INTRODUCING OUR NEW PRODUCTION LINE

Our innovative approach to manufacturing has enabled us to offer you a gorgeous collection of stairs at an affordable pricepoint without sacrificing the high quality we are known to for. The Rise Stairs collection combines the elegance and individuality of custom-designed staircases with the efficiency and affordability of a streamlined product line. Each staircase in the collection reflects the thoughtful craftsmanship and attention to detail of bespoke designs while being available at a fraction of the cost. VISIT RISESTAIRS.COM

A Small Glossary of Terms

Here are some definitions to help you better understand our industry and the materials we use.

• Wrought – To be worked/crafted into a desired outcome.
• Iron – A naturally occurring base metal. "a strong, hard magnetic silvery-gray metal, the chemical element of atomic number 26, much used as a material for construction and manufacturing, especially in the form of steel." - from Google: Define Iron
• Wrought Iron – "a tough, malleable form of iron suitable for forging or rolling rather than casting, obtained by puddling pig iron while molten. It is nearly pure but contains some slag in the form of filaments." – - from Google: Define Wrought Iron
• Cast Iron – "a hard, relatively brittle alloy of iron and carbon that can be readily cast in a mold and contains a higher proportion of carbon than steel (typically 2.0–4.3 percent)." - from Google: Define Cast Iron
• Steel – "a hard, strong, gray or bluish-gray alloy of iron with carbon and usually other elements, used extensively as a structural and fabricating material." – - from Google: Define Steel
• Mild Steel – "steel containing a small percentage of carbon, strong and tough but not readily tempered." - - from Google: Define Mild Steel

The History of Iron

Now that those terms have been explained, here's our brief summary of the history of wrought iron...

Without delving into the early days of humanity's discovery of fire and its eventual mastery over iron, let's begin with Cast Iron. This form of iron, known for its brittleness, is melted and poured into molds, then left to harden. Blacksmiths would work with cast iron while it was still hot and malleable, shaping it through repeated heating and hammering to create Wrought Iron. The term "wrought" itself means "worked by hand," a nod to the craftsmanship involved.

Wrought iron became a foundational material, used for various purposes, including the production of steel. However, steel manufacturing in its early days was an expensive and inefficient process. As a result, steel was reserved for specialty purposes, while wrought iron remained the go-to material. This changed dramatically in the mid-1800s with the advent of industrialization and innovations in steel production, such as the Bessemer process, Siemens-Martin process, and Gilchrist-Thomas process, which significantly improved the efficiency and quality of steel production. These advancements brought about the widespread adoption of mild steel, gradually replacing wrought iron on a commercial scale.

To quote an excerpt from the Wikipedia page on steel: "With the invention of the Bessemer process in the mid-19th century, a new era of mass-produced steel began. This was followed by Siemens-Martin and then Gilchrist-Thomas processes that refined the quality of steel. With their introductions, mild steel replaced wrought iron."

Today, wrought iron has been largely supplanted by mild steel in commercial applications. However, the term "wrought iron" endures as a tribute to the artistry and craftsmanship of steelworkers who design and create custom works of art. If you'd like to delve deeper into the history and meaning of wrought iron, you can start here: Wikipedia on Wrought Iron.

What's in a Name?

Over the years, the term "wrought iron" has been subject to a variety of interpretations and misnomers, such as rod iron, rot iron, cast iron, malleable steel, mild steel, and ornamental iron, among others. In addition, modern products like galvalume, aluminum or tubing railings have often borrowed the name to describe their own materials. This has led to some confusion, particularly regarding the durability of wrought iron finishes, as these imitation products often fail in dramatic and unsightly ways due to their thin materials and improper finishing techniques.

It's important to highlight the durability and reliability of the finish on our steel products, which are designed to stand the test of time with proper care and maintenance. The reality is that the finish on any metal product—whether it's steel, aluminum, or wrought iron—can oxidize if damaged and the underlying material becomes exposed. When this happens, the exposed metal will inevitably begin to rust, a natural process that affects all metals when subjected to the elements.

The key difference between a reliable solution and one prone to failure lies in the product's structural integrity and proper finishing techniques. At Babin Ironworks, we take pride in building our products with solid steel bars and thick-walled structural steel, ensuring exceptional durability and longevity.

Interestingly, some clients specifically request unfinished pieces, embracing the rustic, aged look reminiscent of traditional wrought iron. For those who appreciate this timeless aesthetic, natural oxidation develops into a unique patina, becoming an intentional and striking feature that adds character and charm to the design.

Shipping Across North America
Although headquartered in North Bay, Ontario, Canada we manufacture and ship our products across North America. Our products can be seen all over Canada and the United States.