Frequently Asked Questions

BALLESTA METAL is a Los Angeles-based premium metal design and fabrication studio specializing in Hollywood-style metalwork. We blend Old Hollywood glamour with industrial edge, creating custom brass railings, gold-leaf elevator doors, Art Deco metal ceilings, architectural facades, bespoke furniture, and more for luxury residential, commercial, and hospitality clients.

Our studio is located at 1745 N Cahuenga Blvd, Suite 200, Los Angeles, CA 90028 — in the heart of Hollywood, minutes from the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the historic Hollywood Bowl. We serve clients throughout Southern California and ship nationwide.

Yes. While we are based in Los Angeles, we serve all of Southern California including Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Hollywood, Pasadena, Orange County, and San Diego. We also ship fabricated elements nationwide for installation by local contractors. For premium projects, we are willing to travel.

We take on a wide range of projects including: luxury residential metalwork (stair railings, fireplace surrounds, elevator doors), commercial and hospitality projects (Art Deco ceiling panels, architectural facades, lobby features), custom furniture and lighting fixtures, historic restoration and replication of Hollywood-era metalwork, and retail and museum display elements.

BALLESTA METAL was founded in 2018 in Los Angeles, California. Since then, we have completed over 480 projects and grown to a team of 30+ master craftsmen, earning 14 industry design accolades along the way.

Our design process follows five stages: 1) Initial Consultation — we discuss your vision, style preferences, and project requirements; 2) Concept & CAD Modeling — we create detailed 2D and 3D renderings; 3) Material & Finish Selection — we guide you through brass, bronze, copper, gold leaf, and custom patina options; 4) Fabrication — our master craftsmen bring the design to life using both traditional techniques and precision CNC technology; 5) Delivery & Installation — we professionally install the finished piece or coordinate with your general contractor.

Timelines vary by scope: Custom railings and gates — 4–6 weeks; Custom furniture and fixtures — 6–10 weeks; Metal ceiling and wall panels — 8–12 weeks; Full architectural facade projects — 10–16 weeks; Restoration and replication — 6–14 weeks. We provide a detailed timeline during your consultation.

Yes. We offer complimentary on-site consultations for projects in the Greater Los Angeles area. For out-of-area clients, we conduct virtual consultations via video call with detailed photo and measurement submissions. During the consultation, we discuss your vision, provide material guidance, and give a preliminary project estimate.

Absolutely. We routinely collaborate with architects and interior designers. We can work directly from your architectural drawings, CAD files, or even hand sketches. Our team will review the drawings, suggest any metalwork-specific optimizations, and produce detailed fabrication plans. We are experienced in coordinating with design teams to ensure seamless integration.

Yes. BALLESTA METAL offers professional installation services for all projects in Southern California. Our installation team is trained in handling premium metalwork with care, ensuring perfect fit and finish. For projects outside our service area, we can coordinate with your local contractor or provide detailed installation instructions.

We work with 12 core materials: brass, bronze, copper, stainless steel, wrought iron, aluminum, gold leaf (24k), silver leaf, zinc, titanium, corten steel, and pewter. Our finishes include polished brass, brushed bronze, aged bronze, patina copper, powder-coated steel, antique iron, polished chrome, satin nickel, and custom patinas developed specifically for your project.

Yes. We regularly match existing finishes for renovation and restoration projects. Our finishing team can analyze your existing metalwork and develop a custom patina or coating that seamlessly matches the color, texture, and sheen. We keep a library of finish samples from past projects spanning over 50 unique patina recipes.

Absolutely. We offer an extensive range of custom patinas and colors developed in-house. From verdigris copper and aged bronze to midnight blue steel and antique gold — our finishes are hand-applied and can be tailored to any design palette. We can also match specific paint colors (RAL, Pantone) on metal substrates using high-durability coatings.

Gold leaf is real gold that has been hammered into extremely thin sheets (typically 24k). At BALLESTA METAL, we apply it using the traditional water-gilding method: first, a base coat of gesso is applied to the metal surface; then, genuine gold leaf sheets are carefully laid on using a gilding brush; finally, the surface is burnished to a brilliant luster. The result is a luminous, warm-gold finish that ages beautifully and lasts for decades.

Custom metalwork pricing is based on design complexity, materials selected, labor, and finishing requirements. Most residential projects start at $5,000. More intricate projects such as custom staircases, large ceiling installations, or extensive facade work range from $15,000 to $100,000+. We provide detailed, transparent quotes after the initial consultation — no hidden fees.

You can request a quote by contacting us through our website form, emailing studio@ballestametal.com, or messaging us on WeChat at 373641059. We will schedule a consultation to discuss your project scope, review any drawings or reference images, and provide a detailed written proposal and quote within 3–5 business days.

Yes. WeChat is one of our primary communication channels. You can add us at 373641059 to discuss your project, share reference images, ask questions, and coordinate the ordering process. WeChat is especially convenient for international clients and those who prefer instant messaging. We can provide quotes, share progress photos, and manage payments through the platform.

Our standard payment process is: 50% deposit upon proposal acceptance to secure your spot in our production schedule; 30% upon completion of fabrication (before finishing); and 20% upon completion of installation. We accept bank transfers, credit cards, and WeChat Pay. Payment plans can be arranged for large-scale projects.