Wrought Iron Gates Derby

Wrought Iron Gates

Historically, iron is one of the most common metals used for gates. It is known for its strength and durability, making it an excellent choice for sturdy decorative security gates. Since wrought iron gates can be customised in many styles and designs, ranging from simple and traditional to ornate and intricate, they continue to be popular.

Standard iron and steel are susceptible to rust over time. Genuine wrought iron has a very low carbon content, which makes it more resistant to rust than cast iron or steel. However, whatever a gate is made from, it is good practice to regularly inspect it and keep on top of any repainting and anti-rust treatments, to ensure its longevity.

Wrought Iron vs. Steel

Wrought iron differs from iron or steel due to its unique composition and manufacturing process. Wrought iron is characterised by its low carbon content, usually less than 0.08%. This low carbon content makes wrought iron more malleable and easier to shape compared to cast iron or steel. In terms of manufacturing, wrought iron was produced through a labour-intensive process known as puddling, which involves heating pig iron in a furnace and then manually stirring it to remove impurities. This process creates a fibrous grain structure in the metal, giving wrought iron its distinctive appearance and superior ductility. On the other hand, cast iron typically contains a much higher carbon content, while steel is an alloy of iron and carbon with a carbon content of up to around 2%. These differences in composition and manufacturing processes contribute to the unique properties and applications of wrought iron compared to iron or steel.

Is a New Wrought Iron Gate Really Wrought Iron?

Puddling is slow and expensive, and genuine wrought iron has not been produced commercially in Britain since the 1970s. So almost every new gate described as “wrought iron” today – from any maker – is made from mild steel, formed and finished in the wrought-iron tradition: scrolls, collars, twists, spear heads and finials. Mild steel welds cleanly, takes a strong protective finish and costs far less, which is why it has replaced wrought iron for new work.

Genuine wrought iron still matters when an original period gate or railing needs repairing. Reclaimed wrought iron is the usual source, because it matches the old metal and works in the same way. If you have an original gate you would like to keep, send us a photograph and we can talk through what is possible.

Wrought Iron Driveway Gates

When it comes to enhancing the beauty and security of your property, few options can compare to the classic elegance and durability of wrought iron driveway gates. Whether you have a traditional or modern-style home, these gates can add a touch of sophistication while providing protection for your property. Wrought iron driveway gates come in a variety of classic designs that can complement any architectural style. From intricate scrollwork to geometric patterns, you can choose a design that best suits your personal taste and the overall aesthetic of your property. These timeless designs not only add visual appeal but can also add kerb appeal to your home.

Whether you prefer a simple and understated design or a more elaborate and ornate style, our professional metal fabricators can create a gate that matches your vision. Additionally, you can choose from a range of paint finishes, including powder coating, to ensure the gate matches the colour scheme of your property.

Wrought iron driveway gates are also an excellent choice for enhancing the security of your property. These gates are incredibly strong and can act as a deterrent to potential intruders. Adding features such as spikes or spearheads can further enhance the security aspect of your gate, providing an additional layer of protection for your home and loved ones. For wider openings and sliding designs, see our metal driveway gates.

Traditional Wrought Iron Details

Most of the character in a wrought iron gate comes from a handful of traditional details. Knowing their names makes it much easier to describe the gate you have in mind.

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Scrolls and collars

C and S-shaped scrolls, joined to the bars and to each other with small wrapped collars. They are the signature of traditional ironwork and can be used sparingly along a top rail or across the whole gate.

Basket twists

A group of bars twisted together into an open basket shape part way up a single upright. Often picked out in gold or silver, and sometimes paired with twisted bars.

Heads and finials

The tops of the bars: spear heads, fleur de lis, ball tops, or plain flat tops for a simpler look. The choice of head does more than anything else to decide whether a gate looks Victorian or modern.

Arched and bow tops

A top rail that curves up to the centre (arched) or down to the centre (bow or swan-neck), rather than running straight across. Arches work particularly well on a pair of gates.

Dog bars

Short extra bars between the main uprights along the bottom of the gate, closing the gap so small dogs can't squeeze through.

Wrought Iron Gate Repairs

An iron gate that has dropped, sticks on the ground or has rusted along the bottom rail is often worth saving. We can check what has caused a gate to drop – usually worn hinges or a moving post – and reset it, and carry out welding repairs to broken bars, scrolls and joints.

For a gate that has lost its finish, the most effective route is to take it away, have it shot blasted back to clean metal, repair it, and then powder coat it. Painting over rust is much cheaper, but it is a short-term fix that will need doing again.

More about our metal gate repairs →

Automated Wrought Iron Gates

To enhance convenience and ease of use, you can also opt for automation and access control options for your wrought iron gate. With the installation of a motorised system, you can operate your gate using a remote control or keypad entry. This not only adds a touch of luxury but also increases the functionality of your gate, making it easier to enter and exit your property. For driveway gates it's an ideal way to get straight into your property without getting wet from your car – especially if you have an automated garage door.

Alternatively we can make a single wrought iron gate that slides open along guide rails. This option is ideal if you have a steep sloping driveway, which would impede the opening of hinged gates. If you are not sure how steep is too steep, there is no need to worry, as part of our survey process is to assess the suitability of gate opening options, which can also include bi-folding iron driveway gates too.

Frequently asked Questions about Wrought Iron Gates in Derby

How do you finish your wrought iron gates?

After welding, the joints and scrollwork are deburred and the gate is primed, then finished by hand painting or powder coating. Scrollwork has a lot of edges and tight corners, which is where any coating is thinnest, so this stage matters more on an ornate gate than a plain one. Powder coating is available in a wide range of colours.

Why choose Metal Gates & Railings Derby to supply & fit my wrought iron gates?

Our fabricators weld both MIG and TIG, which widens the range of scrolls, collars and details we can build, and every gate is made to the exact height and width of your opening. Because we fit the gate as well, you only pay the final balance once you are happy with it, rather than buying a gate in one place, hiring a fitter from another, and being caught in the middle if it doesn't fit.

What are the most popular wrought iron gate features?

For wrought iron gates a fleur de lis top continues to be most popular, as this carries the historically traditional appeal of wrought iron. Basket weaves within iron bars are also a popular option.

What colours are available for wrought iron gates?

Black, nearly always, for the gate itself. Colour tends to be used as an accent, with fleur de lis heads, spear tops and basket twists picked out in gold or silver. If you would like something different, let us know, and we will look beyond our usual paint suppliers if we need to.

How do you fit your wrought iron gates?

The fixing points available will determine how the wrought iron gates are fixed. If a strong wall is present, we will fit the gate directly to it. However, if the type of stone or brickwork is unlikely to support the weight of the gates, we may install metal posts, fixed into the ground, to hang the gates from.

Can you repair an old wrought iron gate?

Often, yes. A gate that has dropped can usually be reset once we know whether the hinges or the post are the cause, and broken bars and scrolls can be welded. For a gate with widespread rust, shot blasting back to clean metal, repairing, then powder coating gives the longest-lasting result. Send us a photograph and we can tell you whether repair or replacement makes more sense.