Specialty Iron Work Contractor East Bay
C.J. Skeeles General Contractor brings over 38 years of hands-on experience to every iron fabrication and installation project across the East Bay. From structural steel I-beams to custom decorative railings, our in-house ironwork capabilities set us apart from general remodelers who sub out this critical work. Whether you need seismic-grade steel supports for a hillside home in Oakland Hills or a custom iron entry system for a Piedmont property, we handle the full scope with precision and accountability. Contact us today to get started on your custom iron work in Hayward and the surrounding communities.
Structural Steel & Fabrication
Iron Built to Last in Hayward and the East Bay
As a structural iron contractor with decades of experience, we fabricate and install I-beams, columns, and angle supports that meet California's seismic requirements. When a load-bearing wall comes down for an open-concept layout, the steel that replaces it has to be engineered correctly and installed with care. Our crew handles that work in-house, without relying on third-party fabricators or unfamiliar subcontractors. This means tighter timelines, better quality control, and a finished product you can trust for the long haul. We serve homeowners and commercial clients throughout Alameda County and Contra Costa County.
Custom Decorative Iron
Decorative Iron Services Across the Bay Area
Beyond structural applications, our decorative iron services Bay Area clients rely on include custom railings, gates, and automated entry systems. These pieces are designed to complement high-end properties in Piedmont, Montclair, and the Oakland Hills, where curb appeal and long-term durability are equally important. Every railing and gate we produce is fabricated with the same structural standards we apply to commercial builds, so you get a finished piece that looks refined and holds up to daily use. We work closely with homeowners and architects to match the design intent of the property without cutting corners on the metalwork itself.
Seismic & Site-Specific Iron Work
Ironwork Engineered for California's Seismic Demands
Hillside homes in neighborhoods like Montclair and the Oakland Hills face unique structural challenges that standard contractors are not equipped to handle. Our background in large-scale commercial construction, including schools and major retail facilities, gives us the technical depth to approach residential seismic work with the same rigor applied to institutional projects. We use galvanized hardware and properly specified structural steel components to ensure every connection point meets or exceeds California code. If your home needs seismic upgrades, a new steel moment frame, or reinforced support columns, we bring the experience and the crew to get it done right the first time.
Why C.J. Skeeles
38 Years of Iron Fabrication and Installation Experience
CJ Skeeles started working in construction at age 15 and spent decades building everything from single-family homes to large-scale commercial facilities before bringing that expertise to the East Bay. Our ironwork is not a side offering. It is a core part of how we approach every project, from the foundation up. We are fully licensed and insured for California operations, and we maintain a working knowledge of Title 24, CALGreen, and local Hayward permitting requirements. When you hire us for custom iron work in Hayward or anywhere in our East Bay service area, you get an owner who is on-site, accountable, and invested in the outcome of your project.
Common Questions
Iron Work FAQs
What types of iron and steel work does C.J. Skeeles handle on residential projects?
We handle a wide range of iron and steel work for residential clients, including structural I-beams and columns for load-bearing wall removal, seismic support framing, custom decorative railings for staircases and balconies, and automated iron entry gate systems. All fabrication and installation is done by our own crew, so there is no handoff to an outside subcontractor. This keeps quality consistent from the shop to the job site. We serve homeowners throughout the East Bay, with a focus on communities in Hayward, Oakland Hills, Piedmont, Montclair, and Berkeley.Do you handle both the fabrication and the installation of custom iron pieces, or just one?
We handle both. Our in-house capability covers the full process, from designing and fabricating the piece to installing it on your property. This is one of the things that separates us from contractors who outsource their metalwork. When fabrication and installation are managed by the same team, the fit is better, the timeline is shorter, and there is a single point of accountability if anything needs to be adjusted. We have been doing this kind of integrated iron work for decades, and it shows in the quality of the finished product.How does your ironwork meet California's seismic requirements for hillside or older homes?
California's seismic standards require that structural steel connections be properly specified and installed using approved hardware and fastening methods. We use galvanized hardware and structural steel components selected for their load ratings and corrosion resistance, both of which matter in the Bay Area climate. For hillside properties in neighborhoods like Montclair or the Oakland Hills, we assess the specific site conditions before specifying the steel. Our background includes large-scale commercial builds where structural compliance was non-negotiable, and we bring that same standard to every residential iron work project we take on.Can you install a custom iron railing or gate as a standalone project, without a full remodel?
Yes. While we do take on large-scale remodels and structural projects, we also handle standalone iron fabrication and installation jobs. If you need a custom railing for a staircase, a new front gate, or an automated entry system, we can scope that as its own project. We work with homeowners in Piedmont, Hayward, Berkeley, and across the East Bay who want a specific iron piece done right without committing to a broader renovation. Reach out to describe what you have in mind and we can put together an estimate based on your design and site requirements.What is the difference between decorative ironwork and structural ironwork?
Structural ironwork refers to steel components that carry load, such as I-beams, moment frames, seismic columns, and support piers. These are engineered pieces that must meet code and are typically installed as part of a foundation, addition, or wall removal project. Decorative ironwork covers custom-fabricated pieces like railings, gates, fences, and entry systems, where design and finish are just as important as durability. We do both. Our crew has the background to weld and install a load-bearing beam in the morning and fabricate a custom railing in the afternoon, which makes us a reliable choice for complex East Bay properties.How far from Hayward do you travel for iron work and steel installation projects?
Our primary service area covers roughly a 30-minute radius from our Hayward base. This includes Oakland, Piedmont, Berkeley, Alameda, Castro Valley, Union City, Fremont, San Leandro, Concord, and Walnut Creek, among other East Bay communities. We have also served clients in San Francisco and San Jose, though we prioritize projects within our core radius to ensure our crew can manage site supervision effectively. If you are unsure whether your location falls within our range, contact us and we will let you know quickly.

REVIEWS
What East Bay Homeowners Say About Our Ironwork























