Victoria Fabricating
Custom Metal Driveway Gates | Custom Metal Railings | Custom Metal Staircases | Custom Structural Steel
Frequently Asked Questions
Metal Railings
What metal railings do you fabricate in Victoria and the Saanich Peninsula?
We build interior/exterior steel, aluminum, and stainless railings—pickets, glass, cable, and custom profiles—designed for coastal conditions across Victoria to Nanaimo.
Are aluminum or stainless railings better near the ocean?
For salty air, choose 316 stainless or aluminum with powder-coat. Both resist corrosion; we’ll match look, budget, and maintenance needs.
How are custom railings priced per linear foot?
Price depends on material, design complexity, finish, and site access. After a quick measure, we send a fixed quote within 48 hours.
Do metal railings meet BC Building Code guard/handrail rules?
Yes—height, spacing, and loads are built to BCBC. We can provide shop drawings and coordinate engineering if your municipality requests it.
Can you install glass or cable infill systems?
Absolutely. We fabricate posts/top rails and supply tempered glass or 316 cable systems with clean, low-maintenance hardware.
What finishes are available for railings?
Powder-coat, paint, hot-dip galvanizing, brushed or polished stainless. We recommend galvanizing + powder-coat for steel outdoors.
Structural Steel
Do you handle small structural steel packages for residential or light commercial?
Yes—beams, columns, lintels, stair stringers, embeds, miscellaneous metals—fabricate, deliver, and install across Greater Victoria to Nanaimo.
Can you provide engineer-stamped drawings and shop drawings?
We produce shop drawings and coordinate P.Eng. stamps/field reviews as required by local building departments.
What’s the typical lead time for structural steel?
Standard packages: 1–3 weeks after approved drawings; add time for coatings and site coordination.
Do you perform on-site welding for structural tie-ins?
Yes—mobile welding for plates, connections, and remedial work. We carry the equipment and safety documentation needed.
Which coatings do you recommend for structural steel on Vancouver Island?
Primer + topcoat, powder-coat for exposed steel, hot-dip galvanizing for maximum durability in coastal zones.
Can you work off GC drawings and survey points?
Yes—send architectural/structural PDFs + IFC, and we’ll detail, fabricate, and install to plan with clear RFI communication.
Custom Decorative Metal Work
What decorative metal services do you offer in Victoria?
Screens, panels, brackets, art features, signage, feature walls, and bespoke accents in steel, aluminum, or stainless.
Can you cut custom patterns or logos?
Yes—CNC plasma/waterjet patterns from your sketch or file; we finish in powder-coat, patina, or brushed stainless.
Do you design as well as fabricate?
We provide design support and shop drawings so your decorative metal fits the space and mounts safely.
What finishes work best for decorative outdoor pieces?
Powder-coat or patinated/clear-coated steel; brushed or bead-blasted stainless for a premium look with low maintenance.
How do you price decorative metal projects?
Based on size, material thickness, cut complexity, finish, and install. Share photos and sizes for a fast ballpark.
Can you integrate lighting or wood/glass with metal features?
Yes—LED backlighting, hardwood caps, and glass are common. We coordinate hardware and install.
Custom Metal Fence Solutions
What types of metal fences do you build from Victoria to Nanaimo?
Aluminum and steel panel fences, horizontal slat, privacy screens, pool enclosures, and commercial perimeter systems.
Are metal fences good for coastal climates?
Yes—choose aluminum with powder-coat or galvanized + powder-coated steel for long life near the ocean.
Do you supply posts, footings, and hardware?
We provide a complete system—posts, panels, gates, hardware, and concrete footings as required.
What heights and styles are available?
Common heights 4–6 ft; custom heights available. Styles include privacy slat, picket, decorative panels, and mixed materials.
How are metal fences priced?
By linear foot based on height, style, material, and terrain. We measure and quote within 48 hours for most fences.
Can fences match my gate or railing finish?
Yes—color-matched powder-coat and consistent profiles for a unified look across fences, gates, and railings.
Metal Garden & Pedestrian Gates
What pedestrian gate options do you fabricate locally?
Garden, side yard, pool, and courtyard gates in aluminum, steel, or stainless—modern, classic, or decorative styles.
Can you add keypads or smart locks to pedestrian gates?
Yes—keypads, smart locks, magnetic latches, and closers; we prep strike plates and power access if needed.
Do you build custom arbors or panels to match the gate?
We can match panels, posts, and arbors/trellises for a cohesive entry.
Will my gate resist rust near the ocean?
Choose aluminum with powder-coat or 316 stainless. For steel, we recommend hot-dip galvanizing plus powder-coat.
How long does a pedestrian gate project take?
Typically 1–2 weeks from measure to install, depending on finish and site access.
Do you handle removal of old gates and disposal?
Yes—we remove and dispose of existing gates and hardware during installation.
Mono Stringer Metal Staircases
What is a mono stringer staircase and where does it work best?
A single-beam steel stair with open treads—great for modern homes and commercial spaces from Victoria to Nanaimo.
Do you provide engineering for mono stringers?
Yes—shop drawings and engineering available to meet BC Building Code loads and deflection.
What tread options are available?
Wood, steel plate, grating, glass—with anti-slip nosing as needed.
Can you integrate railings and landings?
We fabricate the stringer, landings, guard/handrails, and install as one package.
What finishes do you recommend for mono stringers?
Interior: powder-coat or paint. Exterior/coastal: galvanize + powder-coat for durability.
How are mono stringers priced and scheduled?
Priced by rise/run, landings, rail complexity, and finish. Typical lead time 2–4+ weeks after drawing approval.
Metal Staircases (Indoor/Outdoor & Spiral)
Do you build outdoor metal staircases for decks and access?
Yes—galvanized/powder-coated steel or aluminum stairs with grating or plate treads for safe outdoor use.
Can you fabricate indoor feature stairs with custom rails?
Absolutely—feature stairs with glass, cable, or metal picket rails tailored to your interior.
Do you make spiral staircases?
Yes—indoor and outdoor spiral stairs, custom diameter, rise, and handrail options.
Are spiral stairs code-compliant in BC?
We design to BCBC for tread depth, rise, and handrail. Some uses need engineering—we’ll advise per municipality.
What anti-slip options are available for stairs?
Grip nosing, textured powder-coat, checker plate, or grating treads for traction.
How long do stair projects take?
Standard stairs 2–3 weeks; spirals and complex features 3–5+ weeks, depending on finishes and permits.
Metal Driveway Gates (Automated & Manual)
Do you build automated and manual driveway gates in Victoria and Nanaimo?
Yes—swing or slide driveway gates in aluminum, steel, or stainless; manual or automated with openers and access controls.
Do automated driveway gates need permits or electrical work?
Many municipalities require electrical permits and safety devices. We coordinate with licensed electricians and can assist with approvals.
What automation options are available?
Keypads, remotes, vehicle sensors, intercom/video, app control, battery backup, and safety edges/photo eyes.
How do you handle coastal corrosion on driveway gates?
Choose aluminum with marine-grade powder-coat or galvanized + powder-coated steel; stainless hardware throughout.
How are driveway gates priced?
Based on width/height, material, style, posts/footings, and automation. We provide a 48-hour fixed quote after a site check.
Can you match the driveway gate to my fence or house style?
Yes—custom infills, color-matched powder-coat, and profile matching for a seamless look across property features.




