There’s nothing quite like it—that moment when a piece of ironwork shows up and it’s exactly what you had in mind. The right size. The right finish. The right shape. Built for your project and no one else’s.

At Old West Iron, we specialize in custom, made-to-order ironwork that’s as functional as it is beautiful—whether you’re restoring a pioneer home, designing a bespoke entry gate, or adding handcrafted charm to a new build. But before you dive into a custom request, there are a few things worth knowing.

If you’re looking for the perfect fit and a handcrafted finish, here’s your guide to ordering custom from the forge.

Explore Our Full Catalog or Request Custom Work »

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1. What Counts as Custom Work?

We offer a wide range of hardware, but when your project requires unique dimensions, finishes, or new designs, it’s time to go custom.

Common custom orders include:

• Specialty-sized hinge straps, post bases, or joist hangers

• Unique signage, logos, or family brands in metal

• Custom brackets for timber framing or furniture

• Matching replacement hardware for historic restorations

• Modified clavos, screws, or fasteners to match originals

We also field custom finishes, patina matches, and original design collaborations for homeowners, contractors, architects, and designers.

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2. What to Know Before You Reach Out

To keep your custom project moving smoothly, here are a few things to gather before submitting a request:

• Rough dimensions (length, width, thickness, hole spacing)

• Intended use (interior, exterior, structural, decorative)

• Reference images, drawings, or inspiration photos

• Material preference (wrought iron, brass, bronze, etc.)

• Finish or color requests (we offer 10+ hand-applied finishes)

• Texture preferences (we offer four hand-hammered textures)

We’re happy to help refine your idea, but the more information you provide up front, the faster we can get you an accurate quote. 

Tip: If you're requesting modifications on an existing product or if we offer they type of hardware that you need online, take a look at the product on our website. Most of our products have several options to choose from; the more of these options you can make a decision about ahead of time, the faster your quote will be completed.

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3. What Are the Lead Times for Custom Orders?

Custom work takes time—because we do it the right way.

Our average lead time for custom ironwork is typically:

• 1–2 weeks for small modifications or made-to-order items

• 2–4+ weeks for fully custom designs or large-volume orders

Every item is built one at a time, by real blacksmiths and fabricators at our forge in Idaho. We don’t rush the process, because we believe your project deserves craftsmanship that will last generations.

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4. Design Drawings & Approval

At your request, we provide drawings or digital mockups for your approval before we start fabrication.

If your project requires multiple revisions or extensive drawing time, there may be a design fee, which will be discussed upfront. Once you approve the design and pay for your order (or pay the deposit, if you've requested installments) we’ll add you to our production queue.

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5. Payment, Deposits & Communication

We require full payment before we begin fabrication on any custom job. By request, we can accept a 50% deposit, the remaining balance is due before shipping.

Our team will keep you updated if there are any delays along the way. If we hit a snag (such as a delay in material or need for design clarification), you’ll hear from us directly. You'll also receive your tracing number the moment we make your shipping label. We pride ourselves on communication, transparency, and meeting our commitments—especially when it comes to your timeline.

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What Makes Our Custom Work Different?

At Old West Iron, every custom piece is:

• Made in the USA by skilled artisans

• Designed with historical accuracy or modern purpose in mind

• Forged using traditional tools and techniques

• Built to perform, not just look good

• Hand-finished with durable, time-worn textures

We don’t cut corners, and we don’t ship anything we wouldn’t be proud to put in our own home.

View Examples of Our Custom Work »

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Ready to Start Your Custom Project?

Whether you need a one-of-a-kind sign for your ranch gate, custom-sized brackets for your timber frame, or a small run of specialty clavos to match antique hardware—we’re here to help.

We believe that custom work should be personal, purposeful, and built to last. That’s what we do. Every day.

Submit Your Custom Request Today »

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Maddison Mellem
Writing from the forge at Old West Iron

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