While many homeowners appreciate the style and durability of wrought iron railings, the labor-intensive process of true hand-wrought work is often cost prohibitive. Because the loops, designs and ornamentation are so appealing, it is unsurprising that more frugal alternatives have appeared. As early as the mid-1850’s, mild steel railings appeared as an alternative to wrought iron. This material shares the durability, stiffness and many of the design options of wrought iron fencing and railing, but is more easily mass-produced using modern manufacturing techniques.