Comparing metal fence picket quotations for a business: what to put in the specification

Include a drawing of a typical bay and list any exceptions. Short runs, corners and steps in height may call for different dimensions. Cut-to-length sheet-metal pickets simplify fitting if the supplier has reliable measurements. Show missing lengths explicitly instead of leaving them to be inferred from an outline sketch.

State the width and depth of the finished profile and specify thickness as defined in the product documentation. If suppliers quote different thickness measures, distinguish steel core thickness from the total finished thickness. Keep a cross-section drawing with the specification.

The width of the metal strip before forming and the face width of the finished picket are separate measurements. Similar-looking pickets may differ in stiffness and fixing requirements. The cross-section affects how the picket performs and how many will fit in a bay.

State the colour, texture and gloss level, and say whether you want the decorative finish on one or both faces. A protective back coat can look different from the decorative face. A quotation promising protection on both sides may still leave the appearance of the reverse unclear.

For a wood-effect finish, approve a sample of the finished picket. The grain and how often it repeats affect the appearance of the whole fence. Even pickets described as the same colour can have different finishes. Identify the exact option in the quotation so it can be checked on delivery.

A price per picket, per metre of picket and per metre of completed fence will give different figures. Compare the same quantities and lengths and allow for a second row where specified. Check that all amounts in the comparison are presented on the same basis.

The lowest figure on a price list may apply to another length, coating or unit. Record the quantity, unit and price of each item. Compare the totals once both quotations cover the agreed work.

Where suppliers use different units, keep their original figures alongside your conversions to common lengths and quantities. This makes the arithmetic easier to check. For made-to-measure pickets, give each recurring size its own line. A total length of metal does not tell you whether the delivery contains the right pieces. Listing sizes lets you compare prices while keeping differences in the picket breakdown visible.

Specify whether posts, rails, brackets and fasteners are included. List transport, unloading and installation separately. If an existing frame is to be reused, say who will assess it and what preparation is included. Otherwise a substantial part of the work may be missing from the price.

A delivery of infill pickets covers only part of a fence. For a gate, specify the frame, hardware and other equipment as well. Components in matching colours may still be supplied or fitted by different contractors, so establish who is responsible for each part.

Describe unusual exposure, site access and the intended use. An exposed site, salt, dust or contact with chemicals can affect product selection. With that information, suppliers can offer materials for the same duty and you can compare them on that basis.

Obtain the installation and maintenance instructions and the warranty terms. A general statement about durability gives little detail about any of these. Check the requirements for storage, tools and repairs against what is practicable on your site, including for the lowest-priced offer.

Agree which dimensions, markings and finish characteristics will be checked. An approved sample picket and a reference bay give both sides something to compare against. For phased deliveries, make sure the batches can be identified. This helps resolve discrepancies before the entire fence is installed.

A short specification is sufficient if the essential information is complete. The pickets delivered should be identifiable and match the agreed profile and coating. These details give the receiving team a clear basis for accepting the goods.

The lowest price per picket may give a poor indication of the cost of the finished fence. Consider fit, completeness of supply and future maintenance as well. A shared specification shows what the business is paying for and reduces disputes about work one party assumed was included and the other left out of the price.