When chain link makes sense
Chain link is the most affordable way to fence a big yard, keep a dog in, or enclose acreage around a house. It doesn't block wind, so it stands up well to storms, and it lasts with almost no upkeep. It gives no privacy unless you add slats.
Options that change the look and price
- Galvanized or coated. Bare galvanized is the cheapest. Vinyl-coated fabric in black or green costs more but blends into a yard and resists rust longer.
- Wire gauge. A lower gauge number means thicker wire. Heavier fabric holds up better to dogs and impacts.
- Height. 4 feet is common in front and side yards. 5 to 6 feet holds bigger dogs, and taller fences are for security.
- Privacy slats. Slats woven through the fabric add some screening.
- Top rail or tension wire. A top rail stiffens the fence and keeps the fabric from sagging.
What chain link costs
HomeGuide puts chain link at $10 to $40 per linear foot installed. A 4-foot fence runs about $10 to $20 per foot, and 6- to 8-foot backyard fences $15 to $40+. Chain link repairs run about $10 to $20 per foot. At $10 to $20 a foot, 200 feet of 4-foot chain link comes to about $2,000 to $4,000.
Chain link in our ground
Chain link posts are set in concrete, and the corner and end posts carry the tension of the stretched fabric. In shifting clay, those terminal posts need to be set deep. In limestone, expect rock drilling. Ask how they handle both.
Common questions
Can chain link give me privacy?
Some. Privacy slats woven into the fabric block most of the view. For full privacy, a wood or composite fence is the better choice.
Is black chain link worth it?
Coated chain link costs more than bare galvanized but looks less industrial and resists rust longer. Many homeowners pick it for front and side yards.