Fence Toppers

Gateway Guesthouse Bed & Breakfast,  located at 1001 E. Riverside  Drive at Travis Heights Blvd., is where this fence topper can be seen.     

Along the west side of their property, the proprietors designed a wood privacy fence to accommodate a metal element  atop the fence panels.   I was fortunate enough to be referred for the project -- and even luckier to be chosen to make their vision come to fruition.    

The overarching goal was to incorporate a metal element which would compliment the backyard garden and landscaping.  Various concepts were kicked around with the client, and it became evident that the desired look could only be accomplished via blacksmithing -- and lots and lots of it at that.  

So, of course, the only logical next step was to purchase a power hammer.  And that’s how I ended up with a 25-lb. Little Giant Power Hammer originally manufactured in 1929 in Mankato, Minnesota.  HOT TIP:  When calling around for a tow truck company to remove your 900-lb. acquisition from the back of your pick up truck, be sure to ask specifically for “a conventional tow truck with extendable boom”.   That type of truck is actually a pretty rare item nowadays.  But I digress...

After taking careful measurements on-site, I used square tubing to fabricate custom-size panels/frames.  These frames were then adorned with 3/4”-angle iron of various lengths, having been worked on the power hammer to resemble oversized stalks of  grass waving in the wind.   It’s OK if you see undulating seaweed instead, there’s nothing wrong with that either.  The end result is still lovely and wispy and fluid! 

I like that the stalks ‘escape’ the confines of their borders, making this fence topper element appealing to the eye from all angles, both street-side and from  inside the yard.  

So please stop by for a look yourself next time you’re in the Travis Heights neighborhood.  Or, better yet, book a room at the B&B and enjoy the view poolside...