“Wrought iron is forged and hammered, bent and shaped while hot”, describes Mac McCarthy of Welded Sculptures by Mac.

Most of these features, which used to be unique to iron, are now available in steel, which is by a large margin the superior material. And visually, the only difference between the two is the texture. Steel is smooth, while iron has a visible grain, whether it is produced by casting, or by pulling. This grain is actually caused by impurities in the iron and is what accounts for its unreliable nature. These impurities cause weak points in the iron that can lead to breakage when it’s put under stress. Steel’s smooth appearance results from the fact that these impurities have been burned out, or, in the case of carbon, evenly distributed throughout the material. When you think of the medieval blacksmith hammering away, what he is doing is distributing the carbon evenly to turn iron into steel.

Maintenance and Upkeep Needs

You can use simple formation processes such as riveting, welding, brazing, and adhesive bonding to create different aluminum alloys.

Let’s talk numbers for a moment. After all, one of the most commonly asked questions we see is in regard to the wrought iron vs aluminum fence cost. 

The aluminum alloy profile has been treated by various processes, and its surface has the characteristics of acid resistance, alkali resistance, air pollution resistance, acid rain resistance, ozone resistance, ultraviolet resistance, etc. It can maintain the inherent color and luster for a long time.

Another place that is tough to tell the quality of the hardware online is those decorative tips on top of the picket called finials.  Many places charge a hefty upgrade fee per panel to add finials to the fence panel.  The worst part is these are often cheap die-cast, aluminum or plastic that ship loose and you have to glue or press them on.  The difference between the fence panel material and finial material will be come apparent over time when the dissimilar metal coatings (or materials like plastic) fade at a different rate and really start to look like a cheap add-on.  Be sure to check what those finial tips are made from and how they are attached.  Our Stronghold Iron uses solid cast-iron finial tips that are welded directly to the picket like the image below.

One of the most significant advantages of decorative wrought iron pieces is their longevity. Unlike wood or plastic, wrought iron is resistant to weathering, rust, and deterioration. With proper care, it can last for generations, making it a sustainable investment for homeowners and businesses alike.