There is a reason so many historic cities are full of wrought iron; it lasts. Historically, wrought iron has been used both decoratively and structurally. As just one of the many examples of the longevity of wrought iron, look to the Bowling Green Fence. This historic wrought iron fence was installed in 1771 and still stands today as the oldest fence in New York City.
While there are no guarantees that the average wrought iron fence will last centuries, a well-maintained wrought iron fence could last a lifetime.
Comparatively, even the strongest wood fence, such as those made from cedar, will start to show signs of wear such rotting and splitting boards as early as 15 years after installation. Less hardy woods may last as little as 5 years before needing serious maintenance. Vinyl fencing has a longer lifespan than wood but is better suited for privacy than security and protection.