Chat Boxes?

Hey Everyone!

As my our last post stated, we have a new website! yay!
Today we decided to add a - Chat feature - to www.deciron.com. It basically let's any customer talk to one of us if they have a question about or website or a product. We think is preety neat, what do you think?

The first few hours that i started we had already helped two of our customers. We know that ordering iron railings is not something you do everyday when you are on the web, that's why we thought  having a person ready to help you would be really nice. Anytime the chat box pops us, it's because we are ready to help :)

Since we have customers throughout the United States, our timezones differ. We are still trying to figure out how we are going to do that; for now our chat box says "leave a message" and that way they can shoot us an email if they have any questions. Maybe in the future we can have representatives that stay later on than usual to help those customers, let's see.

We appreciate any feedback you would have, it helps us grow as a company.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Priscila
www.deciron.com


I love that little hand that pops up!

www.deciron.com

NEW WEBSITE!

Hey guys!

We finally launched our new website over Memorial day weekend. We could not be happier. It took quite a bit to start it up and now our job is to announce it to the world!!! It's was a bit scary since we had the old website  for about 7 years! (it was about time we changed it though) May it RIP.

www.deciron.com

This new website has great features for us an our new/current clients. We are able to take more online orders and the CRM is amazing. Our customers can track their orders, check the status, look at pictures of their job being completed...etc. Another thing we are very exited about is our Contractor feature. We love working with contractors and builders, therefore we have created a new program for Contractor/builders. If you are one, please contact us to fill out an application to receive special pricing.

Here is a pic of our storefront right now.

We kept the railings page with the same format. We changed the balcony ordering process, now it is much easier. 

http://www.deciron.com/product-p/jb02-67x24-c.htm

Well hope you guys liked the new website. If you find anything that you see that is not working or needs improvement please let us know. Contact us at 1-877-803-2282 or email us at deciron@bellsouth.net. Any input will be greatly appreciated!!!

Priscilla
Deciron

Wrought Iron Stair Case Deck Railing Project

Hi guys! I wanted to share with you guys one of our projects here in Charlotte, NC. One of our clients has this beautiful home overlooking a lake. A deck was built, and we were hired to do the wrought iron railings.

Back View of the house

View of the lake! and our beautiful railing 

Top of the deck

wrought iron knuckle railing

The style they chose was our Knuckle Railing with intermediate "S" design, more pics of that design can be found: HERE. 

The wrought iron knuckle railings were sand blasted and power-coated black for extra protection from the elements, specially since they live so close to a Lake. The durability of these railings is incredible, they will last for ever. With minimal cleaning and care it will always look great! Wrought Iron patio furniture really compliments the iron railings installed. In my opinion the most elegant form of railing would be made of wrought iron. For thousands of years railings have been preferred over wood. Just as you see in many cities in Europe such as Paris and Madrid, wrought iron designs are always the timeless elegant way to go.

 I really love when the intermediate S scrolls are added to the railings! i think it adds a playful decorative touch to it, it goes away from the standard straight pickets. When you order from your local iron store or from www.deciron.com, we would draw you a CAD drawing of how the railing would look if you interchange or add different style of pickets. You can make it totally your own! When your friends ask who designed the railings, you can proudly call yourself the author of the design, we just produce your idea. If you don't really have a clue what to do, no fear! we have tons of ideas for you. Once you are content with the design and you approved the drawings we fabricate it. 

If you have any questions or would like to start your outdoor project this year please don't hesitate to call or email us. Our website is: www.deciron.com

You can also email us at: deciron@deciron.com

Our toll free number is: 1-877-803-2282

Thank you for reading! hope you like the pictures. If you do we would love to hear your feedback! 

Much love!

Priscilla

Decorative Iron of NC, Inc. 

All About Wrought Iron Railings - Article Post

By:  Pedro L. Sanchez

Also published in: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Railing

Related link:  www.deciron.com

RAILING SYSTEMS

“Railings” is a term applied to the structure that is installed alongside a staircase a balcony or a deck for safety purposes. Generally speaking, a railing system would be installed on the edge of a deck or a stairway; however this is not a fixed rule. The railing could also just provide enclosure, or simply separation to an area within a building or house. Commonly used synonyms are banisters, balustrade, guardrail, handrail, veranda, or simply rail.

RAILINGS COMPONENTS

Railings basically consist of 2 or 3 horizontal rails, somehow connected together to form a rigid structure.

The top rail is usually referred to as hand rail, and is the part that is accessible to hand grabbing. The handrail is usually placed at waist level, within 34 and 42 inches or 87 to 107 cm, from the floor, depending on the application, and code requirement. The bottom rail is usually placed 2 inches or 5 cm above ground level and serves as foot rest when a person is leaning against the railing.

The most common method of connecting together both, top and bottom rails is with straight pickets or balusters. However there is limitless materials, designs and forms that could be used for this purpose.

