When it comes to metal railings there is wide selection of different types of metal railings but also some of the same terms and phrases mean the same things in the minds of man people. Examples can be terms such as metal fencing, steel fencing, Fleur de Lis fencing, or simply railings.
Metal fencing is all encompassing and this will generally refer to commercial fencing such as palisade and mesh security fencing. This is something we don't get involved in as these are mass produced by commercial fencing manufacturers or imprters designed for the mass commercial market. If someone searches for metal garden fencing they may well be referring to metail railing which are a popular form of fence or boundary marker for residential properties which is where we come in.
Residential metal garden fences or railings often have bespoke aspects about them - even if it's just the colour they are painted and if wanting to match a metal gates or a pair of driveway gate then we are ideally placed to manufacture your railings and gate for your property in Nottingham.
When it comes to steel railings there are many different options and what may start as simply wanting some metal railings could end up being a head-scratching moment when presented with all the possible options. Hopefully, though you'll be able to narrow down some of the main choices very quickly and then just focus on the final touches to get the metal railing suitable for their intended purpose and looking just the way you want.
When referring to metal railing the main types are:
When it comes to manufacturing and installing most will follow a similar process with the framework structure comprising of horizontal bars or rails, that provide a fixing point onto which all the vertical bars are connected to. Most of the decorative elements are fixed to the vertical bars, also referred to as balusters, and there can be many of those. For a run of stand-alone railings, there will need to be a number of metal posts. These are vertical supports that provide stability and hold the entire fence structure in place and are usually made of steel. Whilst they are not as intricate as the railings they can be finished off with post caps. These decorative caps are placed on top of the metal posts and provide a finishing touch to the fence and can be made of metal or other materials such as plastic. Mounting brackets are metal brackets that are used to secure the horizontal rails to the posts using a variety of screws, bolts, and other fasteners. A metal railing fence will normally be primed and painted before installation with some touching up once in place.
We've provided a further overview of the main metal railings that we fabricate below but if you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Metal garden wall railings are a popular choice for homeowners looking to enhance the aesthetics and security of their outdoor spaces. Garden wall railings will often be fitted along a flat section of a brick or stone wall between raised pillars uild of the same material.
Most people will choose to have the height or the wall railings matching the height of the pillars to effecively create a straight height line for the fence overall. Since this height can vary dramatically from one property to the next this is one of our more popular metal fabrication services as this requires a bespoke height sizing to match the pilar height.
barrier, helping to define boundaries while adding an elegant touch to any garden or property. Made from high-quality steel our railings are designed to withstand various weather conditions and provide long-lasting protection. With their versatile designs and customisable features, metal garden wall railings offer a practical and stylish solution for enhancing a garden wall.
Individual balls welded to bars
Ball top railings attached to horizontal bars
Ball top railings primed ready for final paint layer
Installed
Installed with matching gate
Wider view of the final installation
Ball top railings are growing in popularity as they provide a more modern contemprary finish to vertical railings than the more traditional spear or Fleur de Lis rail top. The ball top design adds a touch of elegance to the overall appearance of the railing.
As the balls themselves are available in different sizes, including half spheres, shaped or irregular ball. The bars for a ball top railing fence can also vary or have additional decorative features. This means that it is very easy to mix and match to weld together a unique ball top fence just for your property.
By deciding to have the balls painted a different colour to the rest of the bar you willl have a stylish modern metal railing fence that is very unique to your and your property.
Flat top railings as the name suggest have a horizontal rail running along the top of all the vertical bars beneath. Not of the bars come through the top rail to provide a smooth finish.
This type of railing is typically used on balconies as they are designed to allow and even encourage people to place their hands on the top rail to provide support.
When fitted at an angle alongside a set of stairs they effectively become the staircase handrail so this style of metal railing works well when a property has a set of steps leading to a terrace and the same railing style can flow seemlessly from one ground level to another. The verticla bars can have a be in avariety of styles and commonly two types are choosen.
When not required as a hand rail or terrace barrrier the flat top rail can have decorative metal components added to it seen the in image above which makes for a more intersting wall top railing too.
Estate railings are decorative fences or barriers that are commonly used in large residential properties, estates, or parks. These railings are typically made from steel and are designed to provide a sense of elegance and marcation to the property.
Estate railings are often seen surrounding grand entrances, driveways, gardens, or private areas within the estate. They not only enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the property but also serve as a deterrent to casual access where people would otherwise walk across your front lawn for a minor shortcut. Estate railings are mostly used in affluent neighbourhoods, historic estates, and upscale properties where the focus is on creating a visually stunning and secure environment.
As well as making these we have also been called upon to replace sections as unfortunately due to their thin seethrough design they can not be detected by reversing van cameras which have led to incidents involving delivery drivers hitting them!
