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I'm interested in a driveway gate. What should I consider?

A good first step is to understand Emerald Ironworks' position in terms of quality: we aim to provide the highest quality driveway gate systems available anywhere.  This 'system' refers to more than just the gate, but also the infrastructure on which the gate hangs and all the electronic automation and access control features.  Our ability to offer a fully-integrated driveway gate system creates a smoother experience for you and a final product of the best possible quality.

We also believe our systems provide a better value.  A high-level of interdependence exists among the different components of a gate system.  Our comprehensive approach addresses this, enabling each component to work as it's supposed to.  This ensures decades of worry-free use.

For instance, a gate that flexes when opening or closing (due to a weak frame design) or one that doesn't swing in a level manner (due to improper fabrication or installation) will put strain on the hinges and electronic operators, decreasing their life span.  Such issues may not be immediately apparent, but will surface over the course of a few years.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm thinking about an ornamental iron project. What should I do next?

The best thing to do is gather information so you can make an informed decision.  Look at our website and those of other fabrication companies so that you can develop a sense of what you like while also getting to know fabricators.  In choosing a fabricator, choose one that demonstrates a history of quality work and a willingness to discuss your concepts.  In developing concepts, feel free to fax or email us preliminary sketches.  Then we can respond with what's feasible.  Also, utilize our photos of past work by incorporating desirable features into your sketches.  For installation purposes, it is always helpful to send us pictures by email of the installation site and conditions.  With this amount of information we can often give a 'ballpark estimate'.  Prior to final pricing, we will visit the job site for exact measurements and an assessment of the job-site conditions.  Given that a design has been agreed upon, and a deposit received, fabrication can move forward.

What does ornamental iron, wrought iron, and all that stuff really mean?

In our industry, the terms iron and steel are used interchangeably.  But technically, we don't work with pure iron; we work with an iron alloy known as A26 Carbon Steel, or simply, mild steel.Cast-iron (also known as castings) are popular for they offer intricate designs that can be applied to all sorts of ironwork.  Castings are made from molten high-carbon iron that is poured into a mold.   Wrought iron, as the word is most commonly used, just refers to any decorative or ornamental piece of ironwork.  But technically, the term "wrought" means a piece of metal that has been worked by hand and hammer while hot.  This is of course "hand forging".  Our pieces can incorporate varying combinations of hand-forged, machine-forged, and cast components to best sync with the client's design wishes and budgetary considerations.

Does Emerald Ironworks work with contractors and architects?

Definitely.  About half of our work is with contractors and/or architects.  These sorts of jobs can range from light structural steel, to commercial railings, to ironwork for private residences.  We regularly review blueprints and C.A.D. drawings for bidding purposes.  Feel free to mail, email, or arrange for pickup any drawings that you would like reviewed and quoted.  In working with contractors and architects, we appreciate the challenge involved in coordinating and scheduling the various aspects of a project.  Accordingly, we work hard to help in this regard as much as possible.

Where does Emerald Ironworks do projects?

It depends on the project type.  For architectural metal projects such as railings and garden gates we are happy to serve the entire Washington DC metropolitan area.

For driveway gate projects we happily serve Virginia, Maryland, Washington DC, Delaware, Pennnsylvania, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina and West Virginia.

What techniques does Emerald Ironworks employ to create its products?

Emerald Ironworks is a well-equipped metal fabrication shop.  We use whatever technique is best-suited to achieving the desired result.  This can involve cold-sawing, plasma cutting, rolling the metal in a pyramid roller to attain curves, hammering the metal while hot or cold, hand forging scrolls and other decorative elements, the use of cast-iron, welding of every type (MIG, TIG, SMAW), and grinding and polishing to the desired finish.

A driveway gate that looks good and functions properly on the day it's installed is easy; it's 5, 10, and 15 years down the road that indicates whether it was done right or not.

Key to a successful project is involving us from day one: before the masonry piers are built and before the driveway is laid.  If you are early in the construction process of a new home or driveway, please contact us as we can provide documentation about important steps that will enable the easy integration of a driveway gate when you're ready.