Historic Ironwork Restoration & Custom Railings | Georgetown & Capitol Hill, D.C.
In the heart of Washington D.C., architectural metalwork is a silent witness to history. From the intricate Federal-style railings of Georgetown to the sturdy Victorian “areaway” fences of Capitol Hill, ironwork is the defining characteristic of the District’s historic streetscapes.
At European Custom Iron, we specialize in the “detective-level” restoration and replication of D.C.’s most significant ornamental iron. We understand that in the District, you aren’t just repairing a fence; you are preserving a legacy. Our team brings 30 years of European heritage to every forge, ensuring that your property meets the highest standards of the D.C. Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB).
Navigating D.C.’s Historic Preservation Standards
Owning a home in Georgetown, Foggy Bottom, or Ledroit Park requires a partner who understands the nuances of the Old Georgetown Act and District-wide landmark regulations. We don’t believe in “near-matches.” We believe in precision.
Our process for D.C. historic districts includes:
We can replicate missing finials, scrolls, and pickets by creating molds from surviving original pieces on your block.
Whether your home requires the slender, understated lines of the Federal period or the heavy, ornate cast-iron details of the late 19th century, we forge to exact historical specifications.
We provide the technical drawings and material samples necessary to help your project gain approval from local historic boards.
The D.C. Entryway: Stoops, Areaways, and Gates
D.C. architecture is defined by its intimacy with the sidewalk. This makes your ironwork your primary security barrier and your most visible design element. We specialize in:
Capitol Hill Stoop Railings
Hand-forged handrails designed to match the pitch of your historic steps, providing modern stability without sacrificing the antique aesthetic.
Areaway & Basement Guards
In D.C.’s "English Basement" layouts, security is paramount. We forge decorative window guards and entry gates that offer maximum protection while enhancing the home’s curb appeal.
Garden & Pedestrian Gates
For the private courtyards of Georgetown, we design custom walk-through gates that offer privacy and act as a beautiful transition from the street to your sanctuary.
High-Security Iron Entry Doors
For homeowners in the District looking to upgrade their security without installing an institutional-looking door, our Custom Iron Entry Doors are the perfect solution.
Thermal Efficiency
Designed to handle D.C.’s humid summers and damp winters with advanced thermal breaks and dual-pane glass.
Uncompromising Security
Multi-point locking systems integrated into hand-forged frames that are virtually impenetrable.
Historic Aesthetic
We can design doors that mimic the look of traditional wood doors or feature ornate iron grilles that complement the surrounding brickwork of a Federal rowhouse.
The "Legacy" Finish: Built for the District
The D.C. environment is notoriously humid, which can lead to rapid oxidation of inferior metal products. To ensure your investment lasts for the next century, we apply our signature Restoration-Grade Finish:
We remove decades of lead-based paint to reveal the sharp, original details of the metal.
A molten zinc barrier that stops rust before it starts.
We offer finishes that mimic the look of traditional oil-based paints used in the 1800s but provide the durability of modern polymers.
We remove decades of lead-based paint to reveal the sharp, original details of the metal.
Preserving the Capital’s Craftsmanship
Whether you are a developer restoring a boutique multi-family unit in Dupont Circle or a homeowner looking to replace a rusted railing in Adams Morgan, European Custom Iron is the District’s choice for quality. We respect the quiet nature of D.C. neighborhoods and provide a professional, white-glove installation process.