Simple vertical bar railings are still a popular no-nonsense metal railing option. They are often specified for larger properties or smaller business premises that want a cost-effective metal fence that provides a may of marking a property's boundary whilst providing a see-through option we will still allow passers-by to easily look at the grounds and property.
These are typically one of the most cost-effective types of metal railing as there are no additional components to add to the top of the vertical railings such as balls or Fleur de Lis. As a result, the main decision to make on these relate to the height as the spacing between vertical bars is a fairly standard gap of around 10cm between bars.
Bow top railing or bow top fencing are a type of decorative fencing or railing that features a distinctive curved or arched design at the top, which leads to them also being referred to as loop top too. These railings are commonly used in various settings, including residential, commercial, and public spaces. The bow top design not only adds an aesthetic appeal to the railing but also serves a practical purpose by providing additional safety and security. The curved shape helps to prevent individuals from climbing over the railing, making it a popular choice for areas where safety is a concern, such as parks, playgrounds, and schools. They are mostly installed directly to the ground rather than as a wall top railing although this can be done. With their elegant design and functional benefits, bow top railings are a versatile and attractive option for enhancing the appearance and security of many spaces and can be purely bow or alternative between bow and vertical bar to give a couple of top finish options.
Fleur de Lis metal railings in situ
Selection of Fleur de Lis rail tops
Close image of post and Fleur de Lis railings
Selection of spear rail tops
Most people will associate metal railings with atypically having a spear top and with good reason. Spear tops or Fleur de Lis railings have been a traditional rail top choice for decades and will no doubt continue for decades more. The use of spear top and Fleur de Lis again as many components of metal railing has got blurred in definition and interpretation over the years. As a result, it will be hard to get a definitive answer as to whether or not there is a real difference or whether some people classify spear tops as a type of Fleur de Lis can be an ongoing discussion.
From Nottingham Metalworks' perspective, it really doesn't matter what they are called as long as you find a particular design that you are happy with.
Once you've decided on your rail top, or even alternating top styles, then the only other choice is to decide on whether or not you want your rail tops to be more of a feature by having these painted a different colour.
We manage our overheads well and have a small team passionate about all aspects of metal fabrication. We can match railings to metal gates
Vertical bars with spear tops or Fleur di Les continue to be very popular but ball tops are starting to make a challenge as they are more modern than the traditional spear top design and some people think they are less intimidating too.
There are several types of metal that are commonly used for railings. One of the most popular choices is steel, which is known for its durability, strength, and resistance to corrosion. Aluminum is another common metal used for railings, as it is lightweight, easy to work with, and also resistant to corrosion. Wrought iron is a classic choice for railings, as it is strong, elegant, and can be customized with intricate designs. Often rail tops will be made in wrought iron and then welded onto steel vertical bars to provide the most cost-effective option for decorative railings. Ultimately, the choice of metal for railings will depend on factors such as budget, desired aesthetics, and the specific environment in which the railings will be installed.
There are several advantages of using metal railings over a wood or composite fence. First, metal railings are much more durable and long-lasting compared to wood. Metal is resistant to rotting, warping, and insect damage, making it a more reliable option for fencing. Additionally, metal railings require minimal maintenance, as they do not need to be regularly stained or painted like wood fences. Metal railings also provide better security and strength than wood, making them a preferable choice for areas that require heightened protection. When compared to composites it is more a decision on personal aesthetics and whether privacy or simply boundary marking is the main purpose of the fence. Metal railings offer a sleek and modern aesthetic that can enhance the overall appearance of a property especially the garden if used for a front garden.
Absolutely, metal railings can be customised to fit specific design preferences - it's what we do! Metal railings offer a wide range of customisation options, including different materials, finishes, and styles. Whether it is a residential or small commercial project, metal railings can be designed and fabricated to match the specific design preferences of the client. This customisation allows for a personalised touch and ensures that the railings seamlessly blend with the overall aesthetic of the space. Additionally, customisation options extend to the size and shape of the railings, allowing for a perfect fit in any space or architectural design. Overall, the ability to customize metal railings makes them a versatile choice for those looking to add a unique and tailored element to their space.
There should be minimal maintenance requirements for metal railings in the first few years following installation. If damaged metal railings are susceptible to rust and corrosion, checking your railings occasionally and then carrying out any touch-up maintenance will ensure their longevity and structural integrity. It is recommended to clean metal railings with mild detergent and water, avoiding abrasive cleaners or tools that can scratch the surface. Inspecting the railings regularly for any signs of damage or loose paint is also important, as any issues should be addressed promptly to prevent further deterioration.
For garden metal railings we can provide the perfect solution.
We'll measure up, make and install - all you need to do is choose the style and colour!