What is Decorative Iron?

Decorative iron, more commonly called wrought iron or ornamental iron, is pure iron that is mixed with a small percentage of slag, which is the byproduct of smelting ore to purify metals. The addition of the slag to the...  more

Decorative iron, more commonly called wrought iron or ornamental iron, is pure iron that is mixed with a small percentage of slag, which is the byproduct of smelting ore to purify metals. The addition of the slag to the iron is responsible for creating some wonderful qualities of decorative iron that cause it to be the preferred metal for ornamental use inside and outside of the home. Because of the slag, decorative iron is corrosion-resistant, very malleable and can accept a thicker finish. The metal is also easily welded because of its low carbon content. The word “wrought” is descriptive of the type of iron and the process of working the iron. The term is believed to be an old English past tense of the verb to work. The iron is worked by twisting and hammering it into shape. The decorative iron of the past differs from the decorative iron of today by composition. Unfortunately, true decorative iron is very scarce throughout the world. It is still made in some locations in Europe, ...  more