How Much Does It Cost To Install Wrought Iron Railings in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

On average, homeowners spend $2,600 to install wrought iron railings, with most projects ranging from $1,600 to $4,600, including labor and materials. Wrought iron railings not only enhance your home's safety but also add timeless aesthetic appeal. Costs vary based on factors like the type of metal, where you install the railing, and the design elements you choose.

Wrought Iron Railing Cost

You can expect to pay between $50 and $120 per linear foot for materials, with labor costs around $300 to $1,000 for projects under 30 feet. The total cost of your wrought iron railing will depend on factors like the type of metal and where you'll install it.

Iron Railing Prices Per Foot

You'll pay between $50 and $120 per linear foot for materials, including the metal for your wrought iron railing. Plain black iron costs less than galvanized iron, and adding decorative elements like ornamental banisters will increase the overall cost.

Plain Metal for Interior Use

If you're looking for a simple application, like railings for interior basement stairs, the $50 to $70 per linear foot range should cover it. These options are often pre-built at standard lengths and heights, such as 10 feet by 40 inches, which helps keep costs low. You'll enjoy the benefits of wrought iron on a lower budget.

Galvanized Iron for Exterior Railings

Expect to pay between $60 and $90 per linear foot for pre-galvanized material. This option helps the material stand up better to the weather. Galvanization adds a protective coating that prevents rust over time. It minimizes maintenance and maximizes durability.

Decorative or Ornamental Banisters

Ornamental railing costs between $60 and $120 per linear foot. On the low end, you can find pre-formed iron that is curved or otherwise ornamental. On the upper end of the range, you can customize the entire project to your preference. The right metal detailing can turn your staircase into a visual centerpiece.

Average Cost to Install Wrought Iron Railings

Most professionals charge by the project, typically between $300 and $1,000. The project cost typically includes labor at $65 to $100 per hour for a project taking up to 10 hours and $50 to $120 per linear foot for materials. Large projects and custom metalwork may be more expensive.

Interior vs. Exterior Handrails

The biggest difference is finding material that holds up to the elements. Usually, that means galvanization. In addition, labor may be costlier for exterior stairs because the metal needs to anchor into cement stairs or unsteady ground.

Stair Railings

Staircases need banisters for extra safety. Your costs will be higher if you attach it to the bottom of the stair instead of the wall next to it. Installing your railings alongside the staircase against the wall can save installation budget.

Deck and Porch Balcony

Adding iron railings to your deck or balcony improves both style and safety. Larger patios may need more length than the 30-foot standard, increasing your budget. Building your own banister can save money, but only makes sense if you have metalworking experience.

Handrails for Ramps For People With Disabilities

Building a disability ramp costs between $875 and $2,700. The railing should be part of the larger construction project. This ensures that it complies with ADA standards and the permit is correct. Standards to follow include slip resistance, height of handrails above the ground, and total length beyond the ramp.

Iron Spindle or Baluster Installation Pricing

For added durability and style, homeowners may choose to replace balusters or spindles. The cost to replace spindles in a wrought iron railing falls between $260 and $2,000. The cost breaks down to $130 to $1,600 per spindle and $130 to $400 for labor.

Spindle Repair vs. Replacement

In addition to complete replacement, you can also repair a spindle for $100 to $500. Repair may be as simple as removing rust and refinishing the surface. More complex projects involve welding and can take up to 8 hours, rendering the project more expensive than a replacement at $260 to $2,000.

Cost to Replace Wood Balusters With Iron

Bottom Rail Installation

Bottom railings provide structure and support to wrought iron railings. Replacing a bottom wrought iron railing will cost, on average, $500. The cost reflects $50 to $120 per linear foot for materials.

Newel Post

Newel posts are large support posts at the turning and ending points of a staircase. The average cost to replace or install a newel post is $75 per post.

Installation and Replacement Considerations

Before planning your wrought iron railing project, consider factors that can affect the overall cost, such as building permits and accessibility. Hard-to-reach railings and permit requirements can influence installation or repair expenses.

Building Permits

The price of a permit ranges between $30 and $120. You won't need it for minor repairs or replacement parts. But if you install an entirely new exterior railing, your local authority might require a permit. Talk to your contractor about the process and how they can help.

Factors to Consider When Replacing

If the banister is part of a larger structure, parts of it might be load-bearing. For instance, the baluster may support the porch roof. In that case, replacement is more complex, and will cost more. Another factor is the ground that will hold the railing. Exterior poles going straight into loose gravel, for example, need additional steps to remain safe over time.

Location and Accessibility

Your contractor will take longer and charge more if the railing is difficult to access. The same is true if the area surrounding the banister needs altered. Make sure the pro you hire visits the property first. That way, the quoted rate will be more accurate and without unexpected surprises.

Compare Metal Railing Costs Per Foot

Homeowners looking to complete a railing project on a budget may need to consider alternative metals and materials. The cost of cable rails , steep post banisters, and aluminum is appealing if you’re looking for a lower-priced alternative to wrought iron railings.

Advantages of Wrought Iron vs. Other Metal Railings

Wrought iron railings are an attractive and practical way to improve the safety of a home. Other metal railings like aluminum are a lower cost and rust-resistant alternative to wrought iron but can range in durability and quality. Aluminum is lightweight, which makes it easier to install, but can compromise the safety of the railing.

Steel railings are durable but lack the same customization properties as wrought iron railings as iron is more malleable than steel. Homeowners will find more decorative design options made from wrought iron as opposed to other metals. Wrought iron railings are a durable and aesthetically pleasing addition to the home.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Hiring a professional metal fabricator ensures you have someone with the right skills and training to work with metal. They can customize iron to fit your space precisely. They'll ensure your railings are installed safely and correctly. Unless you have considerable welding or metalworking experience, hiring a pro is the safest and most efficient choice.

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. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the 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.