Iron railings are the most common custom railing in Riverside, and for good reason. They suit the Spanish, Mission and Craftsman homes in older neighborhoods as well as newer stucco homes, and a well-built iron railing lasts for decades.
Styles we build
- Traditional picket railings with straight or twisted pickets and a flat or molded top rail
- Scrollwork and ornamental railings with C-scrolls, S-scrolls, baskets, collars and rosettes
- Spanish and Mission-style railings with heavier hand-forged details to match tile roofs and stucco
- Modern flat-bar and square-tube railings with clean horizontal or vertical lines
- Wood-capped iron railings that pair a steel frame with a wood or composite handrail
Where iron railings go
- Front porches and entry steps
- Interior staircases and lofts (see stair railings)
- Balconies and second-story decks (see balcony and deck railings)
- Retaining walls, planters and patio edges
- Pool areas and courtyards, often paired with a matching iron gate
Built to code from the first sketch
Guards in California must be at least 42 inches tall where the drop is more than 30 inches, with openings that won’t let a 4-inch sphere through. Scroll and basket designs need extra care, because decorative openings can easily exceed that limit. A fabricator who designs to code from the start saves you a failed inspection. Our California railing code guide explains the rules.
Finishes that last in the Inland Empire
Riverside’s long, hot summers and dusty Santa Ana winds are hard on paint. For exterior iron, powder coating over properly cleaned and primed steel is the most durable option. Interior railings can use powder coat or a quality paint. Popular colors include satin black, oil-rubbed bronze and textured dark gray. See powder coating vs. paint.
Getting a quote
Send a request with photos of the area and any designs you like. A local fabricator will measure, sketch options and give you a written quote. Pricing depends mostly on length, design detail and finish. See the custom railing cost guide.
Common questions
Is modern "wrought iron" really wrought iron?
Almost never. Today's "wrought iron" railings are made from mild steel, often with forged or cast decorative parts. They look the same, are stronger and cost less. The finish is what protects them from rust.
How do I keep an iron railing from rusting?
Start with good surface prep and a powder-coated or quality primed and painted finish. Afterward, rinse off dust, touch up chips quickly, and check the bottoms of posts where water collects.
Can you add an iron railing to my existing concrete steps?
Yes. Posts are typically core-drilled and set into the concrete or bolted with surface flanges, depending on the step design and edge distance. The fabricator will pick the method after seeing the steps.