WROUGHT IRON PATIO FURNITURE

What is wrought iron? A simple definition would be a commercially pure grade of iron. It was referred to simply as “iron” throughout history. Until more modern methods of steel making were discovered it was the main metal used in industrial applications. Once upon a time it was used to make a variety of products from rivets and pipes to railways and ironclad warships. Since the event of of these modern methods of steel making, wrought iron commercial production has declined steadily, and is rarely used if at all these days.

So why would someone want furniture made out of wrought iron, or better yet, why would anyone want wrought iron patio furniture? That’s a good question really, but there is also a good answer. You see, wrought iron is fairly strong and easily welded if there is a break. Because a small amount of raw iron is needed to produce wrought iron you can make more product with less core metal. This can lead to it being more cost effective on a large scale. Wrought iron also holds up well in the elements, so it makes for ideal patio furniture or really any outdoor furniture. You don’t even need to be concerned with patio heaters to keep your furniture protected from the cold.  Couple that with it being able to support a good amount of weight and the ease of repair (welding) if it does break and you have the makings of a durable, long lasting furniture set. Wrought iron is a throw back, an homage of sorts, to the 15 and 16 hundreds when it was used extensively. It is a way to reconnect, for some with a gone by period in history that many people romanticize – the Renaissance.

Because of its texture, it is rough, wrought iron can hold coatings very well, even better than steel. This makes protective coverings applied to it for protection from the elements all the more effective. It also makes for unique styling on ornamental works, such as furniture. So when people dare to be unique these days many times they will look back to history to gain inspiration for that uniqueness.

Because of the decline in commercial production it is not as inexpensive as steel or other choices in metal. This has to be balanced with the knowledge that what you are purchasing isn’t, like so many other products these days, disposable. It is a lasting choice in furniture.

In essence, not even taking its durability into account, wrought iron is a great choice for a special personalized touch (and for a personalized touch for your patio furniture you can always add wrought iron patio furniture cushions) to any home, garden, or patio because of its longevity and how different or unique it is in the modern day.

Wrought iron furniture has been around for a long time. Reportedly there have been beds made from wrought iron that date back to the time of the Roman empire. It’s been well documented how wrought iron was widely used until more modern steel making methods were developed. The height of the wrought iron use probably was in the 1700s during the reign of William and Mary, so it shouldn’t be a shock to anyone that wrought iron furniture has been around for a long time.

These days, crafting wrought iron is more of an art than a manufacturing process, at least as I understand it. Because of this, it is easy to get not only unique wrought iron patio furniture pieces compared to the Jones’ ABS or slate tables, but to get custom wrought iron work produced. In a number of places online you can find sites that will allow you to work with the to create your own set that reflects your style and flare. If you decide to go this route, you will find that your patio is the talk of the neighborhood and then the Jones’ will find themselves in a position they really aren’t used to – keeping up with you!

We’ve talked a number of times about why wrought iron makes great furniture, but it never hurts to extol virtues worth extolling. Wrought iron, depending on its quality, can stand up to the elements in very impressive ways. Unless you are in a very cold environment, which isn’t good for wrought iron furniture because it in far more brittle when cold, it holds up well in all weather, plus it is easily welded if a break of some sort occurs. This is one of the reasons that it makes great outdoor furniture. It is also rust resistant, and because of the rough texture of wrought iron it will hold a protective coating far better than steel or other metals giving it added resilience and longevity. Another positive point, as well, is how pleasing it is to the eye. If you add the correct outdoor patio lighting to your home it can be a real showpiece for people to talk about.

Because we tend to treat our outdoor products with less concern than, say, our leather recliner they need to be able to stand up to abuses of all kinds. From kids using them as places to jump from, or on for that matter, to the elements of heat and cold, to daily wear and tear, and many other happenings that we can’t even imagine at this moment. This is where your wrought iron outdoor patio furniture will excel. It’s built out of a metal that at one time was used to protect warships, and crafted by artisans who take pride in their work. This combination coupled with the virtues we’ve already extolled makes it not just a great choice, but THE choice in outdoor furniture.