If you’ve ever run your hand across an old gate, felt the weight of a solid iron hinge, or heard the deep ring of a blacksmith’s hammer on steel, you already know: wrought iron isn’t just material—it’s legacy.

But what exactly is wrought iron? And what makes American made wrought iron and custom ironwork worth seeking out in a world of mass production and overseas shortcuts?

Let’s dig into what sets this timeless material apart—and why it still matters today.

What Is Wrought Iron?

Wrought iron is a form of iron that is tough, malleable, and extremely durable. Unlike cast iron, which is brittle and poured into molds, wrought iron is worked by hand, heated and hammered into shape by skilled blacksmiths or metalworkers.

The word "wrought" is an old past-tense form of "worked," so wrought iron literally means "worked iron."

Historically, it was used for everything from farm gates and fireplace tools to intricate railings and architectural details on buildings that have stood for centuries. Its fibrous grain structure—created through repeated heating and hammering—gives it incredible strength and a signature texture that can’t be faked.

Why Choose American Made Wrought Iron?

At Old West Iron, we stand by this truth: Where your iron comes from matters.

In today’s marketplace, most “wrought iron” products are actually made from mild steel—mass-produced overseas, machine-stamped, and designed to look the part without actually playing it. But American made wrought iron is different. Here’s why:

• Craftsmanship You Can Trust
  Our ironwork is forged or fabricated right here in the USA by skilled artisans who understand the trade—not churned out in an overseas factory with no name behind it.

• Heirloom-Quality Materials
  We use solid iron and real finishes that will stand the test of time, not hollow tubes or thin-gauge steel with spray-on patinas.

• Pride of Place
  When you buy American made, you’re supporting family-owned shops, skilled labor, and the long-standing tradition of hand-forged ironwork on American soil.

The Value of Custom Wrought Iron

Off-the-shelf might be fine for some, but if you want your home to tell a story—your story—custom ironwork is the way to do it. At Old West Iron, we specialize in custom wrought iron hardware, accents, and structural components built for the way you live.

Custom work means:

• Hardware that fits your exact specifications

• Styles that match your vision, whether it’s frontier, Gothic, industrial, or something entirely your own

• Finishes tailored to your build—powder coat, raw, oil-rubbed, or hand-waxed

• Collaborating with real craftspeople to bring ideas to life

From door knockers and hand-forged nails to joist hangers and decorative brackets, our custom pieces are built one at a time—with intention.

Where to Use Wrought Iron in Your Home

• Exterior Doors & Gates: Add security and elegance that won’t warp or wear out

• Stair Railings & Balconies: Showcase hand-forged scrollwork and custom shapes

• Kitchen & Bath Hardware: Towel bars, curtain rods, cabinet pulls, and shelf brackets with personality

• Structural Components: Joist hangers, T-plates, and post bases built strong and styled right

• Furniture & Decor: Iron legs, table bases, fireplace tools, and more

Wherever you use it, real wrought iron makes a space feel anchored—solid, timeless, and intentional.

Why It Still Matters

In a world built for speed, we still believe in taking the long way—the hot-forged, hammer-scarred, slow-crafted way. Whether you’re restoring an old homestead, building a modern lodge, or just want a piece of hardware that feels real, wrought iron is still the gold standard of strength and style.

You can feel the difference. You can see it in the details. And when it’s done right, you’ll never need to replace it.

Looking for custom wrought iron?
Explore our full range of hand-forged hardware and structural components here:
 Shop American Made Wrought Iron »

Maddison Mellem
Writing from the forge at Old West Iron