Custom Iron Railings for Houston Stairs, Balconies & Porches
Art Fences of Houston fabricates custom iron railings on-site for residential staircases, balconies, porches, and commercial buildings throughout the Houston area. Every railing is measured, designed, and welded to fit the exact dimensions and code requirements of your property — no off-the-shelf components, no guesswork. With 25+ years of fabrication experience, we deliver railings that are structurally secure, code-compliant, and built to match the character of your home or building.
Interior & Exterior Iron Railings — Built to Code, Built to Last
Interior Stair & Balcony Railings
Custom iron railings transform interior staircases and open balconies into architectural statements. We fabricate straight-run, curved, and switchback stair railings with baluster patterns ranging from simple round stock to decorative scrollwork. Every interior railing is finished to resist handling wear — powder-coated or painted in colors that complement tile, hardwood, or carpet. We fit and weld on-site so the railing follows your actual stringer pitch, not a catalog assumption.
Exterior Porch, Deck & Balcony Railings
Houston's humidity and UV exposure demand more from exterior ironwork. Our exterior railings are fabricated from solid iron stock, primed against corrosion, and finished with a weather-resistant powder coat or paint system. Whether you need a simple handrail for porch steps or a full perimeter railing for a second-story deck, we measure and fabricate to the exact elevation and span of your structure.
Code Compliance & On-Site Fabrication
Stair and balcony railings in Houston must meet IRC and local building code requirements for height (typically 36–42 inches), baluster spacing (no gap greater than 4 inches), and load capacity. Because we fabricate on-site, we can design to those exact specifications from the first measurement — no back-and-forth to a remote shop, no field modifications after delivery. Both residential permits and commercial projects are within our scope.
How an Iron Railing Project Works
Every railing we install begins with a precise site visit. Here's what to expect from first contact to finished installation.
1. Site Measurement & Consultation
We visit your property to measure every run, rise, and elevation — interior staircase, exterior porch, or commercial balcony — and discuss style, finish, and code requirements on the spot.
2. Design & Material Selection
We present baluster style options, handrail profiles, and finish colors so you can visualize the completed railing before fabrication begins.
3. On-Site Fabrication
Our crew fabricates the railing to your exact dimensions at the jobsite — no shipping delays, no tolerance gaps from a remote shop.
4. Finish Application
We apply primer and a powder-coat or paint finish rated for Houston's climate, whether the railing is going indoors or outside.
5. Secure Installation & Inspection
The railing is anchored to code-required load specifications, tested for rigidity, and inspected before we leave — so you're confident it's right before we pack up.
Iron Railing FAQs — Houston Building Codes, Cost & Care
Do iron railings in Houston have to meet a building code?
Yes. Residential stair railings and balcony guards in Houston must comply with the International Residential Code (IRC) as locally adopted. Key requirements include a minimum height of 36 inches for stairs and 42 inches for guards on open sides 30 inches or more above the floor, and baluster spacing that does not allow a 4-inch sphere to pass through. Commercial buildings follow IBC requirements, which are similar but may include additional load ratings. Art Fences of Houston designs and fabricates to these specifications as standard practice.How much do custom iron railings cost in Houston?
Railing cost depends on linear footage, baluster complexity, finish selection, and whether the project is interior or exterior. Straightforward handrails for a short exterior stair are considerably less expensive than a full interior balcony guard with decorative scrollwork. Because we fabricate on-site and measure precisely, you won't pay for material waste or off-the-shelf components that need modification. Contact us for a free on-site estimate — pricing is project-specific and we'll give you a clear number after we see the space.Can iron railings be used inside the house, not just outdoors?
Absolutely. Interior iron railings are a popular upgrade for staircases and mezzanine balconies in Houston homes. Interior applications use the same solid iron fabrication but are typically finished in a powder coat or paint color that coordinates with the home's interior palette rather than a weathering-grade exterior finish. The fabrication process and code requirements are the same regardless of location.How do I prevent rust on an iron railing in Houston's climate?
The key is a proper primer-and-finish system applied at fabrication. We prime all ironwork before applying a powder coat or quality exterior paint, which seals the metal against Houston's humidity and UV exposure. For existing railings that are beginning to rust, surface preparation — grinding back to clean metal, re-priming, and repainting — restores the protective barrier. Periodic touch-ups on any chips or scratches extend the finish life significantly.How long does it take to get iron railings installed?
Lead time varies by project complexity and our current schedule, but most residential railing projects can be measured, fabricated, and installed within one to three weeks from the initial site visit. Commercial projects or larger multi-run installations may require additional time. We'll give you a realistic timeline at the consultation so you can plan accordingly.
Ready for Railings That Are Built to Fit?
Art Fences of Houston measures, fabricates, and installs custom iron railings on-site — stairs, balconies, porches, and commercial buildings throughout the Houston area. Get a free estimate and put 25+ years of ironwork experience to work for your property.
Serving Houston and surrounding communities · Free on-site estimates
Need something that isn't on this list? We design and fabricate one-of-a-kind ironwork — handrails, balusters, security doors, and custom pieces built to your spec.