How to find a welder or ironworker in Morocco
Photo : Mostafa ali 96 · BY-SA 4.0
Updated 2026-10-19
Security grilles on windows, a new gate for a villa, a balcony railing, a pergola on the roof terrace or a broken hinge on a riad door: in Morocco all of this is the work of the soudeur or ferronnier. Wrought iron is also a traditional Moroccan craft. This guide explains who to call, what affects the price and how to make metalwork last.
Welder, ironworker and the right words
In French you will hear soudeur (welder) and ferronnier (wrought-iron craftsman). In Darija a welder is a سودور ("soudour") and a blacksmith or ironworker a حداد ("haddad"). The Modern Standard Arabic word for welder is لحام (lahham).
Useful words: portail (gate), grille (security grille), garde-corps or rambarde (railing), porte en fer (metal door), fer forgé (wrought iron), soudure (welding), peinture antirouille (anti-rust paint) and galvanisation (galvanising).
Common metalwork jobs
- Security grilles for windows and balconies
- Garage gates, swing gates and sliding gates
- Metal entrance doors and service doors
- Balcony, staircase and roof terrace railings
- Pergolas, canopies and shade structures
- Decorative wrought iron in traditional Moroccan styles
- Repairs: broken hinges, locks, welds and rusted parts
- Gate motorisation, often with a specialised installer
Indicative prices in Morocco
Metalwork is usually quoted per piece or per m², and prices vary greatly with design, metal thickness and finish. One Moroccan manufacturer's guide gives about 2,500 to 6,000 MAD for a simple gate and 6,000 to 15,000 MAD for a decorative high-end gate, around 700 to 1,500 MAD per m² for a balcony railing and 600 to 1,200 MAD per m² for exterior fencing.
Large made-to-measure gates and motorised gates can cost much more. For small repairs such as a weld or a hinge, the price is usually agreed on the spot. Ask for a written quote showing dimensions, steel sections, finish and installation.
What drives the price
- Size and weight of the piece
- Thickness and type of steel (tube, square bar, flat bar)
- Simple straight bars versus decorative or hand-forged work
- Anti-corrosion treatment: anti-rust primer or galvanising
- Finish: number of paint coats, epoxy or powder coating
- Transport and installation, especially on upper floors
Fighting rust by the sea
In Casablanca, Agadir, Essaouira, El Jadida, Tangier, Safi or Dakhla, salty air attacks iron quickly. Ask for a proper anti-rust primer before the paint, or galvanising for exposed pieces, and plan to repaint every few years. A cheaper quote without treatment often costs more in the long run.
For window grilles, think about safety as well as security: in bedrooms, ask whether one grille can open from the inside with a key in case of fire.
Before you order
Metalwork is made in the workshop and then installed, so the welder should measure on site. Show photos of designs you like: Moroccan ironworkers can copy traditional patterns, simple modern bars or a mix of both. Agree the colour, the delivery date and who repairs the plaster or paint around the fixings after installation.
A deposit for the steel is normal for made-to-measure pieces. Keep it reasonable, get it acknowledged in writing or on WhatsApp, and pay the balance once the piece is installed and you have checked the welds, the opening and the locks.
Find a welder or ironworker on AloAji
On aloaji.ma, search "Soudeur" with your city to find welders and ironworkers near you, then call or WhatsApp them directly. It is free and there is no commission. Look at reviews and photos of gates or grilles they have made. Profiles marked "Non vérifié" come from the business's own website and are not yet checked by AloAji.
FAQ
What is a welder called in Darija?
A welder is a سودور ("soudour"), from the French soudeur. A blacksmith or ironworker is a حداد ("haddad").
How much does an iron gate cost in Morocco?
One Moroccan manufacturer's guide gives around 2,500 to 6,000 MAD for a simple gate and 6,000 to 15,000 MAD for a decorative high-end one. Size, steel thickness, finish and motorisation change the price a lot.
Do I need permission to add window grilles?
In an apartment building, check with the syndic, as grilles change the look of the facade. In medinas, heritage rules may also apply to exterior changes.
How do I stop iron from rusting near the sea?
Ask for an anti-rust primer or galvanising before painting, use a quality exterior paint and touch up scratches quickly. Plan a repaint every few years.
Can a welder install a gate motor?
Some can, but motorisation often involves an electrician or a specialised installer. Ask who will handle the motor, wiring and remote controls.