The Bespoke Metalwork Process: Your Project Timeline in Hampshire & Surrey

Person seating at a desk working on a dual-monitor computer setup, engaged in CAD design
Two welders assembling a bespoke mild steel gate in a well-equipped workshop. Both wear protective helmets and gloves while working on a clamped metal frame atop a heavy-duty workbench.
Artisan gold leaf application in progress on a textured steel surface. A white-gloved hand holds a hammered gold sheet beside torn gold leaf on backing paper. A gilding brush with orange bristles and a matte black handle rests on a stained, well-used

At Oakhanger Metalworks, every custom commission begins with a spark of your intention. Our custom metal fabrication process is rooted in traditional blacksmithing craftsmanship and guided by modern design sensibilities. Each piece is hand-forged from beginning to end in our Hampshire workshop, serving clients across Surrey and the South East. You can be sure that the finished product is a unique piece of architectural metalwork, created for you only.

We believe that custom metal items are more than just material; they become memory, presence, and story.

Stage 1: Listening, Conceptualisation, and CAD Design

Before starting any project, we carefully listen to your ideas and desires. Whether it’s an entrance gate, a light fixture, or a bespoke furniture piece, we first seek to deeply understand our clients’ vision.

  • Custom Metal Design: We design detailed CAD sketches that resonate with the space and the story of the project. We work closely with homeowners and designers to ensure we have considered every detail of the design brief.

  • Feasibility Check: This stage is collaborative and practical. We discuss proportions, explain material behavior, and ensure fabrication feasibility. This helps to ensure the final design is both beautiful and structurally sound.

Stage 2: Material Selection and Preparation

In the majority of our projects, we work with mild steel. We have chosen it for its superior strength, versatility, and responsiveness to heat and form. This intimate knowledge of the material allows us to create work that’s both structurally sound and visually attractive.

Once the design is finalized, we prepare the steel. We cut, measure, and mark the material with precision. Every step is deliberate, every surface handled with care, ensuring the integrity of the bespoke steel fabrication.

Stage 3: Fabrication and Hand-Forging

This is where the magic begins. We shape the steel using a potent combination of traditional blacksmithing techniques and modern metal fabrication tools right here in our Hampshire studio.

  • Expert Craftsmanship: We bend, weld, and forge each component by hand. This meticulous approach ensures accuracy and consistency throughout the entire piece.

  • Workshop Focus: The workshop is a space of focus and rhythm. Sparks fly, forms emerge, and your piece of architectural metalwork begins to take shape with each deliberate strike.

Stage 4: Finishing and Installation (Managed by Our Partners)

Our team focuses on the core steel fabrication exclusively. To ensure the highest quality results, we collaborate with trusted partners who handle specialized finishing and installation.

  • Protective Finishing: All products are covered with a robust protective layer, decorative finishing materials (such as powder coating or patinas), and polished to your specification.

  • Seamless Installation: Our partners expertly install the products at your location in Hampshire or Surrey. We stay in close contact with you throughout this final stage to ensure the end result perfectly matches the initial concept.

Craft That Endures

Each of our products is designed to be more than just functional. We carefully think through every detail so that the final product is functional, original, and supremely durable. We do not engage in mass production—each order is a separate, dedicated project. This commitment to responsible consumption is at the heart of our business. Our products are built to last for generations; they can be repaired and refinished, extending their service life as much as possible. Our pieces tell a story and truly stand the test of time.