As Autumn rolls in over the country, people are scrambling to complete last-minute renovations and construction projects to their homes and properties before winter sets in. However, people who had been previously researching about cedar fencing materials and types during the beginning of the year may be in for a little surprise when they go out to purchase building materials or get bids from fence contractors.

The past and recent United States’ trade tariffs against other countries are impacting many businesses nationwide, including the fence industry, as homeowners are feeling the lumber tariffs hit their wallets.

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What is Going on with the Lumber Tariffs?

Since last year, the Department of Commerce warned consumers and businesses that they would be implementing a range of presidential tariffs against certain goods and raw materials that are exported into the United States from other countries. On Canadian softwoods, a more than 20% import duty was placed as this tariff is impacting companies throughout the construction sector.

Due to the forewarning about those tariffs, many companies in the beginning of the year began buying up surplus lumber at the lower prices before the tariffs took full effect. Other companies began looking to source certain wood products from other countries that would not be getting hit by the lumber tariffs, such as Brazil. Another option was for companies to switch their lumber inventory completely over to local American wood products.

How Are Lumber Tariffs Impacting the Fence Industry?

There have been mixed reactions throughout the construction industry regarding what these lumber tariffs will do to certain businesses. Some people believe that the tariffs will even the playing field for the timber industry so they can better compete domestically as they will lower prices to attract more customers. Lumber purchasers worry that with the narrower amount of choices available on where they can purchase lumber, it will impact the products and services they provide and increase pricing.

For many fence contractors, the lumber tariffs could impact their bottom lines in many ways. If they do decide to continue purchasing Canadian softwood products and plywood, they will have to fork over the 20% import duties. Rather than absorb this cost into their operations, many contractors will begin passing these expenses onto the customers by raising their quote prices for fence construction products and services. This scenario also holds true if they decide to import lumber from other countries, as the increased costs in shipping the lumber from the new location would be passed on down to the consumer.

It will all come down to the type of lumber that will be purchased and offered to consumers. Some contractors may, in fact, lower their prices because they are importing cheaper wood types from other countries. Yet the cheaper wood may not be of better quality than the Canadian lumber that was previously purchased.

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What This Means for Consumers?

In the end, homeowners may find themselves footing the lumber tariff bill with more expensive fences. Lumber prices were 70% higher in May 2018 than they were in May of 2017. Whether this increase will only be a short-term trend or will be a longer impact to the fence industry will be unclear as the approaching winter and the holiday season will influence construction projects across the country.

For homeowners, they may see increases to their construction quotes for all types of projects, including fences on their properties. The types of increases may be modest. Other times, it could be a significant spike depending on the type of wood that is desired and where it will be sourced. Tracking the lumber prices and what is available can help homeowners know what the average prices are for certain wood products in their locations. Then they can take these prices, as well as the construction labor quotes they receive from contractors, to further compare on whether they are getting a good deal with their fence project.

Like always, a homeowner should receive numerous quotes from several different fence contractors. They should also always visit the website of the fence company as well as check out the company’s photo gallery to see the types of previous projects that the fence contractor has completed. Going with a trusted and reliable company that is professional and offers quality craftsmanship will ensure that the homeowner is getting the best deal for their money. They will also receive a superior fence structure that will last for many years.

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Fence OKC Provides Superior Fence Construction Services

While the lumber tariffs and construction industry is in a state of unknown, Fence OKC will give you peace of mind that your fence project will run on schedule and on budget in Central Oklahoma. We offer a variety of fence construction types and materials, including wood fences, metal fences and pre-cast concrete products. By providing competitive free estimates and quality services, we can complete your fence construction project to your satisfaction.

Veteran owned and operated as we provide both residential and commercial fencing products and services, let Fence OKC work on your next fencing project. Contact us today to learn more.

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Fence OKC would love the opportunity to serve you and your family by providing you with a free estimate on your fence project. Please feel free to contact us by using the form below or call us at 405-778-1545. We have a fence that will fit anyone’s budget.