Among the most reliable ways to protect private property on a summer cottage or in a cottage community are wrought-iron fences. Durable and expensive fencing marks the boundaries of the territory, decorates the area and fits perfectly into exterior solutions.
Forged products have been popular since ancient times. Today, such designs are produced ready-made or made to order. Individual work looks beautiful, elegant, original.
Types of forged fences
Forging is a craft that was mastered by Russian craftsmen back in the 6th century AD. e. Of course, at that time such work could not even be called art by any stretch of the imagination. Manufacturing technology was gradually improved. Starting from the 18th century, the fence was equipped with curved elements to create a deep space.
Today there are many types of wrought iron fences. They differ in design (with artistic elements), style (Baroque, Classical), and manufacturing method (for example, using hydraulic machines to forge complex patterns).
Welded barriers
As in past times, metal elements were used as the material for making fences. The metal is first heated. To reduce or increase the length of parts, use a hammer or sledgehammer. Using a welding machine or special machines, a real masterpiece is created. Then the wrought iron fence is assembled. In this case, individual decorative elements are welded to each other.
The finished structure is polished. Then putty is applied to the surface. At the final stage, the metal structure is coated with paint (at the owner’s request). Repainting is carried out every 5 years. A welded picket fence with a height of 1.5-2 m is common.
Forged metal products are strong and durable. This fence has excellent aesthetic characteristics. It fits perfectly into the exterior and creates an original front garden. The fence will suit any landscape and will be attractive.
Economy option - DIY gazebo
If ordering a metal gazebo - ready-made or exclusive - puts too much strain on the budget, you can order not the whole structure, but several nice forged elements - they can be used to decorate a budget option, which you can easily do yourself if you know how to work with welding.
It is now very easy to save on developing a project for a future building: on the Internet you can find a ready-made drawing with dimensions (or, using it as a basis, calculate the dimensions yourself). The most reasonable and uncomplicated option is to make a frame from profile pipes. It is advisable to take pipes of rectangular or square cross-section, with fairly thick walls (a thickness of at least 2 mm is recommended).
Forged elements are welded - with them the structure will look more interesting. The cheapest option for flooring is wood. Boards should be treated with preparations that prevent rotting. A more expensive and labor-intensive, but also more beautiful, durable and easy-to-maintain option is a tiled floor.
Artistic forging
This fence is difficult to work with, so its cost is quite high. In addition, not every blacksmith is able to perform artistic forging. Only an experienced master can do it. First, a sketch of the drawing is developed. Next, the employee creates the project.
When making gates or wickets, elements with a non-standard shape are used. If there are a large number of sections, they are connected with clamps or tabs. Sometimes elements are fastened by welding. There are many photos with different designs on the Internet. Professional craftsmen will tell you how best to combine the ornament.
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate fences with forged elements are an expensive, but advanced option for lovers of newfangled trends and urbanism. Carbonate sheets come in different transparency.
By placing them between forged pillars and decorating them with metal parts, you can create a completely visible space or a completely blank fence if the fabric is opaque. It is acceptable to use polycarbonate with a mirror coating that does not show passers-by anything other than their own reflection.
Polycarbonate
The undeniable advantages of this fence, often demonstrated in glamorous publications as an attribute of ultra-modern construction, are lightness, strength, decorativeness and the complete absence of the need for maintenance. In houses with servants, such fences are sometimes thoroughly washed.
Combined types
They are widespread. Making such a fence is much easier than doing artistic forging. The fact is that they are created according to a standard template. Both forged elements and brick (or wood) are used here. Thanks to this, time is reduced and the price drops. During the operation of the fence structure, clamps are used. Twisting or rivets are often used.
A handmade fence is considered a real work of art. The structure may have a retractable mechanism for the gate, which improves the functional qualities during operation.
Advantages and disadvantages of wrought iron fences
A newly built country house requires the installation of individual fencing. If the owner has chosen a wrought-iron fence, then he should know that this type has advantages:
- long service life;
- metal structures are not subject to corrosion processes;
- withstands mechanical loads (does not deform even with strong impacts);
- an iron fence can withstand the effects of atmospheric conditions (it is equally resistant to heat, rain, snow and wind);
- ease of maintenance (if rust appears, the area is cleaned and painted);
- in case there is a need for repair work, there is no need to disassemble the structure (installation is carried out on site).
An undeniable advantage is the ability to create a fence for a private house according to your own sketches. The master can make a structure with an individual design. This design will serve as reliable protection for the cottage and will become a source of pride for its owner.
The sketch is developed independently or with the help of a designer. He will take into account all the customer’s wishes and choose the right color.
An experienced blacksmith can complete a project in any style (such as baroque or classical). Often, bold customers prefer the avant-garde direction. If the owner of the dacha wants the wrought iron fence to be closed, then this desire can easily be realized. And viewing the site will be inaccessible to prying eyes.
Despite a lot of positive aspects, such fences still have some disadvantages:
- The main disadvantage is the cost of wrought iron fences. A particularly expensive structure using artistic forging;
- there is no barrier to noise and dust, most varieties do not hide the area from prying eyes;
- To perform quality work, you need to contact an experienced craftsman. However, finding a professional is difficult.
Despite the disadvantages, wrought iron fences and fences for the home are in great demand.
Ancient craft
Blacksmithing in Rus' is an ancient craft. Not a single peasant family in former times could do without a plow, harrow, sickle, ax and other items necessary for peasant labor and life. They were forged by blacksmiths.
Today, craftsmen forge not scythes and axes from metal, but much more elegant things.
Nowadays, wrought-iron fences are becoming increasingly popular among homestead owners. They are installed around country houses and cottages, and enclose the territory of parks and squares. Such designs speak of the excellent taste and merits of the owner.
