You can’t stroll down the streets of Santa Barbara County without coming across a handful of ornamental wrought iron fixtures. From single and double doors, all the way to wine cellar doors, ornamental wrought iron is a popular choice in Santa Barbara homes and buildings.
Why are iron doors so popular in Santa Barbara County?
Santa Barbara County is a famous tourist spot known for its beautiful landscape, award-winning wineries, and distinct Spanish colonial architecture. Also known as the American Riviera, Santa Barbara County has a highly coveted subtropical climate and a 110-mile breathtaking coastline facing the Pacific Ocean.
When taking a stroll along Santa Barbara County, one will find themselves enjoying the sea breeze and subtropical sun. Residents and business establishments who relish in the county’s weather are often found with wrought iron gates, windows, and doors, so they can let in the natural sunlight and warm breeze.
Moreover, wrought iron is a popular choice in Santa Barbara County as a tribute to the county’s Spanish heritage. Though there are plenty of modern architecture in the area, many choose to incorporate iron doors and fixtures in their designs to maintain a distinct architectural look reminiscent of the late 1700s and early 1800s Santa Barbara County.
Given its hefty weight and almost baroque appearance, iron also rose to popularity as both an ornamental and functional fixture. Many wineries in Santa Barbara County who wish to protect their wares as well as attract onlookers to their establishments boast ornamental iron doors with details more intricate than the last.
Though the county’s humidity is not the most friendly to iron, modern rust-free paint and basic upkeep make iron doors an irreplaceable staple in the buildings of Santa Barbara County.
What is ornamental wrought iron?
Ornamental wrought iron is a type of wrought iron, often hand forged into intricate designs. Such is frequently used in gates, doors, and windows as they boost curb appeal while serving as a security measure against burglars.
Compared to your basic wrought iron, ornamental wrought iron is more decorative. It’s painstakingly welded by blacksmiths and are usually custom-made, ensuring each piece is unique and looking like a masterpiece. By forging, hammering, bending, and twisting wrought iron while it’s hot, blacksmiths are able to craft complex decorations, making ornamental yet functional doors, fences, gates, and windows.
Are wrought iron doors expensive?
Typical wrought iron single entry doors cost around $1000 to $6000. This is roughly four to six times the price of your average wooden door, which costs around $200 to $1000.
It’s to be expected that the cost of an iron door will be greater than wood, glass, or plastic. After all, iron is more durable, and hence more expensive compared to other materials. This may make iron doors seem like an expensive option, but what many fail to consider is how long wrought iron doors last.
Wrought iron, when maintained properly, lasts decades. They only need minimal maintenance — regular cleaning and keeping up the rust-free paint, and they are virtually unbreakable. Such
durability allows wrought iron doors to outlast all other doors, which means they eventually do become cheaper as time goes by.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Wrought Iron Doors
When in the market for doors, always weigh the advantages and disadvantages, so you are aware of what you are getting. As with other materials, wrought iron may be beautiful and durable, but it is also costly and incredibly heavy.
Learn more about wrought iron doors before you decide to take the plunge and get your Santa Barbara home fitted with wrought iron doors!
Advantages of Wrought Iron Doors
Incomparable Durability
Wrought iron doors are made of pure iron. This makes them incredibly durable, and virtually unbreakable in day to day use. Children, pets, and even adults can’t dent your wrought iron doors.
With the proper upkeep, wrought iron doors will last for decades as well. While other homeowners are replacing their doors, your wrought iron door will still stay strong, making them a more cost-effective option as time goes by.
Unique Aesthetic
One of the reasons wrought iron remains so popular is their attractiveness. They have a look that hails back to the olden days when time was slower. Many buildings like to incorporate wrought iron for this unique aesthetic. As wrought iron is often custom-made, one is also almost always certain that no other door would look like theirs.
Additional Security Measure
Wrought iron is heavy. Typical wrought iron single entry doors measuring 3’0″ x 8’0″ weighs 200-250 lbs. That’s too heavy for children and animals to open, keeping them safely in your homes. Additionally, this makes wrought iron doors incredibly difficult to break, keeping burglars out of your home.
Disadvantages of Wrought Iron Doors
Costly
Iron is more expensive than wood, glass, and especially, plastic. For someone looking to fit their home with a door, they are not the most economical option, especially since they can cost up to four or six times your basic wooden door.
Though their durability makes up for the hefty price up front, not everyone can afford to purchase wrought iron doors.
Heavy
Because wrought iron is heavy, it’s also much more difficult to install. While you can try to DIY wooden or glass doors, a wrought iron door is almost impossible to install properly yourself. Not to mention, hiring people to lift it and install it will also amount to higher labor costs.
Corrosive
Iron is an incredibly durable material; but it has one enemy — rust. Especially in humid climates, wrought iron can rust and when it does, it begins its descent to deterioration. Though it’s possible to prevent rust and to nip it in the bud should some rusting start, moisture will corrode iron and even the most well-kept wrought iron will show its age through discoloration eventually.
Why Choose Baltic Iron Doors
If you’re living in Santa Barbara County, consider getting your property fitted with a custom wrought iron door!
At Baltic Iron Doors, we have various options for single and double entry doors, and we only use the best materials to give you the best results. Whether you are looking for new wrought iron gates or wrought iron wine cellar doors, our team at Baltic Iron Doors has a wealth or experience crafting unique, beautiful, and durable wrought iron doors that will stand the test of time.
Call Baltic Iron Doors today to request a free quote!