---
title: "Chapala Iron — Staircases & Railings | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/staircases-and-railings/chapala-iron-pfvwus-pf~1510592254
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1510592254.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Chapala Iron"
category: ["Staircases & Railings"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/def390f102128a50_6740-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "1301 Callens Rd, Ventura, California 93003, United States"
latitude: 34.2846
longitude: -119.2222
phone: "(805) 654-9803"
website: http://www.chapalairon.com
rating: 4.9
review_count: 21
best_of_houzz_awards: 5
followers: 92
last_updated: 2026-08-13
---

# Chapala Iron

Original Houzz profile: [Chapala Iron](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/staircases-and-railings/chapala-iron-pfvwus-pf~1510592254)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Staircases & Railings
- **Location:** Ventura, CA
- **Serves:** Oxnard, Oxnard Shores, Ventura, Santa Monica, Santa Barbara, Santa Paula, Malibu, Ojai, Oak View, Channel Islands Beach
- **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (21 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2016–2026), for Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Star Houzzer
- Houzz Influencer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 1,000 Ideabook Saves
- Family owned
- Offers Custom Work
- 45 years in business

Chapala Iron and Manufacturing has been serving our loyal customers in Santa Barbara, Ventura, Malibu and surrounding counties since 1973.

Carrying on a time-honored tradition that is almost lost to history, we have satisfied both homeowners and contractors for decades. Our exceptional made-in-America craftsmanship graces private estates, residential, and commercial developments. Nothing captures the old world charm of George Washington Smith's Santa Barbara and Montecito like the attention to detail we bring to each hand rail or spiral stair; nothing expresses a Mediterranean flair like our wrought iron driveway or pedestrian gates.

Some of our highly skilled fabricators have worked with us for 25 years, practicing this age-old craft, passed on from generation to generation. Pieces such as entry gates or stair rails are often hand-hammered to emulate historical iron. Providing you with the utmost level of service, as each work is custom-made to your specifications, Chapala Iron prides itself as an industry leader. If you have any questions or want to be contacted regarding your current or future design, remodel, or dream project, please call us at 805.654.9803 and we will contact you for a free quote. Or even better, visit our Ventura showroom where you can view portfolios of our work: from beautiful balconies to gorgeous guardrails; wonderful window grilles to fabulous firescreens. Wrought iron accessories, structural steel, stainless cable railings, as well as steel windows & doors are now featured in our list of available ironwork.

### Services Provided

- Railing Installation
- Stair Installation
- Baluster Installation
- Railing Repair
- Stair Repair
- Aluminum Gates
- Aluminum Windows & Doors
- Custom Design
- Design
- Fabrication
- Installation
- Ornamental Iron
- Steel Construction
- Steel Windows & Doors
- Structural Steel
- Wrought Iron

### Areas Served

- Oxnard
- Oxnard Shores
- Ventura
- Santa Monica
- Santa Barbara
- Santa Paula
- Malibu
- Ojai
- Oak View
- Channel Islands Beach

### Typical Job Cost

$2,000 - 1 million

Please call us at 805.452.6027 and we will contact you for a free quote.

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Chapala Iron |
| Address | 1301 Callens Rd, Ventura, California 93003, United States |
| Phone | (805) 654-9803 |
| Website | http://www.chapalairon.com |
| License Number | 795420 |
| Followers on Houzz | 92 |

**Social profiles:**
- LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/pub/patrick-davis/23/96b/662

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Chapala Iron](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/staircases-and-railings/chapala-iron-pfvwus-pf~1510592254)
- **Website:** http://www.chapalairon.com
- **Phone:** (805) 654-9803

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- Ernest Wiemann Metal Fabrication "Top Job" Award 2016
- Santa Barbara Beautiful Award 2005
- The National Ornamental & Miscellaneous Metals Association (NOMMA)

- **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2016–2026), for Service.

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 21 reviews**

*Aspect averages:*
- Work Quality: 50.0
- Communication: 50.0
- Value: 50.0

### Reviews

**★★★★★ — dawohlstadter, March 2025**

> We were looking to replace our old front door with a classy, iron door.  The finished product was fantastic and worth waiting for. Paul and his crew were easy to work with and the door, which went into an existing opening, fit perfect.  Every time we open it, it feels like a million bucks.  Can't recommend enough.

**★★★★★ — Elizabeth Badart, May 2021**

> From estimate to beautifully completed job, smooth process with great communication.  Thank you!!
>
> I give CHAPALA IRON 10 out of 5 stars!

**★★★★★ — Gabrielle, May 2021**

> Beautiful work on a handrail inside the house! Waiting for a walkthrough gate they are making and will post photos.  Great workmanship and wonderful staff.

**★★★★★ — Jennifer Hulford, May 2021**

> Patrick, Paul and co did an absolutely stellar job for us from start to finish.  My stair and room divide rails are gorgeous, and Paul worked design miracles to give me the stream lined look I wanted despite a couple of wonky turns on our staircase.  And lovely guys.  Highly recommend!!!!

