Quick answer: Installed wrought iron fencing — also called rod iron or ornamental iron — typically costs about $50 to $100 per linear foot in Southern California. A standard 4–5 ft residential fence runs about $50–$80/ft, a 6 ft security fence about $75–$100/ft, and heavy commercial or 8 ft heights $100–$130+/ft. A typical 100 ft front-yard run lands around $5,000–$10,000 installed, before gates and removal. Your exact price comes from a free on-site measurement.
How much does a wrought iron fence cost in Southern California?
Wrought iron is the go-to choice when a fence has to do two jobs at once — look sharp from the street and hold up as real security. It is the most-requested material we install across La Puente and the San Gabriel Valley, on front yards, driveways, pool enclosures, and commercial perimeters. This guide breaks down typical wrought iron fence costs per foot, by project size, and by gate, so you can plan before scheduling a free measurement with Apexguard Fence.
Wrought iron fence cost per foot, by height
Height is the first thing that moves the price — taller runs use more steel, taller posts, and deeper footings. Here are typical installed price ranges per linear foot in the Southern California market, including standard labor, posts, and concrete footings:
| Fence type & height | Best for | Installed / ft |
|---|---|---|
| 4 ft ornamental | Front yards, decorative frontage | $50–$65 |
| 5 ft ornamental | Front and side yards, pool code height | $60–$80 |
| 6 ft security | Perimeter security, privacy-panel backing | $75–$100 |
| 7–8 ft commercial | Commercial, industrial, high-security | $100–$130+ |
| Custom detailing (add-on) | Spear tops, scrolls, rings, pet pickets | +$10–$30 |
Ranges are planning estimates for standard residential installs in Southern California. Gates, slopes, demolition, and site access change the final number.
Wrought iron fence cost by project size
To turn price-per-foot into a real number, multiply by your fence length. A few common Southern California examples for standard 4–5 ft ornamental iron, before gates and removal:
- 50 ft: roughly $2,800–$4,500
- 75 ft: roughly $4,000–$6,500
- 100 ft: roughly $5,000–$10,000
- 150 ft: roughly $8,000–$15,000
- 200 ft: roughly $11,000–$20,000
Want a fast ballpark before you call? Use our online fence cost estimator — enter your material, length, and city and it returns an instant range. Then we confirm the exact figure on site.
Wrought iron gate cost
Gates are usually the single biggest line item on an iron project, and they are what most "rod iron gate cost" searches are really asking about. Pricing depends on whether the gate is a walk gate or a driveway gate, its width, and whether you automate it. Typical installed ranges:
| Gate type | Typical size | Installed cost |
|---|---|---|
| Pedestrian / walk gate | 3–4 ft wide | $600–$1,500 |
| Single swing driveway gate (manual) | 10–12 ft wide | $2,000–$4,000 |
| Double / bi-parting driveway gate (manual) | 12–16 ft wide | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Sliding / cantilever driveway gate (manual) | 12–20 ft wide | $2,500–$5,500 |
| Automatic operator package (add-on) | Opener, keypad, sensors, remote | +$2,500–$6,000+ |
If a driveway gate is on your list, see our automatic gate installation and manual gate pages, and our detailed automatic driveway gate cost guide. For a real project, see this Los Angeles sliding iron gate installation.
What affects the price
- Height — a 6 ft security fence costs more than a 4 ft decorative front-yard fence (more steel, taller posts, deeper footings).
- Gates — each pedestrian, walk, or driveway gate adds to the total, and an automatic driveway gate adds the most.
- Footings & slope — deep concrete footings, hillside lots, and stepped runs take more labor to do right.
- Old fence removal — tear-out and disposal of an existing fence or wall adds labor and dump fees.
- Style & detailing — spear tops, scrolls, rings, pressed finials, pet pickets, and powder-coat colors beyond standard black cost more than a plain flat-top run.
- Finish — properly galvanized then powder-coated iron costs more than bare painted steel, but it is what keeps rust away for decades in our climate.
