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At North Valley Forge, we often talk about our stunning range of wrought iron gates, but you might be wondering – are they really made from wrought iron? Technically, no. Most gates and railings these days aren’t crafted from traditional wrought iron. Mild steel is typically used instead, and for a variety of practical reasons.
Over time, the metalwork industry shifted but kept the term “wrought iron” for this specific style of gates and railings because they are still made using the same timeless design and craftsmanship that made wrought iron gates so iconic. If you’re curious about why the industry made the switch from wrought iron to steel or what the real difference is, we’ve got all the answers for you right here. And, of course, if you ever need advice or have any questions about choosing wrought iron or electric gates, we’re always here to help!
A brief history of wrought iron
Let’s start with a brief bit of language history (don’t worry, it doesn’t get too involved). The word “wrought” is actually an archaic past participle of the verb “to work,” so “wrought iron” literally means “worked iron.” It’s a material that was traditionally shaped by hand by skilled blacksmiths, who would heat the iron and carefully hammer it into shape. This process allowed them to create intricate, custom designs, making wrought iron ideal for gates, railings, and decorative features. Thanks to its low carbon content, wrought iron was highly malleable, making it perfect for those stunning, detailed designs we still imitate nowadays – think of the timeless Victorian gates you still see today!
For many years, this was the traditional method for making gates. However, as steel became more widely used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it quickly replaced wrought iron. Steel offered more strength and durability and was easier and cheaper to mass-produce, making it the material of choice for most construction projects, including gates.
Why choose wrought iron gates (even if they’re not really wrought iron)?
At North Valley Forge, we take immense pride in the quality and craftsmanship of our wrought iron gates. Our skilled craftspeople meticulously handcrafted each gate from start to finish. Then, our gates are carefully galvanised and powder-coated to shield them from the elements and rust, keeping them sturdy and just as stunning as the day they were installed. With this careful attention to detail, it’s no surprise that they often last more than 30 or even 40 years, all while requiring very little maintenance!
If you take a look at our product pages, you’ll see that there’s really no limit to the designs we can create, each built to last, no matter how simple or ornate they are. We even offer the option to add custom features like patenas that make each gate truly unique. Plus, for the ultimate convenience, we can even automate our gates, giving you a stunning design without the hassle of leaving your car to operate it!
If you’re still looking for the perfect match from the options we offer, don’t worry – we can create something totally bespoke for you. Simply tell us your vision, and we’ll work together to bring your idea to life, just as the blacksmiths of old would have done for their customers.
And that’s why wrought iron, or should we stay mild steel, remains one of the most popular choices for gates and railings – it’s all about quality craftsmanship, lasting durability, and the timeless style it brings to your property.
So, if wrought iron gates and railings are something you’re considering for your own property, we’d be delighted to help here at North Valley Forge. With over 30 years of experience in crafting stunning electric wrought iron gates, we have all the expertise needed to guide you every step of the way.
You can request a brochure to explore our ultimate collection, featuring stunning wooden gates, ironwork, and our latest aluminium and composite gate designs. Prefer to chat on the phone? Give us a call at 01282 677300, and our friendly team will be delighted to assist you!
