Styles
Railings range from simple and modern to ornate and traditional.
- Scrollwork
- Geometric patterns
- Vertical pickets
- Custom motifs and initials
Iron railings
Iron railings in New Orleans
At TurnKey Renovators, we design, fabricate and install iron railings for porches, stairs, balconies, decks and interior staircases, and we repair and restore the railings you already have. Request your free railing estimate and we will measure the run and review styles and finishes with you.
2 to 4 wkTypical custom fabrication time
1 to 3 daysTypical on-site installation
50 to 100 yrLife of a maintained iron railing
36 inMinimum residential guard height
Where we install
Railings for every step and ledge
From a front stoop to a restaurant stair, the railing is built for the surface it anchors to and the code it has to meet. Pick an application.
Stair and porch railings
Front and back porch rails and stair handrails, inside or out, in any style from plain pickets to scrollwork.
- Exterior stair handrails
- Interior staircases
- Front and back porches
- Code-compliant heights
Balconies and decks
Balcony and deck railings
Secure guardrails for second-story balconies and galleries, and durable rails for wood, composite and concrete decks.
Price My Railing- Second-story balconies
- Galleries
- Wood and composite decks
- Pool enclosures
Commercial
Commercial railings
Railings for restaurants, hotels, apartments, offices and stores, built to commercial code and ADA handrail rules.
Price My Railing- IBC commercial code
- ADA handrail height
- Graspable rails and extensions
- Coordination with your GC
Repair and restoration
Rusted, bent or loose railings are a safety problem. We fix them before small damage becomes a costly one.
- Rust removal and refinishing
- Bent or cracked sections
- Resecured anchors
- Historic pattern matching
Styles and finishes
Design choices that set the look
Style, finish and mounting are decided together, because the finish has to suit where the railing lives.
Finishes
We recommend powder coating or galvanizing where a railing takes heavy weather.
- Powder coating
- Galvanized zinc coating
- Oil-based paint
- Primer with topcoat
Mounting surfaces
Anchoring hardware is matched to the material the railing attaches to.
- Wood framing
- Concrete
- Brick
- Stone
Covered or indoors
Interior railings and covered porches can use standard painted finishes.
- Interior staircases
- Covered porches
- Standard paint
- Oil-rubbed bronze look
Iron or aluminum
Iron or aluminum for a railing?
Aluminum wins on rust. Iron wins on almost everything else, as long as you keep up the finish.
| Factor | Iron | Aluminum |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 50 years or more | About 20 to 30 years |
| Strength | Higher tensile strength; resists impacts without cracking or bending | Lower tensile strength and impact resistance |
| Rust | Needs periodic repainting or touch-ups | Naturally resists corrosion |
| Design | Shapes into intricate patterns other materials cannot copy | Cannot match the intricate patterns iron takes |
Railing code
The numbers a railing must meet
Residential railings are governed by the International Residential Code. These are the dimensions we build to.
When a guard is required
Open-sided floors, stairs, ramps and landings more than 30 inches above the ground below need a guard.
Guard height
Guards on porches, balconies and landings must be at least 36 inches high; on the open side of stairs, 34 inches.
Opening size
Guard openings must not let a 4-inch sphere pass through, and on the open side of stairs the limit is 4 3/8 inches.
Handrail height
Stair handrails sit between 34 and 38 inches above the tread nosing.
Historic property?
In HDLC districts, replacing wood railings with iron is not permitted without historic documentation. We work with the Vieux Carre Commission and HDLC on restored and replacement railings.
Sources: International Residential Code 2021, Sections R311.7.8.1 and R312.1, and HDLC Guidelines for Porches, Galleries and Balconies.
How it works
Six steps from measurement to handoff
We protect your landscaping and floors during the work and clean up completely when it is done.
- 01
Site consultation
We measure the space and review style and finish options with you.
- 02
Written estimate
Your quote covers materials, labor, permits and the project timeline.
- 03
Permitting
We pull every required permit from the City of New Orleans.
- 04
Custom fabrication
Railings are built to your exact dimensions, typically in two to four weeks.
- 05
Installation
Most railings go in over one to three days, anchored to suit the surface.
- 06
Final walkthrough
We inspect the work with you and leave care instructions.
Service areas
Iron railings across Greater New Orleans
We install and restore iron railings for homes and commercial properties across New Orleans and the surrounding parishes.
Questions
Iron railing questions
Answers on lifespan, finishes and fixing rust.
How long do iron railings last?
Iron railings last 50 to 100 years with proper maintenance. The quality of the protective finish and prompt attention to rust spots make the difference, and indoor railings can last even longer.
Is wrought iron stronger than aluminum?
Yes. Iron has higher tensile strength and impact resistance than aluminum, lasts 50 years or more compared with 20 to 30 for aluminum, and takes more intricate designs.
What is the best finish for an iron railing?
Powder coating gives the best protection against rust, UV and scratches, lasts 15 to 20 years and comes in many colors. For high-moisture spots, galvanizing is the stronger choice.
How often should iron railings be painted?
Railings with standard paint need repainting every 5 to 10 years, depending on exposure. Powder-coated railings go 15 to 20 years before refinishing, and prompt touch-ups stretch the time between repaints.
Are iron railings hard to maintain?
No. Wash them with soap and water twice a year, inspect for rust once a year and touch up chips promptly. Powder-coated and galvanized railings need even less.
Do wrought iron railings rust?
They can when moisture reaches bare metal. Powder coating, galvanizing or rust-inhibiting paint prevent it, and with periodic touch-ups rust stays away for decades.
Can rusted iron railings be repaired?
Usually, yes. We remove surface rust by wire brushing or sandblasting, treat it with rust converter, then prime and repaint. Badly corroded sections are cut out and replaced with new iron welded in to match the original pattern.
Can you restore railings in a historic district?
Yes. We replicate period designs, follow preservation guidelines and work with the Vieux Carre Commission and the Historic District Landmarks Commission so restored or replacement railings meet approval requirements.
Free estimates
Ready for a new iron railing?
Tell us about the project and we will come out, measure and hand you a clear written estimate with no hidden fees.
504-527-8711