Not every job is straightforward – especially when you’re dealing with curved walls, sloped ground, or gates big enough to fit a delivery truck.
In this month’s newsletter, we’re sharing a few things we’ve learned from recent high-end residential jobs. From Malahide to Howth, here’s what happens when design, practicality, and a bit of problem-solving all come together.
Howth: A Gate Too Big for One Piece
There’s a big residential development in Howth that’s been in the works for decades, finally coming together now. We were brought in to handle the fencing and gates – including a swing gate that’s 4 metres high and 4 metres wide.
Too big to transport in one piece, it had to be built in sections, galvanised and coated separately, then assembled on site.
“It was the biggest gate we’ve ever done in terms of height and width. We had to make it in two sections – you just can’t transport something that size in one go.” – Eoin Ennis, Contracts Manager
Most would go for a sliding gate, but the layout wouldn’t allow for it – so we made it work as a swing gate. The trick is making it functional without making it look forced.
Malahide: When It Needs to Be Spot On
We worked on a one-off house in Malahide where the railings were both curved and sloped. When something like that is even slightly off, it sticks out a mile.
We took a full site profile – levels top and bottom – and used that to shape the steel back in the factory. Then it was galvanised, powder coated, and fitted on-site to match the exact line of the stone wall.
“If it’s even 80% right, it just looks wrong. When you’re doing a job like that, it’s either right or it’s not.” – Eoin Ennis, Contracts Manager
These are the jobs where it’s either right or wrong. There’s no such thing as “close enough.”
On-Site Decisions Matter
With most of these projects, we’re brought in early – before walls are finished. That’s where you get the best result.
Architects might have a rough vision, but the finer details – like how the railing will be fixed, or how to allow for services – are worked out between us and the builder, usually on site.
Getting that right can save a lot of back-and-forth later.
Privacy, Security, and Getting the Look Right
Some clients care most about privacy. Others are focused on looks, or security. Often it’s a mix of all three.
We recently did a composite timber fence in Malahide for a homeowner who wanted full privacy. It wrapped around a curve – and Decorative Railing doesn’t bend – so we had to work carefully with the profile of the wall to get it just right.
“They had nothing but a hedge before. This gave them privacy straight away. We had to pull the boards around the curve – you can’t buy them bent, so we worked it out on-site.” – Eoin Ennis, Contracts Manager
Jobs like this rely on experience and proper planning. There’s no template – just skilled people figuring out how to make something work for that exact location. That’s what our team does best: read the site, understand the problem, and build something that fits.
No painting needed, and it’ll hold up to the weather.
Why Finish Matters
Everything we make is galvanised. That’s standard – otherwise it’ll rust.
For coastal homes, we offer marine-grade coating – two layers of powder for extra protection against salty air. It’s not the cheapest, but it saves hassle long-term.
Final Thought
No two houses are the same. No two jobs are either.
Some need curved railings that follow the slope of a stone wall. Others call for oversized gates that have to be built in sections and pieced together on site. Every project brings its own set of challenges – and that’s where experience matters.
We’ve been doing this a long time. We work closely with builders and architects, we think through the details, and we rely on skilled fabricators who know how to make it all come together.
Whether it’s privacy, security, or just getting the look right, we’re here to make sure the fence fits – in every sense of the word.
To learn more, get in touch HERE.