**★★★★★ — Larry Smith, March 2021**

> A great experience with Chapala Iron. They installed a custom pedestrian gate and handrail, matching the existing wrought iron at our home, for an affordable price with great workmanship!  We couldn't be happier. I recommend Chapala Iron to anyone looking for high quality from a very professional crew.
>
> Larry Smith

**★★★★★ — Creties Jenkins, March 2021**

> Paul Davis and his colleagues at Chapala Iron did a terrific job fabricating and installing two custom steel handrails with an oil-rubbed bronze finish on the stairways leading from the patio to the pool in our backyard.  They brought out the handrails and did additional cutting and grinding on-site to ensure a perfect fit before applying the finish.  They look and feel marvelous!

**★★★★★ — David N, March 2021**

> Entry Gates to an estate or private community make a statement: “keep out” to trouble makers and “welcome” to family and guests. Support a local specialty business whose draftsmen, designers and professional installers will impress you with old school quality and modern technology. Make your statement with Chapala Iron. Our family home and our private beach community association trusted Chapala Iron to design, to build, to install and to maintain our entry systems. 4.9 stars because perfect 5s are just in the movies.

**★★★★★ — gingyboom, March 2021**

> I wanted a compass rose for the high entry ceiling in the home we've been constructing.  Chapala was recommended to me by our builder.  I'm not very well versed in the "technicalities", but drew some pictures of what I wanted, asking "Can we do this?".  Chapala's designer worked with me on finalizing my design, and installation was flawless.  They were a pleasure to work with.  I also had them convert some brass beach-themed door knockers into doorknobs for closet doors.  I love them.  I'm sure I'll be back with more ideas for more projects!

**★★★★★ — William Parris, Feb. 2021**

> These guys are very good! did large custom job in Montecito for me.Love it! dont hesitate to use them

**★★★★★ — John Floryan, Feb. 2021**

> I have had Chapala Ironworks do several projects for me over the years.  From the design to fabrication to the installation, they have always exceeded my expectations.  If you want to enhance your home or business, Chapala Ironworks will not disappoint.

**Comment from Chapala Iron:**

> John its always a pleasure working with you on your projects, we appreciate your business a great deal.
> Thanks
> Patrick

**★★★★★ — Elliot Nelson Interior Design, Feb. 2021**

> Patrick and Paul Davis did a wonderful job in helping me complete my vision for an open and airy deck railing.
> This project was complicated by being very near the ocean, and subject to salt air. My railings were
> “ metalized”, and then powder coated. still looking great after one year. I’ve used them for all my projects here, in Ventura and in Santa Barbara.
>
> Can’t recommend more highly.

**★★★★★ — Joaquin M, Feb. 2021**

> Paul & his Team installed an amazing new stair railing for us at our new house. We are extremely happy with it and the whole process from start to finish was very professional.
>
> Thank you!

## Selected projects

- [Santa Barbara Inn](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/santa-barbara-inn-pj-vj~1592376)
  - Location: Santa Barbara, CA
  - Photos: 3
- [Corten Stair & Guard Rail - Sherman Oaks, CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/corten-stair-and-guard-rail-sherman-oaks-ca-pj-vj~1078484)
  - Location: Los Angeles, CA
  - Photos: 1
  - Description: Cutouts mimic Bamboo
- [Old World Steel Door - Santa Barbara, CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/old-world-steel-door-santa-barbara-ca-pj-vj~1162618)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 1
- [Hand Forged Bronze Gate - Bel Air, CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hand-forged-bronze-gate-bel-air-ca-pj-vj~1119100)
  - Location: Los Angeles, CA
  - Photos: 1
- [Wall Anchored Wrought Iron - Santa Barbara, CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wall-anchored-wrought-iron-santa-barbara-ca-pj-vj~1162737)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 1
- [Featured - Santa Barbara Home and Garden Magazine](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/featured-santa-barbara-home-and-garden-magazine-pj-vj~1592265)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 2
  - Description: Check out our featured work. Working in collaboration with Leonard Unander and Associates we were able to provide fantastic wrought iron balcony railings to complete this revival look.
- [Driveway Gate Work](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/driveway-gate-work-pj-vj~976008)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 31
- [Handrails Montecito Santa Barbara 93108](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/handrails-montecito-santa-barbara-93108-pj-vj~888689)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 28
- [Wrought Iron Balconies](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wrought-iron-balconies-pj-vj~888690)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 23
- [Window Guards Wrought Iron](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/window-guards-wrought-iron-pj-vj~888691)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 12
- [Santa Barbara Style Wrought Iron](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/santa-barbara-style-wrought-iron-pj-vj~888692)
  - Location: Santa Barbara, CA
  - Photos: 12
- [Staircase Bannister and Railings](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/staircase-bannister-and-railings-pj-vj~888552)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 24
- [Variety of Work](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/variety-of-work-pj-vj~321674)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 9
- [Contemporary Railings](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-railings-pj-vj~807524)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 9
- [Alma del Pueblo - Santa Barbara CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/alma-del-pueblo-santa-barbara-ca-pj-vj~2317739)
  - Location: Santa Barbara, CA
  - Photos: 24
- [Fence Work](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fence-work-pj-vj~2124195)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 20
- [Hand and Guardrailing - Montecito, CA 93108](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hand-and-guardrailing-montecito-ca-93108-pj-vj~2169382)
  - Location: Montecito, CA
  - Photos: 9
- [Pedestrian Gate Work](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pedestrian-gate-work-pj-vj~2124149)
  - Location: Ventura, CA
  - Photos: 18
- [Doors](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/doors-pj-vj~2124286)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 16
- [Steel Cable Railing](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/steel-cable-railing-pj-vj~2159971)
  - Location: Santa Barbara, CA
  - Photos: 3

