How to Bend Iron Railings?
Railings are used to provide support, stability for stairways, balconies, and decks. Railings are made from a wide variety of materials including stainless steel, timber, plastic, and iron. An iron railing can be made either from wrought iron or cast iron. Wrought iron is highly malleable and can be heated, reheated without any damage to the iron. Wrought iron gets stronger when it is reheated. Due to its high tensile strength, it is primarily used in the construction of beams. Wrought iron can be used to create railings as it can be hammered into complex shapes when the iron is hot. Cast iron, on the other hand, has low ductility and is quite brittle. It can also be used to create complex iron parts by using a compressed sand mold.
Our skilled workers at Riverside Ironwork Canada Inc. have been providing homeowners with exterior railings and interior railings for over 70 years.
How to Make Wrought Iron Railings
Custom wrought iron railings offer versatility and can improve your home appeal. It is a popular choice for both commercial and residential spaces. Here is a brief description of the steps involved in the process of designing and bending iron to manufacture railings:
1. Designing
Wrought iron provides a wide range of design components in both hammered and smooth powdered finishes, which adds to the aesthetic value of your house. For the design process to be perfect and within budget, you can check if the finished product fits your property. The railing structure is usually delivered in separate pieces and assembled at your property. This reduces the time and cost required for you to examine the construction. A template outlining the design of the iron railing is provided on a sheet of plywood before manufacturing it. The plywood acts as a reference for the measurements of your railings.
2. Manufacturing
Most railings are made from vertical bars of wrought iron, which are welded to a frame of posts and crosspieces. Crosspieces are used (in the form of a parallelogram or rectangle) to design a stairway or the edge of a porch. Joining a group of frames makes a long railing. Check the requirements of your residential area before designing your railing.
To bend iron, straight cuts are made with a hacksaw by clamping the iron rod in a vice. Vertical and crosswise cuts are made with the hacksaw to get the desired shape. The iron rod is cut at least 1 inch longer than the desired length. To create symmetrical twists, pipe wrenches are used as leverage. An oxyacetylene torch can be used to bend iron into necessary shapes. After it is cooled, the iron rod angle is checked with a protractor. If any adjustments are needed, the iron is reheated and bent according to the specifications.
To complete an iron railing, the iron strap is bent with a special scroll-bending jig to give it a smooth structure that matches the scroll shape of your template. With a simple bending tool and a torch, a smooth bend can be created.
3. Installation
To attach the railing to a wall, a mounting clip is made by drilling a hole of about 1 inch wide in one leg of the railing. To anchor a railing in concrete, hammer drills with carbide-tipped bits are used.
How to Take Care of Your Iron Railings?
Iron is susceptible to corrosion when it is exposed to oxygen, especially in the presence of moisture. Most metals develop an oxidative coating over a period of time. Your iron railing usually has a rust protective coating. Over time, the coating may fade away. If you notice certain areas with rust, you need to take preventive measures. To prevent rusting, iron railings should be coated with paint to limit exposure. Powder coatings can be used in case of outdoor environments or in high-traffic areas. They are durable and won’t fade or chip over an extended period.
Readout blog, for more information on stylish, timeless railings for your home.
Wrought iron railings have been witnessing increasing popularity due to the wide array of options available in hammered and powder-coated finishes. With the necessary strength and durability, it’s an excellent choice for railings in both traditional and modern styles. Riverside Ironwork Canada Inc. has experience in designing, manufacturing, installing, and repairing custom-made railings. Contact us today for an estimate on railings in Vancouver.