Iron
Iron is the chemical element most commonly found on Earth by mass, forming much of the Earth’s outer and inner core. On the Periodic Table it has the symbol ‘Fe’ and atomic number 26.
Pure iron (sometimes referred to as ferrite) is relatively soft but it is significantly hardened and strengthened during the smelting process by impurities such as carbon. Pig iron, with a high carbon content (3.8-4.7%) is produced in a blast furnace by heating iron ore with limestone and coke. Steel is produced by further refining pig iron with oxygen, reducing the carbon content to 0.04-1.5%. Steel can be up to 1,000 times harder than pure iron. Carbon steel is typically classified as low, medium, or high carbon steel.
For more information see: Steel.
Wrought iron is a very low carbon metal, historically made by intensive hand work using small scale production methods. Confusingly, the term 'wrought iron' can also be applied to decorative hand made steel artefacts as 'wrought' means to make by hand (to wrought).
For more information see: Wrought iron.
The term 'cast iron' refers to a range of iron-carbon alloys, with a carbon content that is typically between 2 and 4%. During the Industrial Revolution, before the widespread development of the steel industry, cast iron was commonly used in a wide range of architectural applications because of to its relative affordability.
For more information see: Cast iron.
As iron-bearing rock is plentiful, steel and iron alloys are very popular industrial and construction materials.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Aluminium.
- Cast iron.
- Conservation of Architectural Ironwork.
- Copper.
- Difference between cast iron and wrought iron.
- Failure of cast iron beams.
- Ferricrete.
- Ferrous.
- Iron frames in textile mills.
- Iron ore tailings IOTs.
- Ironwork.
- Metal.
- Pearlite.
- Steel.
- The Iron Bridge.
- The iron roof at the Albert Dock.
- Types of metal.
- Types of steel.
- Wrought iron.
- Zinc
Featured articles and news
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help the homebuilding sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.