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

First, a note about Emerald Ironworks' position with regard to quality: we provide the finest quality driveway gate systems available.  This 'system' refers to more than just the gate itself, but also two other equally important elements: the support infrastructure on which the gate hangs and the electronic automation and access control features.  Our preference for providing a fully-integrated, turn-key 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, and ensuring 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?

Provide us with whatever information you may already have available including pictures of the installation site and pictures of design ideas.  The design process can be as simple as you seeing something in our collection of work that's perfect, or drawing elements from different works to create something uniquely yours.  We can typically provide budget numbers based on knowledge of where it's to be installed as well as a design concept.  Once a design is agreed upon, and a down-payment received, fabrication can begin.

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 perform work?

It depends on the project type.  For automated driveway gate systems and gated entries, we are happy to serve a vast portion of the eastern seaboard, from Connecticut down to Florida.  We regularly have projects in The Hamptons, New York and Palm Beach, Florida.

For general architectural iron projects, such as railings, we serve the greater Washington DC metropolitan area.

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.