How to Install Wrought Iron Window Boxes

Window boxes can add elegance to any property. They can be mounted under windows, along fences or even in the center of a wall to create a new point of interest. They need to be installed in the right way since water and soil will make each window box very heavy. It takes only a few steps to install wrought iron window boxes.

Choose and Prepare the Location for the Box

Start by choosing a location for the window box. Look for an area where there is a stable surface to support the box. Look at the ground and make certain that there is a way for water coming from the box to drain away. Prepare the location by clearing away any debris and cleaning the surface. Try to get the area around where the window box will rest as clean and flat as possible.

Mark Where the Box Will Be Attached

The next step is to use a pencil, marker or piece of chalk to mark out where the window box will be connected. Get a ruler and draw a line the same width as the window box. Use a level to ensure that the line is parallel to the ground. This will help to stop soil and water from spilling out of the window box. Hold the actual window box against the wall and mark the locations where the bolts will need to go.

Mount the Box Securely

It is now time to mount the window box to the wall. Use a drill to create pilot holes at the marks for each of the bolts. If the surface or wall is made of brick, stone or other masonry, then insert a lag shield into the pilot holes for a better grip. Place the window box securely against the wall and line up the pilot holes with the holes in the box. Use lag bolts to secure the window box to the wall or surface. Use a socket wrench to tighten the bolts and seal each one with caulk to protect against moisture.

Insert a Liner

The final step is to insert a liner into each of the wrought iron window boxes. The liner could be a moisture mat, coir basket or even a copper insert. The liner is what will hold the soil and water. Alternately, the window box could just be filled with individual pots containing plants.

Three Different Styles of Wrought Iron Gates

A wrought iron gate can instantly add a measure of class to a property. Installing it makes a statement about quality and heritage. With all the types available, it can seem hard to choose just one. Here are three basic styles of wrought iron gates to work with. 

The Classic Arch design works well for almost any placement. In this design, a long piece of iron attached to the top of the gate defines a graceful arch over the entire piece. Pickets can be crafted to be longer in the middle and shorter on the sides to fill the entire arch. Some prefer to use a straight line of pickets and leave the arch area open. For driveways and other double gates, the arch is often split at the high point to form two perfect half-arch gates.

One of the most romantic styles of wrought iron gates is the arbor gate. In this design, the gate is enclosed within an arbor that wraps over the top. The arbor supports vines or small trees that are planted at its base. As they grow, they create a lovely little tunnel that people pass through while using the gate. Arbor Gates are an excellent addition to gardens or walkways. They provide a bit of natural beauty and some privacy as well.

An ornate gate has designs worked into the wrought iron. It is a style that combines utility with style. This is a wonderful choice for people who wish to personalize their gates. Many different decorations can be added to the gate in many different places. Some people prefer a large design in the arch area. Others like to use decorative finials on top of the pickets. The options are endless.

Wrought iron is durable and attractive. It adds value and security to a home. Take some time to consider different options. Choose the right gate, and it will enhance a property for years to come.

Best Plants for Wrought Iron Trellis

A wrought iron trellis can be the perfect item to provide visual interest and make maintenance easier in your garden area. Trellises can be placed against walls, on patios or used in combinations to make shaded arbors for friends and family to enjoy in warm weather. Trellises can hold both greenery and blooming flowers to create a beautiful area to enjoy the outdoors. Wrought iron is strong enough to provide good support for the heaviest of vines. A number of plants can be used to grow on wrought iron trellises, such as:

Climbing Roses
Roses are one of the most traditional plants for growing on trellises. They provide a relaxed and romantic look that harks back to the past. Climbing rose varieties need to be trained to grow on the trellis. These plants are generally hardy from U.S. Zone 8 to Zone 5. but may need to be covered during colder months. Place the trellis in a sunny location for best results.

Clematis
The large, colorful blooms of the perennial clematis vine grow well on trellis structures. These plants can grow to 10 feet long, and thrive in sun or partial shade. Clematis is hardy in U.S. Zones 4 to 9 and comes in a variety of colors.

Wisteria
The thick, blooming clusters of flowers of wisteria are a natural for wrought iron trellises. These vines grow in U.S. Zones 5 to 8, but grow best in warm climates. The large flower clusters offer fragrance and color to garden areas.

