True Cost Guide Fencing Repair a Wrought Iron Fence

How Much Does Wrought Iron Fence Repair Cost in 2024?

Typical Range:

$253 - $786

Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 1,292 HomeAdvisor members. Embed this data

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Homeowners use HomeAdvisor to find pros for home projects.

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When their projects are done, they fill out a short cost survey.

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We compile the data and report costs back to you.

Updated September 24, 2024

Written by HomeAdvisor.

Highlights

Wrought iron fence repair costs between $253 and $786, with homeowners paying an average of $514.
Typical iron fence repair tasks include welding, painting, removing rust, and fixing broken parts.
Add the cost of damage to landscaping and sidewalks to your budget.
Welding to reconnect broken or replaced sections costs $300 to $1,200 on average.
Painting a wrought iron fence after repairing it costs $10 to $12 per linear foot.
Check into warranty and insurance coverage before paying for repairs out of pocket.
Most wrought iron fence repairs take less than one day, but more extensive damage could take longer.

Most wrought iron fence repair costs between $253 and $786 with an average cost of $514. The age, condition, and type of repair can greatly impact how much you can expect to pay for a repair job, sometimes pushing up to $1,350 or more. Repairing a wrought iron fence may involve removing rust, welding, painting, and other tasks. Repair and restoration is generally preferred, but sometimes excessive damage may justify replacing entire sections for $50 to $120 per linear foot.

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National Average	$514
Typical Range	$253 - $786
Low End - High End	$120 - $1,500

Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 1,292 HomeAdvisor members.

Find Local Wrought Iron Fence Repair Pros

Wrought Iron Fence Repair Cost Factors

Wrought iron fence repair costs depend on several factors, including the size of the fence and the extent of the damage. Repairs often involve welding broken sections, replacing brackets, and removing rust. Repairing your damaged iron fence is usually more cost-effective—a new wrought iron fence installation costs between $1,300 and $4,200.

Fence Size

A long, tall fence installation costs more than a small, short fence. The same is true for repairing your wrought iron fence. Replacing a complete panel sometimes takes less labor than repairing a small damaged area.

Wrought iron fence repair costs $30 to $50 per linear foot on average. Wrought iron is one of the most expensive metal fences to repair, both due to material costs and because wrought iron fences tend to be more ornamental and intricate in design.

Material

Repairing wrought iron fences costs more than fixing wooden fences, at $13 to $27 per linear foot, or fixing chain-link fences, at $15 to $25 per linear foot. Historic, classic wrought iron is almost 100% pure iron with trace amounts of carbon. Modern wrought iron is often some form of cast iron, which is an alloy of iron and carbon that’s been melted and poured into a mold. Repairing modern cast iron is generally cheaper than repairing classic “true” wrought iron.

Painting

Along with structural repairs to your fence, you may also need to paint it after the repairs are completed. Wrought iron fence painting costs $10 to $12 per linear foot. Expect to pay $30 to $80 per gallon for primer and paint.

Remove old paint and rust before painting a flaking wrought iron fence. The ornamental designs may require intricate work with a wire brush to get around tight curves. Fence painting methods include hand-brushing, spray painting, electrostatic painting, and powder coating. They vary in cost, uniformity, and durability.

Labor

Labor rates for local wrought iron fence repair contractors range from $30 to $125 per hour. The level of skill and experience, the extent of the damage, and the need for specialized tools can greatly influence how much you pay for labor. The complexity of the repair job determines how many contractors you may need to hire and how much time they need to fix your fence.

Collateral Damage

In some cases, fixing a broken wrought iron fence may also involve addressing collateral damage. A leaning fence or a post that has dug up the ground around it must be fixed alongside the fence itself. Collateral damage to landscaping, driveways, and sidewalks is common.

Damage Location	Average Repair Cost
Landscaping	$1,400–$5,400
Sidewalk	$650–$2,100
Asphalt Driveway	$900–$3,400

Permits

You typically don’t need a building permit to complete basic fence repairs. However, If entire sections of the fence need to be replaced, you may need to add the cost of a fence permit to your budget. For fence replacement, a building permit may cost $40 to $150. Check with local and state regulatory bodies for more information.

Wrought Iron Fence Repair Cost by Problem

The type of problem or project dictates how much your wrought iron fence repair costs.

Problem	Average Cost Range
Welding Broken Pieces	$100–$800
Iron Gate Repair	$100–$400 per unit
Iron Railing Repair	$100–$200 per rail
Broken Posts	$120–$400 per post
Leaning Fence	$250–$1,000
Restoration	$100–$1,500
Rust Removal	$7–$10 per linear foot

Welding a Wrought Iron Fence

In many cases, fixing a wrought iron fence involves welding. Welding costs $100 to $800 on average, or $15 to $120 per hour, plus materials. Welding reconnects broken pieces or adds new sections to the existing iron fence. Before welding, local pros remove jagged edges and prep the area for repair.

