Metal Porch, Veranda & Balcony Columns
Metal Porch, Veranda and Balcony Columns
Columns have been popular in architecture throughout the centuries – as far back as 2600BC by the Egyptian architect Imhotep in fact! But it wasn’t until the technological advances of the industrial revolution allowed the Georgians to make cast iron columns, which provided structural support with a relatively small footprint. First used in industry for mills, dockyards and warehouses they gained popularity and the Victorians began to use them in Railways, hotels and even for residential balconies, porches and column verandas.
We are pleased to offer our customers a wide range of cast iron and Aluminium column designs and a whole host of interchangeable decorative head and base designs. This allows you to tailor your column design to suit both your unique style and requirements as well as the architectural style of your home.
Columns are a fantastically versatile and aesthetically pleasing form of support which can be used to create verandas, porches, walkways and balconies. Simple round columns can be used to compliment a more contemporary or utilitarian style whilst fluted columns with more decorative head and base plates add can add character and charm.
Please do take a look at some of the available column configurations below ….
Column Designs
Churchill 1
Churchill 2
Churchill 3
Tuscan 1
Tuscan 2
Tuscan 4
Tuscan 5
Windsor 1
Windsor 2
Chiltern
Lockerley
Column Projects Gallery & Design Ideas
Column Balcony
This column balcony is positioned in a sunny spot and will be the perfect place to enjoy an al fresco breakfast or relax in the evening with a glass of wine and watch the world go by!
We were commissioned by the client to manufacture a simple wrought iron balcony, floor deck and railings positioned outside of the master bedroom.
The balcony is supported by plain columns with our ring design spandrels and our floor deck frame was provided ready for finishing by others. A generous size, the balcony measures around 3m x 1.8m – plenty of space for a bistro table and chairs. As with all of our ironwork, this was shot blasted prior to being primed and finished in a modern Tarpaulin Grey colour chosen by the client.
Large Column Porch
Our robust Lockerley columns were used along with bespoke design wrought iron frieze panels to create this substantial entrance porch for a large country residence.
The expansive frontage of the property called for a larger more bold metal porch and it was decided that our typical 76mm diameter columns may look proportionally too thin. Our Lockerley columns have a 114mm diameter shaft and a 200mm diameter fluted decorative base making it the perfect solution for larger homes. We also designed a bespoke frieze panel with a deeper depth of 270mm compared to our typical frieze depth of 180mm.
Although this is a porch, it has proportions more in keeping with that of a veranda measuring over 7m wide and over 3m deep, this being the case our glazing bar roof was chosen and was fully glazed to minimize light loss into the entrance hall.
Column Walkway and Balustrade
An external steel walkway with stairs down to ground level was required for this newly renovated courtyard, providing access to homes on 2nd floor level.
A traditional aesthetic was neccessary to be in keeping with the style of the buildings and so Victorian style columns with decorative cast collars and bases were used, whilst the balustrade railings were kept very simple, focusing more on function. A laser profile cut floor deck was affixed to the steel structure of the walkway to allow for water run off and a durable steel checker plate was used for the stair treads to provide traction and reduce slipping.
All of the ironwork was shot-blasted and primed before being finished in a traditional external green paint to compliment the surrounding doors and window frames.
Column Corner Porch
This handsome porch was crafted for the side entrance of a large private country estate. As the property is a considerable size, the client opted for our substantial Lockerley column, which has a diameter of 114mm and this has been paired with our Georgian design frieze panels. Our traditional curved roof frame has been supplied in a corner configuration with a hip to one side only and this has been finished in lead by the clients trusted roofer.
This porch offers shelter to the steps in front of the large double doors and is a good size measuring around 3m x 1.1m. The ironwork was finished in a bespoke white colour to compliment the existing doors which feature decorative ironwork panels.
Victorian Style Column Balcony
We supplied the columns with decorative base and head plates for this decorative column balcony on a new build property. The building contractors chose to make the balcony structure, railings and paint the columns themselves.
Although these are new homes they have been designed in a traditional architectural style and the client therefore required the columns to be of a traditional design also.
The columns are 80mm diameter and measure 3m tall. Pictured are three of the thirteen columns ordered for this site.
