Wrought iron railings are a strong, long-lasting and elegant choice for porches, front steps and stairways. There is a reason so many of the world’s most admired buildings feature wrought iron fences, railings and decorative details: the material looks good for generations. If you are thinking about wrought iron handrails or porch railings for your Connecticut home or business, here is what makes the material special and what to expect from it.
What Is Wrought Iron?
Wrought iron differs from cast iron in that it has a very low carbon content. Traditional wrought iron contains fibrous slag inclusions that give the metal a kind of grain, which adds visual interest when it is bent or etched.
The name describes how it is made. “Wrought” means worked. The iron is heated and shaped by hand or machine, and because it is highly malleable it can be formed into all manner of shapes, textures, scrolls and other features. Cast iron, by contrast, is poured into molds. It is strong but can be brittle.
A Short History of Wrought Iron
Iron has been forged since antiquity, but wrought iron became widely popular in Europe in the late Middle Ages. By the sixteenth century it had become a symbol of strength and wealth, as the gates of many castles show, as well as of status and beauty.
European settlers brought their taste for wrought iron to the New World, and the material has been used for both practical and artistic purposes ever since. Its practical use peaked in the nineteenth century, when it was widely used in railroad expansion across the United States and in shipbuilding.
Why Wrought Iron Railings Work So Well
Wrought iron is still widely used today for railings, fences and handrails. Several qualities explain why.
Strength and Safety
A railing exists to keep people safe, and wrought iron is extremely durable. A properly anchored iron handrail gives a solid grip on front steps in rain, snow and ice, and a porch railing provides a dependable barrier at the edge.
Design Freedom
Because the metal can be shaped so freely, each railing can be made to suit the property. Simple straight pickets, twisted bars and ornate scrollwork are all possible. Done properly, a wrought iron railing adds sophistication and charm to any home.
Long Life
Wrought iron is long-lasting. A well-made, well-maintained railing can serve for decades. If part of a railing is damaged, it can often be repaired or replaced in sections rather than starting over.
Value and Curb Appeal
Wrought iron may cost more than some other railing materials, but it brings a stately, classic look to homes and commercial buildings that enhances value and curb appeal.
Where Wrought Iron Handrails and Porch Railings Fit Best
Wrought iron suits traditional architecture especially well, including colonials, capes and older homes with masonry steps. Common uses include handrails on front and side steps, porch railings, stair rails and railings around raised patios and outdoor dining areas.
Aladdin handles wrought iron and aluminum railing installation for stairways, porches, decks and more. If you like the look of iron but want a lighter, rust-free option, aluminum is worth comparing.
Railings are often part of a larger entrance project. Many homeowners update them at the same time as a new entry door so the whole entrance matches. Businesses often combine railings with commercial awnings at storefronts and outdoor seating areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do wrought iron railings rust?
Iron can rust if bare metal is exposed to moisture. A good protective finish, checked from time to time and touched up where it chips, keeps a wrought iron railing in good condition.
How much maintenance do wrought iron railings need?
Not much. Clean them occasionally, look for chips or scratches in the finish, and touch those up before rust can start.
What is the difference between wrought iron and cast iron?
Wrought iron has very little carbon and is worked into shape, which makes it malleable. Cast iron has more carbon and is poured into molds. It is hard but more brittle.
Is wrought iron or aluminum better for railings?
It depends on your priorities. Wrought iron offers a classic look and great strength. Aluminum is lighter and does not rust. Both make safe, attractive railings.
Choose a Wrought Iron Railing Specialist
Connecticut-based Aladdin offers wrought iron railings, handrails and rails for stairways, porches, decks and dining areas, backed by more than half a century of experience. Reach out to our team or call (203) 776-9996, and we will help you pick the right railing with the right look for your home or business.