Cheap Rancho Fence

A search query like “cheap Rancho fence” often leads potential buyers to websites of, let’s say, less scrupulous companies. Typically, such companies take a popular fence model (and “Rancho” is one of the leaders in popularity in Ukraine, and now Europe as well), and simply copy it without going through the approval process with the design company. In principle, making a fence similar to Rancho is not hard, making it cheaper than the original is also doable, but replicating the exact design without the right technology and specialists is nearly impossible.

That’s why we decided to take a close look at the issue and tell buyers of the “cheap Rancho fence” exactly what they are purchasing!

How can you make a Rancho fence cheaper?

So, “Rancho” is one of the most in-demand models of metal panel fences in Ukraine. Mehbud Factory was one of the first companies to produce fences with this configuration—and the “Rancho” line has remained the most popular in the company’s range since 2012.

Structurally, “Rancho” is quite simple — rectangular slats with ribs for rigidity are mounted strictly horizontally at a set distance from each other. The secret to its reliability and durability, as always, lies in the details, which were thought through by the design office and optimized several times after analyzing consumer feedback.

Competitor companies may try to make an exact copy of the “Rancho,” but they can’t achieve the same quality, and they don’t need to. The goal of such manufacturers is to minimize the production cost and “compete by price,” which, in times of economic downturn, gives them a chance to grab a small share of the market. There are several ways to cut costs:

• Using cheaper metal: Metal from Chinese manufacturers with minimal thickness and low-quality galvanization is not used by major companies. However, it is available at a low price and is easier to work with for “garage production.”
• Using cheap polymer coatings: There are coatings that conceal the metal — and that’s fine, but how they perform after a month of use is of little concern to them.
• Simplifying the shape of the slat: The design of the Rancho slat was created to combine minimal weight with maximum rigidity. In some cases, to simplify production in homemade conditions, they remove the ribs for rigidity. Externally, this may be hard to notice (especially without comparing it to the original Rancho slat), but the loss in strength will be significant.

As we have repeatedly pointed out in our reviews, cost savings are always at the expense of the consumer. And we will discuss the consequences of purchasing such a “budget option” below.

Consequences of Buying a Cheap Fence

So, what risks do buyers of cheap “Rancho” fences face?

1. The first problem is thin metal. A minimal thickness will lead to slat sagging under their own weight over the length of a section. But that’s not the most dangerous issue. Thin metal cannot be securely fixed to the supporting structure, so the reliability of slat fastening will be significantly lower than necessary. Wind gusts or attempts at forced break-ins will clearly show the difference between normal thickness metal and the thin budget version.

1. Next, there’s the high risk of corrosion. Peeling and deterioration of the polymer coating, low-quality galvanization — all of this causes the metal to rust very quickly, even in dry climates. And the metal on cheap “Rancho” fences (as mentioned earlier!) is thin, so the strength will decrease rapidly.
2. Finally, there’s the appearance. Even if the polymer coating doesn’t start peeling right away, you’ll notice the difference very soon. The reason is simple: cheap polymers lack components that prevent destruction under UV exposure. Therefore, the color of the structure will quickly change due to fading. It’s one thing if you chose a non-marking gray color, but quite another if you picked green, blue, or another bright shade that matches your overall design.

Summary: In the best case, problems start to appear after a few months. After about six months, the fence will look nothing like you expected. Fixing the situation is practically impossible because the main issue lies with slats made from thin metal with altered geometry, produced “in a garage.” So, either tolerate this fence, or fully dismantle it and buy a new one.

What Affects the Cost of a Rancho Fence?

The cost of a Rancho fence can vary depending on several factors that can significantly impact the final price. Let’s take a look at the key factors:

1. Material Quality
   One of the main factors affecting the price is the material used to make the fence. Cheaper options often use less expensive materials, such as steel with a minimal protective coating. In contrast, higher-quality materials, such as galvanized steel with powder coating or aluminum, increase the price but offer better corrosion resistance and durability.

2. Fence Size
   The size of the fence, meaning the length and height, directly affects the cost. The larger the area, the more expensive the fence will be. Additionally, increasing the height of the fence also increases the price since more materials and labor are required for installation.

3. Installation Type
   There are several types of installation for a Rancho fence: installation on a concrete foundation or without it, with additional reinforcement or standard base. Installing with a foundation will be more expensive as it includes extra materials and more complex work. The cost can also rise depending on the site’s terrain complexity.

4. Additional Elements
   Gates, entryways, and other additional elements such as decorative features or lighting increase the total cost of the Rancho fence. Gates can be either standard or automatic, which also impacts the price. Each additional element requires extra materials and installation costs.

5. Finishing and Coating
   The cost of the fence also depends on the type of coating used for protection against external factors. For example, powder coating or vinyl coating increases the price of the fence, but it significantly extends its lifespan and resistance to environmental elements.

6. Brand of Manufacturer
   While Rancho fences are often made from similar materials, the brand and reputation of the manufacturer can also influence the price. Well-known manufacturers typically offer higher-quality materials and warranties, which increases the cost but ensures better durability and reliability.

7. Warranty
   The cost of a Rancho fence may also depend on the duration and conditions of the warranty provided by the manufacturer. A longer and more comprehensive warranty on the materials and installation may raise the price of the fence, but it also guarantees its reliability and protection against defects, which can save money on repairs or replacements in the future.