We recently created and installed this simple metal deck railing for clients in NE Portland. 

Simple yes, but unique & stunning still the same due to the creativity of our clients.  They wanted to add an assortment of handmade colored glass tiles to the railing but didn’t know quite how.  After talking through some ideas we decided on a 4″ x 4″ mesh railing pattern.  Dave would then create metal bezels to hold the tiles in place; positions dictated by client. 

Here is Dave’s initial mock-up of the bezel, which turned out to be an effective design:

The glass tiles can then be easily secured into place with silicon after the finished railing is installed.

Placing glass tile into metal bezel.

Close-up of glass tiles.

This project came at the tail end of a complete house renovation that was part of Portland’s Tour of Remodeled Homes.  The clients have a vision of a whimsical garden in which to relax & entertain, so as they & their landscapers were quickly finishing the backyard for the tour, we were working diligently on our end to build the railing.  The railing was finished with a grey/beige textured powder coat that complements the window & house trim colors quite nicely.

If you are interested in a similar style ornamental metal railing, please give us a call.  360.281.5619

Patrick Gracewood’s designs and sculptures have always enchanted me with their beauty.  He captures images from the natural world simply & evocatively.  These images turn up in his bas relief, fine art sculpture and architectural restorations.  Patrick’s versatility as an artist awes me, and I hope that one day some of his designs will “grace” our own ornamental metal work in some way. 

Below I highlight some of Patrick’s work, but you can find lots more at his website Gracewood Studio.  He also writes a wonderful blog, Shadows on Stone, focused on sculpture in all forms of all nature.  Here you can get a real feel for Patrick’s artistic expression — he writes as passionately as he creates visual art. 

Patrick’s studio is located in Portland, Oregon. 

One of my favorite series, The Nature of Water.  These two specific pieces are from the Desert Quartet.

Gracewood has many botanical designs in bas-relief, cast in either bronze or stone.

And who wouldn’t love these cast bronze bears to adorn an outdoor water fountain?