Wrought Iron Garden Furniture: Works of Art

© Sage Garden Style


The term Wrought Iron is commonly used to

describe outdoor furniture made in the traditional

style of blacksmithing. In truth, it is very rare to find

authentic wrought iron garden furniture today. While there are

cost benefits and other reasons to look at substitutes, it is

important to know the difference.


Most of what is seen in commercially

produced manufacturing today is really made from

mild steel. Mild steel is even stronger than wrought

iron and malleable, therefore it provides a reliable

and consistent replacement. Because it is less

expensive to produce, it has gradually replaced

wrought iron in most metal garden furniture

production. Unfortunately, some of the qualities found in

wrought iron cannot be duplicated in steel work.

no replacement for wrought iron. There are many

fine examples of outdoor pieces still in use today

which have withstood hundreds of years of wear

with very minimal care. Steel, however, is more

prone to corrosion, particularly if not finished

properly.

wrought (worked) in iron is impossible to achieve

with other metals. Examples of older pieces clearly

demonstrate certain design aesthetics which cannot

be duplicated by any other means. Heating of the

iron makes it more malleable than steel so that subtle

lyrical lines and delicate decorative touches forged

and coupled with hand hammered designs are

masterfully rendered at the hands of the artist.


A new appreciation of this ancient art has

been gaining in recent years and as a result, many

small artisan shops have reintroduced wonderful

pieces from old patterns and new designs.

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