
Are you looking for a new and easy way to decorate your verandah? You might want to consider using lacework, especially if you are going for that classic Victorian look. Your options are aluminium lacework, cast-iron lacework, and plastic lacework. Plastic lacework is a great alternative when it comes to dressing up your verandah because of the ease in which it can be applied, and its ability to provide an elegant look that would cost significantly more if created with traditional materials. Some prefer to go authentic and use the traditional materials, but that comes with significant additional costs.
When it comes to that special piece of decorative finish for your verandah, you can’t go by some lace to give it that bygone appearance. Of course, the old school material is wrought iron or cast iron, but there is a range of modern alternatives to this such as aluminum or various plastic and vinyl alternatives.
Traditional Victorian Lacework
The traditional Victorian style was popularized during Queen Victoria’s reign in England from 1837-1901 and has been recreated many times over since then. It features ornate curves, tendrils, flowers and leaves intertwined into abstracted geometric shapes all around every inch of space available. These patterns were originally made out of wrought iron but have now evolved into other materials such as copper sheeting.
The French style is actually a continuation of the Victorian and was introduced to France as an accessory for their formal gardens in the late 1800s. It’s created with straight lines that are often twisted or angled at 45 degrees so they form interesting shapes on either side of a column or set into panels separating doors from windows. Some popular motifs include flowers, spirals, vines, leaves, and acorns that are all rendered with individual strands flowing together like watercolors on paper. The designs can be very complex and intricate which makes them perfect for smaller spaces such as veranda railings!
Aluminium Verandah Lacework: Bunnings Worth A Try
Amuminium reproductions of lacework are arguably closest to traditional wrought iron lace.
It is made in panels from cast aluminium products and can be made as exact copies of the desired original cast iron lacework.
Aluminium also has an anti-rust coating which makes this option perfect for humid climates.
Plastic Verandah Lacework Alternative
Plastic lacework is an option for those on a budget. It allows you to choose from all sorts of classic designs that can be installed relatively quickly in DIY mode, giving it the advantage of being able to provide instant gratification and beauty!
Frequently Asked Questions: Lacework For Verandahs
Can verandah lacework be made of wood?
Yes, period homes sometimes have lacework made of wood.
Are verandah lacework and fretwork the same thing?
Fretwork was traditionally made from wood, while lacework was traditionally made from cast iron. Noedays, both are available in plastic.
Veranda Lacework Company

Veranda Lacework Company in Oamaru, New Zealand, makes lacework frompolyester casting resin that is reinforced with copper strand. You can get it new or have it matched to an original design you want to replace. It won’t rust and is UV stable. More Info
Additional Online Resources
Additional Online Resources
Here are some options for purchasing lacework for buildings in Australia:
- Chatterton Lacework (https://chatterton.com.au/shop/) is an Australian company that specializes in Victorian steel and wrought iron lacework. They have an online shop with a variety of lacework designs and components.
- Melbourne Aluminium & Iron Lacework (https://www.melbournelacework.com.au) is located in Melbourne and supplies wrought iron components nationwide. They offer Victorian lacework designs as well as custom fabrication services.
- Central Foundry (https://www.centralfoundry.com.au/lacework-price-range) provides aluminum lacework panels and components. They have price ranges listed on their website to give an indication of costs.
- Step Into Stepneys (http://stepintostepneys.com.au/shop/index.php?cPath=53_342&main_page=index) has an online shop with a category for lacework and balustrade products.
- Renovator’s Paradise (https://www.renovatorsparadise.com.au/product-category/fretwork-lacework/cast-iron-lacework/) specializes in recycled and antique architectural materials including cast iron lacework.
- Used and vintage lacework can also be found on sites like Gumtree (https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-building-materials/lacework/k0c20103).
So in summary, there are many Australian companies selling new and used lacework online. The major suppliers seem to be located in Melbourne. Prices vary considerably based on the material, size, and intricacy of the designs.
Citations:
[1] https://chatterton.com.au/shop/?orderby=price
[2] https://www.melbournelacework.com.au
[3] https://chatterton.com.au
[4] https://www.centralfoundry.com.au/lacework-price-range
[5] http://stepintostepneys.com.au/shop/index.php?cPath=53_342&main_page=index
[6] https://www.renovatorsparadise.com.au/product-category/fretwork-lacework/cast-iron-lacework/
[7] https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-building-materials/lacework/k0c20103
[8] https://www.lacework.com
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