What sets a wrought iron bridge apart from a catalogue model
Calculated for the stated use — regular foot traffic, not the purely decorative 5–10 kg rating of some DIY-store models.
Base plates, concrete footing, or supports on concrete piers matched to the ground — see our bank installation page — rather than simply resting on the ground.
A flat or tubular profile sized for the actual span to cross, not a standardised section used regardless of the distance between the two banks.
Working the iron
The deck and the handrail are shaped piece by piece: the profile is bent to give the slight arch typical of a garden bridge, the deck’s cross-pieces are welded, the handrail is barred or scrolled depending on the style chosen. The finish (hot-dip galvanising followed by powder-coating, or anti-rust paint alone depending on budget) directly determines how long the piece lasts outdoors — see our wood or metal comparison for typical lifespan figures by treatment.
Span and width
A bridge is sized first by the real distance to cross (the span) and by the desired clear walkway width — not by a standard template. Our span and sizing page covers typical benchmarks by use: purely decorative over a pond, a footbridge for regular crossing, or a wider passage for a wheelbarrow.
Price
A custom wrought iron bridge isn’t comparable to prefabricated catalogue models (€90–220 on average for a non-load-bearing decorative piece): the price depends on the span, the width, the steel section, and the finish chosen. See our breakdown of price factors before requesting a quote.
Frequently asked questions
Can a wrought iron bridge really carry a person’s weight?
Yes, provided it’s sized for that use from the design stage — that’s precisely what sets a custom structure apart from decorative catalogue models, often limited to a few kilograms of load capacity.
Does wrought iron rust over a water feature?
Untreated, yes — like any steel exposed to permanent humidity. Hot-dip galvanising followed by powder-coating greatly limits this risk over many years; see our wood or metal comparison for the detail.
Can an ornate handrail be added without a major cost increase?
The handrail is part of the ironwork itself, just like the deck — its style (simple bars or worked scrollwork) affects the price, to be confirmed at the quote stage.