English Ivy
A natural climber, English ivy grows well on iron trellises. It requires little maintenance beyond training the vines to wrap around the material. Ivy can tolerate dense shade so you can place your trellis anywhere your garden needs a bit of visual interest. Ivy is hardy in U.S. Zones 4 to 9.

Grapevines
If you are one of the many gardeners who have wanted to try your hand at growing grapes, a trellis can provide a good support structure for your vines. Grapevines are hardy in U.S. Zones 5 to 8. Vines can grow to 20 feet long. Grapes require intensive maintenance if grown for fruit, but will produce some fruit along with the greenery if given minimal care. A wrought iron trellis is sturdy enough to hold the woody, heavy vines of grapes as they mature.

3 Creative Ways to Use A Metal Bakers Rack

As new home construction features small, or more intimate spaces, homeowners are using vertical space in creative, innovative ways. Items with an old-fashioned appeal such as bakers racks provide unique storage options as well as contribute to a pleasant ambiance. Following are just three of the many creative ways that you can put a bakers rack to good use in your home.

In the Foyer 

A bakers rack that features ornate ironwork may be the perfect accent piece to place in your foyer. It can hold decorative items on its shelves that create an artistic ambiance, as well as small baskets for keys and mail. If your entrance contains a small seating area, you could also use the bakers rack to hold reading material. The bakers rack you choose for your foyer should be as decorative as possible while still matching the overall decor of your home.

In the Bathroom 

Bakers racks also provide an excellent vertical storage option for bathrooms. They can hold toiletries, linens, and baskets of soap, and anything else that you might need in the bathroom. You can also choose a metal bakers rack that has a couple of drawers and a flat surface and use it as a vanity table. If your bathroom has limited space, consider placing a bakers rack right outside the door and filling it with attractive towels and washcloths.

In the Kitchen 

Another excellent way to put a bakers rack to good use in your home is to place it in your kitchen and use it in the manner in which it was intended when first created. Baking is a creative and satisfying pastime, and you and your family will have the added benefit of having access to delicious freshly baked goods. If you don't have a large family to feed, you can always use your metal bakers rack to hold baskets of fresh fruit, cookbooks, kitchen linens, and other assorted kitchen items.

DIY Wrought Iron Metal Gates Installation

Choose a Gate Style

A unique wrought iron metal gate adds elegance and security to a home or property. Selecting a gate is also an opportunity to showcase personal design taste. Gate styles range from simple designs to elaborate, scrolling ornamental pieces. The scale is important when choosing a wrought iron metal gate. Consider the style of the home’s architecture and landscaping before choosing a gate. Selecting the right gate for a particular location and climate is paramount. It is also important to consider function when picking a metal gate. Gates are commonly used for entryways and passageways. They create a separation of space, dividing one area of the landscape from another section. These gates can also signify a separate area of the garden or yard.

Durability of Wrought Iron

Wrought iron is more durable than wood or vinyl and provides an esthetic appeal as well. Metal gates will last for years and require minimal maintenance once installed. Wrought iron metal gates are built to last.

Measure for the Gate

Make sure the gate is firmly secured, using concrete at the base. The footing will need at least six inches of concrete, depending on the size selected. Use sturdy hinge posts. The wrought iron gate must be grounded in concrete or stone at ground level for stability. A gate needs to be stable and level to function properly. Spacing is important. Test the gate to determine which way the gate will swing before mounting the hinges. Make sure the gate is hung a few inches off the ground so it will not drag when opening.

Adding Hardware

Measure for the gate mounting hardware and follow the instructions for positioning the latch. The lock mechanism consists of two pieces, a catching device, and a hook. Be sure these are properly aligned so the wrought iron metal gate will latch securely. Check the fit before drilling holes. Attach the bolts and secure the gate. Admire the fine details and workmanship of the gate, knowing the wrought iron metal gate will provide both security and beauty for many years.

Tips to Using Wrought Iron Decorative Fence

Decorative elements can make a large difference when it comes to the appearance of a yard, lawn or garden. A wrought iron fence makes an attractive decorative piece in any setting that will last for a long time. It will help to keep several tips in mind when using a wrought iron decorative fence.

Ensure the Fence Is Stable

The first tip is to ensure the fence is stable on the property. Pack down the soil before staking the fence in the ground. Alternately, place the fence in an area where thick grass or plants are growing so that the root systems provide added support. It is even possible to use a piece of rebar or a plant stake to add some stability so the wind does not knock the fence down.

