Why Does One Metal Fence Panel Cost Less Than Another?
If you’ve been shopping for an ornamental fence, palisade fence, bar fence or some other kind of metal fence panel system, you might have noticed that there’s a big difference in the price from one system to the next.
The panels you’re considering might look very similar, so you might think that some suppliers are just overcharging. However, that’s rarely ever the case. In fact, there’s probably a very good reason why the panels you’re looking at have such different prices, and it might very well affect the quality of the finished fence. Here’s what you need to know about why one metal fence panel might differ in price from another.
The Type of Metal
The first difference that you need to consider that might be why one metal fence panel costs more or less than another is the type of metal being used.
Mild steel is usually cheaper than, say, aluminum, so there’s likely to be a fairly noticeable price difference when you are comparing systems made from these two different metals. Always ensure that you’re comparing the same type of metal fence panels to ensure you’re getting a good deal.
The Finish On the Metal
The next big factor in price differences between one metal fence panel and another is the finish on the fence system.
High-quality metal fence panels are usually hot dip galvanized or might even be Bezinal or zincalume coated (which is a mixture of zinc and aluminum that has enhanced corrosion resistance properties.)
Cheaper metal fence panels might be made from pre-galvanized steel or even treated with a process called metallizing, which also applies a layer of zinc to the metal surface but isn’t as corrosion-resistant as hot dip galvanizing.
If there is a paint or color coating system on the metal fence panels you’re considering, compare those too. Better quality paints, more coats and other factors can all affect the cost of metal fence panels. Powder coating also often costs more but is a more durable, high-quality option.
The Material Thickness
Material thickness is one of the most common differences between metal fence panels and often have the biggest impact on the price of the system.
Even if the components the fence panels are constructed from look the same on the outside, they might be very different in cross-section. The thinner the material your fence panels are made from, the lighter and less hard-wearing it is likely to be.
You might not think that there’s a huge difference between 1.6mm and 2mm or 15 gauge and 17 gauge, but it all adds up very quickly. Thicker material is always stronger, so look for the best that you can afford.
Fence Panel Widths
Fence panel widths are another big factor in the difference between metal fence panel prices.
Generally, steel and other metals that are used to manufacture fencing come in pre-rolled lengths from steel mills and other manufacturers. When fence panels are manufactured, all the components that make up the panels have to be cut from those lengths of steel.
The smaller the offcut for each fence panel, the cheaper it is for fence manufacturers to make them.
Smaller panels are also often cheaper to transport, which could lower shipping costs.
However, what you gain on the swings, you might lose on the slides. Shorter fence panels means more posts, which means more concrete footings and could mean higher labor costs. So while the material might save you money, the installation is likely to cost you more.
The Type of Steel or Metal
Some fence panel systems are manufactured from structural metals like angle iron or channel iron. These are, as the name suggests, strong metal sections that are designed for building structures. So they tend to last longer and be more durable.
There are some fence companies, however, who manufacture bent or roll-formed components from sheet metal instead. This is cheaper than buying structural components, but it doesn’t always give you the strength you want from your fence.
Always ask how the metal in your fence panels is made if you want to compare prices properly!
No Bad Specification
The simple fact is that there’s no such thing as a bad metal fence specification. There’s just higher and lower quality and higher and lower cost.
If cost is your biggest driver, then by all means, look for the cheapest panels you can find. But make sure you’re not being fooled into thinking those cheaper options are equal to others that are better made.
It’s always a good idea to make sure you’re comparing apples with apples when you’re shopping for metal panel fences, and these factors should give you a good place to start the comparison.
