Chain Link Installation Cost Factors
There are some crucial factors that influence the cost for a chain link fence. As you discuss the project with local fencing contractors, you should expect to consider materials, dimensions, labor, and more.
Overall Dimensions
The size of your fence and its overall dimensions is a primary cost factor, as it determines the materials required and how much labor is needed to get the job done. Chain link fence installations cost $8 to $40 per linear foot, which includes materials and installation, with an average price range of $10 to $20 per linear foot. Contractors typically issue estimates with a per-foot calculation, though these costs increase as the height goes up. A standard chain link fence that is six-feet high comes in at $10 to $20 per linear foot, while an eight-foot fence costs $12 to $34 per square foot.
Gauge and Thickness
The fence’s thickness, otherwise called its gauge, reflects the project cost as it determines the cost of materials. Basically, the higher the gauge number, the thinner the metal strands, translating to a lower cost of materials. Thicker strands last longer, provide more security, and are generally more resistant to rust and inclement weather. Here are some common gauge prices to consider.
11.5 gauge: This is a light and thin wire that doesn’t offer much by way of security, costing just $1.50 to $7 per square foot
9 gauge: There is a reason this is the most common gauge for residential fencing, as it is durable and secure without breaking the bank. 9-gauge chain link fencing costs $2 to $10 per linear foot.
6 gauge: This is considered overkill for most homeowners, but is the gauge of choice for heavy commercial or security applications. It costs $4 to $20 per linear foot for 6-gauge fencing.
Mesh Size and Diamond Size
The standard mesh size is two inches, meaning the point at which portions of the fence interlink measures two inches. For advanced security and durability, some homeowners decrease this mesh size down to a single inch. This requires twice the materials and one-inch mesh is more difficult to source. In other words, going this route could double or triple your overall cost, up to $55 per linear foot.
“Diamond size” refers to how large the opening is between each link, as this opening resembles the diamond in a deck of cards. The smaller the diamond size, the more secure the fence, though at the expense of visibility. Smaller diamond sizes mean more materials, which means a higher cost. The most common residential size is 2” x 2” and costs $3 to $8 per linear foot. Decreasing the diamond hole to 1” x 1” costs $8 to $15 per linear foot.
Posts
Your fence needs posts to help it remain sturdy and to provide a bit of unique aesthetic flair. Putting in some posts costs around $3 per linear foot, or $30 per post. Often, contractors wrap this cost into the overall estimate as, well, you can’t have a fence without something to hold it together. Most posts are made from metal, but some homeowners choose wooden posts for a more natural aesthetic, though these are more expensive.
Labor
Labor and materials share an even split when pricing out a chain link installation job. Professional fence installers charge $25 to $50 per hour, depending on experience, and this type of job takes anywhere from 24 to 72 hours to complete. In other words the labor totals $1,000 to $3,000 for a chain link fence of 150 linear feet. These labor costs increase, however, with taller fences and those with unusual shapes and custom sizes.
Cost of Chain Link Fences by Type
Chain line fence design sticks to the script in most cases, but you do have some structural options to choose from. Traditional chain line fences differ from fences with extra coatings for extreme weather. You can also opt for more stylish fence posts between the standard chain line mesh.
Galvanized Chain Link Fence
While many chain link fences are manufactured using galvanized metal, you can add another coat to further increase durability. This style costs $5 to $8 per linear foot and results in a strong and utilitarian design.
Cyclone or Hurricane Fencing
The terms cyclone fences or hurricane fences are alternative nicknames for the standard chain link fence. The names come from the design's reputation for standing up against high winds, water, and the damaging effects of salt.
You'll find cyclone and hurricane fencing for anywhere between $8 and $40 per linear foot, depending on the finish used to protect its stability against the elements. Fences with aluminum coating, for example, will cost up to $12 per linear foot while vinyl-coating fencing reaches $20 per linear foot. Both protect the fence against corrosion from salt water and air.
Wood or Metal With Mesh Fencing
If you're hoping to combine the strength of a chain link fence with the classic look or a wood or metal design, you have options. Designers can attach chain links between two wood posts for between $5 and $45 per linear foot. Wooden posts alone will cost between $10 and $30 a piece. You can also connect chain lines to ornate wrought iron posts for a total of $30 to $100 per linear foot. Wrought iron posts provide a more tailored aesthetic to your front lawn while offering even more protection against extreme weather.
Additional Costs to Consider
While materials and labor make up the lion’s share of your costs, there are some additional factors to consider. Many of these are optional add-ons or only impact those living in certain parts of the country.
Gates
Installing a gate somewhere along your fence allows you to enter and exit without traipsing through the interior of your home. Gates are certainly handy, but keep in mind they do slightly reduce the overall security of your fence. A standard residential swing gate costs $100 to $450, which includes materials and labor. Automated rolling gates are more expensive, at $500 to $1,800, depending on their size and features.
