Business Details
33 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Metal Fabrication Solutions
Established in 1993, Barking Engineering operates from a historic forge in Suffolk with over 500 years of heritage. Our expertise lies in crafting bespoke metalwork solutions, including gates, railings, fireplaces, and staircases, tailored to client specifications. With decades of hands-on experience since the owner's apprenticeship in 1978, we combine traditional craftsmanship with modern engineering standards. All products comply with current building regulations and are available in painted, galvanized, or glazed finishes. We serve both residential and commercial clients across Suffolk, offering design, manufacturing, and installation services.Our fireplace division specializes in HETAS-certified wood-burners and multi-fuel stoves with chimney liners. The business maintains a strong reputation for quality garden furnishings, including steel fire pits, plant brackets, and custom pergolas. Our portfolio includes structural steel projects, Juliet balconies, and intricate decorative ironwork. We pride ourselves on transforming client visions into durable, aesthetically pleasing metal creations. With a workshop-based approach, we ensure precision in every bespoke commission while maintaining competitive lead times.
Services
Gates & Railings
Fireplaces
Staircases
Garden Furnishings
Bespoke Metalwork
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of continuous operation from historic Suffolk forge
- Bespoke designs manufactured to exact client specifications
- Compliant with current building regulations and HETAS standards
- Experienced team with generational metalworking expertise
- Full-service offering from design to installation
What people say
Exceptional craftsmanship
Bespoke designs realized
Durable installations
Professional service
Creative solutions
Services
Gates & Railings
We create custom gates and railings in various designs from traditional wrought iron to modern steel constructions. Available in manual or motorised options with multiple finish choices. Our products meet safety standards while maintaining aesthetic appeal for both residential and commercial properties.
Fireplaces
Specialist fireplace solutions including traditional metal canopies, fire-baskets, and HETAS-certified wood-burners. We install multi-fuel stoves with appropriate chimney systems to ensure safety and efficiency in both historic and modern properties across Suffolk.
Staircases
Custom mild steel staircases for internal and external use, available with plain or decorative balustrades. We manufacture to architectural drawings or create bespoke designs that comply with current building regulations and safety standards.
Garden Furnishings
Handcrafted garden structures including pergolas, arches, and trellises alongside functional items like fire pits and plant brackets. All pieces are made to order ensuring unique solutions that complement outdoor spaces.
Bespoke Metalwork
From structural steel components to curtain poles, we produce specialized metal items to client specifications. Offering hot dip galvanizing, painting, and combined finish options with professional installation services available.
People
Stewart Arnold
Co-Owner
Co-owner with extensive metalworking expertise, Stewart oversees production and quality control. With decades of experience since joining in 1993, he ensures traditional craftsmanship meets modern engineering standards in every project.
Original Owner
Owner
Apprenticed at 16 in 1978, took sole ownership in 1993. With over 40 years' hands-on experience, he maintains the forge's legacy while guiding its evolution into modern metal fabrication techniques and standards.
Questions
What types of metalwork do you specialize in?
We specialize in gates, railings, fireplaces, staircases, and bespoke metal structures tailored to client specifications.
Do you offer custom design services?
Yes, we create bespoke metalwork from architectural drawings or develop new designs to meet specific requirements.
Are your fireplace installations certified?
All wood-burner and multi-fuel stove installations meet HETAS standards with appropriate certification provided.
What areas do you serve?
Primarily Suffolk with regular projects across East Anglia, including Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds, and Norwich.
How long does a typical project take?
Lead times vary by complexity but average 4-6 weeks from design approval to installation completion.
Can you match existing architectural styles?
Yes, we replicate traditional designs while ensuring structural integrity and compliance with current building regulations.
