What Are The Differences Between Cast And Wrought Iron

If you have gates and fences on your property that appear to be wrought iron they may in fact be cast iron.

It is important that you identify which material your fence or gate is made out of as each has different working characteristics. Treatments that work well on wrought iron can easily break or destroy cast iron.

Cast iron is an iron based alloy that contains at least 2% carbon. The iron is heated to a fluid state and then poured into a mould.

The use of a mould allows the cast iron to have a lot more detail but a heavier design. Thanks to the ability to reuse the moulds, cast iron is cheaper to make.

Cast iron fences and gates are typically held together in tension using mechanical fixings.

Wrought iron is drawn out and shaped over a period time using repeated force and heat.

Wrought iron is shaped using the traditional skill of a trained blacksmith. This does make wrought iron more expensive than cast iron.

The process has now been mechanised. But because of the time factor and the need for more labour it is still the more expensive method.

Due to the manufacturing process, wrought iron tends to be lighter. It will have far more delicate features and design. Wrought iron fence components are typically riveted or fused together, either by welding or using lap joints.

We hope the information above can help you identify whether your gates or fences are cast iron or wrought iron.

If you are still unsure then it will be best to speak with a professional. It is important to know which material your gates and fences are made from so that you can practise the proper maintenance techniques.

---

We offer a full range of domestic hardwood and cast iron driveway gates in the Tyne and Wear area.

---