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

If you’re putting time, money, and heart into a project, don’t leave the strength of your structure to a couple of nails in end grain. Joist hangers are the modern standard for a reason—and when done right, they can elevate the strength and the story of your build.

When installed with care, decorative joist hangers do more than support—they speak. They tell a story of strength, craftsmanship, and timeless design. And like everything we forge at Old West Iron, they’re made to be seen, not hidden.

Shop Hand-Forged Kick Plates A kickplate might seem like a small detail—but the right one adds protection, presence, and lasting style to any door. At Old West Iron, we forge each kickplate to blend utility with heritage design, made to stand up to everyday wear while enhancing your home’s curb appeal.   How to Measure for a Kickplate Always measure with the door closed to get the most accurate fit. Step 1: Measure Door Width Use a tape measure across the face of your closed door from edge to edge (not including trim or frame).Common widths are: 30" 32" 34" 36" (standard exterior doors) You can match this width exactly, or leave a ½” margin on each side for a framed look. Step 2: Choose Your Height Standard kickplate heights include: 6" – Traditional, subtle protection 8" – More visual impact and greater coverage 10" or 12" – For tall doors, commercial use, or dramatic designs The most common residential height is 6”, but taller sizes are useful for high-traffic doors or extra visual weight. Installation Notes Mount with screws (included), adhesive, or matching decorative bolts Center on the door bottom, usually 1” from the threshold Works on wood, metal, and fiberglass doors Custom Sizes Available Have an oversized door? Need an odd width or want to match a specific architectural feature? No problem. Old West Iron offers custom-sized kickplates built to your exact specs—just contact us with your measurements and finish preference. Choose from rustic black, sealed raw iron, rusted patina, or hand-distressed finishes for a perfect match to your door hardware. Why Add a Kickplate? Protects your door from scuffs, mud, boots, and pet claws Adds visual weight and a finished look Complements our hand-forged hinges, handles, and bolts Enhances curb appeal with real wrought iron charm Ready to reinforce your door with style?Explore our full Kick Plates Collection and find the perfect size—or have one forged just for you. Old West Iron: Forged protection, timeless presence.

When you choose wrought iron hardware, you're not just buying a product—you’re investing in craftsmanship, tradition, and materials built to outlast trends. At Old West Iron, our hardware is made to stand the test of time. But even the strongest metal needs a little care now and then to keep it looking—and performing—its best. Whether you're maintaining a decorative clavo on your front door or structural iron brackets on a timber frame, here’s how to protect your investment and honor the craft behind it. 1. Understand Your Finish Not all iron finishes are the same—and how you care for them depends on how they were made. At Old West Iron, we offer a variety of finishes, each with its own characteristics: Raw or Waxed Iron: Most authentic, often with visible hammer marks. These finishes develop a natural patina over time. Black Powder Coat: A durable, modern protective layer that holds up well outdoors. Oil-Rubbed Bronze or Antique Finishes: Designed for aged beauty, often dark with reddish or golden undertones. Know your finish, and care accordingly. 2. Indoor Hardware Care Most indoor pieces—like towel bars, curtain rods, or door knockers—require little more than light upkeep: Dust regularly with a dry cloth or soft brush. Avoid harsh cleaners or chemical polishes—these can damage finishes or cause discoloration. Use beeswax or mineral oil (food-safe if near kitchenware) to condition raw or waxed finishes and enhance their richness. Pro tip: For raw iron, a thin coat of clear paste wax once or twice a year can help resist moisture in bathrooms or kitchens. 3. Outdoor Hardware Maintenance Wrought iron is tough, but exposure to moisture, snow, and sun will wear on even the most rugged pieces. Here's how to keep your exterior hardware in fighting shape: Inspect annually for rust or corrosion—especially in high-moisture areas. Clean with warm water and mild soap, then dry thoroughly. Touch up scratches with black paint or clear enamel to prevent rust from spreading. Apply a protective wax or oil in the spring and fall to maintain finish integrity. 🔗 Explore Our Collection of Outdoor-Ready Iron Hardware » 4. What to Do If Rust Appears Rust isn’t the end of the world—especially if caught early. In fact, a little surface rust can even add to the aged charm of wrought iron. But if you want to clean it up: Use a fine steel wool pad or soft wire brush to gently remove surface rust. Wipe clean, then dry completely. Re-seal the area with wax, oil, or paint to keep moisture out. Avoid sanding too aggressively—you don’t want to strip away the character or protective layers. 5. Hardware That Lasts a Lifetime What sets wrought iron apart from mass-produced hardware is its heirloom quality. A properly cared-for iron latch, hinge, or bolt doesn’t just survive—it tells a story. And at Old West Iron, that story begins in the fire of our forge. We don’t build fast. We build right. So when you care for our ironwork with the same attention we put into crafting it, it’ll reward you with decades of strength and timeless good looks. Looking to maintain your investment?Shop Durable, Hand-Forged Iron Hardware » Maddison MellemWriting from the forge at Old West Iron

At Old West Iron, we build rod systems to spec—not off the shelf. That means your project gets the length, diameter, finish, and end type that fits your exact needs. And it’s all forged, welded, or fabricated in the USA by people who know their steel.

Ready to add character and purpose to your shutters?Browse our full collection of Shutter Dogs and find the perfect design for your home’s exterior. Old West Iron: Forged hardware with function, history, and heart.

Ready to light the way with style?Browse our full Wrought Iron Style Lighting Collection to find sconces, chandeliers, pendants, and rustic fixtures forged with heritage and built to illuminate for decades. Old West Iron: Lighting built with grit, glow, and a whole lot of character.

At Old West Iron, we believe that real craftsmanship is in the details. That’s why our clavos are forged, not stamped, and why we offer solid metals instead of plated imitations. Whether you're building new or reviving the past, the right clavo makes a difference you can see and feel.

Ready to get started?Explore our full Balusters, Pickets & Spindles Collection to find hand-forged ironwork that blends form, function, and frontier character. Old West Iron: Built to stand tall. Forged to stand out.

No matter how you attach them, our faux hinge straps deliver bold, historic style that transforms the look of any opening. Old West Iron – Because every detail counts.Let us know your project specs, and we’ll help you choose the right strap and mounting method for the job.

Ready to install your own?Explore our full line of Handrails and complete your home with strength you can count on—and craftsmanship you can feel. Old West Iron: Hardware that holds history.

Remove with care, replace with craftsmanship.At Old West Iron, we believe even hardware should be built—and unbuilt—with intention.