The exterior of your home makes a first impression. While outside elements such as fences and gates fill functional needs, they can also add aesthetic appeal to your property.

Building a fence can provide privacy and also enhance the overall look of your domain when matched with unique features of your house.

Gates, driveways and stairways leading to your home can add sophistication to surroundings when infused with ironwork.

Beyond the White Picket Fence

According to Jeff Beneke, author of "The Fence Bible," fences can command more attention than the house around which they're built.
"Fences are relatively simple structures; yet because, of their vertical nature they are significant, highly visible components of the built environment, sometimes even surpassing the house itself as the defining characteristic
of the property," he says.

Beneke suggests that homeowners look at both their house's architecture and their yard landscape when selecting- a fence style. Consider the size and shape of your house
when choosing the fence's height and material.

"In general, long and flat houses lend themselves to horizontally-oriented fences, while a house with a prominent gable or complex roof lines might be better served by a fence with components placed at variable heights”, Beneke says.

Homeowners can also zero-in on specific features of their house when choosing a fence. Window trim or house siding might inspire a fence look or color.

One of the biggest decisions to make when planning a fence is whether to leave it open or closed, Beneke says. Open fences tend to look best in front yards, while the closed variety works well in the back.
Remember to consider the views from both inside the house and from the yard when determining the amount of enclosure you want a fence to provide.

Common materials for fences include vinyl, brick, stone, pickets, chain link, aluminum and solid wood. Some materials, such as brick and stone, can be mixed to create contrast. Fence maintenance varies according to the material used, Beneke says. Wood fences benefit from a good paint coating or other wood finish, along with design features
that drain water away from the wood. Mortar can cause cracks in stone
fences, but a process called repointing, which involves filling joints with mortar, can resolve those issues.

Ornamental metal fences provide the whole package: beauty, strength, security, permanence and little upkeep.

The laborious art of metalworking has existed since ancient times. The process requires heating, shaping and twisting metal to achieve an ornate and individualized look. First used in weaponry by the Greeks, Romans and other cultures, ironwork quickly began serving a decorative purpose.

It is making a statement in more and more homes today, say Igor Roa, general manager, Artesano Iron Works Gallery.

"People are rediscovering the beauty and elegance of hand-forged ironworks for their houses," he says.

Artesano Iron Works Gallery designs and custom crafts solid, hand-forged ironwork. For outdoor fencing and other outdoor products, the company uses the process of hot deep galvanization to prevent rusting. Black is a popular color and rusted iron and antique bronze are sought after looks.

"All of our products are great sellers," says Roa. "We personalize each of them. We create unique, timeless pieces with exquisite designs. All of them are hand forged using old techniques."

One particular style that is making a comeback is wrought iron. While black is the classic color for wrought iron looks, powder-coated steel and aluminum ornamental fencing is also available in lighter colors.

The Stairway to Style
Ironwork can be used in other architectural elements such as stair railings, balconies or platforms, both on the inside and outside of a home. More and more, clients are combining style with safety when using ironwork on their properties, according to Alex Adduci, president, Empire Metalworks, Inc."Railings are desired not only for safety and functionality, but they also add style and charm to any home," says Adduci. "Driveway gates are an excellent way to add elegance and aesthetic value to one's home, as well as increased security." Empire Metalworks Inc. specializes
in wrought iron, aluminum, steel and stainless steel. Other products they offer include window guards, doors and trellises. The company can also provide services such as landscaping and masonry to enhance the areas surrounding the installed product.

Robert Anderson, owner,
Anderson Ironworks, says properly prepped and finished ironwork requires little maintenance. The company also offers aluminum, bronze and stainless steel railings and gates that eliminate rusting altogether. "We believe that the prep prior to finish is very important and we pay close attention to each project. All have their unique challenges,” says Anderson.

Because of the custom-made component, finding out what a customer wants sometimes proves to be the most challenging aspect of an ironwork project. Anderson says that his company works with homeowners to get their input.

"We discuss the look they are trying to achieve. From there we normally create two or three concept sketches. We narrow down to the final concept. Then we provide final CAD drawings for approval," he says.

"We can also provide samples and full-sized drawings when warranted."

Anderson even keeps clients involved in the assemblage process. "After final approval we begin the manufacturing process. Many clients enjoy stopping by during the fabrication," he says.

Whichever part of your home you chose to infuse with ironwork, the finished product will be elegant and long lasting.