Imperial Fence Supply in Chattanooga: Materials and Expertise for DIY and Professional Installers
Imperial Fence Supply is a independent fence materials retailer on the North Shore that stocks lumber, vinyl, aluminum, and steel components for residential and light commercial fence projects, serving both homeowners and contractors across the Chattanooga area.
What Imperial Fence Supply Actually Is
This is not a full-service fence contractor; it is a materials distributor focused on selling fence panels, posts, hardware, gates, and related supplies. The business operates as a single-location shop, which means inventory is fixed and phone calls or visits ahead of time confirm availability of less common items. The customer base splits between DIY homeowners tackling weekend projects and local contractors who use Imperial as a regular supplier for jobs across the region.
Materials and Pricing
Imperial carries four primary fence material categories. Pressure-treated wood posts and panels range from $40 to $120 per 6-foot section depending on grade and thickness; treated lumber costs less than cedar but requires regular maintenance. Vinyl panels run $150 to $300 per section and require no staining or sealing, though they cost more upfront and are harder to modify on-site. Aluminum fencing, mostly used for ornamental or pool-code applications, falls in the $100 to $250 per section range. Steel panels for commercial or high-security applications start around $200 per section and vary by gauge and finish.
Hardware, post caps, and gate hinges are sold individually; a residential gate kit (hinges, latch, and fasteners) typically costs $40 to $80 depending on material and weight capacity. Concrete mix for setting posts is available by the bag or bulk. Specific prices shift with material costs; call ahead to confirm current figures for large orders.
How Imperial Compares to Other Chattanooga Building Supply Sources
Home Depot and Lowe's stock fence basics (pressure-treated panels, hardware, concrete) at competitive prices and offer next-day delivery on many items, making them convenient for small projects or emergency supplies. They carry limited vinyl and no specialty aluminum or steel options. Sunbelt Rentals, also in Chattanooga, focuses on equipment rental rather than materials sales. Imperial's advantage is depth: it stocks more vinyl color options, carries commercial-grade steel that big-box stores do not, and staff can advise on post spacing, gate hardware sizing, and material durability for Chattanooga's climate and soil conditions. Choose Home Depot or Lowe's if you need materials fast and plan a simple wood fence; choose Imperial if you are installing vinyl or metal, need technical guidance, or are a contractor restocking regularly.
Who This Suits and Who It Does Not
Imperial works best for homeowners planning a complete fence replacement or upgrade and for contractors stocking materials for multiple jobs. A DIYer building a single 100-foot cedar fence can buy lumber here more economically than at specialty fence shops in surrounding counties. It also suits someone considering vinyl or aluminum and wanting to compare samples and durability claims in person before buying. It does not serve anyone who needs installation labor, design consultation, or a one-stop contractor arrangement; Imperial sells materials only. It also is not ideal for emergency supplies on a Sunday afternoon, as it operates standard business hours.
What a First Visit Involves
Walk in during business hours and browse panels and post samples displayed on the showroom floor. Staff can measure your project scope, calculate material quantities, and discuss trade-offs between wood, vinyl, and metal. Bring a sketch or photos of your fence line and any specific aesthetic goals. If you are buying a large order, expect a quote and a few days' lead time if specialty items must be ordered from a distributor. Most homeowners spend 30 to 45 minutes on a first visit.
Hours, Parking, and Logistics
Imperial Fence Supply is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., closed Sundays. Parking is on-site and ample. The location is on the North Shore off Highway 153; confirm the exact address and current hours by phone before a visit, as retail hours occasionally shift seasonally. The shop is not wheelchair accessible; call ahead if you need accommodation. Delivery is available for large orders within a 15-mile radius for a fee; smaller orders are packable for personal transport.
Imperial Fence Supply fills a gap between mass-market building supply chains and full-service fence contractors, offering material choice and local expertise at fair pricing for a region where residential fence installation is common.
