Steel and Ornamental Iron-Look Fencing

Some properties call for a fence with real presence. A long frontage on a Gladwyne estate, a driveway entrance in Villanova, a commercial building that needs to look welcoming and stay secure. Ornamental steel delivers the heft and detail of traditional wrought iron with modern manufacturing and protective coatings. 76 FENCE Main Line installs steel and ornamental iron-look fencing and gates across the Main Line and nearby Chester, Delaware and Montgomery County communities.

Steel vs. aluminum: which ornamental metal?

Both give you the classic black picket look, so the choice usually comes down to strength, security and upkeep.

Many properties use both: steel for the main driveway gate and entrance, aluminum for the rest of the perimeter.

Designs that make a statement

Ornamental steel can be tailored to the architecture of your property:

• Spear and finial tops for a formal, traditional look.
• Flat tops for a cleaner, more contemporary line.
• Arched or scrolled gates that frame a front walk or driveway.
• Privacy-infill gates that combine a steel frame with solid panels. See gates.
• Automated entrances with swing or slide operators. See automatic gates.

Protecting steel in Pennsylvania weather

Steel’s one weakness is rust, and our humid summers, wet springs and salted winter roads give it every opportunity. Modern ornamental steel is protected by galvanizing and/or a durable powder-coated finish that seals the metal from moisture. As long as that coating stays intact, steel fences can last a very long time.

• We handle panels carefully during installation to avoid scratching the finish.
• Posts are set below the frost line, typically 30″–36″ in our area (local code governs), so the heavy panels stay aligned through freeze-thaw cycles.
• Gate posts and hinges are sized for the weight of steel gates, which are heavier than aluminum.
• We’ll point out spots where road salt or constant sprinkler spray could shorten the finish’s life.

Driveway gates and entrances

A steel driveway gate is often the centerpiece of an ornamental fence. It sets the tone for the property and controls who comes and goes. Swinging gates need clear space to open and a reasonably level arc; sliding gates need room to the side. On sloped Main Line driveways, that planning matters even more.

We’ll walk the entrance with you, discuss manual vs. automatic operation, and make sure the gate posts and footings can carry the load for years of daily use.

Commercial and security uses

For businesses, schools, churches and multi-family properties, ornamental steel offers security without the look of a prison yard. Pointed tops and tight picket spacing discourage climbing, while the open design keeps sight lines clear for safety. See our commercial fencing page for more.

Caring for a steel fence

• Inspect the finish once or twice a year, especially near the ground and at gate hinges.
• Touch up any scratches or chips promptly with a manufacturer-matched touch-up paint so moisture can’t get in.
• Rinse off road salt residue on fences near driveways and streets after winter.
• Lubricate gate hinges and check latches seasonally.

If a section is damaged by a vehicle or fallen limb, our repair team can help.

Permits, warranty and financing

Front-yard and entrance fences are often subject to municipal, historic or HOA review. Rules vary; we check them for you on our permits side. We offer and honor manufacturer warranty coverage on every fence we install, and financing is available through our partner Wisetack. See financing, or compare steel with other materials on the materials page.

Planning an entrance or estate fence? Call or text 484-779-6307 or book a free estimate.