Wrought Iron Railings vs Tubular Steel Railings

When it comes to selecting metal railings for your property, the choices can be overwhelming. Two popular options are wrought iron railings and Jacksons Fencing metal railings. Both have their unique advantages, but the best choice for you depends on your specific needs, aesthetic preferences, and budget. This article will compare these two options to help you make an informed decision.

Wrought Iron Metal Railings

Wrought iron railings have been a classic choice for centuries, admired for their timeless elegance and durability.

Pros of wrought iron railings:

1. Aesthetic Appeal: Wrought iron railings are known for their intricate designs and vintage charm, making them a great choice for traditional or historic properties.

2. Strength and Longevity: Wrought iron is strong and can be durable if re-painted often. It can withstand harsh weather conditions for decades with proper maintenance.

3. Customisation: It’s highly customisable, allowing you to create unique patterns and designs that match your property’s style.

4. Prestige: Wrought iron adds a sense of sophistication and value to any property.

Cons of wrought iron railings:

1. Maintenance: Wrought iron is prone to rust if not regularly treated or painted. Typically, wrought iron railings need painting every year.

2. Cost: It can be expensive due to its labour-intensive manufacturing and customisation options.

3. Weight: The material is heavy, which can make installation more challenging and costly.

4. Installation: Installation of wrought iron railings can either lack security by using visible bolts, or be expensive as traditionally, wrought iron specialists would need to weld the railings in place on site.

Jacksons Fencing Metal Railings

Jacksons Fencing offers modern metal railing solutions that are designed with both functionality, security, and aesthetics in mind. Within the range of metal railings, there are Estate Railings, Bow Top Fencing, and Ornamental Railings – which look most like traditional wrought iron railings. Let’s explore the benefits and drawbacks of our modern tubular metal railings:

Pros of Jacksons Fencing metal railings:

1. Low Maintenance: Jacksons Fencing railings are made with galvanised steel and come with an architectural grade powder coating, ensuring long-term resistance to rust and corrosion without the need to repaint them every year.

2. Warranty: Products often come with long warranties, providing peace of mind.

3. Cost-Effective: Compared to wrought iron, these railings are more affordable without compromising on quality.

4. Versatility: They offer a variety of styles, from sleek and modern to simple and functional, catering to different property types.

5. Ease of Installation: Made from lighter tubular steel and using panel-to-post concealed connectors, installation is quicker, more affordable, and more secure than using bolts.

6. Safety: Some of the finial options on wrought iron railings can be too sharp due to their pointed styles and lack of regulation of older fences.

Cons of Jacksons Fencing metal railings:

1. Less Customisation: While there are many designs and finials available, the options for intricate customisation are limited compared to wrought iron, however, this can also be considered an advantage when it comes to safety. 

2. Modern Appearance: Ornamental Railings in particular are designed to look like traditional wrought iron railings, there’s no escaping that they do look slightly more modern due to their tubular steel construction.

Now we've individually looked at the pros and cons of both types of metal railings, we’ll compare wrought iron railings and Jacksons metal railings side by side for an easier comparison.

Appearance

Both offer a decorative, traditional appearance. Some of Jacksons’ tubular steel railings are a very close imitation of traditional wrought iron railings, with a range of attractive designs and finials to provide that timeless decorative appearance. Wrought iron railings can be made in slightly more intricate designs, so if a specific design is wanted, these may be the best choice.

Safety

Some old style wrought iron railings may not be constructed to the anti-trap requirements of Building Regulations. In addition, the finials on some wrought iron fences can be overly sharp. By contrast, modern tubular steel railings are designed to current safety standards.

Weight

Tubular steel railings are lighter than wrought iron railings and are therefore easier to transport and install. Wrought iron railings are heavy, making them more challenging to install and expensive to transport.

Durability and maintenance

Jackson’s tubular steel railings are polyester powder coated in architectural grade powder and will not chip or crack. They will provide maintenance-free performance for 25 years and longer. In contrast, wrought iron railings need re-painting regularly. Wrought iron is prone to rust if not regularly maintained. Overtime, the painting of wrought iron can cause the finish to look unsightly.

Cost

Both are comparable, but the expected lifespan of each product needs to be taken into account for a true comparison, as well as any maintenance requirements. For example, Jacksons’ tubular steel ornamental railings have a 25 year guarantee and do not require any painting, so maintenance costs are minimal. The process of making wrought iron railings is highly skilled and labour-intensive; these costs are generally higher. Wrought iron railings also incur a cost of painting them year after year to keep them protected and looking good.

Security

Both are secure, but vulnerable areas like the posts, pales, and connectors need consideration. Jacksons’ tubular steel railings have hidden connectors, welded pale-through-rail construction, and no visible bolts, making them highly secure. Modern versions of wrought iron railings are installed using bolts which are visible and therefore could be tampered with.

Strength

While both are strong, tubular steel is stronger due to the structure and weight of the steel. Solid metal like wrought iron railings is prone to bending.

Installation

Modern wrought iron railings are installed with panels attached to posts using bolts. Traditional wrought iron railing installations were done by welding into place on site, so any replacements within a run installed in this way will require this same process. Jacksons’ tubular steel railings are installed with panels attached to posts, but the connectors are hidden and secure.

Both wrought iron railings and Jacksons Fencing metal railings have their strengths. Wrought iron is perfect for those who value customisation, timeless aesthetics, and prestige, while Jacksons Fencing railings offer practicality, affordability, and modern designs. By evaluating your property’s style, your budget, and your willingness to maintain the railings, you can make the right choice to enhance your space for years to come.  

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