Old West Iron Blog: Craftsmanship, Heritage & Hand-Forged Expertise

From the forge to your front door, wrought iron is more than material—it’s memory made solid. It carries the mark of tradition, the integrity of craftsmanship, and the quiet power of something built by hand.

Whether you’re remodeling a historic property or just adding texture to a modern home, wrought iron brings weight, warmth, and authenticity to your space. And when it’s made by real craftspeople—right here in the USA—you know it’s more than just hardware. It’s a piece of the past, built for the future.

In a world built for speed, we still believe in taking the long way—the hot-forged, hammer-scarred, slow-crafted way. Whether you’re restoring an old homestead, building a modern lodge, or just want a piece of hardware that feels real, wrought iron is still the gold standard of strength and style

A good door knocker reminds us that even the most practical parts of a home can be made with craftsmanship and care. It’s not just about announcing yourself—it’s about honoring what came before. If you’re ready to give your front door the detail it deserves, our hand-forged knockers are waiting.

Each bracket comes with pre-drilled holes and mounting hardware, so even if you're not a master carpenter, you can get the job done right. And once it’s in place, it won’t just work—it’ll look like it belongs there, like it always has.

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 Shop Joist Hangers » 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 Shop Flush Mount Post Bases » 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 Shop T-Plates » 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 Shop L-Plates » 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 MellemWriting from the forge at Old West Iron

With the right accents, your garage door can become a signature part of your home’s design—not just a functional feature. Whether you’re upgrading curb appeal for resale or creating the ranch, villa, or farmhouse of your dreams, garage door hardware is the detail that ties it all together.  

The difference between a good project and a great one is in the details. With Old West Iron’s full line of decorative hardware and fasteners, you can reinforce your outdoor structures with visible strength and timeless beauty. Ready to build something that lasts?Shop Builder Supplies and Outdoor Hardware Now

Today, the use of antique iron nails and clavos has expanded beyond historical restorations. Designers and DIYers alike use these decorative nail heads to add depth and storytelling to everything from cabinetry to front doors. Clavos are available in a wide range of finishes and shapes—round, pyramid, hammered, rosette—allowing them to complement any rustic or architectural style. And while they may no longer hold a structure together, they certainly help tie a look together.

When it comes to construction, restoration, or design that values both function and form, metal straps with holes are an essential element that often goes unnoticed—but shouldn’t. These versatile flat bars can reinforce joints, add architectural detail, or create a cohesive look across exposed timber or furniture. At Old West Iron, we elevate this humble hardware into handcrafted ironwork, made with traditional blacksmithing methods that deliver both performance and heritage charm. What Are Metal Straps with Holes Used For? These forged iron straps are typically used in structural or decorative applications, including: Timber frame construction – Securing beams and trusses Door and gate hardware – Adding strength and style Mantels and shelving – For both support and accent Furniture building – Reinforcing joints in rustic tables or cabinetry Decorative ceiling or wall beams – Enhancing the look of exposed wood The holes in each strap are strategically placed to make installation easy and strong. They also allow for customization with decorative screws or bolts, turning a simple fastener into a statement detail. Why Choose Old West Iron? Our collection of metal straps with holes stands apart from store-bought alternatives for a few key reasons: Hand-forged craftsmanship – Every piece is individually made, not mass produced Custom sizing and hole configurations – Get the exact length, width, and spacing you need Authentic finishes – Choose from patinas like matte black, oil-rubbed bronze, antique pewter, and more Hammered or smooth textures – Match your aesthetic, from rustic lodge to refined Mediterranean Each strap is designed to integrate seamlessly into your build—whether it’s purely decorative or meant to bear weight. How to Use Them Effectively Our iron straps with pre-drilled holes are not just easy to install—they’re designed to complement other elements of your project. Use them to: Frame out fireplace mantels with corner straps Add horizontal support across reclaimed barn doors Secure vertical beams in a pergola or arbor Highlight truss systems in vaulted ceilings Create custom furniture pieces with old-world detailing Pair them with other Old West Iron products like hinges, cabinet pulls, or decorative nuts and bolts for a cohesive, forged look. Build with Strength. Finish with Style. Whether you're constructing a new timber frame or simply adding character to a room, the right hardware makes all the difference. Our collection of metal straps with holes offers durability, heritage, and visual impact in one clean line of ironwork. Explore the collection today and discover how Old West Iron helps you build with craftsmanship from the ground up.  

In a world filled with temporary trends and disposable goods, an iron gift stands out as something real, solid, and meaningful. Whether rustic, romantic, or rugged, each forged piece from Old West Iron carries with it the mark of the blacksmith’s hand and the power of lasting craftsmanship.

Sometimes, it’s the smallest things that bring the whole room together. A decorative door stopper doesn’t just protect your walls—it makes a statement. It tells visitors you’ve thought about every inch of your space. It reflects your commitment to craftsmanship, to heritage, and to enduring quality.