Custom metalwork shapes architectural elements in steel, stainless, aluminum, brass, and bronze. Scope spans field measurement, shop drawings, and engineering of loads and connections through cutting, forming, machining, and welding (MIG/TIG), followed by finishing—blackening, brushing, patination, powder coating, or clear coats. Typical deliverables include stair stringers and guards, handrails, balcony rails, brackets, frames, fireplace surrounds, range hoods, shelves, vanity bases, canopies, gates, and privacy screens. Assemblies often integrate with wood, glass, stone, and lighting, with attention to tolerances, hidden fasteners, and thermal movement. Installation covers anchoring to structure, bolting or field welding, epoxy setting, and site protection. Planning addresses corrosion control (galvanizing or stainless selection), isolation between dissimilar metals, drainage for exteriors, and serviceable touch-up strategies. Documentation defines gauge, weld visibility, finish sheen, and maintenance expectations.

Areas of practice

• Stairs and stringers: mono, double, and folded-plate configurations
• Handrails and guards: steel, stainless, glass or perforated infill
• Balcony rails and exterior guard systems
• Fireplace surrounds, mantels, and wall panels
• Range hoods and liners with duct and service considerations
• Brackets, frames, and structural trims for casework and stone
• Vanity bases, shelves, and furniture-grade metal accents
• Canopies, awnings, trellises, and pergola hardware
• Gates, fences, privacy screens, and laser-cut panels
• Custom hardware: pulls, straps, angles, and specialty fasteners

Materials and finishes

• Materials: hot/cold-rolled steel, weathering steel, 304/316 stainless, 6061/5052 aluminum, brass, and bronze
• Finishes: blackened steel, brushed or satin stainless, patinated brass/bronze, powder coat, baked enamel, clear lacquer or oil/wax
• Protection: hot-dip galvanizing, zinc-rich primers, seam sealing for exteriors
• Isolation from dissimilar metals and masonry: gaskets, sleeves, and nylon washers to limit galvanic corrosion

Process overview

• Measure and survey of existing conditions; verify structure and access
• Design assist, shop drawings, mockups, and engineering where loads apply
• Templates and jigs for precise repetition and fit
• Fabrication: cutting, forming, machining, welding (MIG/TIG), and dressing welds
• Surface prep: blasting, grinding, and cleaning prior to finish
• Finishing: patina/blackening, brushing, powder coat or clear coat
• Trial fit, protection for transport, and delivery planning
• Installation: anchoring, bolting, or field welding with fire watch and ventilation
• Quality review and handover with care guidance

Installation and coordination

• Blocking, embeds, and anchor selection coordinated with structure
• Sequencing with drywall, flooring, millwork, stone, and glazing
• Tolerance planning for finishes and interface details
• Rigging, lifting paths, and protection of adjacent surfaces
• Site safety: spark control, fume extraction, and noise management

Codes and performance

• Guard and handrail height, load, and grasp requirements
• Stair geometry: rise/run, nosing, and clearances
• Fireplace and cooktop clearances; heat tolerance of finishes
• Exterior durability: drainage, venting, and corrosion resistance
• Thermal movement allowances and slip resistance where applicable

Typical timeline

• Measure and drawings: 3–10 days
• Approvals and procurement: 1–3 weeks (longer for custom patinas or galvanizing)
• Fabrication: 1–4+ weeks based on scope
• Finishing: 3–7 days including cure
• Installation: 1–3 days for rails; 3–7 days for stairs or complex assemblies

Care and maintenance

• Clean with pH-neutral products; avoid abrasives on coated surfaces
• Avoid chlorides on stainless; rinse after coastal exposure
• Renew oil/wax on blackened steel as needed
• Inspect fasteners, joints, and drainage points annually
• Touch-up protocols for powder coat, paint, and patinas included at handover

Limitations and considerations

• Access and rigging constraints for large or heavy pieces
• Variation inherent in hand-applied patinas and blackening
• Weather windows and cure times affect exterior schedules
• Isolation needed to prevent galvanic corrosion with adjacent metals
• Heat, sparks, and fumes require protection of nearby finishes

Deliverables at completion

• Approved shop drawings or as-built documentation
• Finish schedule and care instructions
• Anchor, torque, and maintenance notes
• Touch-up kit or product references

Options and enhancements

• Glass infill, wood caps, or integrated LED rail lighting
• Perforated or laser-cut patterns and custom motifs
• Concealed fasteners and floating shelf brackets
• Weathering steel accents with controlled run-off detailing

Well-executed metalwork shows in crisp joints, true planes, and finishes selected for the space and its exposure.