FAQ
Questions about welding, stairs and repairs
If your question isn't here, call (615) 630-1840.
Estimates, small jobs and service areas
- Do you take small welding jobs?
- Yes. Mailbox posts, a broken chair, a fence picket, a trailer hitch. Send a photo or call (615) 630-1840 and Richard will tell you if it's a quick fix.
- How do I get a quote?
- Call Richard at (615) 630-1840, email richarnold2000@gmail.com, or use the estimate form. A photo or a sketch helps. He'll talk the job through with you, come out and measure if he needs to, and then give you a price. The estimate is free.
- Do you come to my property?
- Yes. Most jobs are done at your house or business, and Richard brings his equipment to you.
About the business
- Who owns 3D Custom Welding?
- Richard Arnold owns and runs 3D Custom Welding LLC in Franklin, Tennessee. You deal with him directly, from the first call to the finished job.
- Does 3D Custom Welding serve Nashville and Chattanooga?
- Yes. Richard is based in Franklin and works across Nashville, Brentwood and Murfreesboro. Chattanooga and Ooltewah are a longer drive, so he groups those jobs together and books them in advance.
- Is 3D Custom Welding licensed and insured?
- Yes, both. If you need a copy of the paperwork, ask Richard and he'll send it over.
- Where is your office located?
- 400 Chatsworth Ct, Franklin, TN 37064. It's an office, not a shop, so call first and Richard will arrange a time to meet you there.
Materials and welding process
- What welding processes do you use?
- MIG, TIG and stick, depending on the metal and the job. Richard also does laser welding and laser cleaning for the jobs that call for it.
- What metals do you weld?
- Steel, wrought iron, stainless and aluminum. Richard picks the welding method to match the metal.
Metal Staircases
- How much does a custom steel staircase cost?
- It depends on the height, the layout, the metal and the railings. Send a photo or a sketch to start, and Richard will measure before he gives you a firm price. Estimates are free.
- Do you install interior and exterior stairs?
- Yes, both. Indoor stairs and landings, and outdoor steps for porches, decks and business entrances. For outdoor steel, Richard will go through the finish options with you, including a protective coating.
Metal Railings & Handrails
- Can you fit a handrail to my existing steps?
- Yes. The rail is made to fit the steps you have, with the posts anchored where they'll hold. The steps stay as they are.
- Wrought iron, steel or aluminum: which should I pick?
- Wrought iron is the heaviest and gives the traditional look. Most plain handrails are made from steel. Aluminum is the light one that doesn't rust. Richard will show you what each looks like when he comes to measure.
- What if my railing needs a permit or inspection?
- Tell Richard before the work is booked. If you've been given plans or a written spec, send them with your estimate request and he'll work to them.
Deck Construction
- Do you build the whole deck or just the metal frame?
- Either. Richard can build the whole deck, or make the steel frame and leave the boards to your carpenter. Just say which when you ask for an estimate.
Custom Metal Fabrication
- Do you take small custom jobs?
- Yes, even a single bracket or post. Send Richard a photo or call (615) 630-1840.
- Can I bring a part to you?
- Yes, but call first so Richard can set a time. A photo ahead of time often saves you the trip.
Metal Fences
- Do you repair an existing fence or only install new ones?
- Both. If the rest of the fence is still sound, Richard fixes the weld or replaces the damaged section. If it's past that, he'll tell you, and quote a new one in iron or aluminum.
- How much upkeep does a metal fence need?
- Aluminum needs next to none, because it doesn't rust. Wrought iron needs repainting now and then to keep rust off. Richard will talk through both when he visits.
Metal Gates
- Is my old iron gate worth saving?
- Usually, if the frame is still solid. Send Richard a photo and he'll tell you whether it's worth it.
- What affects the price of a new gate?
- Mainly the width of the opening, the metal and how decorative the design is. A photo of the opening is a good starting point, and the estimate itself is free.
- Can you make a gate to match my fence?
- Yes. Take one photo of a single fence panel, straight on, and another of the whole opening between the posts. From those, Richard can tell you how close the new gate's pattern and finish can get.
Mobile Welding & Repairs
- Do you offer mobile welding in Nashville and Franklin?
- Yes. Richard does mobile welding in both, and in Brentwood and Murfreesboro.
- Can you help with an urgent repair?
- Call (615) 630-1840 and tell Richard what's broken and where. He'll tell you how soon he can get there. There's no 24-hour emergency service.
Let's talk about your job
Call Richard or request a free estimate. A photo or sketch is a good place to start.