As a material used in furniture making, iron offers a range of desirable properties that provide strength, durability, and aesthetic qualities. When used in the context of furniture, iron is typically found in one of its processed forms, such as wrought iron, cast iron, or steel, each with unique characteristics suitable for different applications.
Here are the key features of iron as a furniture material:
Strength and Durability:
- High Strength: Iron is a very strong material, capable of supporting heavy loads without bending or breaking.
- Durability: Furniture made from iron is long-lasting and can withstand rough handling, which makes it very suitable for outdoor use or in high-traffic areas.
Wrought Iron:
- Malleability: Wrought iron is a form of iron that is very malleable when hot, but strong when cool. This property allows it to be forged by hand or machine into intricate designs, making it popular for ornamental pieces like garden benches, gates, and bed frames.
- Corrosion Resistance: Wrought iron is more corrosion resistant than ordinary carbon steel, though it is still prone to rust if not properly treated or painted.
Cast Iron:
- High Rigidity & Brittleness: Cast iron is strong but brittle. It cannot bend, and it may break under impact. It's often used for heavy, sturdy furniture pieces such as stove parts, garden benches, or certain types of legs and supports.