Traditional Victorian Column Veranda
A traditional style was required to suit this period property. The clients chose a classic Victorian style column veranda with decorative egg and dart frieze panels and simple scroll spandrels.
The veranda was to sit atop a raised deck area and so railings were required to run along the front of the structure for safety purposes. The clients wanted to keep the metal railings as simple as possible to limit their impact on the view of the garden from the veranda and also not to detract from the elegance of the veranda itself.
In keeping with the classic style, our traditional hipped and curved glazing bar roof framework was used, this also allowed the clients to have glazing panels to reduce any loss of light through the windows. As curved glass is quite costly, the clients opted to use a durable polycarbonate sheet which simply bent to shape.
This veranda is a generous size measuring around 8.4m x 1.8m and the railings run the entire length of the deck (around 13.5m).
Column Porch with Glass Roof
This bespoke, traditional column corner porch with decorative scroll detail and glass roof was designed to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding architecture, providing ample shelter from the elements and a rather striking entrance.
Our Windsor column was used here, albeit slightly taller than usual and with a decorative finial to the top. We designed a custom glazing bar roof frame which was glazed by others and the number of the property was hand-painted by others.
Windsor Column Porch with Curved Roof Frame
This refined, traditional style column front entrance porch was crafted using our simple, adaptable Windsor style column, teamed with decorative Georgian design frieze panels and our popular sunray spandrels. The client chose our traditional, curved and hipped roof frame to complete this and lined it with tongue and groove board before finishing in lead. The visible skeletal structure of the roof beneath adds visual interest and is in keeping with traditional wrought iron porches created in the Victorian era.
How does it work?
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I contact you?
There are many ways to contact us and we are always happy to help! You can contact us via the contact page on our website, you can email us directly (info@fineiron.co.uk), or can telephone us during our normal working hours on 01874 636966. Our opening hours are 9am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday. You can also find us on Facebook, Pinterest, Houzz and Instagram.
Do you have a showroom?
Where can I find designs, styles and more information about your Porches, Verandas and Canopies?
We offer a wide range of metalwork designs and styles to suit any property– for ironwork as individual as you! You can find more information about our range of porches, verandas and canopies including our typical sizes. All of our ironwork designs and roof options can also be viewed in our online brochure, which can also be downloaded as PDF.
What materials are your products made from?
For materials used for roofing please see ‘What roof options are available?’
What colours can I have my finished ironwork?
Are you able to galvanise – I live near the coast.
What is Zinc Thermal Coating? When is it recommended?
What do you need to know in order to provide me with my personalised estimate?
Ok, so here is what we need to know: -
Some basic contact information including your name, email address, telephone number and the address.
If you are able to send a photo of where the ironwork is to be installed this can be extremely useful – ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’ as they say.
Approximate dimensions these must include the width, the depth out from the building and the height to the underside of the roof. (Click to see example image)
The design of ironwork you would like, whether it is one of our existing designs or you have been inspired by a design you have seen elsewhere
The type of roof you would prefer and any accessories you would like to finish your ironwork off – such as cast shoe covers or our forest of dean stone plinths (please see our brochure for more information about the options available)
Do you install the ironwork?
What are roof options are available?
(We offer an array of roof options to give you the freedom to choose what you prefer. Our most cost-effective option would be our galvanised mild sheet roof (see below for more information about this type of roof).
We can provide a roof framework which can be lined and leaded by your local roofer/ builder – we do not line and lead ourselves as we are not a roofing company and there are many styles of lining and leading, which are best worked through with a professional in that trade.
We also offer a glazing bar roof, which allows you to have a partially or fully glazed roof, this can be straight or curved with hipped ends. We do not supply the glass as we are not a glazier, but do supply the mild steel sheet for infill panels if required.)
Can you attach guttering to a galvanised mild sheet roof?
Can you line a galvanised mild sheet roof?
Can you flash around the galvanised mild sheet roof using lead or similar?
How will my order arrive?
We take the utmost care when packing and your pallet will be made specially for your ironwork. However, we would always ask that the ironwork is unpackaged and inspected before the courier leaves. In the extremely rare event of any damages we would ask that you make us aware of this as soon as possible and send any relevant photos. (All of our Ironwork is photographed prior to leaving our workshop)
Is there a delivery charge?
