What the cost sites publish for wrought iron
| Source (date shown) | Installed | Material only |
|---|---|---|
| HomeGuide (Feb 3, 2026) | $50 – $85 per linear foot (4' to 6'); $10,000 – $17,000 for 200 LF | $35 – $60 per linear foot (5' tall) |
| HomeAdvisor wrought iron page (Jun 19, 2026) | $1,421 – $5,138 per project; average $3,171 | $25 – $35 per linear foot |
| HomeAdvisor fence installation page (Jun 20, 2026) | $5,250 – $11,400 per project | not listed |
| Fixr (Jan 31, 2025) | $22 – $40 per linear foot | $13 – $30 per linear foot |
Two pages from the same publisher do not agree. HomeAdvisor's dedicated wrought iron page puts the normal range at $1,421 to $5,138, while its general fence installation page lists wrought iron at $5,250 to $11,400. HomeGuide's 200 foot figure of $10,000 to $17,000 sits higher still. When a homeowner quotes one of these back to you, ask which page they read and how long their run is.
Cost by height and type
| Height or type | HomeGuide, installed per linear foot |
|---|---|
| 3' | $40 – $50 |
| 4' | $50 – $65 |
| 5' | $65 – $75 |
| 6' | $75 – $85 |
| Plain black (4' to 6') | $50 – $60 |
| Galvanized (4' to 6') | $60 – $65 |
| Ornamental (4' to 6') | $65 – $85 |
| Custom ornamental | $85 – $130 |
HomeAdvisor prices the same split by materials only: plain black uncoated 4' iron at $25 to $30 per linear foot, pre-galvanized at $30, and ornamental at $30 to $35, plus about $5 per linear foot or more for colored iron. By height, it lists 3' garden fence at $22 to $26 and 6' at $33 to $36 per linear foot for material.
What moves a wrought iron job
- Labor. HomeGuide lists installation labor at $15 to $25 per linear foot. HomeAdvisor lists installers at $30 to $80 per hour and suggests adding about 50% of material cost for labor.
- Gates. HomeGuide lists a wrought iron gate at $200 to $650 for materials alone, and $4,000 to $6,000 installed for a single-car driveway gate with an automatic swing opener and keypad. HomeAdvisor lists $600 for a small manual gate to over $8,500 for an automated driveway gate. See fence gate cost.
- Columns. HomeGuide lists a brick pillar at $500 to $1,800 and a natural stone driveway pillar at $1,300 to $3,000. Masonry is often a separate trade; say who builds it.
- Bar gauge and spacing. HomeAdvisor says thicker bars cost more in material and labor, and closer bar spacing with four or more horizontal braces uses more material. HomeGuide makes the same point: the cheapest iron fences have two horizontal bars and expensive types have four or more.
- Posts. HomeGuide notes heavy iron fences often need posts set in concrete. See post and concrete cost.
- Tear out and prep. HomeGuide lists old fence removal at $7 to $20 per linear foot; HomeAdvisor lists $3 to $5. Both list grading and tree work as separate costs. See fence removal cost.
Say what the metal actually is
HomeGuide draws a line most quotes skip: real wrought iron is about 99% iron and shaped by a blacksmith, while most modern "wrought iron" is mild steel in a traditional design, coated or painted to look like iron. Both can be the right product. The problem is two bids with the same words on them and very different metal underneath. Put the material, the coating (powder coat, galvanized, painted), picket size, and rail count on the quote. If the customer is really asking for the look and not the metal, show them the aluminum and ornamental cost page too.
Upkeep and the life cycle talk
HomeAdvisor says to plan on repainting every two to three years and lists professional painting at $8 to $10 per linear foot. HomeGuide lists painting a wrought iron fence at $5 to $12 per linear foot and repairs at $300 to $900 on average. Both say a well-maintained iron fence can last 50 to 100 years. Give the homeowner the upkeep schedule in writing at signing, so rust in year three is a maintenance item and not a warranty call. Painting ranges for every fence type are on staining and painting cost.
Lines a wrought iron quote should carry
- Material (wrought iron vs steel), coating, and color.
- Height, picket size and spacing, number of rails, and top style.
- Post size and setting method; any masonry columns and who builds them.
- Each gate with frame, hinges, latch, and any operator, keypad, or power run.
- Survey, permit, and HOA approval handling.
- Tear out, grading, and haul off.
- Upkeep schedule and warranty terms.