. By the 1650’s, French architects and garden architects set the vogue for elaborate wrought iron fences, balconies and gates. The French ironwork of that period was exceptional in both design and craftsmanship but also quite costly. Only the wealthiest commissioned such design work.
Jean Tijou, a French Huguenot and master ironworker, immigrated to England in 1689. He was commissioned to work with Sir Christopher Wren at
Metal Fence Design
Metal fences are made of wrought iron, cast iron, bronze, stainless steel or aluminum. Wrought iron is prized for its strength and ability to be intricately detailed and textured. Cast iron is more brittle, softer in detail but far less expensive. Bronze and stainless steel share all of wrought iron’s attributes but will not corrode as fast as iron and do not need to be painted. Cast aluminum is characterized by high corrosion resistance, low maintenance, durability, strength, and the ability to be detailed while being light in weight.
All metal comes in standard dimensions with round, square and polygonal profiles. There are endless choices of preformed scrolls, finials and point tops for the vertical bars. The design of the ironwork should not compete with the architecture or the views beyond. It is imperative that the design ensures that all surfaces shed water and limits the accumulation of wind born particles in any crevices.
Iron has a number of advantages over wood including longevity, greater strength with minimal thickness and the ability to curve and twist to many designs. Iron fences are more expensive than wood but far more durable and require less maintenance. They are usually less expensive than stone, brick or stucco walls....
Metal Fences: Climate and Weathering
Metal fences do not block sun, wind, sound or views. Unlike wood fences, they can be extremely cold or hot to the touch but they are also less likely to sag, twist or swell in response to fluctuating weather conditions. With high temperatures and strong solar exposure, metal fences can heat up enough to burn tender vines....
Metal Fences: Installation and Maintenance
In most counties, fences require permits. It is best to have property lines, set back limits and easements surveyed and staked. After permits have been issued, present the plans to bordering neighbors. Since metal fences are tend to be the same on both sides it is usually not necessary to worry which side should face the neighboring property.
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