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A custom home builder was renovating a row home in DC. Along the front of the property was an antique wrought iron fence that was in a sad state of despair. There were iron fence sections that were completely missing. It also had sections that the design elements were missing. We were determined to refurbish their beauty once again!

 So, we completely dismantled the entire fence and brought it back to the shop. We reconstructed the horizontal bars, recreated the missing components, and put the layout together. The horizontal bars were 3/8” X 1 ¼”. The pickets were ½” round with a unique finial that is no longer available off the shelf.

There was also an old latch on the wrought iron fence that was partially worn away from the thousands and thousands of times that it was open and closed. The original latch mechanism was reused, but some of the areas required resurfacing.

The first step of refinishing was to completely strip off the old paint. The authenticity of the original wrought iron fence really became apparent at this point. Next the project went through a phosphate chemical wash, a clean water runs, then a chemical sealer. To finish it off a resilient zinc-rich primer was applied, followed by a semi-gloss black powder-coat topcoat.

Meanwhile, the builder refurbished the masonry surface. We then cord drilled all the posts into the new masonry and anchored them with a two-part epoxy grout. Now this antique wrought iron fence has a new lease on life. Complete with a robust finish that will enhance the front of this Washington DC home for many years to come!

Like your original railing or fence, but it needs some TLC? Check out how we reworked this railing into a beauty again! Contact us so we can help you too! 

Need more time and inspiration? Check out our Pinterest and Houzz for more ideas!

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We love our front porch railings! They certainly add a lot of beauty to our home and they fit the period of our home. When elderly guests come to visit, it’s always good that they have something strong to hold onto, and they fit perfectly what we were looking for. Thanks to everyone on your team for their artistic work. We are very happy with our final products!

Indiana Cleint

Compass delivered absolutely amazing, high quality product. They are true masters.  I am also pleased with their timely communication and guidance, as we worked through the design and transaction process. 

I would definitely recommend them and work with them again.

Wisconsin Client

What an excellent experience we had with Compass Ironworks!! We have spent four years restoring and remodeling a Pre-Civil War home in North Alabama. We have learned a lot through the process and made more than a few mistakes. But choosing Compass Ironworks was not one of those. From the very first interaction, Amos and his team have been a pleasure to work with. Old homes are quirky! No right angles. No two measurements are precisely the same. So using a company in Pennsylvania was a risk. And we are SO GLAD we took that risk! Absolutely flawless!! The designs, the collaboration, the execution, the QUALITY, the timeline and the finished product were all first class!!! We will absolutely choose Compass again for our next project and recommend them to anyone who asks.

Alabama Designer

The railing is installed and is beautiful … a work of art, to be sure!

My expectations were high and certainly met. I was able to visit the shop and see the railing in progress. It was a thrill to see it then, and very exciting when it arrived at my home.

I have already recommended you to others!

Massachusetts Client
Front entrance metal gate