Is my metal gate or balcony wrought iron or steel?
True iron is very rarely used in the fabrication of ornamental structures in the US today. Most new pieces of true wrought iron are found in restoration work.
The fences, window grilles and balconies you see typically are more accurately called ornamental steel. Iron has to specially imported and is much less strong than steel.
A product derived from hammering iron or steel is forged or wrought. Most blacksmith work today is done with steel. Hot forging is more common among the smaller fabricators and Ironside San Diego is no exception.
We usually hot forge when ready-made, less expensive designs are not available.