Iron railings are primarily placed on balconies and nearby other hazardous areas to prevent people from accidentally falling and injuring themselves. These railings are also often put in place for aesthetic value. Iron railings also can prevent some unwanted debris from landing on a balcony.
Iron railings can come in traditional and ornamental forms. Traditional railings are built practically and economically. Ornamental iron railings often have designs built into them that are separate from the rest of the railing. Other iron railings have bars that come in different shapes such as the spiral shape.
Iron railings are usually 100% iron with few other materials going into production other than paint and zinc. The zinc coats the welds of the iron railing. These railings can come with post caps, base collars, and all sorts of brackets. If the consumer wants, other materials can be incorporated such as wood.
Though amateurs can learn to install iron railings, iron railings are often installed by a contractor. The contractor will discuss with you where the iron railing should go. Iron railings are often a semi-permanent aspect of a home that affects the value of the property. They are relatively cheap to maintain compared to wooden railings.
Wrought iron railings are weather resistant and versatile. But iron railings might not fit the style of a particular house. Those who are willing to upkeep them might find wooden balconies to be more aesthetically pleasing than less natural-looking iron railings.