Whether you're framing a timber-framed barn, beefing up your back porch, or adding some old-world grit to a new build, there's one truth that holds fast: a structure is only as strong as its hardware.

At Old West Iron, we believe that iron shouldn’t just hold things together—it should say something. It should carry the story of the build, the builder, and the craft itself. That’s where our custom structural ironwork comes in. If you're ready to design it, build it, and love it for generations to come, here’s your no-nonsense guide to the iron backbone of your next project.

1. Joist Hangers: The Heavy Lifters

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Joist hangers do more than just sit there. They shoulder the load, literally, by anchoring beams and joists in place. Our forged iron joist hangers are built tough for structural applications but styled like something you'd find in a centuries-old European manor. Available in a range of sizes, finishes, and historical motifs, they work as hard as they look good.

Use them for:

• Ceiling beams

• Pergolas and pavilions

• Floor joists in timber construction

• Exposed beam designs where aesthetics matter

2. Post Bases: Your Foundation’s Best Friend

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You wouldn't plant a flag without a base, same goes for a post. Our flush-mount post bases provide rock-solid grounding for vertical posts while keeping them lifted off the ground to fight off rot, water damage, and time itself. They come with clean lines or hammered texture depending on your taste.

Use them for:

• Porch columns

• Gazebos and garden structures

• Fencing

• Rustic decks and patios

Pro tip: Want that old frontier feel? Go with a distressed finish and square head bolts. It'll look like it’s been there since the cattle drive days.

3. T-Plates: Where Strength Meets Symmetry

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T-plates are the strong bonds of your structure, spanning joints where beams meet and reinforcing them with unwavering strength. But just because they’re functional doesn’t mean they have to be forgettable.

Our decorative and structural T-plates come in hammered, smooth, and even antique finishes to complement everything from rugged ranch homes to mountain cabins.

Use them for:

• Beam-to-beam connections

• Decorative tie-ins for gable ends

• Outdoor pavilions and trellises

• Barn-style interiors

4. L-Plates: The Cornerstone of Clean Edges

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Simple. Strong. Subtle or striking, it's your choice. Our L-plates (aka angle brackets) reinforce corners and add serious character to everything from gates to gables. Available in a wide range of widths, lengths, and textures, they’re one of the most versatile tools in your design arsenal.

Use them for:

• Framing support

• Timber corner joints

• Industrial-chic furniture projects

• Cabinet and door trim detail

Built to Last. Forged with Heart.

Every piece of hardware that leaves our forge is made to withstand the wild—whether that’s a Montana blizzard or the everyday wear of a well-lived-in home. We take pride in helping our customers build structures that are as authentic as they are strong, down to every last bolt and bracket.

So go ahead—design it how you want it. Build it the right way. And love it forever.

Maddison Mellem
Writing from the forge at Old West Iron