Your Cart

Free shipping on all orders over $99.00!

Optimize Your Yard with Iron Outdoor Furniture

Are you looking for long-lasting ways to improve the livability of your yard? Iron outdoor furniture is a great option!  Designers usually aim to extend livable spaces to the outdoors to maximize their client’s feelings of wellbeing both inside and outside of their home. A yard that is both comfortable and enjoyable, really does make an impact on how you feel about your whole home. What materials we choose are important, though. No one wants to spend their hard earned money and time just to find that their design choices didn’t suit their purpose or last.

Why Choose Iron?

Because you’ll want the pieces you choose to remain beautiful as long as possible, the elements are a consideration. Pieces chosen for an outdoor living space must be thought through more carefully than what is protected inside a house. Iron has always been very popular for the yard, generation after generation, for good reasons! Whether your concern is harsh winters or summer’s humidity, iron is reliable and durable. Even industrial and commercial industries commonly rely on iron.

As a matter of fact, iron outdoor furniture can even last through the harsh conditions here in the Arizona deserts. Durability is one reason furniture and décor made from iron is highly sought after. Not only does iron look attractive, but it withstands the test of time. What makes iron a great option is its strength, durability, and attractive appearance. Iron pieces are strong and can withstand season after seaon while extending your living spaces to the yard. 

How do we Get Useable Iron?

Iron ore, iron-containing rocks and minerals, are in the earth’s crust. Globally, there are many iron ore mines. The United States has nine active iron ore mines in Michigan, Minnesota and Utah. Surprisingly, iron ore is the third most valuable ore, following gold and copper ore.

Refining iron ore into useable iron takes several steps. A furnace heats the iron ore to create molten iron. Pouring molten iron into molds cools it. When molten iron cools, it solidifies. Heating the cooled pieces again in small furnaces after they have cooled helps to refine the metal and remove any impurities or unwanted elements.

Cast Iron

Cast iron and wrought iron are both very popular for garden decor or furniture. There are some notable differences between the two similar materials, although they may appear similar, they are not.

Cast iron is liquified by heat, then poured into molds where it solidifies into the desired shape. Creating ornate patterns or designs is possible with cast iron molds. This makes cast iron an ideal choice for decorative products because cast iron really does allow for manufacturers to produce the most ornate decor for your yard. Sometimes it’s nice to have a few pieces of decor with intricate details which is where cast iron shines. Cast iron is a durable material and is long-lasting—requiring little maintenance to protect it against rust or corrosion—but between wrought iron and cast iron, cast iron does need a little bit more TLC.

Wrought Iron

Wrought iron, on the other hand, is stronger than cast iron. It is an alloy combining pure iron with other elements such as carbon or manganese. This creates a stronger and more durable material than pure cast iron, while maintaining its attractive appearance. Wrought iron is also highly resistant to temperature changes, making it perfect for outdoor applications. Commonly, balcony railings and fences are wrought iron because that’s how strong and durable it is. With wrought iron, you get more durability and a longer life span for your iron yard decor or furniture.

Mix and Match

Yards using both wrought iron and cast iron create beautiful outdoor living spaces but consideration for which material is best for which application is a good idea. We recommend you consider which material does what best, before choosing an item you’d like. Cast iron makes details shine, but can have a slightly shorter lifespan than wrought iron. Wrought iron is more durable but usually has less details and costs a little bit more. 

Both wrought iron and cast iron are great and look attractive when mixed and matched. This bronze finished three piece bar bistro set shows off the clean lines and strength of wrought iron. This type of metal is perfect for this item. While cast iron allows you to add fun, ornate details like this ‘Welcome’ stepping stone.

An Element that can Handle the Elements

Well, almost. Iron decor can almost always “handle” the weather as iron is often used in residential, commercial and even industrial applications. Both can eventually rust or corrode. Cast iron can be more so susceptible to rust and corrosion than wrought iron. Covering your iron decor during harsh seasons, whether its pieces of wrought iron or cast iron yard decor, can protect your investment and lend it an even longer lifespan. 

For items that cannot be easily removed such as a hose caddy affixed to the outside of the home, iron stepping stones or a garden water pump embedded in the soil, plant hangers screwed into siding or fencing, there are protective finishes that can be used to protect cast iron from the various seasons in different climates. To protect cast iron, it’s best to apply these wax like protective products seasonally.

Iron Care Pro Tip

Iron is no doubt very strong, but even strong materials have their limits. Another preventative measure for keeping iron at its best seems so incredibly simple, but is easier said than done–don’t drag it! Chairs and tables, and any other iron decor with a protective coating, need to be lifted. When moving chairs and tables or any other decor, it should be lifted above the ground, instead of dragging it. Scrapes leave iron outdoor furniture vulnerable to rust as it damages the protective coatings. Being mindful of this will keep iron in tip top condition for as long as possible. 

Additional Tips for Creating an Outdoor Space

1. Consider the layout of your space when deciding on furniture and other decorations.

2. Think UP! Utilize vertical spaces like walls or fences to hang wall mounted bird feeders, bells, iron plant hangers. This will add a lot of life to your outdoor area. 

3. Incorporate functional elements such as iron benches, tables, storage solutions etc., that can be used in multiple ways.

4. Make sure you have adequate protection from the sun and rain with umbrellas and of course, iron umbrella stands are great for this too.

Conclusion

Turning your yard into a sanctuary or your favorite space can be a fun project. Choosing the correct materials is really important. Iron is sure to create a beautiful appearance that will last for years to come.  Optimizing outdoor living spaces by using durable, lasting, iron furniture and decor, can make your yard incredibly inviting for yourself and your loved ones.

Leave a Reply

Free shipping

On all orders over $99

Easy Refunds

On Broken or Damaged Items

Part of Our Family

Watch us & follow our dreams!

100% Secure Checkout

PayPal / Square Payments