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Cost GuidesUpdated May 2026By TradeMatch Editorial Team·10 April 2026·Updated 12 April 2026·5 min read
Welding & Fabrication Costs UK 2026: Gates, Railings & Structural Steel
From decorative gates to structural steelwork, here is what welders and fabricators charge in the UK, what affects pricing, and how to choose the right professional.
Welding & Fabrication Prices
| Job | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Single metal gate | £200–£600 |
| Pair of driveway gates | £500–£2,000 |
| Metal railings (per metre) | £80–£200 |
| Metal balustrade (per metre) | £100–£300 |
| Juliet balcony | £300–£800 |
| Steel RSJ installation | £500–£1,500 |
| Metal staircase | £2,000–£6,000 |
| Fire escape | £2,000–£5,000 |
| Security grilles (per window) | £150–£400 |
| Custom metalwork/repair (hourly) | £40–£70 |
| Mobile welding callout | £60–£120 (plus materials) |
Prices vary significantly based on design complexity, material (mild steel, stainless, aluminium, wrought iron) and finish (galvanised, powder-coated, painted).
Materials and Finishes
Common metals:
- Mild steel — Most affordable. Versatile and strong. Must be painted or galvanised to prevent rust. Most common for gates, railings and structural work.
- Stainless steel — Corrosion-resistant, modern aesthetic. 2–3x the cost of mild steel. Used for balustrades, handrails and contemporary features.
- Wrought iron — Traditional ornate work. Very durable. More expensive and labour-intensive. Ideal for period properties.
- Aluminium — Lightweight, rust-proof. Used for railings, gates and lightweight structures. Cannot be easily welded on-site.
Finish options:
- Galvanising — Hot-dip zinc coating for long-term rust protection. Essential for outdoor use. Adds £50–£200.
- Powder coating — Durable colour finish applied electrostatically. Wide colour range. Adds £100–£300.
- Hand painting — Cheapest option but needs regular maintenance.
Tip: For outdoor gates and railings, always specify galvanising plus powder coating. This gives 20–30 years of maintenance-free protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a welder install a structural RSJ?
An RSJ (rolled steel joist) must be specified by a structural engineer before installation. A qualified welder/fabricator can then supply and install the steelwork. Building control inspection is required before the RSJ is built into the structure. Total cost including engineer, beam, installation and building control is typically £1,000–£2,500.
How long do metal gates and railings last?
With proper finishing (galvanised and powder-coated), metal gates and railings last 20–30+ years with minimal maintenance. Mild steel that is only painted will need repainting every 3–5 years. Stainless steel and aluminium are virtually maintenance-free.
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