[See all 27 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/staircases-and-railings/chapala-iron-pfvwus-pf~1510592254)

## Ideabooks

- [Sycamore Canyon](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/106923048/list/sycamore-canyon) — 5 ideas

[See all 1 ideabook](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/patrickdavis)

## Community Q&A

**Q: Need help with our outside entry.  Please?** *(in Design Dilemma)*

Help!? I'm at a loss on how to improve this look.  Can someone impart their thoughts?

A: I agree that the white frames on brick is not the easiest combination on the eyes, even simply repainting may be a better solution than you'd think. Plants to break up the space and impact of the walls because it doesn't look like much else would fit. Definitely another light or two. Small potted cypresses or something that can grow up the wall with a trellis would look nice against the bricks. Shutters would probably be the first thing to go. Further out, tile or something to cover up the concrete \[foundation\] is a relatively easy way to improve the scene. That walkway material with brick is practically a trope for being problematic when it comes to aesthetics - depending on budget that might be something to look into. 
And of course, we are biased to say so, but if you've never considered getting some metalwork done... a partial guardrail right angled to pronounce the walkway, or a handrail set to highlight the step, trellis/potholder brackets, etc, might do wonders for you. Hope any of this helps!

**Q: House with ugly boveda ceilings** *(in Design Dilemma)*

I am considering buying a house that has many advantages, but I don't like the ugly boveda ceilings (the short wavy brickwork with visible metal beams) in almost every room. It feels like moving into a basement. Any suggestions on how to either make these ceilings flat or otherwise invisible? Personally I don't care much for exposed brick in a house (it's the basement feeling). And to just paint brick white is not very appealing either. I am attaching a SAMPLE PHOTO FOUND ON GOOGLE IMAGES since I don't have a photo of the actual house on hand. Any suggestions?

A: I wouldn't be able to say how much it would cost, for more or less, but have you thought of adobe or some sort of similarly applied layer? Drywall would be less expensive I'm sure, but I'm not sure how much cooperation you would get from those metal beams, unless they are to be completely obscured with the brick. Personally, I would try to leave them exposed and fill in all the brickwork with something else, if possible.

**Q: Door with window that opens?** *(in Design Dilemma)*

I want to add patio doors where there is currently some large windows in a bedroom. This area is the only place where there can be a window and/or door, and I'd like to keep some window-like functionality so that you can open a window at night and let air in. 

Is there a name for this kind of door/functionality? Does anyone know where I can find it? Something like the attached photo. 

My alternative is a glass sliding door with a screen, but I think the French door looks so much nicer.

A: Hello nicolatan,
It seems like there are very minimal options as far as store-bought and prefabricated solutions to your dilemma. We custom manufacture iron, steel, and aluminum for a variety of projects - including custom doors much like these. Oftentimes we either have specific design, or have to work mainly from description and work towards client specification. 

Our advice would be to contact a professional in your area to get some idea of what the materials and labor cost, etc, would be. From there you could provide yourself with more choices. Or, if you're more of a "do-it-yourself", perhaps find a door and window; or door, window, and window guard combination; that could be tailored to fit and work how you like. 

Hope that helps! 
Thanks
\- Chapala Iron

**Q: dimensions, does it support weight of two people?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: No problem! 
Whilst undertaking the process of watermarking our photo catalogs; I also found this much better picture of the balcony:  
 Enjoy!
\- Chapala Iron

**Q: measurements** *(in Photo Questions)*

What are the dimensions of balcony, and does it allow two small bistro chairs and very small table?

A: Hello Bett!
This balcony is roughly 84" (L) x 40" (H) x 18" (D). 
Depending on the table and the chairs, I'm sure it's very possible!
Hope this helps!

-Chapala Iron

**Q: Metal sculpture wall decoration** *(in Before & After)*

Handmade metal sculpture over fountain. Fire breathing gargoyle. With stainless steel accents.

A: That'll be a fantastic before and after! Curious to see what that'll look like.

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-13.*