Old West Iron Blog: Craftsmanship, Heritage & Hand-Forged Expertise

A build is only as good as the hardware that holds it together. Whether you’re restoring an old barn door or crafting a modern structure with traditional soul, coach bolts provide strength you can count on—and a finish that belongs in the story.

At Old West Iron, we believe that character is built from the ground up—and the front of your home is no place to cut corners. When you choose American-made, hand-forged hardware, you’re not just adding decoration. You’re anchoring your home in craftsmanship, legacy, and authenticity.

In a market flooded with flimsy, one-size-fits-all fasteners, square head bolts stand out—literally and figuratively. They remind us that hardware should do more than hold things together. It should carry the same weight of design, integrity, and craftsmanship as every beam and board.

Blacksmithing, to the Norse, was the art of transformation—turning raw elements into power, protection, or beauty. And that hasn’t changed. Today, when we forge a bolt, hinge, or door knocker by hand, we’re still tapping into that same ancient rhythm.  

From the forge to your front door, wrought iron is more than material—it’s memory made solid. It carries the mark of tradition, the integrity of craftsmanship, and the quiet power of something built by hand.

Whether you’re remodeling a historic property or just adding texture to a modern home, wrought iron brings weight, warmth, and authenticity to your space. And when it’s made by real craftspeople—right here in the USA—you know it’s more than just hardware. It’s a piece of the past, built for the future.

In a world built for speed, we still believe in taking the long way—the hot-forged, hammer-scarred, slow-crafted way. Whether you’re restoring an old homestead, building a modern lodge, or just want a piece of hardware that feels real, wrought iron is still the gold standard of strength and style

A good door knocker reminds us that even the most practical parts of a home can be made with craftsmanship and care. It’s not just about announcing yourself—it’s about honoring what came before. If you’re ready to give your front door the detail it deserves, our hand-forged knockers are waiting.

Each bracket comes with pre-drilled holes and mounting hardware, so even if you're not a master carpenter, you can get the job done right. And once it’s in place, it won’t just work—it’ll look like it belongs there, like it always has.

Whether you're framing a timber-framed barn, beefing up your back porch, or adding some old-world grit to a new build, there's one truth that holds fast: a structure is only as strong as its hardware. At Old West Iron, we believe that iron shouldn’t just hold things together—it should say something. It should carry the story of the build, the builder, and the craft itself. That’s where our custom structural ironwork comes in. If you're ready to design it, build it, and love it for generations to come, here’s your no-nonsense guide to the iron backbone of your next project. 1. Joist Hangers: The Heavy Lifters Shop Joist Hangers » Joist hangers do more than just sit there. They shoulder the load, literally, by anchoring beams and joists in place. Our forged iron joist hangers are built tough for structural applications but styled like something you'd find in a centuries-old European manor. Available in a range of sizes, finishes, and historical motifs, they work as hard as they look good. Use them for: Ceiling beams Pergolas and pavilions Floor joists in timber construction Exposed beam designs where aesthetics matter 2. Post Bases: Your Foundation’s Best Friend Shop Flush Mount Post Bases » You wouldn't plant a flag without a base, same goes for a post. Our flush-mount post bases provide rock-solid grounding for vertical posts while keeping them lifted off the ground to fight off rot, water damage, and time itself. They come with clean lines or hammered texture depending on your taste. Use them for: Porch columns Gazebos and garden structures Fencing Rustic decks and patios Pro tip: Want that old frontier feel? Go with a distressed finish and square head bolts. It'll look like it’s been there since the cattle drive days. 3. T-Plates: Where Strength Meets Symmetry Shop T-Plates » T-plates are the strong bonds of your structure, spanning joints where beams meet and reinforcing them with unwavering strength. But just because they’re functional doesn’t mean they have to be forgettable. Our decorative and structural T-plates come in hammered, smooth, and even antique finishes to complement everything from rugged ranch homes to mountain cabins. Use them for: Beam-to-beam connections Decorative tie-ins for gable ends Outdoor pavilions and trellises Barn-style interiors 4. L-Plates: The Cornerstone of Clean Edges Shop L-Plates » Simple. Strong. Subtle or striking, it's your choice. Our L-plates (aka angle brackets) reinforce corners and add serious character to everything from gates to gables. Available in a wide range of widths, lengths, and textures, they’re one of the most versatile tools in your design arsenal. Use them for: Framing support Timber corner joints Industrial-chic furniture projects Cabinet and door trim detail Built to Last. Forged with Heart. Every piece of hardware that leaves our forge is made to withstand the wild—whether that’s a Montana blizzard or the everyday wear of a well-lived-in home. We take pride in helping our customers build structures that are as authentic as they are strong, down to every last bolt and bracket. So go ahead—design it how you want it. Build it the right way. And love it forever. Maddison MellemWriting from the forge at Old West Iron

With the right accents, your garage door can become a signature part of your home’s design—not just a functional feature. Whether you’re upgrading curb appeal for resale or creating the ranch, villa, or farmhouse of your dreams, garage door hardware is the detail that ties it all together.  

The difference between a good project and a great one is in the details. With Old West Iron’s full line of decorative hardware and fasteners, you can reinforce your outdoor structures with visible strength and timeless beauty. Ready to build something that lasts?Shop Builder Supplies and Outdoor Hardware Now