The Hammered Look, Is it In Vogue?

The materials that are used to fabricate an iron project are varied. There are numerous types of steel that can be used to create an affect. In Europe, you'll find some of the most beautiful examples of iron work. One of the techniques that was used to create these works of art is to hammer the wrought iron material, hence the reference to "The Hammered Look". In order for a black smith to achieve this look, he would heat the wrought iron over hot coals in a forge, when the iron reached the correct temperature; it was removed from the coals and beaten on top of an anvil, with a hammer, until it suited the black smith's needs.

Wrought iron is an iron alloy with very low carbon content, in comparison to steel, and has fibrous inclusions, know as slag. This is what gives it a "grain" resembling wood, which is visible when it is etched or bent to the point of failure. Wrought iron is tough, malleable, ductile and easily welded. Historically, it was known as "commercially pure iron", however, it no longer qualifies because current standards for commercially pure iron require a carbon content of less than 0.008wt% . Demand for wrought iron reached its peak in the 1860s with the adaptation of ironclad warships and railways, but then declined as mild steel became more available.

Wrought iron is no longer produced on a commercial scale. Many products described as wrought iron, such as guard rails, garden furniture and gates, are made of mild steel. They retain that description because they are wrought (worked) by hand.

That same age old look is still attainable today even though the carbon content of iron has changed. You don't need a black smith to achieve the hammered look you want. Although nothing quite compares to the real thing. There are components that can be purchased that resemble hammered material. The hammering is now done by machine, so the indentations are not as random as the hand hammered material. Take a look at some of the hammered materials available, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. You too can have the "Hammered Look" and have a piece of iron work that is totally in Vogue.