Business Details
42 Years
experience
Custom Metal Craftsmanship in Boulder, CO
McLean Forge & Welding has been a cornerstone of Boulder's custom metal fabrication industry since 1984. Our team combines traditional blacksmithing techniques with modern architectural innovation to create durable, aesthetically striking metalworks for residential and commercial spaces. Specializing in railings, stairways, gates, and custom architectural elements, we serve contractors, designers, and homeowners across the Front Range. With over 40 years of combined experience among our co-owners and master fabricators, we prioritize precision craftsmanship, sustainable practices, and client collaboration.Our commitment to quality materials and timeless design ensures each project meets both functional requirements and artistic vision. As stewards of Boulder's oldest welding shop, we maintain rigorous attention to detail while embracing creative problem-solving for every custom commission.
Services
Custom Railings
Metal Stairways
Architectural Elements
Security Gates
Welding Repairs
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- 40+ years as Boulder's most experienced welding shop
- Combines old-world craftsmanship with modern architectural design
- Uses premium quality, durable metals for all projects
- Specializes in complex custom metalwork solutions
- Maintains strict on-time, on-budget delivery commitments
What people say
Exceptional craftsmanship
Professional installation
Creative solutions
Durable materials
Timely completion
Services
Custom Railings
Handcrafted railings combining safety functionality with artistic design. Available in various styles including cable systems, ornamental patterns, and modern minimalist forms. Constructed from durable metals with customizable finishes to match architectural aesthetics while ensuring long-term structural integrity.
Metal Stairways
Custom-designed stair systems integrating form and function. Features include spiral configurations, industrial-style landings, and decorative balustrades. Each installation undergoes structural engineering verification while maintaining artistic elements that enhance interior or exterior spaces.
Architectural Elements
Custom metal components adding distinctive character to buildings. Includes lighting fixtures, wall art, furniture, and structural accents. Combines traditional blacksmithing techniques with contemporary design principles to create unique pieces that complement modern and historic architecture alike.
Security Gates
Custom security solutions balancing protection with visual appeal. Available for residential entrances, commercial properties, and specialty applications like wine cellars. Incorporates durable materials with intricate design elements that maintain property aesthetics while providing robust security.
Welding Repairs
Precision repair services for structural and decorative metal components. Utilizes advanced welding techniques to restore integrity while preserving original design elements. Specializes in both functional repairs and aesthetic restoration of historic metalwork.
People
Paul Szlyk
Co-Owner
35+ years welding experience across railway museums, theater, and architectural ironwork. Focuses on preserving traditional techniques while mentoring next-generation metalworkers. Holds stewardship philosophy for maintaining Boulder's longest-running welding shop.
Ray Tuomey
Co-Owner
Problem-solving specialist with expertise in transforming complex client visions into functional metal creations. Prioritizes material reuse and sustainability. Combines technical precision with artistic vision for both small repairs and large-scale installations.
Kai Felbinger
Lead Fabricator
Specializes in creating delicate metal forms from heavy materials. Expertise in flowing curves and intricate patterns. Combines technical welding skills with artistic sensibilities, applying craftsmanship to both structural and decorative projects.
Jeff Moore
Fabricator
25 years of custom fabrication experience handling projects from simple repairs to complex installations. Skilled in diverse welding techniques and construction trades. Focuses on innovative solutions for challenging metalworking applications.
Chloe Peterson
Fabricator
Creative metalworker bringing fresh perspective to custom projects. Combines technical precision with artistic flair in daily creations. Enthusiastic about both shop fabrication and on-site installations while maintaining collaborative team environment.
Questions
What types of metal projects do you specialize in?
We specialize in custom railings, stairways, gates, architectural elements, and welding repairs for both residential and commercial properties.
Can you create custom designs from client concepts?
Yes, we collaborate with clients to transform ideas into custom metalwork, providing design consultation and technical expertise throughout the creation process.
What materials do you work with?
We work with steel, iron, stainless steel, and other durable metals, offering various finishes and treatments to match design requirements.
Do you serve areas outside Boulder?
We primarily serve Boulder and the Front Range region, working with partners across the area for larger projects.
How do you ensure project timelines are met?
Our experienced team follows structured project planning with clear milestones while maintaining flexibility for design adjustments during fabrication.
Can I visit your workshop?
Yes, we welcome shop visits by appointment to discuss projects and see our fabrication process firsthand.
Reviews (5)
Lacey Teal
Jan 16, 2022
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Paul, Ray, and team were wonderful to work with and our outdated and not-kid-safe fireplace into a gorgeous (toddler safe!) focal point of our family room. They worked within my vision and budget to produce a stunning final product. Check out our before (yuck!) and after (yay!) photos.
Paul, Ray, and team were wonderful to work with and our outdated and not-kid-safe fireplace into a gorgeous (toddler safe!) focal point of our family room. They worked within my vision and budget to produce a stunning final product. Check out our before (yuck!) and after (yay!) photos.
Mark Walker
Jan 08, 2021
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Everyone I speak to in this shop is professional and polite. They did an excellent job on a hitch modification for me and are working on some metal work on a custom trailer. I appreciate them looking at small jobs, knowing they do large projects too.
Peg Vroom
Jul 09, 2020
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We had an awesome experience working with McLean. We needed a stair railing and banister for a very odd shaped flight of stairs that included a 180 degree turn, a 45 degree turn and an unusual header. McLean designed a beautiful adaptation. A whole team was involved: Ray, Paul, Kai, Cerra and Max. Cerra built the railing, and Kai led the installation. Kai and Cerra did all the on site welding. This railing is a piece of art! Thank you!
Katie E.
Jan 09, 2019
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McLean Forge fabricated an absolutely beautiful handrail for our stairs. Our home has many custom details, which Ray and Paul were able to compliment in the design. We were very pleased with the quality of the craftsmanship and their eye for design. We also feel we got a great value and their team was a pleasure to work with.
Ashley P.
Mar 11, 2018
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McLean Forge & Welding fabricated a beautiful (sexy!) steel frame for a dining counter in my kitchen remodel. The frame isn't a typical table frame because it only has legs on 2 corners, while the other side of the frame is supported by a steel ledger mounted to cabinets. (See pics!) Ray and Paul spent time to figure out how to achieve the look I wanted and adequate support for my quartz countertop, within my budget. Ray also provided samples of different finishes - I chose a gun-blue finish and it is gorgeous. I recommend McLean and in fact I hope to be able to use them in the future
