Fabricated metal products are the ideal home additions and using a trusted local metal supplier is the best way to find the right items for your operation. Not only can they supply metal for your project, but they can also create bespoke pieces that suit your home perfectly. Whether you want garden gates, fencing, balustrades, a balcony or staircase, a professional forger and fabricator can ensure your metal products are finished with quality and style.

Below, we explore what metal fabrication is, before going into more detail about the different types of fabricated metal features that are available for residential renovation and construction.

Metal fabrication is the creation of metal structures and products through cutting, bending and assembling processes. Fabrication can be applied to almost any type of metal, but generally, it’s used on steel and aluminium for construction. Steel fabrication is a skilled trade carried out by metalwork specialists and can be used for both small home renovation projects, as well as major residential development and construction. Steel is often the first choice of metal because it’s extremely strong, highly versatile, good value for money and gives a quality finish. Equally, aluminium is increasingly being used as a replacement for steel because it is similarly strong and versatile, but is much lighter in weight. 

The fabrication of metal uses a variety of processes, including both manual labour done by hand, as well as the use of specialist power tools and machinery. For example, shot blasting, cutting, bending, welding and coating. Forging is another type of fabrication, commonly used to create wrought iron products for construction and home decoration. Forging is a metal forming process that involves applying compressive forces to a piece of metal to deform it, which then creates the desired shape. Wrought iron is an alternative to cast iron, which instead of being forged using pressure, is melted down and poured into a mould before cooling.

Wrought iron is a particularly popular fabricated metal used for construction fixtures, and has been commonplace in residential and commercial construction since the Roman era. Nowadays, it’s not uncommon to see wrought iron fencing, gates and much more in homes and gardens across the country. So, in the next section, we’ll take a look at the range of fabricated metal products that are available for your residential construction project.

When it comes to fabricated metal products for your home, there are a whole range of things to choose from. Metal is a popular choice for home renovation as it adds both elegance and practicality, and is often a more cost-effective option than its hardwood counterpart. With iron, steel or aluminium products, you have the option to purchase off-the-shelf designs, or enlist the services of a professional metal fabricator to create a bespoke item for you. Let’s take a look at what products are available:

If your residential construction project involves renovating and re-landscaping your garden, you’re most probably in the market for some new gates and fencing to keep your garden secure. Wrought iron gates are a popular choice as they offer a number of benefits. Firstly, they’re stylish and add instant curb appeal to any property. Iron garden gates can be created in a variety of different designs, such as bow top, flat top, post and ball and spiked. 

Secondly, by nature, iron is a very sturdy material, meaning that iron gates offer a secure protective barrier for your property. The iron itself is a durable material that can handle extreme weather conditions, and won’t bend under pressure. 

Furthermore, if you’re planning on installing some or all of your metal fixtures yourself, wrought iron gates are something that can be easily installed by a DIY enthusiast. Iron gates and fences are manufactured in panels which can be set into concrete using a horizontal frame and a mounting bracket. Once you’ve installed your iron gate, it will be easy to maintain too- you simply need to brush it with a wire brush, rinse it with water and give it a fresh lick paint when it’s starting to look a bit worse for wear.

Along with a wrought iron gate, you may wish to install some matching railings, fencing or balustrades too. These of course have similar benefits to a wrought iron gate, offering security, versatility, durability and simple maintenance. Wrought iron railings are a symbol of tradition here in Britain, however, ironmongers are nevertheless up to date with modern styles; if you have a contemporary style property, you can still reap the benefits of an iron railing or balustrade, simply using a different design to suit your home’s modern look. Iron railings can be coated, galvanised or primed, and take to colour very well meaning that you can paint them and re-paint them as you wish.

Whilst iron is known for its durability and quality, it is also slightly more expensive than the alternatives. If you’re looking for a slightly more affordable option that is equal in style and quality, you could opt for aluminium or steel railings and balustrades. These metal products will still look great framing your garden, mezzanine floor or staircase.

If you’re looking to add a luxury feature to your home, a balcony could be the ideal addition to inject some style and originality into your property. When it comes to choosing the construction material of your balcony, there’s no better choice than a fabricated metal frame and railing. It’s essential that balconies are safe and comply with the latest building regulations, which is why a wrought iron, aluminium or steel balcony is a no brainer. Fabricated metals are strong and durable, making them ideal for balconies, which must be able to withstand harsh weather conditions, as well as the weight of furniture and people..

If you don’t have a large enough space or the infrastructure to install a full-size balcony, you might consider renovating one of your current windows into a Juliet balcony design. With this, you’ll just need a small railing, but it still needs to suit the overall aesthetics of your home and offer guaranteed security. 

Large or small, metal balconies will add value to your home financially and they will also offer you a luxurious new addition to your property. You can integrate glass or wood for a truly unique look and ensure that your local metalwork specialist creates a bespoke balcony design, just for you.

Finally, for a fabricated metal product that has a truly practical function, you could opt to install a wrought iron, aluminium or steel staircase inside your home or outside in your garden. If you want to create a separate access to your basement or attic conversion, a fabricated metal staircase offers a quick solution to the problem at a fraction of the cost. Metal staircases are particularly versatile; it doesn’t matter if you want a standard, straight staircase or a quirky spiral staircase, a qualified metal fabricator will be able to achieve the desired look efficiently and cost-effectively.

It may be that you require your staircase to act as a fire escape, ensuring that your property complies with the relevant fire safety guidelines. Metal is again, a popular choice for fire safety stairs because they can be manufactured to fit your property and then be installed quickly, offering a safe route out of your property without delay.

At Underwood Steel, we are steel stockholders, suppliers and fabricators serving both domestic and commercial clients in Worcester and Hereford. If you’re on the lookout for a reputable steel fabricator near you and you’re based in these areas, look no further than Underwood Steel. We regularly supply both local builders and construction firms, as well as property owners who are working on their own residential projects. 

Along with our gases and welding supplies, we also offer ironmongery and full forge and fabrication services to customers who are looking for bespoke metal products for their homes or businesses. Our products include metal gates, railings, balconies and fire escapes, all of which can be custom designed to suit your specific requirements.

We supply a range of metals, however, we specialise in steel, aluminium and wrought iron, as we believe these are the most durable, versatile and cost-effective choices for any construction project. To find out more about what our team can do for you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today on 01432 265757 for Hereford customers, or 01905 459400 for customers in Worcester.