Costs people forget to budget for
The "surprises" on an iron quote almost always come from the same short list. Knowing them up front keeps your budget honest:
- Old-fence removal & haul-away — typically adds about $3–$8 per foot.
- Permits — some cities require a permit for fences over a certain height or on a corner lot; see our fence permit guide.
- Concrete & corner/end posts — corners, end posts, and deeper footings on slopes use more material and labor.
- Grading & access — tight side yards, hillsides, and hand-carrying panels add labor.
- Repairs vs. new — if you only need a section fixed, our fence & gate repair is far cheaper than a full replacement.
Wrought iron vs. aluminum and other materials: cost over time
Aluminum fencing looks similar from a distance and costs less up front, but it is lighter, dents more easily, and offers less real security. Wrought iron costs more to install because it is heavier and built on site, but galvanized-and-powder-coated iron lasts decades with little upkeep. For driveways, frontage, and anywhere security matters, that durability usually justifies the difference. If you are weighing options, read our wrought iron vs. aluminum guide, compare against vinyl fence cost, or see all materials side by side in our fence cost per foot guide.
Is a wrought iron fence worth it?
For frontage, driveways, pool enclosures, and commercial perimeters, most homeowners and property managers find iron worth the higher up-front price. It resists impact far better than aluminum, adds curb appeal and resale value, and a properly finished fence can last 30+ years — so the cost per year of service is often lower than a cheaper fence you replace sooner. Browse iron fence styles to see what fits your home.
How to keep your quote accurate
The biggest cost surprises come from gates, footings, removal, and terrain — all of which we confirm during a free on-site measurement. For the full picture across materials, see our La Puente fence cost guide, or start your project on our wrought iron fence installation page.
FAQ
How much does a wrought iron fence cost per foot?
In Southern California, installed wrought iron fencing commonly runs about $50 to $100 per linear foot. A standard 4–5 ft ornamental residential fence usually lands in the $50–$80 per foot range, while taller 6 ft security fencing runs $75–$100 per foot and heavy commercial or 8 ft heights can reach $100–$130+ per foot. The final number depends on height, picket style, gates, footings, slope, and whether an old fence has to be removed.
How much does it cost to install 100 feet of wrought iron fence?
A common 100-linear-foot front-yard run of standard ornamental wrought iron typically costs about $5,000 to $10,000 installed in Southern California, before gates and any old-fence removal. Taller security heights, custom detailing, hillsides, and gates push the total higher. The most accurate way to price your run is a free on-site measurement.
How much does a wrought iron (rod iron) gate cost?
Wrought iron gates, often called rod iron gates, vary by type. A pedestrian or walk gate usually runs about $600 to $1,500 installed, a single manual driveway gate about $2,000 to $4,000, and a double or sliding driveway gate about $2,500 to $5,500. Adding an automatic operator with a keypad, safety sensors, and a remote generally adds $2,500 to $6,000+ on top.
How much does a wrought iron driveway gate cost?
A manual wrought iron driveway gate typically starts around $2,000–$5,000 installed depending on width, height, and design. Adding an automatic operator, keypad, safety sensors, and a remote usually adds $2,500–$6,000+ on top, based on the gate size and access setup.
Is wrought iron more expensive than aluminum?
Yes. Wrought iron usually costs more than aluminum up front because it is heavier, stronger, and built on site. Aluminum is lighter and cheaper but dents more easily and offers less security. Properly galvanized and powder-coated iron lasts decades, which is why many homeowners choose it for driveways, frontage, and security.
What makes a wrought iron fence cost more?
The biggest factors are height, gates, and footings. Taller security heights, multiple or automated gates, deep concrete footings on slopes, demolition of an old fence, tight site access, and custom details such as spear tops, scrolls, and pet pickets all raise the price compared to a basic flat-top run.
Is a wrought iron fence worth the cost?
For frontage, driveways, pool enclosures, and anywhere security and curb appeal matter, most homeowners find wrought iron worth the higher up-front price. Galvanized and powder-coated iron lasts for decades with little maintenance, resists impact far better than aluminum, and tends to add resale appeal, so the cost per year of service is often lower than a cheaper fence that needs replacing sooner.