What is Wrought Iron
Definition of Wrought Iron in Construction
The term wrought iron is used more in the residential marketplace, than in the commercial construction industry. The look of wrought iron is the desirable quality of the material that makes it very popular in the residential market, especially in the historic preservation portion of the industry. Wrought iron used to be the only type of iron available for use as a construction material. Used for structural components as in the Eiffel tower, wrought iron is an iron alloy that is very low in carbon content. Wrought iron is best thought of a product that was not overly refined iron, with amounts of what is called slag in the mix. Wrought iron is easily welded, corrosion resistant and will appear, almost with a wood like grain, when stressed by bending or manipulating. Wrought means mechanically altered to achieve characteristics that will make the material more compliant with the application. The use of the wrought iron look for railings, decorative metal work, special ornamental and architectural features is common, however the use of actual wrought iron for any type of structural element is basically non- existent. Actual and authentic wrought iron is not available unless you can find a blacksmith to manufacture the item. The term wrought iron as a descriptive term is now mostly made of what is referenced as mild steel, which simply looks like the design and the shape of old fashion railings and ornamental items.