Fencing solutions, no matter the need, should be quality materials you can depend on. This protects your property and everyone around it. Access to American-made fencing provides many great benefits compared to using imported solutions. While imported options can work at times, it’s important to consider the most critical details before you decide.
In this guide, we will compare American-made fences to imported fences, discussing details like cost, quality, durability, and more. Take a look at these details before you decide where you will get your fence materials from.
Quality and Durability
Perhaps one of the strongest advantages of American-made fence materials and solutions is they generally consist of superior quality and materials. They are incredibly strong and durable, using top-of-the-line materials as opposed to finding cheap ways to make something similar.
Using USA-made materials supports local manufacturers, but those materials often have much higher standard qualities and requirements. Plus, it’s not a mystery material. There are no guessing games about who made it and what they used to make it.
US fencing manufacturers, as well as companies that custom make fences using hardy materials, follow stringent industry regulations and quality control standards. These standards ensure longevity as well as strength. There is something to be said about manufacturers willing to spend a little more and put in a little more effort to ensure the materials are truly of a high and reputable quality.
When it comes to durability, American-made fences use domestic materials, such as premium metals, treated woods, various composite materials, etc. They follow those strict standards and typically have weather-resistant coatings, too. When compared to imported fencing, you are more likely to experience inconsistent quality that doesn’t meet the same rigorous standards. Materials are lower-cost and often inferior, and imports rarely have a solid warranty backing them.
Customization and Tailored Solutions
Working with American manufacturers typically gives you much better access to local providers, which means you have the ability to have better conversations and ensure your unique needs are met. When you have a unique or high-quality fencing need, being able to reach the manufacturer and communicate effectively with them will likely impact your results.
American manufacturers provide many customization solutions so you can easily tailor your fencing to your unique needs. In this case, it’s all about easy access to ensure you get the customization and tailor solutions you deserve, rather than having to work around endless details that make it more challenging.
The benefit of American-made solutions in this category is knowing you can tailor designs very easily. Almost any custom fencing solution is adaptable, and manufacturers or fence designers are going to be able to easily adjust and customize to your specific needs. In addition, if there are any adjustments or repairs that must be made after installation, you’ve got faster access to a local provider.
While imported fencing can be customized, much of it is also standardized. This leaves you with less flexibility and a lot less convenience. You will get style and functionality, and you can probably customize some things like colors or basic details, but you have a select catalog to choose from, limiting your customization ability. If you need a replacement part or have any issues with your fence, you are at the mercy of a non-local business providing support, sending supplies, or perhaps not offering any support at all.
Cost Considerations and Long-Term Value
A factor that many companies consider when weighing American-made vs. imported is the cost. So often, an imported solution is selected because it is “cheaper,” but you may not be saving as much money as you think. At first glance it might appear cheaper, but there is so much more to unpack here.
If you’ve heard the phrase “you get what you pay for,” this is a good time to analyze that possibility. Remember that you are likely paying less for lesser materials and quality, less customization possibility, less access, and less reliability. When you purchase American-made, you might pay a little more upfront, but you are paying for better materials, more access, more quality, and more flexibility.
When you consider the long-term value, buying American-made is often more cost-effective. You’re likely to experience lower maintenance costs, a stronger resale value, and the benefit of better and more accessible customer support. Think about things like longevity, material quality, warranties, and other things that affect your long-term costs. Those are the things you are paying for.
Imported fencing might seem great up front, but what about the other details? Sure, it appears to be cheaper, but how often will it need repairs? Can you access customer support? What materials are used? And what about a warranty? These are the factors that often make American-made materials cost a little more.
Consider Tariff Details
Using American-made fencing materials is a great way to avoid tariffs, which are likely to drive up the costs of what you thought was going to be a “cheap” solution. Tariffs and import duties or requirements are a detail that is often overlooked when comparing just the materials. But you need to compare the big picture and consider these potential costs and details that might impact your purchase.
With American-made materials, you won’t have import duties or tariffs, you will have more stable pricing, and you will have faster availability. Anything imported can easily be held up in customs. It will be impacted by international trade policies, tariffs, and other similar issues.
Supporting Local Industries by Buying American-Made Fencing
Purchasing American-made fencing solutions supports the economy and sustainability all around us. You support a variety of local industries by choosing to purchase locally-made materials. This includes things like job creation, material producers, and more. Plus, you’re contributing to more sustainable practices and reducing your carbon footprint by eliminating the need for international shipping and transport.
Count on American-Made Fencing with MFR Corp
When you’re weighing all your fencing options, don’t forget to look at long-term benefits. And consider quality of materials and things like tariffs that might impact your final decision. Weigh all of the options and make a fully informed decision when you’re ready. Using American-made solutions often leads to long-term savings, better access to your manufacturers and providers, and reliable quality.
If you’re ready to consider a local provider for your fencing needs, we can help! Contact us today to get started on your project.