Wrought Iron vs. Mild Steel: Pros, Cons, and Key Differences

If you’ve ever shopped for custom gates, railings, or decorative ironwork, you've likely come across the terms wrought iron and mild steel. Though often used interchangeably, they’re actually quite different in composition, appearance, and how blacksmiths work with them.

Let’s break down what sets these two materials apart—and which might be best for your next project.

1. Composition & Structure

Wrought Iron:
Wrought iron is an iron alloy with a very low carbon content (less than 0.08%) and contains fibrous inclusions of slag, which give it a distinctive grain resembling wood. It’s tough, malleable, and highly corrosion-resistant. True wrought iron is no longer mass-produced and is considered a historic material.

Mild Steel:
Mild steel (also called low-carbon steel) contains slightly more carbon—about 0.05% to 0.25%. It’s one of the most commonly used metals in construction and fabrication today due to its strength, availability, and affordability. Unlike wrought iron, mild steel does not have slag fibers.

2. Workability in the Forge

Wrought Iron:
Wrought iron is a dream to work with under the hammer. Its fibrous structure allows it to be heated, forged, and reworked multiple times without cracking. That’s why it was the metal of choice for centuries of blacksmiths.

Mild Steel:
Mild steel is also very workable when hot, though it doesn’t have the same "forgiving" nature as wrought iron. It's widely used in modern blacksmithing because it’s easier to source and works well for both decorative and structural pieces.

3. Durability & Rust Resistance

Wrought Iron:
Naturally more resistant to rust due to its slag content and fibrous structure. Historic ironwork that’s been exposed to the elements for hundreds of years is often still standing strong.

Mild Steel:
More prone to rusting without protective finishes. That’s why blacksmiths often use powder coating, paint, or galvanizing to seal mild steel and protect it from the elements.

4. Availability & Cost

Wrought Iron:
Genuine wrought iron is rare and expensive. Since it’s no longer produced on an industrial scale, most of what’s available today is reclaimed from old structures or created through time-intensive, traditional processes.

Mild Steel:
Easily accessible and far more economical. It’s the go-to material for most modern blacksmiths and fabricators because of its consistency, strength, and price point.

5. Appearance & Texture

Wrought Iron:
Has a rougher, more organic texture—almost like wood grain. When polished or finished properly, it has a timeless, handcrafted look that’s hard to replicate.

Mild Steel:
Smooth and uniform. It can be made to mimic the look of wrought iron with techniques like hand-forging, texturing, and special finishes.

So, Which One Should You Choose?

• Choose Wrought Iron if you're restoring historical work, want extreme longevity with minimal maintenance, or are looking for a true heritage material.

• Choose Mild Steel if you want high-quality, custom-forged work that’s affordable, strong, and versatile.

At our forge, whilst we can work with a variety of metals, we specialize in using mild steel to create custom pieces that blend traditional techniques with modern durability. Whether you're after the classic look of wrought iron or a sleek contemporary design, we’ll help you achieve it—with craftsmanship that lasts.

If you would like to discuss a potential project , please do not hesitate to contact us.