Know How To Get What You Want

Rod iron railing is often used to add elegance and style to staircases and balconies. However, what consumers may not know is that "rod iron" is often confused with "wrought iron." Though the two are similar, and today mean much the same thing, it is important for consumers to clarify what they are seeking to avoid confusion when shopping for these often-expensive designs. Generally, there are three main things that a customer may be looking for: actual wrought iron, something that is hand-forged, or something that simply has the finish of wrought iron. As a consumer, taking the time to think about which of these applies will guarantee a satisfactory result.

Though the two terms were at one time completely distinct from each other, today whether one were to search for "rod iron railing" or "wrought iron railing," much the same results would appear. Rod iron used to refer to a type of iron that was cut into small strips, or rods, out of flat metal bars. Wrought iron is a type of iron alloy that included impurities known as slag. The smoke from the blacksmith’s forge, as well as the inclusions, gives wrought iron its unique black and silver finish. Because this type of iron is so malleable, durable, and corrosion-resistant, it was used for centuries to make the delicate scrollwork that today is made with steel. Though production in the United States stopped in the 1960s, customers who wish to buy wrought iron have the option of recycling antique pieces or importing from Europe.

Another common type of rod iron railing does not involve wrought iron at all, but rather refers to any metal that has been hand-forged and worked into various shapes, including scrolls, rods, or other intricate designs. Steel, though it does have disadvantages, is often used for this purpose. Fortunately, hand-forged items are readily available at much less cost than genuine wrought iron.

Finally, a customer who wishes to buy rod iron railing must consider whether they just want the look of wrought iron instead of the metal itself. Fortunately, this is easy to do. Any metal can be hammered and then covered with a black finish. If one would like hints of silver to show through, simply use emery or sanding paper to expose some of the silvery metal.

For the customer, knowing how to describe what he or she wants is half the battle. Whether one uses genuine wrought iron or simply chooses rod iron railing made of steel with a distinctive finish, the result is sure to please.