
Pedestrian Handrail (1937-1993)
Over the years, the Bridge’s maintenance mostly consisted of constant repainting in order to preserve its overall beauty and the steel’s integrity. However, after 56 years, the severe winds and salt air of the open ocean had begun to deteriorate and compromise portions of the pedestrian handrail. So in 1993, the Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District replaced a significant amount of the pedestrian handrail, which the Golden Gate Design & Furniture Co. later acquired.

Golden Gate Furniture Co. (1994)
In 1993, Rick Bulan saw a San Francisco television news story about the original Golden Gate Bridge pedestrian handrail being removed. Born in San Francisco and raised in the Bay Area, he wanted to turn a piece of that history into a headboard. He tracked down the contractor and purchased a 12½-foot section weighing approximately 1,000 pounds. After a month of cutting and grinding, he completed his first 115-pound headboard. When friends requested headboards of their own, he made additional pieces. Rick founded Golden Gate Furniture Co. in 1994.
Contact Us
Made in San Francisco - Gallery
Visit our Fisherman’s Wharf gallery to shop art, jewelry, gifts and home décor from San Francisco artists and makers, including the Golden Gate Furniture collection.
Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Phone: (415) 551-5555
Golden Gate Furniture Co. - Metal Studio
Our metal studio is where we create furniture, art, sculpture and custom pieces from authentic steel removed from the Golden Gate Bridge. Studio visits are available by appointment.
Hours: By Appointment
Phone: (415) 661-6263






