When it comes to architectural detail, metal corner brackets do more than reinforce your structure—they elevate the entire aesthetic of your space. Whether you're building a timber frame home, restoring a historic cabin, or adding rustic charm to a modern project, premium metal corner brackets are both functional and beautiful.

But what should you expect to pay for quality corner brackets? What drives the price, and how do you plan ahead for both the purchase and installation? Let’s break it down.

💲 What’s the Price Range?

At Old West Iron, our metal corner brackets typically range from $30 to $400+, depending on several factors:

• Small decorative corner straps for furniture or trim may start as low as $25–$45.

• Structural-grade beam brackets used in timber construction or outdoor pergolas range from $100–$400+ depending on size and thickness.

• Custom brackets with special shapes, finishes, or specs are quoted based on the project’s complexity.

➤ Check out this post on creative uses for metal brackets for inspiration across different budget levels.

What Drives the Cost?

Understanding what affects bracket pricing can help you budget wisely. Here are the main factors:

1. Material Thickness & Size

• Thicker steel costs more—both in raw material and labor to cut and forge.

• Larger brackets require more finishing, mounting holes, and hardware.

2. Finish Type

• Raw steel is the most economical option, great for DIY finishing or powder coating.

• Hand-painted finishes (like our rust patina, oil-rubbed bronze, or pewter) are time-intensive and require multiple layers and drying steps—worth it for visual impact.

• Powder coating is available as a third-party option and incurs additional cost and turnaround time.

Learn more about finish options on our Textures & Finishes page.

3. Custom Design

If your bracket needs:

• A unique silhouette

• Special hole placement

• Integration with old or uneven beams
  You may need a custom design—and we’re happy to help. Custom work adds to cost due to engineering time and special tooling, but results in a piece that fits perfectly and looks incredible.

Planning for Installation Costs

Corner brackets may seem simple, but don’t overlook the installation side of your budget:

🔩 Fasteners

• Some brackets include matching bolts/screws; others may require you to select fasteners separately.

• We recommend choosing decorative fasteners or matching square-head lag screws for a unified look.

🧱 Mounting Surface Prep

• Are you attaching to drywall, wood beams, masonry, or metal? Each has different needs.

• You may need pre-drilling, anchoring, or backplates—especially for heavy-duty brackets.

🛠️ Labor

If you're hiring a contractor or builder:

• Simple furniture installations (like shelves or cabinetry) may take 30–60 minutes.

• Structural timber installations often require 2+ hours with two-person teams.

TIP: Share the bracket specs with your installer ahead of time to ensure they have the right tools.

How to Plan Your Bracket Budget

Here’s a rough planning guide based on common projects:

Prices vary depending on your finish selection, bracket style, and whether you need custom fabrication.

Final Tips for Smart Bracket Buying

• Measure twice. Make sure you have your beam dimensions or furniture specs handy.

• Don’t forget finishes. Match to other hardware for a polished look.

• Order samples first. We offer finish samples to help you make the right choice.

• Talk to our team. We’re happy to help quote your project or customize a bracket to your build.

Built to Last, Made to Order

At Old West Iron, every bracket is handcrafted by our team in Idaho with pride, precision, and purpose. Whether you're updating a single bookshelf or reinforcing a centuries-old barn, we're here to help you do it right — and make it beautiful.

➤ Explore Our Metal Corner Brackets →

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.