iron dog gates
iron dog gates
Which should we get – A vinyl or Wrought Iron Gate?
We want to put some sort of gate across our driveway to keep the dogs in, but can’t decide which to get. If you’d had either one or both, can you tell me what’s involved with the maintenance or how well they stand up? There’s some pretty nice looking vinyl gates available, and I think they are less expensive, but if wrought iron is better, then we’ll go for that. Need some advice here. Thanks everyone.
Vinyl looks cheap, no matter how you dress it up. Wrought iron is very classy. Prime the gate and paint it with an oil-based paint, and you will be good for approximately 4-6 years, depending on where you live. The procedure will be the same next time-prime and then paint. Good luck.
Using Shutter Dogs and Hold Backs – Outside Decor
Cast iron shutter hardware is a great way to introduce a colonial architectural style to your home. Using shutter dogs on your windows is especially important as these pieces are designed specifically to hold your shutters in the open position. Shutter hardware, in its earliest form, was made from wood and leather (as iron was far too expensive for the common homeowner) and usually home made. Unfortunately the need to create more durable hardware became a necessity over time as the shutters of a home were vital in providing security for the inhabitants and protection against the weather. The use of cast iron for shutter dogs is a great example of Colonial architecture.
Cast iron shutter dogs are a wonderful and extremely durable way to update your older or worn shutter hardware. Shutter dogs can be very simple in design or extremely ornate, depending on a homeowner’s personal preference. Shutter dogs are mounted directly to the exterior of the house (please note not all shutter dogs can mount on every surface and the type of mount is usually specified) and turn to hold the shutters open.
Shutter dogs are produced today – allowing you to incorporate their patterns onto your windows. It is a simple way to create a common theme on the exterior of your home but remember to follow a few simple steps when replacing older shutter hardware. First, be sure to check if the shutter dog you are buying is designed to be installed on wood, brick, stucco or frame construction. Second, replace the older hinges, latches and bolts with cast iron hardware as well to help tie the look together for you. You can also find cast iron door and gate hardware to further create a common theme.
Cast iron shutter dogs are readily available online as well as in many home decorating magazines. Search for cast iron construction to ensure high durability and be sure to ask questions. These cast iron shutter dogs can be found online through LookInTheAttic & Company and they offer free design assistance and help.
About the Author
Kohn Coleman born in Michigan – received his Ph.D. from Iowa State University in 2000 – currently leads several online companies and ventures.