Iron furniture is built to last. Well cared for, good quality iron patio furniture can last for decades and is often handed down from generation to generation. Iron may be wrought or cast, although with the prevalence of cast aluminum furniture today, cast iron is uncommon.
Wrought Iron
Hand forging iron is a centuries old process that allows the metal to take on many shapes. Using solid round bars, the metal is heated and formed into designs ranging from traditional to contemporary and simple to ornate.Cast Iron
Cast iron is extremely heavy and usually quite ornate. To make cast iron outdoor furniture, iron is melted to form a liquid which is then poured into a mold and allowed to solidify. Once removed from the mold, each part is welded together to create a piece of outdoor furniture.Iron Furniture: Key Considerations
What To Look For
- Heavy frames
- Smooth welds
- Thick, even paint
- Protective caps at the bottoms of legs
- Mesh wrought iron: little flex and clean edges where mesh meets frame
Clean iron furniture regularly with warm soapy water and then dry it thoroughly. Wax the smooth surfaces and apply mineral or baby oil to textured surfaces. Oil springs and moving parts yearly. Immediately touch up any scratches or rust by lightly sanding the spot with a fine steel wool. Then apply several thin coats of paint, letting each coat dry well before applying the next. If you’re using a spray paint, apply with short light stokes.