Get matched with top fencing pros in Copenhagen, NY

Black chain-link fences last an average of 15 to 20 years. The thicker a fence's wire gauge, the longer it will tend to last. The black vinyl coating gives the fence rust and corrosion resistance, but its life span may be lower in wet, humid, or coastal climates where moisture or salty air can corrode the coating more quickly.

You should stain both sides of your fence to get the full benefits. Fences often fall along property lines, so you may want to save a buck by leaving your neighbor’s side in the dust. If you do that, all you get is a slightly better view. Moisture and UV rays can still sneak in through the side that’s unpainted or worn down and damage your fence. Rot and rust will spread, even if you can’t see it from your side of the lawn.

Planting greenery on a fence can help achieve more privacy, whether it’s shrubs along a picket or chain link fence or rolls of faux greenery to help create a solid-colored backdrop beyond the fence line. You can also try adding more lattice or paneling across a fence so that there are fewer places where passing eyeballs can see in.

Concrete is one of the easiest, most cost-efficient, and most effective ways to stabilize a fence post. To stabilize a fence post with concrete, you’ll dig a hole around the post in question and fill it up with concrete—easy as that. Concrete lasts about 50 years on average, so it’s a long-term solution.