Coating
Chain link fences are metal and, as such, are susceptible to rust, particularly in parts of the country with a heavy rain season or harsh winters. Coating your fence with a more durable material helps make your fence resistant to rust and adds a bit of visual flair. There are many types of coatings out there, each with its own price range and typical use case scenarios.
Powder coating: This is an economical way to ensure your chain link fence resists rust and corrosion. Powder coating costs an additional $6 to $8 per linear foot, but does add a textured matte finish to enhance curb appeal.
Colored vinyl: Looking for an elegant chain link fence that still offers resistance to rust and corrosion? Go for colored vinyl, which is typically available in black and green. This is an expensive coating type, however, coming in at $10 to $30 per linear foot. For instance, installing a black fence costs $5 to $25 per linear foot for materials.
Privacy Slats
You can increase your yard’s security by adding privacy slats to the fencing for an additional $3 to $10 per linear foot. These wood, vinyl, or aluminum slats help fill in the gaps in the chain-link fence to partially or entirely obstruct views from curious onlookers. They are woven through the chain links and are strategically placed to increase privacy.
Permits
Your city may require a building permit for a chain link fence, with a cost of $25 to $500. Additionally, some areas dictate diamond and mesh sizes, especially in areas surrounding pools or livestock. Check with your municipality on regulations for building a fence on or around your property.
Removal of Old Fencing
In with the old and out with the new. Old fencing requires removal before new fencing is installed at a cost of $3 to $5 per linear foot. Recoup these costs by selling the materials, and your pro might even take you up on this. The scrap or resale value of removed fence portions comes in at $6 per linear foot. Talk to your pro about reselling the materials before going ahead with the removal.
Land Clearing and Prep
While flat land is not always necessary to build a fence, you will need enough space to anchor the posts and string the chain link panels. Land clearing costs as little as $250 for a half-acre that is only lightly forested with shrubs, trees, or rocks. If your fence cuts through a densely forested area, prices will start at $1,800 per half-acre. If you do opt to even out your yard, the price of land leveling for a fence ranges from $900 to $3,000 on average.
Land Surveying
When building a fence, it’s wise to hire a local land surveyor to conduct a basic boundary survey to confirm your home’s property lines, so you don’t mistakenly build a fence on your neighbor’s property. Land surveying costs about $525 on average, though it can range between $380 and $745 depending on the size of your property, the time of year, your terrain type, and whether it’s a rush job.
Cost to Install a Chain Link Fence Yourself
Installing a chain link fence yourself costs $650 to $1,700, or around half the cost of hiring a pro. Learning how to build a fence is appropriate for experienced DIYers, so long as you have the time to spare and plenty of equipment on hand. Expect to spend at least 25 hours on the project, and much more if you run into any hiccups. Buying or renting equipment drives up the cost. For instance, renting a cement mixer to set the poles costs $25 to $150 per day. Other helpful tools include gas-powered posthole augers, wire cutters, pipe cutters, fence stretchers, and more. These tools eat into any potential savings unless you have a fully-stocked garage or toolshed.
Cost to Install It Yourself vs. Hiring a Contractor
Hiring a contractor essentially doubles your cost when compared to a DIY installation, but that is assuming you have ready access to tools and materials and that you are experienced enough to get the job done in a reasonable timeframe. Fence contractors charge $25 to $50 per hour, but they are experienced enough to finish the job quickly and overcome any potential obstacles. Installing a new fence often requires light excavation duties or some general landscaping. Your pro will subcontract out this work or point you in the direction of a local land excavator, for instance.
5 Ways to Save Money When Installing a Chain Link Fence
Chain link fencing is an economical choice when compared to other fence types, but there are still ways to cut down on costs. Here are some simple tips to consider if you want to save a few bucks on the installation process.
Limit corners: Each corner requires a post and associated hardware, so go with a design that limits corners as much as possible. Of course, you can only go so far here as you must adhere to the rules of geometry and physics.
Mix up the height: Higher fences cost more, so consider going with a lower height to save money. Also, feel free to mix and match the height to suit different parts of your property. Go higher in areas that require more security and lower in areas that don’t. Every bit adds up.
Skip the concrete: If your soil is up to snuff, skip the part where you bring in a concrete mixer to lay the posts. Instead, save money by pounding the posts directly into the ground. This is only for certain types of soil, however, so talk to your pro beforehand.
Do some of it yourself: If the idea of a full DIY installation gives you the sweats, just do some of the smaller parts yourself. Installing posts, removing old fencing, and adding privacy slats are all fairly easy to accomplish on your own.
Go in with neighbors: If you live in a close-knit community, reach out to your immediate next-door neighbor about splitting the cost of a chain link fence for the portion that sits between both of your homes. Just be sure to get the agreed upon plan in writing!
Alison Kasch contributed to this piece.
