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Whether you’re restoring a vintage trunk, reinforcing timber beams, or adding old-world charm to a door or gate, metal strapping is one of the most versatile and underused tools in architectural hardware. At Old West Iron, our hand-forged straps combine form and function—offering both structural support and historic style.

If you’re wondering what kind of metal strap is right for your project—or how to use it—this guide covers everything from decorative wraps to heavy-duty strapping with holes for structural applications.

What Is Metal Strapping?

Metal strapping is a flat, solid strip of iron or steel designed to provide support, reinforcement, or visual framing. While many modern straps are stamped or cut from thin sheet metal, Old West Iron’s strapping is hand-forged and available in various thicknesses, textures, and finishes.

You’ll find metal straps:

• Wrapping around beams or posts

• Framing barn doors or cabinets

• Securing joints in timber frames

• Reinforcing boxes, trunks, and furniture

• Adding decorative lines to gates and shutters

When to Use a Heavy-Duty Metal Strap with Holes

If you need more than just decoration, a heavy-duty metal strap with holes is the solution. Our pre-drilled iron strapping is ideal for:

• Structural reinforcement of beams and posts

• Securing corners or splicing planks

• Mounting to masonry or wood using lag bolts or fasteners

• Outdoor or exposed installs requiring strength + weather resistance

We offer options in raw, hammered, or distressed finishes—plus pre-drilled holes in multiple spacing configurations.

👉 Browse Heavy-Duty Strapping with Holes

Decorative vs. Structural: What’s the Difference?

• Decorative Metal Strap: Often thinner or without holes. Used on cabinetry, mantels, doors, trunks, and furniture for style.

• Structural Metal Strap: Thicker gauge, pre-drilled holes, sometimes beveled for tight joint contact. Used to add actual support, especially in timber framing or restoration work.

Both types are available in custom lengths, finishes, and textures. Need something exact? We can fabricate to fit.

Finish & Texture Options

Our iron strapping comes in:

• Hammered, distressed, or smooth textures

• Finishes like black, oil-rubbed bronze, raw iron, antique pewter, or sealed rust patina

• Optional clear sealants for outdoor protection

Want to match existing hardware or beams? We can color match or send you samples first.
🔗 See All Textures & Finishes

Custom Strapping Available

Have an odd length? Uncommon hole pattern? Need extra-wide strap stock for a specialty beam?

We offer:

• Custom widths and lengths

• Custom hole sizes and spacing

• Radius-cut or square-cut ends

• Matching bolts, screws, washers, and clavos available

Just send us your specs or photos — we’ll get to forging.

Popular Applications

• Fireplace mantels & beams – Wrap in iron for a rustic, finished look

• Timber frame joints – Add structural support without losing style

• Cabinet or door accents – Use thinner decorative straps as design elements

• Gates and fences – Add security and old-world charm

• Furniture builds – Trunks, benches, and shelving support

Bring Strength and Style to Your Project

Whether you're building from scratch or preserving something historic, metal strapping offers strength, stability, and classic beauty. Our pieces are built by hand, made to order, and shipped from our Idaho forge with the kind of quality that lasts generations.

🛠️ Start Shopping Iron Strapping →

Written by the Old West Iron Forge Team
Crafting authentic American ironwork from our Idaho forge since 2011. Experience-backed, veteran-built, and proudly Made in the USA.