Railings are usually installed in between posts and walls, but also may include posts that are provided as part of the railing system.  For longer spans, manufacturers usually provide in- between legs that just connects the bottom rail to the floor.

To connect the railings to house pillars and walls, the railing system includes weld tabs, for metal railings and rosettes and brackets for wood railings.

CONSTRUCTION CLASSIFICATION AND CODE REQUIREMENTS

Residential railings

By the international building code and its interpretations by the different municipalities, it is common that residential railings are to be at least 34 inches or 86 cm high from the floor to the top (the value 36 inches is what is normally used within manufacturers), and are required to be installed if the deck area is above 30 inches from the ground, and the balusters (pickets) have to have a maximal separation of 4 inches in between, and the width of the top rail should not exceed 2  5/8 inches in width.  They also have to be built sturdy enough to allow a horizontal force of 200 pounds. Normally this criterion is just hand tested by the city inspector. In case of wall mounted railings, most of the time they are required to be continuous and to end against the wall. However in some places the wall return is not required. The minimum height requirement is 30 inches or 76 cm. In staircases, the standard 36 inch height is measured from the tread nose, vertically to the end point of the top handrail. When the staircase is open at its steps, it is generally required that they don't allow a sphere of a maximum of six inches diameter pass through, if a bottom plate is provided. If that is not possible, the balusters should be attached directly into the steps.

Commercial railings

Commercial buildings have a different code treatment, based on the fact that they are open to the public and liability issues play a greater role.

Therefore, commercial railings that act as guard rails are required to be at least 42 inches high from the floor to the top of the handrail. In case of a stairway railing, the same requirement applies; however, a side mounted railing at a maximum of 36 inches is required. It is also a mandate to provide an extension at the lower end.

All the other requirements are the same as the residential code.

MATERIALS CLASIFFICATION OF RAILINGS BY THE CONSTRUCTION

Wood railings

Wood railings are the most common type of railings used on decks and interior stairways.  A carpenter can easily craft a deck railing using regular lumber purchased in any hardware or lumber store. However, one can find readymade components for wood deck railings.

For interior stairways and interior balconies, there are specialized companies that produce all the components needed. Handrails and pickets are manufactured in different shapes and in different types of wood.

There is also a wide selection of newel posts, terminals, rosettes and brackets that can be purchased and assembled on site. Steel balusters are also combined with wood tops and connected directly into the floor. This application normally applies to inside railing systems.  

Iron Railings

The second most used railings type are iron railings. The term iron refers to commercially available mild steel.  Strictly, an iron railing would be a cast iron railing, however the term applies to the common mild steel railings.

The biggest advantage of installing an iron railing on a deck is that the view is not interfered, because it is possible to manufacture them using narrow-width profiles, like ½ inch bars or tubes, and at the same time get the same sturdiness and security of a wood or vinyl railing.

Iron railings are long lasting, and with proper maintenance its appearance does not change with time, as wood railings and aluminum railings do. A well painted iron railing will last forever. Iron railings and Aluminum railings can be classified into these basic categories and subcategories:

Standard picket railings:

This is referred to a plain picket railing, with two rails one at the top and one at the bottom. Light ornamentation could be included under this classification, in most cases overlay picket castings placed every 2 or four pickets.

Usually a 1 ½ inch channel or plate is used as a top and bottom railing. However one inch square tubing is also used and on the top rail and a molded cap, called “Dixie cap”, is commonly  installed on top of it. Another approach is the use of rectangular tubing, usually 2x1 but also 3x2 tubes, especially for the top rail.

Ornamental picket railings:

This term refers in most cases to a railing with ornamental vertical pickets, which could be twisted pickets, hammered pickets, scroll pickets or combination. The rest of the constructive specifications could be the same as the standard railings, however, in many cases thicker profiles are used, like 1 ½ inch tubes and 2’ or 2 ¼ ‘ cap rails for a bulkier appearance.

Ornamental pickets used to be commonly manufactured by the railing maker; however, in recent years there are specialized companies that sell readymade ornamental pickets in different thicknesses and designs. As a general rule, a bulkier railing will be more ornamental.

Decorative railings

The term “decorative” applies to a higher level of ornamentation; therefore it is referred to railings that have fancy scroll pickets or hot forged scrollwork made by a professional blacksmith. Most of the time decorative railings are used inside, and in combination with wood handrails, golden stained, aged, coppered, brass or metal top railings.

They may include hot forged terminals at stairways starting points.

These types of railings are seen only on high end mansions, because of its prohibitive cost.

The finish is also something characteristic of decorative railings. Scrollwork, newel post and terminals usually include golden or copper accents.  A vintage look is also accomplished by “rubbing” and “glazing” techniques, and, surprisingly, sometimes the iron pieces are just left outside to rust and afterwards a clear coat is applied, to get a “rusty” look.

