McNichols Metal Products: 7 Real Questions Answered by Someone Who Handles Rush Orders

McNichols Metal Products: What You Actually Need to Know

I've been coordinating rush orders for industrial clients for about six years now—handling everything from a $500 emergency stair tread replacement to a $15,000 custom grating order that had to ship within 48 hours. McNichols comes up a lot in these conversations. In fact, last quarter alone, I processed 27 orders through their system.

So when people ask me about McNichols, here are the questions that come up most often.

1. Is McNichols just a supplier of metal grating, or do they have other stuff?

Most buyers focus on the grating—and sure, that's the core. But McNichols carries a surprisingly broad range: fiberglass grating (for corrosive environments), perforated metal (for filtration or architectural screens), wire mesh (for security or sifting), expanded metal (for walkways or enclosures), and stair treads.

What most people don't realize is that they also do custom fabrication—cut-to-size, bending, notching. I had a client last March who needed 12 custom-sized aluminum treads for a mezzanine retrofit. Normal turnaround from the mill would've been three weeks. McNichols delivered in five business days. We paid a 35% premium for rush, but the alternative was shutting down production for a month.

2. How do I know if I'm getting a fair price from McNichols?

Here's something vendors won't tell you: the first quote is almost never the final price for ongoing relationships. With McNichols, I've learned to ask two questions: "What's NOT included?" and "What's the price for standard gauge versus what's in our spec?"

For example, they might quote 14-gauge steel grating when you actually need 11-gauge for heavier loads. The price difference can be 20-30%. The vendor who lists all fees upfront—even if the total looks higher—usually costs less in the end. (I should add that I've been burned by vendors who quote low and then tack on setup fees. McNichols is transparent about this, in my experience.)

3. Can I get a single piece cut to size, or do I have to buy full sheets?

Yes—McNichols offers cut-to-size for most products. I ordered a single 4' x 8' sheet of perforated metal for a custom sign project a couple years ago. No minimum, but you'll pay a cutting fee (usually $15-40 per cut, depending on the material).

Is it worth it? That depends. For a prototype or repair, absolutely. For a large run, buying full sheets and having a local shop cut them might save money. (This was circa 2023—prices may have shifted.)

4. What's the deal with fiberglass grating? Is it worth the premium?

Fiberglass grating costs roughly 3-5x more than steel grating per square foot. But here's the decision point: if you're in a corrosive environment (chemical plants, wastewater treatment, food processing), fiberglass can last 10-15 years longer than painted steel. Over a decade, the total cost of ownership is lower.

I went back and forth between steel and fiberglass for a client's catwalk project last year. Steel was $18/sq ft installed; fiberglass was $52/sq ft. The plant had chemical spills regularly. Ultimately chose fiberglass—not because of the upfront cost, but because replacing steel every four years would've cost more in the long run.

5. Does McNichols sell to individuals, or is it B2B only?

They sell to anyone. No minimum order. You can buy a single piece of expanded metal for a DIY project if you want. But their website and pricing are clearly designed for contractors and engineers (think: spec sheets, load tables, material certifications). If you're a homeowner, you might find the technical info overwhelming—but the customer service team is actually pretty helpful.

(Oh, and about their location: McNichols is headquartered in Tampa, Florida, but they have service centers across the US. Their Detroit location—McNichols Scrap Iron & Metal Detroit MI—is one of their regional hubs. So yes, that scrap yard you saw in Detroit is legit part of the company.)

6. Can McNichols help with architectural or decorative metal? (Like for outdoor showers or shower niches?)

Surprisingly, yes. I've sourced perforated metal panels for an outdoor shower wall that a client wanted to be both private and water-draining. And I've seen shower niches made from stainless steel expanded metal for a modern industrial look.

The key is to check the product specs: for outdoor applications, you need either galvanized steel or aluminum (to avoid rust). For wet environments like shower niches, stainless steel is ideal—but it costs more. I specified 304 stainless steel for a client's beach house outdoor shower last year. The panels ran $35/sq ft, but they'll last decades in salt air.

7. How fast can McNichols actually deliver? (Asking because I'm in a rush.)

If it's in stock and standard size, shipping is usually 1-3 days. Custom fabrication adds 3-7 business days. For rush orders, they can often do 24-hour turnaround on stock items, but you'll pay a premium—usually 50-100% over standard shipping, plus a rush processing fee.

Last quarter, I had a client who needed emergency stair treads for an OSHA inspection scheduled 48 hours out. Normal turnaround: 5 days. Rush option: we paid $250 extra in rush fees (on top of a $1,200 base order), and the treads arrived the morning of the inspection. The alternative was a $15,000 OSHA fine and shutting down that production line.

So yes, they deliver fast when needed. But always ask: "What's the fastest you can guarantee, not promise?" The difference matters.