Wrought Iron 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.