Is Custom Metal Furniture a Good Investment for Your Home?

Yes, absolutely, especially when hand-forged. Mild steel and wrought iron offer exceptional durability and design flexibility, providing a long lifespan and versatile styling that pairs well with materials like wood or glass.

Can You Safely Leave Steel Furniture Outside in the UK?

Yes, provided it has a professional protective finish. Untreated steel will rust in the UK climate, so Oakhanger Metalworks recommends powder-coated finishes or galvanised steel for high moisture or coastal areas to ensure longevity and weather resilience.

What is the Expected Lifespan of Bespoke Steel Furniture?

With proper care and maintenance, handcrafted steel furniture is designed to last decades, often becoming a family heirloom. Longevity depends on the quality of fabrication, the type of protective finish, and exposure to moisture and weather.

Is Metal Furniture a Good Choice for Your Home?

Sep 30

Written By Ed Collins

When it comes to furniture that lasts, metal is a material worth considering. At Oakhanger Metalworks, we craft bespoke mild steel pieces that blend strength, style, and individuality. They are designed to suit homes and gardens across Hampshire, Surrey, and beyond.

Whether you're furnishing a heritage cottage, a modern interior, or an outdoor space, here’s what you need to know about metal furniture.

Is Metal Good for Furniture?

Yes, especially when it’s made by hand. Mild steel and wrought iron offer exceptional durability and design flexibility. Unlike mass-produced alternatives, our furniture is forged to order, meaning it’s tailored to your space and aesthetic.

Benefits of metal furniture include:

Long lifespan and structural integrity;
Versatile styling, from rustic to industrial to minimalist;
Easy pairing with wood, glass, or stone;
Low maintenance and high resilience.

From sculptural table bases to log holders and consoles, metal furniture adds character and permanence to your home.

Can You Leave Metal Furniture Outside?

Generally, you can leave steel furniture outside, but it depends on the finish. Mild steel and iron are prone to rust if left untreated, especially in damp UK climates. That’s why we offer protective finishes like powder coating, galvanising, or natural patinas designed to weather beautifully.

For outdoor use, we recommend:

Powder-coated finishes for colour and protection;
Galvanised steel for high-moisture areas;
Regular care (e.g. wiping down, covering in winter) to extend lifespan.

Our metal garden furniture and fire pits are built to withstand the elements, but a little care goes a long way.

What Is the Lifespan of Steel Furniture?

With proper care, steel furniture can last decades, even generations. Many of our clients commission pieces intended to become future antiques: items that age gracefully, can be repaired, and remain part of the home’s story.

Factors that affect lifespan:

Quality of materials and fabrication;
Exposure to moisture and weather;
Type of finish and maintenance routine.

Handcrafted steel furniture, especially when made locally and thoughtfully, is a long-term investment.

What Are the Pros of Metal Furniture?

Steel and wrought iron offer a unique blend of strength, style, and longevity—especially when shaped by hand. At Oakhanger Metalworks, we craft furniture that’s built to last and designed to reflect your space and vision.

Here’s why homeowners, designers, and restorers across Hampshire and Surrey choose bespoke metalwork.

Built to Last

Metal furniture is incredibly durable. Mild steel and iron resist wear, making them ideal for high-use areas like dining rooms, patios, and commercial interiors.

Versatile Styling

Whether you prefer rustic charm, industrial edge, or minimalist lines, metal adapts beautifully. It pairs well with wood, glass, and stone, offering endless design possibilities.

Suitable for Indoor and Outdoor Use

With the right finish—such as powder coating or galvanising—metal furniture can withstand the elements and look good doing it. Perfect for garden rooms, terraces, and outdoor entertaining.

Fire-Resistant and Stable

Unlike wood or plastic, metal doesn’t warp or ignite easily. It’s a safe, stable choice for fire pits, log holders, and outdoor kitchens.

Sustainable and Repairable

Hand-forged metal furniture can be repaired, refinished, and reused—making it a sustainable investment. Many of our clients commission pieces designed to become future antiques.

Easy to Maintain

Metal surfaces are simple to clean and require minimal upkeep. A seasonal wipe-down or wax coat is often all that’s needed to keep them looking their best.

Things to Consider with Metal Furniture

While metal furniture offers lasting value, it’s not suited to every setting. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Heavier by Design

Steel adds stability, but it’s heavier than other materials—something to consider for mobile or multi-use spaces.

Sensitive to Temperature

Metal can feel cold in winter or warm in direct sun. Cushions, placement, and finish choice can help balance this.

Prone to Rust Without Protection

Untreated metal will corrode over time, especially outdoors. We offer finishes to prevent this, but care is still important.

Price Breakdown for Bespoke Steel Furniture

Every commission at Oakhanger Metalworks is made to order, so pricing reflects the materials, design complexity, and finish you choose. Here's a general guide to help you understand how costs are structured.

Base Material and Fabrication

Mild steel frame (standard gauge): from £180–£400 per item.
Wrought iron detailing or heavier gauge steel: additional £100–£250 depending on size and complexity.
Hand-forged elements (scrolls, rivets, decorative joins): from £50–£150 per feature.

Finishes and Treatments

Raw steel with protective wax: included.
Powder coating (colour options available): £80–£150 per item.
Brushed or burnished finish: £60–£120 depending on surface area.
Galvanising (for outdoor use): from £150 per item.

Design and Customisation

Custom sizing or layout adjustments: typically £50–£200 depending on scope.
Mixed materials (e.g. wood, glass, stone tops): priced separately based on supplier and finish.
Design development or collaboration with interior designers: quoted individually, often included for larger projects.

Typical Project Ranges

Small items (log holders, lamp stands): £250–£600.
Tables and consoles: £600–£1,500.
Staircases or large architectural pieces: £2,000–£6,000+ depending on scale and finish.

We always provide detailed, no-obligation quotes tailored to your project. Whether you're commissioning a centrepiece or a full interior set, we’ll guide you through materials, finishes, and budget options.

Is Steel Furniture a Good Investment?

Absolutely, especially when it’s made to order. Bespoke steel furniture offers unmatched durability, timeless design, and the ability to reflect your personal style. It’s not just furniture. It’s a statement of values:

Sustainability;
Craftsmanship;
Permanence.

At Oakhanger Metalworks, we work with homeowners, designers, and restorers across Hampshire and Surrey to create pieces that last. Whether it’s a dining table, garden sculpture, or architectural detail, we build with care and collaboration.

Ready to Commission a Piece?

If you’re considering metal furniture for your home or project, we’d love to help. We offer on-site consultations, material guidance, and design support to bring your ideas to life.

Let’s create something built to last!

Ed Collins