How to Find a Fence or Gate Contractor Through the American Fence Association
The American Fence Association (AFA) publishes a Contractor Locator on its website, and that is the tool to use when you want to find a fence, gate, or perimeter security contractor. It points you to AFA member companies, which operate in the fence, gate, and perimeter security industry. Use it as a starting list, then verify licensing, insurance, and local requirements yourself before hiring.
What the AFA Contractor Locator Is
The AFA describes itself as the largest and most comprehensive resource in the fence, gate, and perimeter security industry. Its membership footprint gives you a sense of the pool the locator draws from:
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Countries represented | 15 |
| U.S. states represented | 50 |
| Member companies | 1,800+ |
| Employees across members | 10K |
| Chapters | 20 |
The Contractor Locator sits under the site's Resources section, alongside Publications, the AFA Online Store, the Fence Industry Index®, and Fence Pulse®.
How to Use It
- Go to americanfenceassociation.com.
- Open the Resources menu and select Contractor Locator.
- Search by your location to see member companies serving your area.
- Note the companies that match your project type — fencing, gates, or perimeter security.
- Contact each one directly to confirm they handle your specific job and service your address.
The locator is a directory, not a booking system. You still reach out to contractors yourself.
Why a Member Listing Is a Starting Point, Not a Guarantee
AFA membership signals that a company participates in an industry association with education, certification, and standards work. The AFA runs AFA University, career pathways, schools, certifications, certification testing, and approved education providers, and it maintains industry standards and gate safety resources.
That context helps you ask better questions, but it does not replace your own checks. Before signing anything, confirm:
- State or local licensing and registration requirements for fence and gate work where you live
- Current liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage
- Whether gate work involves automatic operators, which carry their own safety considerations
- Written scope, materials, timeline, and warranty terms
Where AFA Standards and Safety Information Fit In
The AFA maintains gate safety resources and industry standards, and its news page has covered the approval of new gate safety standards for 2027 I-Codes. If your project includes an automatic or sliding gate, ask contractors how they handle gate safety and which standards they follow. This is a reasonable way to compare bids on more than price.
Other AFA Resources Worth Knowing
- Chapters — 20 chapters run local events and education; a chapter near you can be a source of local contractor contacts.
- FENCETECH — the AFA's annual trade event, with the next one listed as FENCETECH 2027, March 1–5.
- Industry Awards and Pro Awards — recognition programs that can help you spot established companies.
- AFA Online Store and Publications — background material if you want to understand materials and terminology before you buy.
Quick Checklist
- [ ] Search the Contractor Locator for your area
- [ ] Shortlist companies that do your type of work
- [ ] Verify license, insurance, and local permit requirements
- [ ] Ask about gate safety standards if a gate is involved
- [ ] Get written scope, timeline, and warranty
- [ ] Compare at least two or three quotes
If you cannot find a member company nearby, expand your search radius, check the chapter covering your region, or ask the AFA directly — the association lists a phone number (800-822-4342) and an email address on its contact page.