Use the Fence around Other Items with Height

A decorative iron fence looks the best when it is used around other items with height in a yard or garden. Choose an area for the fence where there are tall plants, other structures or walls. These other items do not need to be as tall as the fence although they should be around one-third to one-half the height. This will help to create a more consistent and attractive landscape on the property.

Consider Training Plants around the Fence

A wrought iron decorative fence makes an excellent trellis for plants. Consider training plants around the fence. This just involves weaving growing vines or thin stems around the decorative elements of the fence. Plant ties can be used to secure the vines until they are trained. This will help to incorporate the fence better into the surrounding landscape. Using the fence as a trellis is especially useful when it is covered with blooming or fruiting plants.

Clean and Care For the Fence Regularly

A final tip is to clean and care for the decorative fence regularly. Wrought iron does need a little care. Keep debris from settling on the fence. Use some water and dish soap to wipe down the surface. If rust appears, then remove it with steel wool and cover the area with some wax. A little care each season will keep the wrought iron fence in good condition for decades to come.

Decorating With Cast Iron Wine Racks

Cast iron wine racks come in a wide array of decorative and utilitarian styles. From simple to ornate, they are functional for myriad uses other than to hold wine. In fact, they can be used in any room of the home and in outdoor living spaces.

Wine Racks Organize the Bathroom

Wine racks are wonderful towel holders in the bathroom. They are not only decorative but save space in a small bath by moving the towels up off the floor. For a multi-person towel-holder, simple tall, upright wine rack can be turned on its side and hung on the wall. They are also useful for keeping toiletry and beauty items organized and in easy reach.

Wine Racks in the Kitchen

In the kitchen, wine racks can have containers placed in the slots to hold utensils, or they can hold jars of dried goods such as beans and pasta. A small wine rack can easily organize kitchen towels, aprons and pot holders.

Crafty and Artistic Uses for Wine Racks

Crafters find wine racks especially helpful for organizing small supplies in jars, ribbon, and wrapping paper. Artists use them to store pens, pencils, paints, brushes and other art essentials.

Sports Enthusiasts Love Wine Racks

A family of sports enthusiasts will find wine racks the perfect place to stash all those essential water bottles. They are also excellent for holding bats, hockey sticks, and ski poles.

Wine Racks for Fashionistas

Fashionistas need a place to organize all their accessories, and wine racks fit the bill. A beautiful ornate wine rack hung on the wall can hold clutch purses. Hung in the closet, it can organize lingerie. Winter scarf and glove sets fit perfectly into wine racks.

Taking the Wine Rack Outdoors

Wine racks are wonderful for holding condiments on a picnic table or by the grill. In the garden shed, they can be used to hold all manner of small garden tools and accessories.

Wine connoisseurs are not the only people who have multiple cast iron wine racks in their homes. A little imagination makes them a decorative must-have for people from all walks of life.

How to Decorate Using a Heart Trellis

Indoor and outside, there are many possibilities for using a heart trellis for decorating. Now that spring has arrived, many people are looking for new ways to give their home and yard a fresh new look. A trellis is a great way to add a fresh look and texture to the home or yard.

Growing Vines and Flowers 
A trellis can be the centerpiece of a person’s backyard. Once the trellis has been placed in the yard and stabilized, growing vines and creeping flowering plants can be added to make the trellis even more beautiful. One can choose among a certain of vine-like ivy to add green to the trellis or a blooming vine with flowers of various colors and sizes to add a burst of color to one’s yard. If you take the time to add flowers and vines to the trellis, it will appear as if it has been a feature in one’s yard for many years.

Background Piece
By attaching a heart trellis to a fence, one can use it as a background piece for a larger display. In front of the trellis, a centerpiece of flowers or plants can be created using decorative planters. One might decide to create a line of small bushes or flowering shrubs with the hearts peeking out at the top. Using this type of trellis and creating a display can turn a backyard into a magical and romantic escape from day to day life.

Inside the Home
If one enjoys thinking outside of the box, they could use a trellis as a centerpiece inside the home. The trellis can be affixed to a wall. There are many ways to make this decoration even more beautiful. One might consider painting inside the hearts or adding family photographs such as newborn babies and wedding photos. Adding a trellis inside will showcase the owner’s artistic skills and innovativeness.

With the purchase of a trellis, there are many design opportunities available. It can be used as either a focal piece or a background accent piece in a larger design. No matter where it is placed, a trellis will bring beauty to a home and yard.