Brooklyn’s Premier Artisans for Brownstone Railings & Historic Ironwork
In Brooklyn, the front stoop is a community stage and a piece of history. From the Italianate rows of Brooklyn Heights to the Neo-Grec details of Park Slope and Bed-Stuy, wrought ironwork serves as the neighborhood’s “jewelry.”At European Custom Iron, we specialize in designing, fabricating, and restoring Brooklyn’s architectural metalwork. We recognize that homes in historic districts come with unique responsibilities. Our mission is to provide ironwork that respects the 19th-century character of these properties while ensuring modern durability and safety.
With over 30 years of expertise in European forging techniques, we create more than just railings and gates; we craft landmarks, offering New York homeowners and developers custom ironwork built to withstand the city’s demands.
Navigating the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC)
If your home is located within a Brooklyn historic district, any change to your exterior ironwork requires “detective-level” attention to detail. The NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) is dedicated to maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the borough, and we are dedicated to helping you navigate their requirements.
We don’t just “replace” railings; we study the original architectural patterns of your specific block. Whether your home requires the heavy, ornate cast-iron styles of the mid-1800s or the more refined, slender lines of the Federal period, our artisans can replicate original profiles with surgical precision. We handle the technical drawings and historical matching necessary to ensure your permit process is as smooth as possible.
The Anatomy of a Brooklyn Entryway
A Brooklyn entryway consists of several key metal components, all of which we custom-forge in our shop:
The centerpiece of a brownstone. We design hand-forged “S-curve” and “swirl” railings that provide a sturdy grip and a classic silhouette.
hese are the perimeter fences that guard the “areaway” (the sunken space between the sidewalk and the basement). We build these to be high-security barriers that still allow the architectural beauty of the home to shine through.
Basement and first-floor security is a priority in NYC. We create custom decorative grilles that look like intentional design choices rather than restrictive bars.
We look up as well as down, restoring or replicating the metal decorative elements that crown Brooklyn’s most prestigious townhomes.
Restoration vs. Replication: Saving Brooklyn’s Iron
Many Brooklyn homes have original ironwork that has been “choked” by decades of thick, lead-based paint and rust. Our restoration process involves more than just a new coat of paint. We perform a deep assessment to see if the original metal can be saved through:
If the original iron is too degraded for repair, we specialize in Exact Replication. We use the surviving pieces as a mold or template to forge brand-new steel or iron replacements that are indistinguishable from the originals but built to last another 100 years.
Removing a century of paint to reveal the crisp, original details underneath.
Repairing “iron rot” at the base of posts where water typically collects.
Ensuring all old coatings are removed according to NYC safety standards.
Engineering for the "L" Train & Brooklyn Streets
Brooklyn life is high-vibration and high-impact. Between the vibration of nearby subway lines and the corrosive salt used on the sidewalks of Cobble Hill and Clinton Hill, your ironwork needs to be engineered for resilience.
Every piece we install in Brooklyn is finished with our signature multi-stage protection:
A molten zinc bath that prevents rust from forming inside the tubing.
Far superior to traditional “wet paint,” this finish resists the chipping caused by bike locks, deliveries, and foot traffic.
Your Local Brooklyn Iron Partners
Ready to restore your Brooklyn legacy?
Whether you are restoring a landmarked masterpiece in Fort Greene or adding modern safety railings to a new development in Williamsburg, European Custom Iron is your local partner. we pride ourselves on a “white-glove” installation process that respects your neighbors and your property.