Repairing an Iron Gate

Wrought iron gate repair costs $100 to $400 per unit or $40 to $250 per linear foot. This cost depends greatly on the extent of the damage and the nature of the repair. In some cases, the contractor may need to remove the iron gate so they can repair it at their shop. Iron gate removal and reinstallation costs $50 to $100. Gate repairs may involve replacing broken hinges, resetting gate supports, or welding broken pieces.

Fixing an Iron Railing

Wrought iron railing repair costs $100 to $200 per rail. This may involve fixing loose or missing railings but is still considerably cheaper than buying a new rail. New iron railing installation costs $300 to $1,000. Address damaged railings as soon as possible because they can be serious safety hazards.

Repairing Broken Posts

The posts that hold up your wrought iron fence may need repairs. Fixing or replacing metal fence posts costs $120 to $400 per broken post. Repairs may address damage from rust or a powerful impact. The repair job may also require digging up the old post to reset it in new concrete.

Repairing a Leaning Fence

A leaning fence is at risk of falling over. Repairing a leaning fence costs $250 to $1,000 on average. The cause of the lean dictates the nature of the repair, like stabilizing posts, welding iron panels, and replacing damaged parts.

Restoring a Wrought Iron Fence

Restoring or refurbishing a fence costs anywhere from $100 to $1,500. The restoration process may involve spot welding breaks, removing rust, deep cleaning, fixing damage, and repainting the fence. Wrought iron fence restoration costs $30 to $50 per linear foot, depending on the amount of work required.

Cleaning and Removing Rust

Over time, wrought iron fences can develop a layer of rust. Cleaning and removing rusts costs an average of $7 to $10 per linear foot. Pros will remove as much rust as possible before applying a chemical rust neutralizer, a rust-inhibiting primer, and a fresh coat of paint. Rust can affect the integrity of a fence if left unaddressed.

Wrought Iron Fence Repair vs. Replacement

Wrought iron fences can be repaired with cutting, welding, cleaning, and repainting. Generally, you may consider replacing your fence if more than 20% of it is severely damaged. Beyond that, the long-term durability and integrity of the fence may be brought into question.

If you’re unsure about the extent of damage, ask a local pro to inspect your fence. It may only need regular maintenance, like deep rust removal and minor spot welding. Untreated rust can damage the fence to the point that sections bend or break. Inspect your fence regularly and be proactive about repairs. A well-maintained wrought iron fence can last 60 years or more.

Does Wrought Iron Fence Repair Increase Home Value?

Installing a wrought iron fence can add value to your home. The estimated return on investment can be as high as 50%. An iron fence can greatly improve your home’s curb appeal, which makes a difference in attracting potential buyers. The same can be true when it comes to wrought iron fence repairs. Even if the rest of your house is immaculate, a deeply damaged fence can dissuade buyers when you list your home for sale.

Budgeting for Wrought Iron Fence Repair

Save money on your wrought iron fence repairs by following these cost-saving tips:

Prevent future rust. Maintain your wrought iron fence by keeping it clean, applying protective powder coating, and galvanizing it.
Check if you have insurance coverage. Your homeowner’s insurance policy may cover some of the cost of repairing your fence, depending on what caused the damage, like a storm or vandalism.
Check for warranty coverage. If your fence is still under warranty, some types of repairs may be covered. Ask the fence installer for more information.
Share the cost. If the fence is between your property and your neighbor’s, you may share the repair cost with them.
Ask for multiple quotes. Request estimates from several contractors in your area to secure the best price.
Prepare the area. To reduce labor costs, clear the area around the fence. Cut back brush and remove debris so your hired pros don’t have to.
Inquire about payment plans. Some contractors may offer a payment schedule so you can avoid paying the full repair bill all at once.

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.

Still Have Questions About Wrought Iron Fence Repair?

FAQs

How much does it cost to install a wrought iron fence?

Wrought iron fence installation costs $1,200 to $4,200 on average. Your final cost depends on several factors, including the length and height of the fence, the intracity of the ornamental design, and the quality of the materials used. Iron fences cost $7,000 or more to install on the high end. Wrought iron fences are more expensive than fences made using other materials.

How much do wrought iron railings cost?

Wrought iron railings cost an average of $2,600, including labor and materials. Hiring a professional to install iron railings is crucial to ensure accuracy and safety. The price depends on the type of metal used, installation location, aesthetic elements, and whether you’re installing it indoors or outdoors. Materials include plain black iron, galvanized iron, and ornamental iron.

Can you paint over rusted wrought iron fencing?

You should never paint over rusted wrought iron fencing. All this does is mask the underlying issue, as rust can slowly deteriorate the integrity of your iron fence, diminishing its durability and stability. Painting over a rusted fence also causes poor paint adhesion, which can lead to flaking. Be sure to remove rust and smooth the surface before painting.