Among the most reliable ways to protect private property on a summer cottage or in a cottage community are wrought-iron fences. Durable and expensive fencing marks the boundaries of the territory, decorates the area and fits perfectly into exterior solutions.
Forged products have been popular since ancient times. Today, such designs are produced ready-made or made to order. Individual work looks beautiful, elegant, original.
Types of forged fences
Forging is a craft that was mastered by Russian craftsmen back in the 6th century AD. e. Of course, at that time such work could not even be called art by any stretch of the imagination. Manufacturing technology was gradually improved. Starting from the 18th century, the fence was equipped with curved elements to create a deep space.
Today there are many types of wrought iron fences. They differ in design (with artistic elements), style (Baroque, Classical), and manufacturing method (for example, using hydraulic machines to forge complex patterns).
Welded barriers
As in past times, metal elements were used as the material for making fences. The metal is first heated. To reduce or increase the length of parts, use a hammer or sledgehammer. Using a welding machine or special machines, a real masterpiece is created. Then the wrought iron fence is assembled. In this case, individual decorative elements are welded to each other.
The finished structure is polished. Then putty is applied to the surface. At the final stage, the metal structure is coated with paint (at the owner’s request). Repainting is carried out every 5 years. A welded picket fence with a height of 1.5-2 m is common.
Forged metal products are strong and durable. This fence has excellent aesthetic characteristics. It fits perfectly into the exterior and creates an original front garden. The fence will suit any landscape and will be attractive.
Elements for forged metal mesh
Sections of a wrought iron fence can be harmoniously and effectively decorated with elements. Toppings, which can be located not only on the fence span, but also on supports, are especially popular among customers. We will consider the most popular combinations of fence gratings and decoration parts below:
- balusters are distinguished by a variety of types, patterns, shapes and lines;
- volutes are universal decorative details;
- caps are used as a finishing element for the tops of fence posts;
- leaves are voluminous decorative elements.
Other harmonious combinations are presented in the article “Forged elements for a fence.”
Artistic forging
This fence is difficult to work with, so its cost is quite high. In addition, not every blacksmith is able to perform artistic forging. Only an experienced master can do it. First, a sketch of the drawing is developed. Next, the employee creates the project.
When making gates or wickets, elements with a non-standard shape are used. If there are a large number of sections, they are connected with clamps or tabs. Sometimes elements are fastened by welding. There are many photos with different designs on the Internet. Professional craftsmen will tell you how best to combine the ornament.
Combined types
They are widespread. Making such a fence is much easier than doing artistic forging. The fact is that they are created according to a standard template. Both forged elements and brick (or wood) are used here. Thanks to this, time is reduced and the price drops. During the operation of the fence structure, clamps are used. Twisting or rivets are often used.
A handmade fence is considered a real work of art. The structure may have a retractable mechanism for the gate, which improves the functional qualities during operation.
Advantages and disadvantages of wrought iron fences
A newly built country house requires the installation of individual fencing. If the owner has chosen a wrought-iron fence, then he should know that this type has advantages:
- long service life;
- metal structures are not subject to corrosion processes;
- withstands mechanical loads (does not deform even with strong impacts);
- an iron fence can withstand the effects of atmospheric conditions (it is equally resistant to heat, rain, snow and wind);
- ease of maintenance (if rust appears, the area is cleaned and painted);
- in case there is a need for repair work, there is no need to disassemble the structure (installation is carried out on site).
An undeniable advantage is the ability to create a fence for a private house according to your own sketches. The master can make a structure with an individual design. This design will serve as reliable protection for the cottage and will become a source of pride for its owner.
The sketch is developed independently or with the help of a designer. He will take into account all the customer’s wishes and choose the right color.
An experienced blacksmith can complete a project in any style (such as baroque or classical). Often, bold customers prefer the avant-garde direction. If the owner of the dacha wants the wrought iron fence to be closed, then this desire can easily be realized. And viewing the site will be inaccessible to prying eyes.
Despite a lot of positive aspects, such fences still have some disadvantages:
- The main disadvantage is the cost of wrought iron fences. A particularly expensive structure using artistic forging;
- there is no barrier to noise and dust, most varieties do not hide the area from prying eyes;
- To perform quality work, you need to contact an experienced craftsman. However, finding a professional is difficult.
Despite the disadvantages, wrought iron fences and fences for the home are in great demand.
Gate made of profiled sheets
To make such a gate, a metal structure is first constructed from profiled pipes of the required dimensions, then it is filled with metal sheets.
There are several types of profiled flooring. Therefore, you should consider your choice in advance:
Sheets of the H series are distinguished by increased thickness and special stiffeners. A structure made from such sheets will be heavy and expensive, so it is better not to use them for a gate;
The ideal option would be to use sheets of the NS series. They are of medium thickness and are specially designed for use in the construction of fences and roofs.
Metal sheets of the C series have a small thickness. It can be used for construction of gates due to its attractive appearance. In this case, you should select a material with a thickness of at least 0.5 mm.
A gate with a fence made of corrugated sheets will reliably protect the area not only from prying eyes, but will also become a reliable defense against attempted vandalism. The disadvantages of using such a material are the susceptibility of the sheets to corrosion and simplicity of appearance.
Wrought iron fence colors and styles
When it comes to the color of the fence, dark shades of the palette come to mind. Usually the gloomy design is complemented with gold details. In fact, the color range of wrought iron fences is varied. Black is used more often than others. But designers offer fencing options in light, beige, chocolate, brown tones or antique copper. Often beeswax is applied to the surface (this is a kind of protection), and the elements are painted in different colors.
