Ironwork in buildings
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 is relatively soft but it is significantly hardened and strengthened during the smelting process by impurities such as carbon.
The term 'ironwork' refers to any architectural component or feature of a building, principally used for decorative purposes, that is made of iron.
While the use of iron for building purposes dates back to early civilisations, its use for decoration became more widespread between the 16th and 19th centuries. Ironwork began to be used during the medieval period for defensive purposes, but became more ornate and decorative in the Baroque and Rococo architectural periods, particularly for:
The two main types of ironwork are:
Wrought iron is a very low carbon metal made by intensive hand work using small scale production methods. The term 'cast iron' refers to a range of iron-carbon alloys, with a carbon content that is typically between 2 and 4%. Cast iron is manufactured by re-melting pig iron along with quantities of limestone, silicon and carbon (and sometimes scrap steel).
The term ‘ironworks’ refers to a place where iron is smelted or where iron products are manufactured.
NB the term ironwork can also be used to refer to items such as manhole covers, drain covers and so on used in the construction of highways.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Aluminium.
- Cast iron.
- Coal holes, pavement lights, kerbs and utilities and wood-block paving.
- Code of Practice for Ironwork Systems Installation and Refurbishment.
- Conservation of Architectural Ironwork.
- Difference between cast iron and wrought iron.
- Failure of cast iron beams.
- Iron.
- Metal.
- Railings.
- Steel.
- Wrought iron.
- Wrought iron spindles for external stairs.
Featured articles and news
Embedding AI tools into architectural education
Beyond the render: LMU share how student led research is shaping the future of visualisation workflows.
Why document control still fails UK construction projects
A Chartered Quantity Surveyor explains what needs to change and how.
New planning reforms and Warm Homes Bill
Take centre stage at UK Construction Week London.
A brief run down of changes intentions from April in an onwards.
Reslating an ancient water mill
A rare opportunity to record, study and repair early vernacular roofs.
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2025/26
Construction apprentice from Lincoln Mia Owen wins this years title.
Insulation solutions with less waste for a circular economy
Rob Firman, Technical and Specification Manager, Polyfoam XPS explains.
Recycled waste plastic in construction
Hierarchy, prevention to disposal, plastic types and approaches.
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard V1 published
Free-to-access technical standard to enable robust proof of a decarbonising built environment.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Why talking about prostate cancer matters in construction.
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch up for free, subscribe and share with your network.
The Association of Consultant Architects recap
A reintroduction and recap of ACA President; Patrick Inglis' Autumn update.
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help 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.