Cast Iron Railings

The term cast iron refers to the material those results from pouring melted iron into a fabricated mold. The resulting piece is a cast iron piece. The prime material comes directly from the mines and has not been treated for malleability. Therefore, cast iron is brittle and brakes easily, it is though very hard, and requires a special nickel alloy to weld it.  Cast steel is, on the other hand, made with the same principle, but the controlled carbon content of steel makes a more durable piece. The prime material is normally scrap steel, that is melted and poured into a mold.

Cast iron railings are, in most cases not poured as one piece in a mold, but they are fabricated by combining steel tops and bottom rails with cast iron pickets or balusters.

Cast iron is very versatile in terms of getting intricate designs with scrolls, leaves, grapes, pineapples and other limitless forms. It is very cheap but not so cost effective for the following reasons:

*It requires a very expensive welding electrode to weld it properly, if not the weld will brake    easily.

*It is heavy and brittle, which makes transportation difficult.

*It is hard to cut and work with.

*It rusts faster and it is more difficult to paint.

However, if one wants to get a medieval looking railing, cast iron is the right choice.

Cast iron posts are very beautiful and low cost.

Cast steel is weldable with regular electrodes; however, its cost is substantially higher than cast iron.

Related links

* http://deciron.com/railings.aspx

* http://www.decironstore.com

How to Install your Wrought Iron railings from Deciron

New Apartments in Charlotte - Church St Construction Update

Hey Bloggers,

Priscilla writing to you today, updating you on some of our job progress. We are finishing up one of our larger jobs here in Charlotte, NC. Everything is coming out great! We finished installing the wrought iron pergolas, iron balconies and iron railings. The only thing we are waiting on is to completely finish the inside stairs. Let me show you some pictures! :)

One of the outside corners of the building

The courtyard

Pergolas

The pergolas over looking the pool

Inside corner of the apartments

More wrought iron pergolas

Wider view of the balconies in the courtyard

Most of the pictures are from the inside of the building. We will take a tour of the outside next time. Not to create advertising for these new apartments in Uptown Charlotte, but don't they look super awesome!!! (and I took these pictures on a SUPER foggy day). I wish you could see the inside of each apartment. I think our wrought iron railings really contribute to the modern yet elegant feel of these apartments. The contractors added these pergolas at the end of the project and I have to say I am impressed. Our team of designers did well when they designed them. What do you think? On our website www.deciron.com we have a sample of these wonderful iron balconies that you could order individually for your home or project, they are called "Caseys Railing". Ordering them individually through us saves you a lot, and if you buy more in bulk we can save you more! check it out! http://www.deciron.com/Pages/railings.aspx

We have also had the pleasure of working with many contractors in other cities, such as: Philadelphia, New York, Texas and California. These contractors just ordered from us iron balconies in bulk and installed them themselves. If you would like more information about these services please contact us at 1-877-803-2282 or email us at deciron@bellsouth.net. When you order from us in bulk you are saving in labor, material and fabrication. The only thing you would need to do is bolt them in. FYI everything is fabricated here in the United States, not brought from overseas. Check us out!

Decorative Iron of NC, Inc.

www.deciron.com

1-877-803-2282

Picture Day at Deciron

Hi guys!

Most of our clients are not from Charlotte, NC and have just talked to us on the phone. If you have ever wondered how we look like, you are in luck! Today was picture day at Deciron. Here you can put a face to the name :)

Josh - Warehouse/Shipping Manager

Don - Customer Sales Rep.

Daniel - Computer Drafter

Priscilla - Bookkeeping

Epic picture of the office guys and some of the warehouse guys.

Pedro L Sanchez - Engineer / Owner

Decorative Iron is a family operated business. We are so lucky to have this business in these tough times, and we are very grateful to all of our wonderful clients that make all this possible.

In case you want a close up of the super sweet chocolate brown light iron dove balcony, here it is:

Thank you for reading! We are also going to update our About Us page at www.deciron.com and probably add this balcony color to www.decironstore.com. If you have any questions about or products please let us know, our main email is deciron@bellsouth.net.

Deciron update on balcony iron railing size

DECIRON UPDATE ON THE SIZES

Hey everyone, here at Decorative Iron we have revised some of our standard measurements. We have changed ONE of our standard sizes from 52" wide to 55" wide. It is a slight difference but we are confident that it will improve the look of your balcony.

Our stylish swan balcony

Zoomed up view of our swan balcony

      click on the images to zoom 


As shown on the sketch above with the red measurements. The width of the balcony is changing. However the height of it remains the same. 35" is the standard height code for balconies, unless you are in California which then it is a standard of  42". Our other sizes remain the same: 42" 67" and 80". Our wrought iron railings also stay the same so far, but we are always looking to improve our product to give our customers the best possible product in the market at an always low  price. We are currently changing this size on our website, it will be completed very soon.

If anyone has a question about this change please let us know. Also, custom sizes are ALWAYS available, just in case some one needs something bigger or smaller than our standard sizes.

Thank you for reading! until next time.

Priscilla Sanchez
Decorative Iron
www.deciron.com
deciron@bellsouth.net