Wrought Iron & Ornamental Iron Differences

Wrought iron and ornamental iron are two very different classifications of a very similar style of fence.

According to the fence professionals at FenceSupplyCo,com, knowing the differences between the two types of fences and understanding the right application for a specific project can save both time and money on our fence project.

They say the biggest difference between these two types of fences is the material they are made from. Wrought Iron fences are made from the raw element of iron, a naturally occurring standalone substance that can be harvested from the earth. Many of today’s wrought iron manufacturers add iron silicate to their product. It can be difficult to find a manufacturer that uses true 100% raw iron in their fence materials.

Ornamental “iron” fences are actually made from steel, a man-made product that is created when carbon is combined with iron. This creates a more affordable product that is easier to work with, but still displays similar properties to that of genuine wrought iron.

Difference in Production Process for Wrought Iron and Ornamental Iron Fences While both iron and steel are heat treated by fire to increase their strength, the formation processes they undergo are different.

Charcoal firing is used to create wrought iron fences. According to the Real Wrought Iron Company, a supplier of genuine wrought iron, it can also be produced as a by-product of cast iron production. True wrought iron fences are hand-shaped by blacksmiths or master craftsmen. They take time to produce and are usually custom and made-to-order.

Steel is created after the addition and subtraction of several natural and man-made compounds.

Most ornamental iron fences are machine made. They can be manufactured in large quantities and bought/sold in bulk.

“Genuine” iron fences have not been commercially available since steel was popularized. However, you can still find the pieces needed to create a wrought iron fence. The professionals at FenceSupplyCo.com say rarely, if at all, will you find a true wrought iron fence manufacturer or mass producer.

Wrought iron is commonly used in the following applications: • Custom Craftsmanship. If you want a genuine, one-of-a-kind fence, wrought iron is a great choice. It can be heated and shaped with great levels of detail and the quality of work will differentiate your fence from all the rest. • Long term, high-end architecture. Wrought iron holds up to harsh weathering longer than steel. It doesn’t corrode as easily or as quickly. • Restoration. If you’re improving or restoring a fence from the Victorian era, you’ll need wrought iron. Steel came into modern fence building during the industrial revolution.