Although wrought iron is no longer produced on a commercial scale, it remains a widely used material which lately started to register an increase in popularity. Numerous products now described as wrought iron such as guard rails and gates are actually made of mild steel. The reason why they are described as being made of wrought iron is because of their history.

In the Victorian era, wrought iron railings were often used in combination with decorative tilesThe designs were originally intricate and complex, with lots of embellishments

The earliest railings were wrought iron and this material continued to be used until the late 19th century when steel started to become popular and to replace it. In the Victorian era, decorative wrought iron gates and railings were a statement and a symbol of stature and well being.

Today, such designs are still popular in traditional homesBut wrought iron railings can also feature simplified designsThey are often used in modern and contemporary homes as a way to create contrastsWrought iron has a grain resembling wood so these two materials pair nicelyIn traditional homes, wrought iron railings look elegant and sophisticatedAlso, their intricate decorative designs give the staircase a more imposing look

The maintenance process of wrought iron railings includes a variety of aspects. A few signs of deterioration can include the presence of uneven surfaces which suggests that there is corrosion beneath the paint, rust-colored stains or the presence of an oily residue on the surface of the paint which suggests that the oil-based paint is breaking down.

Wrought iron and wood can be combined in a variety of interesting waysIn rustic decors or cabins, they make a wonderful pairIn modern homes, the impact is more interesting if full logs are usedIn this case, this is actually a wooden staircase with a few wrought iron insertsTo emphasize the rustic look, these two materials can also be complemented by stoneWrought iron railings are not used for interiors in particularThey also look wonderful on balconies and terracesAnd they beautifully complement any sort of porch if they have the right designHere, the wrought iron railings are an elegant feature for this Mediterranean residence

Any signs of damage should be dealt with properly. The corroded portions should be taken care of using a wire brush, chisel or sandpaper as soon as the damage is discovered. Never paint over rust and make sure the surface is clean and well prepared. Also, make sure that the fresh paint is compatible with the ironwork and the existing paint layers.

Picture sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10and 12.