Inspired by a custom branch-style railing we fabricated for her neighbor in the Wexford area in 2025, Barbara contacted Schultz Ornamental Iron to create a one-of-a-kind nature-inspired railing for her home. These handcrafted branch railings are among the most detailed and time-intensive projects we produce, requiring precision blacksmithing and fully custom fabrication.
The majority of the railing was built from 1″ solid round steel bar, individually heated in a high-temperature forge and hand-shaped to replicate the natural form of tree branches. Each piece was carefully textured with a realistic bark finish, creating depth and authenticity throughout the design.
To enhance the organic look, we cut the leaves from 1/4″ thick steel plate, heated them in the forge, and individually formed vein details for character and realism. Barbara wanted to take the design even further, so we incorporated custom wildlife elements including a handcrafted steel bird and squirrel seamlessly integrated into the railing.
The finished railing was professionally sandblasted and powder coated in flat black, providing long-term durability while highlighting the detailed forging work. This custom branch railing complements the property and showcases the level of craftsmanship Schultz Ornamental Iron is known for throughout the Pittsburgh, Wexford, Cranberry Township, Mars, Gibsonia, and surrounding Western Pennsylvania areas.
We truly enjoyed bringing this artistic railing to life and would be excited to return for future custom ironwork projects.
To see more examples of our fabrication process and completed projects, visit our videos section or search Schultz Ornamental Iron on YouTube.
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