Why Choose Ornamental Ironwork?
Ornamental ironwork is more than decoration, it’s a statement of style and sophistication. Whether enhancing a gate, railing, fence, or balcony, our metalwork adds elegance while remaining strong and long-lasting. Our team designs custom pieces for:
- Residential gates, fences, and balconies
- Commercial entrances and storefronts
- Decorative stair railings and porch accents
- Unique metal art for gardens and courtyards
Our Ornamental Ironwork Services
Decorative & Driveway Gates
Swing and sliding gates, from traditional scrollwork to modern geometric patterns. We engineer hinges and posts for the actual weight of your custom ornamental gate, ensuring decades of smooth operation.
Best for: Front entrances, driveways, courtyard access, heritage homes.
Balcony & Stair Railings
Interior and exterior guards built to strict code heights and spacing limits. We template on-site so your railing perfectly hugs your actual stairs.
Best for: Staircases, balconies, porches, mezzanines.
Ornamental Iron Fences
Custom fencing designed to enhance your property line while strictly adhering to local height rules, including complex retaining wall calculations.
Best for: Front-yard boundaries, security, perimeter definition.
Pool & Safety Enclosures Elegant vertical-picket designs with zero climbable footholds and precise, code-compliant self-latching hardware. Best for: Pools, spas, and hot tubs deeper than 0.5 m.
Restoration & Repair Rust remediation, re-welding, and refinishing. We can template and reproduce missing sections to perfectly match original installations on older North Shore homes.
Best for: Heritage properties, strata common areas, aging gates.
Not sure what’s possible? Send us a photo of your space. We’ll gladly review it, check your local bylaws, and give you a realistic idea of costs with zero obligation.
Areas We Serve
North Shore Iron Works proudly serves clients in West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Coquitlam, and surrounding areas. We handle projects of all sizes from single decorative accents to large-scale commercial installations.
Pricing & Consultation
Because every piece is tailored, we price by project complexity rather than a simple per-foot rate. Your quote will depend on:
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Design Complexity: A simple straight picket is more cost-effective than intricate, hand-forged scrollwork.
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Finish System: We invest heavily in premium primers and finishes so your piece survives harsh coastal winters without rust bleeding.
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Hardware & Automation: Heavier gates require robust footings and specialized hinges.
No Surprises, Just Results:
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On-Site Consultation: We measure, assess the terrain, and confirm your local bylaws.
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Design & Itemized Quote: You receive a firm, written price before we cut a single piece of steel.
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Fabrication & Installation: Custom-built in our shop and installed flawlessly to code.
Contact us for a free consultation and estimate.
Beautiful Design That Passes Inspection: Navigating North Shore Codes
You want a design that elevates your property; you also need it to pass inspection without stressful revisions. We handle both. Here is a transparent look at the local regulations governing your project on the North Shore, so you know exactly what to expect.
Guards and Railings (BC Building Code)
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Interior Stairs: Minimum 900 mm guard height within a dwelling.
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Decks & Balconies: Minimum 1,070 mm for exterior guards.
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The 100 mm Sphere Rule: No opening in the design can allow a 100 mm sphere to pass through. Decorative curves can easily violate this if not carefully planned.
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Local Context: On sloped North Shore lots, one end of a deck may sit lower than the other. We design continuous guards that accommodate these slopes safely and beautifully.
Fence Heights (District of North Vancouver)
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Front & Side Yards: Maximum 6 ft height within 25 ft of the front property line.
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Rear Yards: Maximum 8 ft height beyond the 25 ft mark and across the rear.
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Retaining Walls: If your fence sits on a wall, the wall counts toward the total height (e.g., a 4 ft wall leaves room for a 2 ft fence).
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Note: While the District doesn’t require a fence permit, height limits are enforced. (By contrast, the City of Vancouver is stricter: 1.2 m in front yards, 1.8 m at sides/rear).
Pool & Hot Tub Safety Enclosures (DNV) Getting this right is crucial for safety and passing your permit inspection.
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Height: Minimum 1,200 mm (4 ft).
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Design: Absolutely no external footholds a child could climb (which rules out horizontal-bar designs). Vertical iron pickets are ideal here.
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Hardware: Self-closing, self-latching gates with the latch strictly positioned on the pool side.
Bylaws change, and every lot is unique. As part of your free consultation, we verify the specific requirements for your municipality (Sources based on DNV Docs #415576 & #5722874 and BC Building Code).
Trust North Shore Iron Works
With decades of experience, North Shore Iron Works delivers high-quality ornamental ironwork that stands the test of time. From design to fabrication and installation, we ensure every detail is perfect. Get in touch today to discuss your custom ironwork project and enhance your property with artistry, security, and style.