Wrought Iron Fencing Vs Cast Iron Fencing Vs Ornamental Fence

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Many people who aren’t in the fence business use the terms wrought iron fencing, cast iron fencing and ornamental fencing (or bar fence, depending on where you are!) interchangeably.

However, these are all very different types of fences. So whether you are just looking for a stylish metal fence or you have your heart set on a specific type, you’ll want to read this.

Wrought Iron Fencing

Wrought iron and wrought iron fencing is made from low-carbon steel, usually in a forge, by a blacksmith.

This low-carbon steel is much softer than the steel we use for most metal fences, which allows it to be shaped and formed into various decorative shapes. You are likely to see lots of twists and curls on a true wrought iron fence!

Because it’s made by skilled artisans, wrought iron fencing, gates, and railings are not mass-produced, so while you can still get this kind of fencing, it will probably have to be custom-made for your project. Which means it is a very expensive fencing option!

Cast Iron Fencing

Cast iron fencing, on the other hand, is made from steel with a very high proportion of carbon.

This makes the metal used for cast iron a lot easier to melt and pour, which is exactly how this kind of fencing is made. An impression is made in a special kind of sand, and then molten metal is poured into the mould.

Because there is a lot of carbon in cast iron, it is very brittle, though, which means it’s not an ideal material for metal fencing. It’s far more common to see decorative castings like Newell balls, fleur de lis spikes and other items made out of cast iron and then welded onto a mild steel fence.

Ornamental Fence Or Bar Fencing

Ornamental fence – which is also called bar fencing in some parts of the world – is a type of fencing that is made from various sizes and shapes of metal tubing that are welded and fitted together in a factory.

Mild steel is not as soft as wrought iron and not as brittle as cast iron, and because tubing is commercially available and easy to work with, this kind of fencing can be mass-produced.

In fact, most of the fencing you’ve been calling wrought iron fencing is probably ornamental fence or bar fencing.

Because this is a mass-produced product, it’s not as unique as wrought iron fencing, but it is usually cheaper and a lot easier to find and purchase!

Beautiful, Stylish Fencing

Whether you call it wrought iron fencing or ornamental fence, there’s no denying that this kind of metal fencing is one of the most aesthetically pleasing fences on the market. It’s perfect for high-end homes and commercial properties, and if you buy a quality product, it’s very durable too.

So if you’re looking for a fence that screams class, this should definitely be right at the top of your product shortlist.