Australian-made architectural metalwork for WA projects
Weld East Fabricators has supplied custom metal fabrication to Australian industry since 1982. Over 40 years of experience in heavy industrial work gives our team a strong foundation for architectural steel fabrication, where precision and a clean finish carry as much weight as strength.
We partner with architects, building designers, builders and project managers to bring a design vision into built form. Our architectural work supports commercial projects across offices, retail, hospitality, health, education and public infrastructure. Every piece is fabricated by our specialists at our Hazelmere and Bellevue workshops, with a commitment to craftsmanship that shows in the finished detail.
Architectural work comes with its own challenges. Tolerances are tighter, every weld and fold is on display, and the finished piece must still satisfy the building certifier. We plan for all of these aspects from the first drawing.
Our architectural metal fabrication services
Drawing on our general fabrication capability, we produce a wide range of architectural metalwork, from small feature details to big structural packages. Common types of work include:
- Feature staircases, balustrades and handrails
- Facade cladding frames and decorative panels
- Custom gates, screens and security
- Exposed structural steel with an architectural finish
- Brackets, fixtures, fittings and signage supports
Our CNC plasma cutting produces accurate profiles and patterns for decorative screens and feature panels. Precise folding on our press brakes forms crisp, consistent edges across long runs. Each job is built to your drawings and specifications, so every piece is unique to your project.
Feature pieces draw the eye, but most architectural projects also need general metal work such as brackets, mounting frames, custom fixings and support structures. These smaller items matter, because a poorly finished bracket beside a well-made balustrade undermines the whole design. We fabricate them with the same care, tolerances and finish as the headline pieces.
We also supply ready-made products that can be adapted to suit a design. Browse our range of handrails, stairs and bollards for options that can be finished to match your scheme.
Choosing materials for Perth conditions
Perth’s climate is hard on exposed metal. Salt air along the coast, strong UV and summer heat all affect how a finish ages, so the right materials are central to durability and to the life of the finished piece.
- Mild steel: cost-effective for stairs, frames, columns and gates. External pieces are hot-dip galvanised or painted to protect against corrosion.
- Aluminium: lightweight and naturally corrosion resistant, which makes it practical for screens, panels and cladding frames.
Our work focuses on steel, stainless steel and aluminium, and our team can offer advice on which of these will best match your design and maintenance expectations.
Architectural stainless steel fabrication
Stainless steel is the material most often seen up close in architectural work, so grade selection matters. Grade 316 is the preferred choice for balustrades and handrails near the coast, as it resists the brown surface marking known as tea staining better than other common grades. Grade 304 suits internal handrails, trims and fixtures away from salt exposure. We verify material grades before fabrication, so the metalwork installed matches what was specified.
From design vision to shop drawings
Collaboration between architects and fabricators helps confirm that a design is practical to build before money is spent on materials. We work with your design team to develop the details that architectural drawings often leave open, such as connections, fixing points and tolerances.
Our team models each component in SolidWorks 3D software and can create model views for you to approve before fabrication begins. For refurbishments and retrofits, we can 3D scan existing structures, such as stair voids and landings, to ensure new metalwork fits the building as built.
This early planning also covers how we deliver and install each piece on site, so the finished result matches the original design intent.
Architectural steel fabrication, welding and finishing
In architectural work, welds are often seen up close. Our qualified tradespersons select stick, MIG or TIG welding to suit each material, with TIG used where a fine, clean bead is needed on stainless steel and aluminium. Careful heat control minimises the discolouration and warping that can spoil an exposed surface. Learn more about our welding services.
The right finish improves both the look and the durability of architectural metalwork. We sandblast and paint in-house, and arrange powder coating or hot-dip galvanising through our finishing partners to meet a nominated colour or protective coating system. Our painting and finishing team applies 2-pack and polyurethane paint systems over zinc-rich epoxy primers, and inspects coatings for thickness and adhesion.
Compliance with Australian safety standards
Balustrades, handrails and stairs are safety features first. They prevent falls from stairs, landings and raised edges, so they must meet the National Construction Code requirements for barrier height, openings and stair geometry.
Loads on barriers are designed to AS/NZS 1170.1, and AS 1428.1 applies where accessible handrails are required. Welding follows the AS/NZS standard for each material: AS/NZS 1554.1 for structural steel, AS/NZS 1554.6 for stainless steel and AS/NZS 1665 for aluminium. Material certificates and fabrication records are available for handover, and we work with your engineer or certifier where sign-off is required.
Why a local fabricator suits architectural work
Architectural projects change as they progress. Site conditions differ from the plans, finishes need approval and other trades need to work around your metalwork. With our workshops in Perth, you can view finish samples before delivery, discuss a change directly with the people building your job, and get adjusted pieces back without waiting on an overseas order.
Local fabrication also keeps material traceability clear for QA and handover, a common requirement on commercial projects in the Australian building market.
Request a free, no-obligation quote
Whether your project is a single feature stair or a full package of balustrades, screens and fixings, we provide clear pricing based on your drawings and specifications. Send us your plans, a material schedule or a concept sketch, and our team will respond with a detailed quote.
Request a free, no-obligation quote online, or call (08) 9274 3348 to discuss your architectural metal fabrication requirements with our team.
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FAQs
What is architectural metal fabrication?
Architectural metal fabrication is the design, cutting, shaping, welding and finishing of metal components that form a visible part of a building. It includes staircases, balustrades, handrails, screens, gates and facade elements, and combines engineering performance with visual design. These elements are found in commercial buildings, public infrastructure and industrial sites.
What metals are commonly used in architectural metalwork?
Steel, stainless steel and aluminium are the most widely used, with Corten, brass, bronze and copper chosen for specialty features. The best choice depends on exposure, appearance, weight and budget. We work with mild steel, structural steel, grade 304 and 316 stainless steel, and aluminium.
Is stainless steel commonly used in architecture?
Yes. Stainless steel is widely used for balustrades, handrails, trims and fixtures because it is strong, low-maintenance and resists corrosion. Grade 316 suits coastal and outdoor locations in Perth, while grade 304 is generally suitable for internal applications.
What Australian standards apply to architectural steel fabrication?
Balustrades, handrails and stairs must meet the National Construction Code, with barrier loads designed to AS/NZS 1170.1 and accessible handrails to AS 1428.1. Welding should follow AS/NZS 1554.1 for steel, AS/NZS 1554.6 for stainless steel and AS/NZS 1665 for aluminium.
How is architectural metalwork different from structural steel fabrication?
Structural steel fabrication produces load-bearing members that are often concealed once a building is complete. Where structural steel is left on show, it is fabricated as architecturally exposed structural steel (AESS), with the tighter tolerances, cleaner welds and consistent finish of architectural work. Many architectural pieces, such as stairs and balustrades, must also carry structural loads.
How is architectural metal fabrication priced?
Pricing depends on the material, the weight and complexity of each piece, the number of items, the finish and any site requirements. Stainless steel and intricate profile work generally cost more than standard mild steel. We provide a free, itemised quote once we have your drawings or a clear brief.
Do you install architectural metalwork?
Yes. We can supply and install architectural metalwork for customers in Perth and regional Western Australia, coordinating delivery and installation around your build programme.
What areas do you service for architectural fabrication?
We service Perth Metro and regional Western Australia from our Hazelmere and Bellevue workshops, and can deliver architectural fabrication projects to other Australian states when required.