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.
Left to weather outdoor elements, there is 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.
The beauty and grace found in pieces 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.