How Much Does a Wrought Iron Fence Cost in 2024?

Wrought Iron Fence Cost Factors

Several factors, including height, location, and the quality of the iron used, contribute to the cost of installing an iron fence. 

Fence Height and Length

The most common height for a wrought iron fence is four feet (48 inches), which is tall enough to deter most dogs and people from climbing or jumping over it. Shorter garden fences may only be three feet (36 inches) tall, while security fences can reach as high as eight feet. The taller the fence, the more iron is required and the more the wrought iron fence costs. 

Long fences encircling large yards cost more than shorter fences. The average cost is usually $25 to $35 per linear foot for materials alone, not including fence installation costs. Taller and longer fences also require more labor to install.

Labor

Wrought iron fence installers in your area may charge $30 to $80 per hour for labor, depending on the project and location. Labor costs account for about 25% of the total project cost. Installing an iron fence costs about $15 to $25 per linear foot, and it takes 20 to 35 hours to install a fence up to 200 feet long. 

Other labor costs may include the following:

• Yard grading costs $1,000 to $3,350 to level an uneven property.

• Tree removal costs $200 to $2,000, depending on the tree size and species.

• Old fence removal costs $7 to $20 per linear foot, including disposal. 

• Customization and finishing add more costs and time to your iron fence installation.

Iron Quality

As with most other materials, iron varies in quality. The initial appearance may be similar, but higher-grade iron requires less maintenance, better endures difficult weather, resists rusts more effectively, and often lasts longer than lower-grade iron. Budget iron fences are closer to $25 per linear foot, while high-quality iron is about $35 per linear foot.

Iron Gauge

The thickness of each bar is also known as the iron gauge. The standard gauge for a typical wrought iron fence is 12 millimeters (about 1/2-inch). Thicker bars cost more for labor and materials because they’re more challenging to work with, but they may offer increased security. 

Spacing

Just as thicker bars require more material, bars spaced closely together also increase the amount of iron you need for your fence. Wrought iron fences with more closely spaced bars tend to be stronger and more secure, especially with four or more horizontal bracing bars. Less expensive options may only have two horizontal bars for reinforcement. 

Location

The terrain and location affect the overall project costs. Difficult-to-access worksites contribute to higher labor costs, particularly if contractors need to use small, manual, or more specialized tools and equipment. Rocky or uneven terrain is more difficult and lends itself to a more complex project. 

Your geographic location also impacts the cost of installing a wrought iron fence. Labor costs more in large urban areas than in rural regions. 

Land Survey

Before starting your iron fence installation project, it’s important to invest in a proper land survey. Hiring a land surveyor costs between $370 and $770 on average. They mark property lines and identify where you can legally build a new fence. If you’re replacing an old fence that was already permitted and surveyed, you may not need to pay for a new land survey. 

Permits

After the land survey, check with your local municipality and other regulatory bodies about permit requirements. Fence permits cost $20 to $200 for property owners. Local authorities may also require an inspection after the fence has been installed.

Wrought Iron Fence Installation by Iron Type

Plain black iron is the most affordable option for an iron fence. Expect to pay more for galvanized iron or any ornamental styles involving curving or twisting patterns. Finishes in green, white, or bronze colors also cost extra.

Plain Black Iron

Prioritizing function over form, plain black iron fences start around $25 per linear foot for an uncoated iron fence measuring four feet tall. You have very few options for customization in this price range. Expect to pay an extra $5 per linear foot or more for colored wrought iron. 

Galvanized Iron

Galvanized iron is coated in a layer of protective zinc to prevent rust from settling. Pre-galvanized iron costs anywhere from $28 to $32 per linear foot. The slightly higher cost is offset by reducing long-term maintenance costs and extending the lifespan of the iron fence. 

Ornamental Iron

Ornamental wrought iron fences cost $27 to $35 per linear foot on average. Both plain and galvanized iron can be ornamental, but you'll pay toward the higher end of this price range for galvanized wrought iron. Ornamental options include toppers, curving or twisted bars, and other decorative features. 

Wrought Iron Fence Replacement vs. Repair

A properly maintained galvanized wrought iron fence can last 50 to 100 years. If you’ve only had your iron fence for a few years, it’s often worth fixing rather than replacing it. Wrought iron fence repair costs an average of $250 to $800, though more severe damage can increase costs. 

Basic repairs may consist simply of sanding and repainting to address accumulated rust. Painting a wrought iron fence costs $5 to $12 per linear foot. Broken barriers require more significant repairs, like welding. Any custom designs increase these costs further. 

If you have an older fence and fence repair costs are approaching 50% of the cost of a new iron fence, it may be time for a replacement. In some cases, replacing a single fencing panel rather than the entire fence is a viable option. 

Does Installing a Wrought Iron Fence Increase Home Value?

A new wrought iron fence can dramatically improve a home’s curb appeal, which makes a difference when you list your house for sale. It can make a striking first impression on potential buyers. While individual outcomes vary greatly, homeowners may net a return on investment (ROI) of 50% to 70% on their iron fence cost. Local market conditions influence the impact of a new iron fence on a property’s perceived value. 

Budgeting for Installing a Wrought Iron Fence

A wrought iron fence costs more than fences made using other materials, so you may want to reduce these costs while still reaping the benefits of a new iron fence. Consider these budget-friendly tips: 

• Prep the site yourself: Consider removing old fencing, shrubs, and other obstructions to make way for the new fence. 

• Reduce the amount of iron you need: A shorter fence or one that doesn’t need to extend entirely over an area lowers the cost of materials and labor. 

• Coordinate with neighbors: If you have neighbors who are thinking about new fencing, you can reduce the cost of your iron fence by combining your orders and projects. 

• Book for the summer: The busiest times of the year for fence installation tend to be in the spring and fall, while frozen conditions in the winter can make work challenging. Hiring fence contractors in the summer may result in a small discount. 

• Consider cast iron: Traditional wrought iron is handcrafted with 99% iron but is heated and shaped by hand. Cast iron is mass-produced mild steel and achieves a similar look at a fraction of the price. 

• Ask for multiple quotes: Contact several local iron fence installers in your area to request project quotes. This helps you get a fair price for your project. 

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real 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.