Alexander SumnerAnyone running a project site knows that the second you get comfortable with your trade partner roster, someone’s shop gets backed up by six weeks.
We recently had a commercial tenant build-out where our go-to welder ghosted us right before the ornamental iron submittals were due. We were left scrambling to find someone who could actually deliver on time.
If you’re in a similar spot, in case your usual shop is swamped, or you’re a regional builder bidding on your first project across the bridge, securing the best metal fabrication company in Philadelphia is a must.
To save you the frantic cold-calling, we looked into Philly facilities that can actually handle heavy-duty commercial jobs without the drama. Read on and avoid budget-crushing structural delays.
How much does metal fabrication cost in Philadelphia?
In Philadelphia, securing a metal fabrication partner typically results in an overall project cost of $470 to $750, with hourly labor rates fluctuating based on complexity and the specific materials required.
| Service Type | Estimated Cost |
| Average Overall Project | $470 – $750 |
| Full Project Range | $420 – $3,000 |
| Small/Custom Single Parts | $5 – $200+ per part |
| Hourly Labor Rate | $50 – $130 per hour |
1. Rhoads
Website: rhoadsinc.com
Address: 1900 Kitty Hawk Ave
Contact: (267) 728-6300 | [email protected]
Hours: Available 24/7
Taking on a colossal structural build requires a partner with serious logistical capacity, and this crew operates out of a massive workspace down at the Navy Yard.
Their deep family roots date back to 1896, and they maintain top-tier certifications from the ASME alongside strict military standards.
I spoke with a local industrial contractor who recently used them for heavy-duty pipe work, and they confirmed the facility’s massive scale easily accommodated their oversized components.
This team is also a lifesaver when things go wrong unexpectedly, offering a maintenance team that stays on call 24/7 for emergency support.
You do need to consider that their heavy-hitter focus on defense contracts makes them a poor fit if you just need a quick residential weld.
Navigating the historic Navy Yard security also adds an extra layer of access restriction compared to dropping by a standard street-level shop.
2. A. Welding And Fabrication
Website: aweldingandfabrications.com
Address: 3250 Amber St
Contact: 267-694-0620 | [email protected]
Hours: Available 24/7
Finding a partner who manages concepts from initial sketches through to final installations can be difficult, but A. Welding And Fabrication offers total end-to-end service.
If you can dream up a custom metal design, they have the technical skills to build and install it seamlessly. I also love how they maintain crystal-clear timelines on their calendars, reserving specific blocks for dedicated structural work.
Coordinating with other trades, such as masonry contractors in Philadelphia, requires a tight schedule, so their predictable booking process is helpful.
A notable downside is their murky approach to initial costs, which requires direct consultation to negotiate the final price rather than using flat rates.
Their scheduler also allocates relatively tight two-hour blocks for industrial installations, which may feel rushed for complex setups.
Customer Reviews
Excellent craftsmanship on custom stair rails
I had a great experience working with A Welding and Fabrication. They recently fabricated and installed custom stair rails for me, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. The craftsmanship is excellent — the rails are solid, well-designed, and really elevate the look of the space.
From start to finish, the process was professional. The fabricator communicated clearly, arrived on schedule, and handled the installation with care and precision. Everything fit perfectly and was finished to a high standard.
- Negel Bentick | Google Reviews
Quality service, replicated desired front gate
I had a VERY difficult time obtaining quotes, or even getting a simple response from other metal fabrication companies. This company responded same day, and maintained quality customer service throughout the project.
I provided an inspo pic of the front gate w/railing I wanted, and Jonathan replicated it to my liking. He also went above and beyond to install a complex specialty lock that I requested. I couldn’t be more satified with the service and end product.🤗
- TM | Google Reviews
3. Frank B. Clayton’s Sons
Website: fbclaytons.com
Address: 3750 North 5th Street
Contact: 215-223-9415 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday to Friday 7:00 AM–4:00 PM
Supply chain delays can quickly derail a fast-paced commercial project, but Frank B. Clayton’s Sons keeps jobs on schedule through daily material replenishment.
Opened in the late 19th century, the shop has over a century of hands-on experience across all types of custom metalwork. Operating out of a massive industrial facility in Nicetown, their team has the space and versatility to handle large, heavy assemblies.
On big commercial projects, it’s common to see custom architectural metalwork installed alongside professional interlocking paver services in Philadelphia to tie outdoor plazas and entryways together.
Sp, for those complex, highly customized designs, this facility’s specialized engineering focus is incredibly valuable.
However, you should check their equipment limits before sending over heavy structural blueprints. Their shearing machinery can only cut mild steel plates up to 0.5 inches thick, and their rolling machines max out at 8-foot lengths for thinner cylinders.
Customer Reviews
A family with incredible industry heritage
Yes, they are a metal fabrication company but, mostly they are a family with an incredible heritage in this industry… if you have a fabrication need then call Frank B. Clayton’s Sons… they can do it, for sure, better and faster than anybody.
- luca croce | Google Reviews
4. Colonial Iron Works
Website: colonialiron.net
Address: 5031 Lancaster Avenue
Contact: 215-879-5850 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Restoring historic architectural details requires an incredibly delicate touch, and Colonial Iron Works draws on almost a century of generational knowledge in that field.
They provide highly specialized diagnostic repair for legacy iron structures while keeping all custom manufacturing centralized within their facility.
A colleague recently commissioned them to recreate a damaged Victorian railing, and the final powder-coated piece matched the original aesthetic flawlessly.
I also appreciate their transparent pricing and scalable project acceptance. These factors make them a flexible choice for minor residential repairs and larger commercial facade updates.
But despite their strong aesthetic capabilities, their focus on ornamental metalwork makes them unsuitable for high-stress structural engineering applications.
They’re also closed on Saturdays and Sundays, severely limiting emergency response capabilities over the weekend.
5. Gehret Wire Works
Website: gehretwire.com
Address: 437 N. 11th Street
Contact: 215-236-3322 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday to Saturday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Not every industrial project involves heavy steel beams; sometimes securing a space demands specialized, breathable barriers.
Gehret Wire Works has spent over 75 years improving its custom wire fabrication methods to meet rigorous commercial security standards.
Plus, they manufacture everything strictly in the United States, allowing them to quickly produce bulk and tailored orders of wire mesh sheets and rolls.
The shop even constructs heavy-duty cages designed for pharmacies to safely lock up controlled substances under strict Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) compliance.
However, if your upcoming build requires massive structural supports or solid steel plating, you’ll need to look elsewhere since they focus explicitly on wire solutions.
Just keep in mind that their facility is closed on Sundays, meaning last-minute weekend pickups or emergency assistance aren’t options.