Wrought iron fence colors and styles
When it comes to the color of the fence, dark shades of the palette come to mind. Usually the gloomy design is complemented with gold details. In fact, the color range of wrought iron fences is varied. Black is used more often than others. But designers offer fencing options in light, beige, chocolate, brown tones or antique copper. Often beeswax is applied to the surface (this is a kind of protection), and the elements are painted in different colors.
Coloring is the most common option. It is better to use paints that simultaneously act as a primer and protect against rust. The product with patination looks very original.
Patina is a special paint. It is applied over the painted surface. It helps achieve the aging effect. In addition, color volume and depth are added. You can order a mother-of-pearl fence. If you look at it from different angles, it changes shade.
The customer does not always know what elements should be used when making a fence. A master can help him in this matter. He will suggest how best to use colors and design features based on the customer's preferences. For lovers of the classics, a complete composition will suit you. Upward-pointing stakes are complemented by wreaths and vines. This style uses complex curled elements.
Anyone who loves Gothic architecture orders gates with strict and sharp lines. There is an ornament of plant patterns. At the beginning of the last century, the Art Nouveau style was widespread. The pattern is devoid of straight lines, it is formed by plastic shapes, bends, and curls. The drawing contains elements of oriental ornament. The choice of direction depends on the taste preferences of the owners.
How to choose and install a wrought iron fence
The fence should look attractive from the outside and from the site. A landscape designer will help with this, who will design the territory in 3D format. Anyone who does not want their garden to be visible from the outside can add a hedge to the fence. A green lawn, flower beds and a fountain look good next to the structure.
Installation is carried out according to the following scheme:
- The height of the fence is determined. In the standard version, it is 1.2-2 m. Installing the fence is quite difficult, so it is better to use the help of specialists.
- First, markings are carried out. A drawing is preliminarily prepared indicating the location of the fence and pillars. The foundation needs to be poured. It can be belt or column type. In the first type, wells are drilled, in the second, a trench is developed.
- The sections are attached to poles with special fastening structures or using welding. Embedded parts are installed on brick or stone pillars. Sections are mounted to them. The tops of the elements are decorated with special caps.
- Once the gates are installed, they are painted. This will protect the product from corrosion. For this, liquid or powder paint is used. Before painting, the rods are cleaned with a wire brush.
After painting, the wrought iron fence is considered installed. For additional protection, the surface is coated with colorless varnish.
Calculation of materials, approximate cost
To correctly calculate the required amount of building materials and find out how much the fence will cost, do the following:
- Determine the required number of sheets. To do this, divide the total length of the fence by the width of the sheet, taking into account the overlap. If the fence is in section, subtract the total size of the posts. Round.
- The calculation must be made by pieces at a certain height, and not by the area of the required amount of corrugated cardboard, otherwise you can easily make a mistake.
- Determine the number of racks. In the case of a continuous fence, divide its total length by the length of the distance between the posts. It should not be more than 3 meters, otherwise the thickness of the racks and the number of crossbars will have to be increased.
- In the case of a sectional fence, the number of racks is determined by the number of sections. Don't forget about corners, gates and door positions. The height of the posts should be equal to the height of the fence plus 30% for penetration into the ground.
- Count the number of people sleeping. When the fence height is less than 2 meters, two crossbars are used, each at a distance of 30 cm from the edge, more than three crossbars. To find out the total stucco molding, multiply the number of rows of stringers by the total length of the fence
- The required number of brackets is determined by multiplying the number of cross-lagged rows by the number of columns. Consider the fittings, since the sheet is fixed every 2 waves.
Painting and care
Thanks to modern technologies, universal polymer paints have appeared that eliminate rust and perform a protective function. To paint metal parts, substances with organic solvents are used. The process is carried out step by step and in several stages:
- Cleaning the surface from dust, dirt and rust.
- The paint is prepared and poured into a spray bottle.
- Before spraying, a primer is applied to ensure even distribution over the entire surface.
- For installed fencing, it is better to use a roller, but for painting thin rods, a brush is suitable.
- Elements made of wood or brick included in the design do not require painting. They will add elegance to the overall look.
The use of oak material is considered chic. Its structure will suit any pattern, regardless of color scheme. But combined structures require separate care, since the elements are different and differ in structure.
Metal ones need to be protected from corrosion by applying special anti-corrosion paints; wooden ones are treated with impregnations to prevent rot.
Wrought iron fences provide reliable protection and a magnificent appearance for your garden. Follow the recommendations for installation and maintenance of such structures. And you will be able to enjoy the look of your fence for a long time.
Self-installation of metal fencing
When installing a metal fence yourself, you can save money, but installing it yourself is not always possible. For example, it is almost impossible for a homeowner to create an aesthetic and original wrought-iron fence, since this requires special knowledge and skills, as well as special equipment.
A more realistic project for implementation is the installation of a fence made of profiled sheets. This fencing option also has a number of difficulties, but is already possible for self-assembly. First of all, you need to calculate the amount of material, decide on its height and whether a foundation is needed or not.
Materials that need to be used for installing a fence made of profiled sheets:
- A metal pipe with a diameter of more than 80 millimeters.
- To increase strength, it is necessary to use logs made of flat profiles, the dimensions of which are 25 * 40 mm.
- To create a fence, you must use profiled wall sheeting (C-8, C-20, C-21).
- Fastening elements - self-tapping screws for metal (35 millimeters or more).
The step between the supports should be no more than three meters. To install them, you need to dig holes, the depth of which is 100-150 centimeters and the diameter is about 15 centimeters. The pit is filled with gravel and filled with a solution of sand and cement. The concreted pillar should stand for 3-5 days, after which logs can be attached to it using self-tapping screws or welding. The final stage will be the installation of a profiled sheet, which is secured with self-tapping screws.
