“Decorative iron gates and doors speak of an older, slower time. Real wrought iron is hand-forged in an ironworks, where the metal is heated and carefully formed into shape by a blacksmith. Each piece is a custom design, and no two are exactly alike. Forged iron is both durable and functional, but the process of hand forging is difficult and dangerous. Prices depend on the size of the piece, and the amount of embellishment required for the ornamentation. Wrought iron doors and fences can be embellished with bars, balls, posts, and pegs; or topped with jagged spear points for added security”.

For those who prefer a more contemporary aesthetic, minimalist designs featuring clean lines and geometric shapes have become increasingly popular. These modern ornaments can blend seamlessly with contemporary architecture and landscaping, offering a sleek and sophisticated look.

Strong plasticity

Differences Between Ornamental Iron and Wrought Iron

To give you an idea of how unreliable iron is, Bronze Age civilizations actually knew about iron. Iron is actually the fourth most abundant element in the Earth’s crust. It was just that iron was so prone to breaking that Bronze Age civilizations preferred bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, two much less common elements. The ancient Greeks would sail to Britain—literally going to England in a rowboat—to get the tin.

Cast iron fencing is typically chosen for its ornate and precise designs, made possible by the casting process which allows intricate patterns and shapes. This type of fencing is quite strong and can withstand significant wear. However, cast iron is technically more brittle than wrought iron: meaning it’s more likely to crack or break rather than bend if subjected to high impact or pressure.