If you’re looking for an option that’s both stylish and secure, then consider installing wrought iron gates to your property. This solution is highly versatile and is just as effective for both domestic and commercial customers. If you want to know about the different options and designs available for iron gates, as well as their many benefits, see our handy guide below. 

This metal is an iron alloy with a much lower carbon content in comparison to cast iron (around 0.08% versus 2.1-4%). As a material, wrought iron is highly durable, malleable, corrosion-resistant and easy to weld. Wrought iron was the most commonly used form of malleable iron before the advance of steel, and it was used to make a vast number of products including wire, railings, gates, garden furniture, nails, horseshoes and more. 

Many modern products that are described as wrought iron are actually made from mild steel, but the properties of both metals and the methods used when working with them are very similar. Wrought iron is also still used as a description because the products are made to resemble how they would have looked in the past if wrought by a blacksmith. 

Wrought iron has been used to create furniture and other objects for centuries, and it was first used all the way back in Ancient Roman times. London’s Westminster Abbey also has wrought iron gates that date back to the 13th century, but the predominant use for wrought iron before the Middle Ages was for weapons and tools. During the medieval period, the uses for wrought iron grew, and it began to be used as a material for protective coverings for doors and windows.

Wrought iron grew rapidly in popularity in Britain during the 17th century, culminating in the invention of what was known as a puddling furnace in 1784. This allowed for the creation of wrought iron without using charcoal and was one significant factor in the advance of the industrial revolution. 

Nowadays, cast iron and mild steel have been used as a replacement for ‘true wrought iron’, but it’s worth seeking out the real thing. Although it’s not as prevalent as it once was, there are still some specialist forges and ironmongers across the UK that can manufacture bespoke wrought iron products. 

Metal gates are a great addition to your property and they provide both style and security benefits for commercial and domestic properties. Wrought iron gates, in particular, offer many benefits to your property, including extensive design options, and increased strength, durability and security. If you’d like to know more about the many advantages that come from installing wrought iron gates, see below for some of the many reasons why.

Wrought iron is extremely strong and durable in comparison to other gate materials like wood or vinyl. This strength makes it highly resistant to dents, bending and shock damage, so you can be confident that this is an investment that will last you a long time. 

Wrought iron is an alloy, so it’s much more resistant to rust in comparison to regular iron. Wrought iron is refined with a small amount of slag (a by-product left behind when a metal has been separated from its raw ore). Slag is fibrous in nature, so mixing this into the wrought iron makes it much more resistant to rust. 

Rust is unsightly, and can also weaken the structure of iron and steel, so wrought iron is far superior in this respect. 

The security of your property is naturally an important concern, so ensure your buildings are kept safe by installing wrought iron railings or gates. As we know, wrought iron is very strong which makes it extremely difficult for thieves to break into. The gates can also be made at great heights, creating an effective barrier that’s very difficult to climb over. 

Wrought iron gates can be installed at the front of your property, or you could add a wrought iron fence all around for even more security. Some people also use them as metal garden gates, to keep pets or children safe within a back garden, or stop people trespassing on your property. 

It’s likely that you will have seen some impressive wrought ironwork as a feature of stately home gates, upmarket hotels or other public buildings, with wrought iron often being used for decorative balcony railings, gates or fences. 

Wrought iron is highly malleable, which means it’s easy to create stylish, elegant and highly decorative gate designs in a way that you can’t with other materials. This elasticity means that wrought iron can be shaped into all sorts of eye-catching designs. 

Installing wrought iron gates is a great way to add to the curb appeal of your property. The design, strength and craftmanship of wrought iron gates is unmatched, so they’re sure to make your property stand out. Even if you aren’t planning on selling anytime soon, there are many other benefits to adding metal gates. 

Due to their durability, it’s unlikely that your wrought iron gates will need repairs very often - but if they do, this is very easily managed. If a portion of the gate is damaged then it isn’t necessary to spend money replacing the whole gate; a specialist in iron gates and fences will be able to easily repair the damaged portion without the need for a brand new gate.

If your gate is looking a little chipped or tired, then a fresh coat of paint is all it needs to restore it to its former glory. Just one or two coats of paint should be enough to keep your gate looking fresh for another three to four years. 

One of the great appeals of wrought iron gates is the chance to create your own unique bespoke design. As mentioned, wrought iron is very malleable and easily moulded into almost any shape you can think of, so the choice of designs is endless. Some popular iron gate styles include bow top, flat top and post and ball, but customers can work closely with a forge or manufacturer to come up with their own unique shape and pattern.

The skill and craftsmanship that goes into making wrought iron gates is second to none, so you can be sure that you’re getting a high-quality product. The forging process uses specialised tools and processes for an end result that showcases a very high level of artistry and skill. This attention to detail and expertise ensure that wrought iron gates stand out.

If you’re looking for the highest quality wrought iron gates for your Midlands property, get in touch with Underwoods Ltd. Our modern and traditional designs are popular with both domestic and commercial properties, and all of our iron gates are specially manufactured at our forge in Worcester using traditional methods. 

Our beautiful wrought iron gates offer excellent value for money and are sure to add style, security and value to your property. In addition, we offer a range of other wrought iron products, including metal railings, balconies and fire escapes. For more information about any of our products or to discuss your design ideas, give us a call today or find out more on our website.