Get matched with top metal fabricators and restorers in Magnolia, MS

Metal casting involves creating a prototype and a mold into which metal is poured and allowed to cool and set up. Pieces are cast in molds, making the reproduction of many identical pieces more efficient for larger quantities. Metal fabrication involves creating pieces and welding them together into a larger project, involving more skilled manual labor than metal casting. Fabrication can be more cost-effective in smaller runs but can become less efficient for producing mass quantities of identical pieces.

If you're choosing sheet metal for a home exterior or outdoor enclosure, stainless steel is the most popular option because of its durability, weather resistance, and affordability. At $8 to $19 per square foot, stainless steel falls in the middle of the range for sheet metal fabrication cost while offering some of the best performance.

Your typical household tools will not cut a metal pipe. To cut a metal pipe, you’d need more specialized tools like a pipe cutter or circular saw. Do not attempt to use these tools without taking proper safety precautions and wearing safety gear. It’s usually safer to let a pro cut a metal pipe, especially if you’re not confident in your skills with a heavy-duty saw.

Professional metal fabricators usually charge around $70 per hour. Three of the largest cost factors are the size and complexity of the project and the price of materials. The type of metal can impact the cost as much as the intricacy of the metal fabrication you want done. Another cost factor is your geographic location, as labor and materials can vary widely depending on the cost of living where you live.