Railings are a long-term investment. Therefore, there are a few important points to consider before purchasing or commissioning railings.
Check the Material First
Most items marketed with the term “wrought iron” are actually mild steel that has been cheaply and poorly rust-protected. In fact, almost all “wrought iron” items are actually made from mild steel – true wrought iron is extremely hard to work with (requiring constant hand reworking), has a textured “fibrous” grain and is typically far too expensive for most buyers.
Consider Height and Spacing
A typical height for boundary railings is 1 meter high. For structures near a highway, however, there may be restrictions imposed by local planning authorities. As well as the height, the spacing between the individual uprights must also be considered. For example, a gap of greater than 100mm between railings could pose a hazard to children.
Pick the Right Protective Finish
Hot-dip galvanising provides the longest-lasting rust protection. After galvanizing, railings are painted (powder coating available in numerous colours). Painted mild steel requires more maintenance. Suppliers have recommendations on the required frequency of maintenance based on climate and use.
Ask About Fixing Methods
The way that your railings are fixed into the ground will also affect the longevity of them. Concrete set posts are a solid fixing, but can create problems as they can harbour moisture at the base of the post. Bolt down fixings allow for easy removal of the railings in the future, and also help to reduce corrosion where the post meets the ground.
Keep Up With Maintenance
Inspect wrought iron railings each spring for signs of rust, damaged paint, and loose fixings. If any bare metal is uncovered treat with a rust-inhibiting primer and then paint with a suitable topcoat. Simple repairs can be undertaken as required.
Wrought Iron Railings is covered in more detail at https://donkeywellforge.co.uk/what-we-make/wrought-iron-railings/.
Thinking through what you need now will save you a lot of hassle later.
