Do you have a question about our Direct Metals industrial metal and fiberglass products? Chances are that others have asked the same question! Check out the most common specialty metal questions that we encounter and their answers. If your question isn't answered here, please contact us.


Q: How quickly can we expect our order to ship?

A: Stock orders entered before noon will ship the same day. After noon, they will ship the next day. Processed or fabricated orders take longer depending on the project specifications.


Q: What is the transit time from your plant to mine?

A: Of course, that depends on where your plant is located, but with the availability of motor carriers and the competitive nature of our business, “next day” can be achieved within several hundred miles of our plants. Second day delivery will usually be the case in other instances.


Q: Where are your warehouses located?

A: Direct Metals carries one of the largest inventories of metal and fiberglass products in the nation. We have warehouse locations in Atlanta, GA and Chicago, IL that carry inventory for our wire mesh, perforated metal, expanded metal, bar grating, safety grating, fiberglass grating, and architectural metal products.


Q: Will you cut-to-size?

A: We will cut anything in our inventory to your project specifications. In some cases, we have to charge for the entire stock size piece, but we will always ask if we should ship the drops along with the finished part.


Q: Can you carry my special sizes?

A: Yes, we like this kind of business with certain commitments from the customer. This will help ensure quick delivery of your metal or fiberglass order.


Q: What is your return policy?

A: We will take anything back if it originally came from us, is in good condition, and if it is a normally stocked item. There is a minimal charge to cover the expenses to do so. In the event of our error or a quality problem which is not your own, the material can be returned after approval at no cost to the customer.


Q: What are your cutting tolerances?

A: Depending on the product, from +/- 1/16" to +/- 1/8". Special fabrications may require slightly greater tolerances.


Q: Can you supply drawings?

A: Yes, for more detailed grating fabrication jobs. We often do this for approval and for erection.


Q: What are your hours of operation?

A: Our normal hours are 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M., E.S.T.


Q: Can you export metal to my foreign based plant?

A: Yes! Direct Metals exports through all U.S.A. ports.


Q: Is your pricing competitive?

A: Yes! With the volume of our purchases and our attention to operating expenses, our costs are well controlled, and we pass these advantages on to our customers.


Q: Can you assist me with technical questions?

A: Our Direct Metals team is experienced, knowledgeable, and well trained. While they are not architects or engineers, they can answer many of your metal and fiberglass questions. When questions arise that are outside their area of expertise, they will often be able to help by consulting with others inside or outside of our company. In some instances, they may refer you to another source.


Q: What kind of quality control do you have?

A: It is very simple - “measure twice and cut once”. Our materials are closely inspected and labeled on arrival in our warehouse and again on shipment to our customers. At least two people are involved in this inspection process, both in and out. Shipping a quality product to our customers is our highest priority.


Q: How can I provide feedback about my experience with Direct Metals?

A: We appreciate receiving feedback from our customers. Direct Metals values the opinions of our customers and use the feedback we receive to continually improve our company, products, and processes. If you would like to share your feedback with us, please take our customer survey.


Q: What fabrication processes do you offer?

A: We offer a complete list of value-added fabrication processes to our line of specialty metals and fiberglass inventory. Our fabrication capabilities include shearing, stamping, drilling, blanking, welding, sawing, punching, rolling, slitting, as well as laser, plasma, and water jet cutting.


Q: Can you help us meet OSHA and ADA standards?

A: Yes! We have extensive experience in producing products to these standards. Our GRIP STRUT™ safety grating is used in many projects to fix slipping problems where OSHA standards are an issue. We sell close spaced gratings that satisfy the ADA requirement. Our large opening wire mesh is used widely as handrail panels which satisfy the OSHA standards.


Q: Where can I find information about projects completed with Direct Metals products?

A: To learn more about projects that have been completed with our products, visit our Case Studies page! We have supplied industrial metal and fiberglass material for countless projects across the nation.


Q: How can I keep up with the latest news about Direct Metals?

A: Stay connected with Direct Metals by following us on social media! You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. You can also sign up for our email newsletter to be the first to know about company news, events, new products, projects, and more!


Q: How can I request a quote for your specialty metal and fiberglass products?

A: Visit our Request A Quote page to fill out a short form about your project’s specifications and we will respond back with your quote as soon as possible!