Do prices include VAT?
Do you keep any stock?
Can I return my order if I don’t like it?
All of our Porches, Verandas and Canopies are handcrafted to order to your chosen design and specified dimensions. Fully dimensioned drawings will be provided for you and/ or your architect/builder to sign off before the commencement of any work. This being the case we cannot take returns. In the unlikely event that there is a fault or error with the ironwork please contact us immediately. For further details please see our terms and conditions of sale.
What is your lead time?
What is included with my ironwork?
If you or your builder have any queries when installing our ironwork, we are always on the end of the phone and are more than happy to help in any way we can!
What maintenance is required if any?
All of our ironwork is constructed using the best materials and the highest standard of manufacture and with a little maintenance will last you for decades. For more information about maintenance, please see our ‘caring for your ironwork’ page.
As with any natural product that has been painted for protection, particularly one that spends its life outside, ironwork does require periodic inspection and a little maintenance in order to keep it looking beautiful.
This is a very easy process:
- We recommend a full visual inspection 6 – 10 weeks after installation to ensure there is no discolouration/oxidation from water ingress which may occur in some of the tighter joints, or from chips/scratches that may have been missed initially.
- Frequency of subsequent inspections/maintenance will depend very much on local conditions but should be at least annually.
- Any debris, leaves etc. should be cleared to prevent water getting trapped and sitting against the ironwork.
- The ironwork should be wiped over with a damp cloth intermittently to remove any dust/dirt.
- Any chips/scratches that occur in use should be touched up as soon as possible before oxidation occurs. We appreciate that you may not spot them straight away so if oxidation has already occurred, this can easily be remedied by gently and carefully rubbing back the affected area with a light abrasive pad/Scotch pad (such as those on the back of a washing up sponge), applying a proprietary rust inhibitor and touching up with the paint provided. Step by step instructions on how to do this are available on our website.
Installation - How to handle my ironwork?
Thank you for purchasing your new ironwork from Fine Iron. We want to ensure you are completely happy with your ironwork and it remains as pristine as when it arrived for many years to come.
In order to do that, please follow these simple guidelines:
- The ironwork should be unwrapped on arrival in order to check the goods. If you do not intend to install the ironwork immediately it can be tempting to leave it wrapped for protection – please do not do this (refer to packing and delivery instructions for further information).
- The ironwork components are very heavy. If they are placed directly on or against a hard surface (e.g concrete, brick, stone, paviours), either when unpacking, when storing it after unpacking prior to installation, or during installation, the weight if the ironwork on/against the surface can damage the paint finish. The damage to the coating may not be easily visible so you may not even think it requires touching-up with the paint provided but after a time oxidisation will occur and orange staining will become apparent on the surface. To prevent this happening, please ensure a suitable buffer is placed between the ironwork and any hard surface – this could be cardboard, a lint-free material or similar.
- It is preferable not carry out any cutting/welding works, or any work that creates sparks or debris travelling at high speed, in the proximity of the ironwork but if this is unavoidable, please ensure you provide suitable protection and cover the ironwork beforehand. Sparks and debris will embed in the surface of the paint which are then highly likely to cause oxidation/rust to form.
- Once installation is complete, wipe the ironwork over with a damp, lint-free cloth to remove any dust/dirt (this will also help you to spot any chips or scratches).
- Chips and scratches to the ironwork will invariably occur during the installation process. This is perfectly normal and we provide small tin of paint with every order to enable these to be touched up (this can also be used to paint the heads of the fixings). Touching up should be done immediately or as soon as practicable following installation before any oxidisation occurs.
- We recommend a full visual inspection 6 – 10 weeks after installation to ensure there is no discolouration/oxidation from water ingress which may occur in some of the tighter joints, or from chips/scratches that may have been missed initially.
- In the unlikely event oxidation/discolouration occurs, this can easily be remedied by gently rubbing back the affected area with a light abrasive pad/Scotch pad (such as those on the back of a washing up sponge), applying a proprietary rust inhibitor and touching up with the paint provided. Step by step instructions on how to do this are available on our website.
