How are fabricated metal and ornamental metal typically priced?

Fabricated metal and ornamental metal are typically priced by the unit, which may encompass both material costs and sometimes labor costs. This approach allows for a more accurate reflection of the specific types of metalwork being produced, as different units can vary significantly in complexity, size, and required craftsmanship. Pricing by the unit considers individual project requirements, which can include various aspects such as design intricacy, materials used, and fabrication processes, thus providing a comprehensive view of the costs involved.

When pricing by weight alone, as suggested in the first option, important factors like the intricacy of the work and the labor involved are overlooked, leading to a potentially inaccurate estimate. Pricing by square footage, while relevant for some types of constructions, does not apply well to fabricated and ornamental metals, which often require measuring and assessing individual components rather than a flat area. Lastly, pricing by the hour of labor may not fully capture the costs associated with the materials and may lead to underestimating or overestimating total project costs since some units may require less labor but more expensive materials, or vice versa.