Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Custom Metal Fabrication & Welding Services in Seattle
Founded in 1907, Ballard Sheet Metal has served as a trusted leader in custom metal fabrication, welding, and installation services for over a century. As a family-owned and operated business spanning five generations, we combine time-honored craftsmanship with modern technology to deliver precision-engineered solutions. Our expertise covers architectural metalwork, marine components, structural fabrication, and residential/commercial projects, utilizing materials like stainless steel, copper, aluminum, and Corten steel.Certified welders and union fabricators ensure adherence to rigorous quality standards, while our commitment to local contractors, architects, and homeowners has solidified our reputation as a Pacific Northwest institution. With a focus on durability, aesthetics, and client collaboration, we continue to uphold our legacy of excellence in every project.
Services
Custom Metal Fabrication
Welding Services
Architectural Metalwork
Marine Metal Repairs
Countertop Fabrication
Structural Components
Historic Restoration
Metal Cladding
Decorative Railings
Tank Fabrication
Details
- Year established: 1907
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since 1907 with fifth-generation expertise in metal fabrication.
- Certified welders specializing in MIG, TIG, and structural welding techniques.
- Offers 10+ metal types including stainless steel, copper, and Corten steel.
- Provides on-site installation and field welding services across Puget Sound.
- Specializes in historic preservation and custom marine component fabrication.
Associations and certifications
- WABO
What people say
Quality and service is perfect
Amazing job
Highly recommend
Meticulously recreate components
Fantastic pricing
Services
Custom Metal Fabrication
We transform raw metal into precision-engineered components for architectural, industrial, and residential applications. Our capabilities include shearing, forming, and welding of stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and Corten steel. Projects range from fireplace surrounds and railings to custom HVAC components, ensuring dimensional accuracy and structural integrity for both functional and decorative elements.
Welding Services
Our certified welders specialize in MIG, TIG, stick, and structural welding for commercial and residential clients. Services include field welding, tank fabrication, and repair of damaged metal components. We adhere to strict safety standards while maintaining weld aesthetics, serving industries from marine to construction with durable, code-compliant joints.
Architectural Metalwork
We create custom metal cladding, facades, and structural elements for commercial and historic buildings. Our team collaborates with architects to produce weather-resistant panels, decorative railings, and period-accurate restorations. Materials include stainless steel, zinc, and Corten steel, tailored to meet Seattle's climate and building codes.
Marine Metal Fabrication
Specializing in marine-grade stainless steel and aluminum, we fabricate exhaust stacks, fire dampers, tanks, and custom fittings for commercial and recreational vessels. Our welders understand maritime safety requirements, providing durable solutions for harsh marine environments through precision fabrication and corrosion-resistant materials.
Countertop Fabrication
We craft custom stainless steel countertops with welded-in sinks and seamless joints for residential and commercial kitchens. Our process includes precise measurement, fabrication, and installation, offering durability and hygiene benefits. Clients receive tailored thickness options and finishes to match design specifications and usage requirements.
People
Doug Simpson
Owner
Fifth-generation owner Doug Simpson leads Ballard Sheet Metal with over 40 years of industry experience. He oversees operations while maintaining the family legacy of quality craftsmanship and customer service established in 1907.
Greg Swartz
Special Projects Manager
Greg Swartz manages special projects and estimation, bringing expertise in complex fabrication challenges. With 15+ years at Ballard, he ensures technical precision and client communication for custom architectural and marine components.
Lisa Valadez
Architectural Project Manager
Lisa Valadez leads architectural projects with 20+ years of experience in metal design coordination. She specializes in translating architectural visions into buildable metal solutions while managing timelines and client expectations for large-scale commercial installations.
Jeremy Gentry
Shop Foreman
Jeremy Gentry supervises daily shop operations, ensuring quality control across fabrication projects. With a background in union sheet metal work, he maintains production standards for both small custom orders and large commercial contracts.
Jason Stadlman
Marine Specialist
Jason Stadlman focuses on marine fabrication, combining welding expertise with nautical design knowledge. He develops custom solutions for commercial fishing vessels and recreational boats, addressing corrosion resistance and structural requirements specific to maritime applications.
Questions
What materials do you work with for metal fabrication?
We handle stainless steel, aluminum, copper, Corten steel, zinc, brass, and galvanized steel, offering various thicknesses and finishes for architectural, marine, and industrial applications.
Can you assist with historic metal restoration projects?
Yes, we specialize in historic preservation using period-accurate techniques and materials to restore decorative elements, structural components, and antique fixtures while maintaining original character.
Do you provide on-site welding services?
We offer field welding for structural, industrial, and marine applications, with certified welders performing repairs and installations at client locations across the Puget Sound region.
What is your typical project timeline?
Timelines vary by complexity, but most projects take 2-6 weeks from design consultation to installation. We prioritize clear communication and schedule coordination to minimize delays.
Are you equipped to handle small custom projects?
Yes, we welcome small orders alongside large-scale contracts, providing the same attention to detail for residential repairs, custom art pieces, or specialized components.
Do you work directly with homeowners?
We serve both contractors and individual homeowners, offering guidance through material selection, design options, and project execution for custom metalwork needs.
Reviews (7)
Rachel Kullman
May 29, 2021
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I'm an average homeowner and just needed a couple of keyholes punched in a metal mounting bracket (the standard ones weren't where I needed them). I felt a bit sheepish reaching out to a sheet metal works thinking my project would be beneath them but they were super nice and were able to do exactly what I needed in a short amount of time. So glad I went to them instead of attempting to drill the holes myself!
Corey Dwinnell
Oct 05, 2019
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I've been a customer for almost 10 years now and order material weekly. Ballard Sheet Metal has always come through on time and the communication is excellent. I have no reason to look elsewhere. Nice work BSM!
Sierra Sparks
Jul 26, 2019
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Needed some steel plates last minute for a job today (like REALLY last minute). Called multiple companies and no one could cut them for us in time because they were 1/2" thick. Greg not only agreed to cut us 1/4" plates in time instead (just twice as many), he welded them together and ground down the edges. I called him yesterday afternoon just before 3:00 PM, and he had them ready by 7:30 AM this morning for us. He saved us a ton of time and went above and beyond to help. They have ALWAYS been accommodating and do fabulous custom work. Easy to deal with, cost effective, and show great workmanship
Tonya Framstad
Nov 17, 2017
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Love love love them! They did my counters and backsplash to perfection. Can't wait for my next project!
Team Human
Oct 19, 2017
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Really awesome family owned business. It's a union shop so they're pretty expensive. Currently $154.00 per hour.
Sanjay Kapoor
Oct 10, 2016
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I went in on a Thursday morning (when they opened) with a drawing of what I needed, which is a covering for a catwalk for our house. After speaking with someone there, I was told that I would need to wait a day to get an estimate.
Called Friday afternoon and was told by the architectural PM Lisa, that it is on her desk to get out by end of day. Called Tuesday morning and spoke to Lisa again, who said she got tied up with something and will get it to me in a couple of minutes. 45 minutes later I get an email with the information. It said that I would have to rivet end caps on the site when I was
Called Friday afternoon and was told by the architectural PM Lisa, that it is on her desk to get out by end of day. Called Tuesday morning and spoke to Lisa again, who said she got tied up with something and will get it to me in a couple of minutes. 45 minutes later I get an email with the information. It said that I would have to rivet end caps on the site when I was
Diane Cook
Sep 17, 2016
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Ballard Sheet Metal not only accommodated me on short notice, but graciously redid something when there was some miscommunication - again meeting a tight time-frame. Would work with them again.