Coloring is the most common option. It is better to use paints that simultaneously act as a primer and protect against rust. The product with patination looks very original.
Patina is a special paint. It is applied over the painted surface. It helps achieve the aging effect. In addition, color volume and depth are added. You can order a mother-of-pearl fence. If you look at it from different angles, it changes shade.
The customer does not always know what elements should be used when making a fence. A master can help him in this matter. He will suggest how best to use colors and design features based on the customer's preferences. For lovers of the classics, a complete composition will suit you. Upward-pointing stakes are complemented by wreaths and vines. This style uses complex curled elements.
Anyone who loves Gothic architecture orders gates with strict and sharp lines. There is an ornament of plant patterns. At the beginning of the last century, the Art Nouveau style was widespread. The pattern is devoid of straight lines, it is formed by plastic shapes, bends, and curls. The drawing contains elements of oriental ornament. The choice of direction depends on the taste preferences of the owners.
Manufacturing technology
Gates of this type are made from various types of metal, using the most advanced innovations. In this case, a technology is used that makes the metal elastic.
When the process of forging a product begins, a metal blank (a rod is most often used for fences) is heated and brought to the desired temperature environment. Then, using pressing, they give it any shape that the customer needs.
In this case, the forms can take on an absolutely unique look, since at this moment the hot metal material becomes very plastic, which allows decorative and twisted patterns to be cast from it.
Read here - Chain-link fence - main pros, cons and tips for choosing a fence installation method (105 photos)
As soon as the required amount of finished products is collected, they are combined into so-called sections through mechanical influences. After which these sections are attached to specially installed support pillars.
Considering the fact that the work is carried out with a soft metal base, the craftsmen manage to combine decorative patterns into one with virtually no seams. That is why beautiful wrought iron fences look very attractive compared to other analogues.
How to choose and install a wrought iron fence
The fence should look attractive from the outside and from the site. A landscape designer will help with this, who will design the territory in 3D format. Anyone who does not want their garden to be visible from the outside can add a hedge to the fence. A green lawn, flower beds and a fountain look good next to the structure.
Installation is carried out according to the following scheme:
- The height of the fence is determined. In the standard version, it is 1.2-2 m. Installing the fence is quite difficult, so it is better to use the help of specialists.
- First, markings are carried out. A drawing is preliminarily prepared indicating the location of the fence and pillars. The foundation needs to be poured. It can be belt or column type. In the first type, wells are drilled, in the second, a trench is developed.
- The sections are attached to poles with special fastening structures or using welding. Embedded parts are installed on brick or stone pillars. Sections are mounted to them. The tops of the elements are decorated with special caps.
- Once the gates are installed, they are painted. This will protect the product from corrosion. For this, liquid or powder paint is used. Before painting, the rods are cleaned with a wire brush.
After painting, the wrought iron fence is considered installed. For additional protection, the surface is coated with colorless varnish.
Self-installation of metal fencing
When installing a metal fence yourself, you can save money, but installing it yourself is not always possible. For example, it is almost impossible for a homeowner to create an aesthetic and original wrought-iron fence, since this requires special knowledge and skills, as well as special equipment.
A more realistic project for implementation is the installation of a fence made of profiled sheets. This fencing option also has a number of difficulties, but is already possible for self-assembly. First of all, you need to calculate the amount of material, decide on its height and whether a foundation is needed or not.
Materials that need to be used for installing a fence made of profiled sheets:
- A metal pipe with a diameter of more than 80 millimeters.
- To increase strength, it is necessary to use logs made of flat profiles, the dimensions of which are 25 * 40 mm.
- To create a fence, you must use profiled wall sheeting (C-8, C-20, C-21).
- Fastening elements - self-tapping screws for metal (35 millimeters or more).
The step between the supports should be no more than three meters. To install them, you need to dig holes, the depth of which is 100-150 centimeters and the diameter is about 15 centimeters. The pit is filled with gravel and filled with a solution of sand and cement. The concreted pillar should stand for 3-5 days, after which logs can be attached to it using self-tapping screws or welding. The final stage will be the installation of a profiled sheet, which is secured with self-tapping screws.
Painting and care
Thanks to modern technologies, universal polymer paints have appeared that eliminate rust and perform a protective function. To paint metal parts, substances with organic solvents are used. The process is carried out step by step and in several stages:
- Cleaning the surface from dust, dirt and rust.
- The paint is prepared and poured into a spray bottle.
- Before spraying, a primer is applied to ensure even distribution over the entire surface.
- For installed fencing, it is better to use a roller, but for painting thin rods, a brush is suitable.
- Elements made of wood or brick included in the design do not require painting. They will add elegance to the overall look.
The use of oak material is considered chic. Its structure will suit any pattern, regardless of color scheme. But combined structures require separate care, since the elements are different and differ in structure.
Metal ones need to be protected from corrosion by applying special anti-corrosion paints; wooden ones are treated with impregnations to prevent rot.
Wrought iron fences provide reliable protection and a magnificent appearance for your garden. Follow the recommendations for installation and maintenance of such structures. And you will be able to enjoy the look of your fence for a long time.
Types of gates with wicket
Gates with a metal door are manufactured as elements independent of each other, or as a single structure when the door is placed on the gate leaf. A metal door is mounted on the following types of gates:
- sectional or folding;
- recoil;
- swing;
- roller shutters
Wrought iron gate with door
If you decide to make an entrance structure for the street with your own hands, then first you need to draw a diagram and make an estimate. Then you can buy the material in the store and begin performing the work in accordance with the drawing.
The photo shows a beautiful steel gate and gate.
Iron products near a private house
