# Architectural and ornamental metal metal fabrication: standards and how to choose | Best Fabricators

Source: https://bestfabricators.com/industries/architectural/

# Architectural and ornamental metal fabrication

Architectural fabrication covers railings, stairs, gates, canopies, screens, and façade metal people see and touch.

## Materials and processes

Carbon steel that is galvanized or powder coated, stainless steel, aluminum, bronze, and weathering steel. Finish quality matters as much as strength.

## Standards and certifications to know

- Building code guards and handrails: the International Building Code sets guard and handrail requirements that local codes adopt.
- 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design: set handrail requirements for accessible routes.
- AWS D1.1 and D1.6: structural welding codes for steel and stainless steel.

## Questions to ask a shop

- Can the shop produce shop drawings for architect approval?
- Who handles finishing: in-house powder coat, outside galvanizer, or both?
- Does the shop install, or only fabricate?
- Can it show finished work similar in style and scale?

## What drives cost

Design complexity, finish, field measuring, and installation usually cost more than raw material. Custom castings and curved work raise price.

## Metros with strong local demand

- [Architectural metal fabrication in Phoenix, AZ](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/phoenix-az/)
- [Architectural metal fabrication in Atlanta, GA](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/atlanta-ga/)
- [Architectural metal fabrication in Baltimore, MD](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/baltimore-md/)
- [Architectural metal fabrication in Charlotte, NC](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/charlotte-nc/)
- [Architectural metal fabrication in Chicago, IL](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/chicago-il/)
- [Architectural metal fabrication in Dallas, TX](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/dallas-tx/)
- [Architectural metal fabrication in Jacksonville, FL](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/jacksonville-fl/)
- [Architectural metal fabrication in Las Vegas, NV](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/las-vegas-nv/)
- [Architectural metal fabrication in Los Angeles, CA](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/los-angeles-ca/)
- [Architectural metal fabrication in Miami, FL](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/miami-fl/)
- [Architectural metal fabrication in Boston, MA](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/boston-ma/)
- [Architectural metal fabrication in New Orleans, LA](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/new-orleans-la/)
- [Architectural metal fabrication in New York, NY](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/new-york-ny/)
- [Architectural metal fabrication in Philadelphia, PA](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/philadelphia-pa/)
- [Architectural metal fabrication in San Francisco Bay Area, CA](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/san-francisco-ca/)
- [Architectural metal fabrication in Seattle, WA](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/seattle-wa/)
- [Architectural metal fabrication in Tampa, FL](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/tampa-fl/)
- [Architectural metal fabrication in Nashville, TN](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/nashville-tn/)
- [Architectural metal fabrication in Washington, DC](https://bestfabricators.com/metal-fabrication/washington-dc/)

## Questions

### What should I look for in a architectural metal fabricator?

Relevant certifications, finished work similar to yours, the right equipment, and clear documentation. Start with: Can the shop produce shop drawings for architect approval?

### Where is architectural metal fabrication concentrated?

On this site, these metros have strong local demand: Phoenix, AZ, Atlanta, GA, Baltimore, MD, Charlotte, NC, Chicago, IL, Dallas, TX, Jacksonville, FL, Las Vegas, NV, Los Angeles, CA, Miami, FL, Boston, MA, New Orleans, LA, New York, NY, Philadelphia, PA, San Francisco Bay Area, CA, Seattle, WA, Tampa, FL, Nashville, TN, Washington, DC.

Related: [Fabrication certifications explained](https://bestfabricators.com/guides/certifications/) · [Fabrication processes](https://bestfabricators.com/guides/metal-fabrication-processes/)

## Need a architectural metal shop?

Quote requests are coming soon. Prepare your drawings, material, quantity, and finish now.

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