Chain link fences usually cost between $1,200 and $4,000 to install, but most homeowners will pay around $2,100. Quite a few factors affect installation costs, including the fence’s height and finish, as well as the length of the fence line. This guide covers everything you need to know about chain link fence costs, along with tips to save money on installation.
Average Chain Link Fence Cost
Chain link fencing costs vary quite a bit depending on many factors. For instance, the fence’s height, gauge, finish and length can significantly affect costs. In addition, things like landscaping, excavation and add-ons, such as privacy slats, can impact your final price.
How to Calculate Chain Fence Cost
The cost of a chain link fence depends on the length and height of your fence, in addition to the materials you choose. Follow these steps to estimate the cost of a new chain link fence.
Measure the Perimeter
Measure the length of fencing you’ll need in linear feet, starting from one side and going around the perimeter.
Determine the Height
Next, figure out how high you want the fence to be. Chain link rolls typically range from three- to 12-feet high, so pick a height within that range that will work for your needs.
Pick Materials
Chain link fences come in several finishes, including powder-coated metal, galvanized metal, vinyl-coated metal and bare metal. Each of these finishes have different price points, so you’ll need to decide on one to better estimate your cost.
Do a Little Math
Once you decide on your mesh finish, look up its cost in your area. Then multiply the fence’s length and height to find the total fencing area. Finally, multiply that number by the cost of your chosen mesh per linear foot. This will give you a basic estimate to start with, but if you want a bit more detail, move on to the next steps.
Figure Out How Many Posts You’ll Need
Chain link fences require posts to secure and stabilize the fence. You’ll want to install a post every eight to 10 feet, so measure out how many you’ll need on your entire perimeter. Then add the cost of that many posts to the figure you found in the previous step.
Calculate the Gate and Finishing Costs
If you want a gate or two, or any add-ons, like post caps and special hardware, find those costs and add them to your total to get a solid estimate of your fence price.
Consider Permits
After pricing all of the materials, see if your region requires you to have a permit to install it. Then add the price of the permit to your costs.
Don’t Forget Labor
Finally, if you’re hiring a pro to install your new fence, get a labor estimate from them and add it to
your final cost.
Chain Link Fence Cost Breakdown
The cost of a chain link fence is typically broken down by height, thickness, type and acreage. The following estimates can help you determine your final costs.
By Height
Generally, the higher your fence, the more you can expect to pay for it since higher fences require more materials than lower fences. Depending on the finish you choose, you can expect to pay anywhere from $8 to $40 per linear foot, including labor.
By Thickness
You can find mesh with different thicknesses, also called gauges. It’s somewhat counterintuitive, but the lower your gauge, the thicker and more costly your fence will be. Most residential mesh features two-inch holes, or diamonds. Common gauge prices for two-inch mesh include:
- 6 gauge: 6-gauge mesh costs between $4 and $20 per linear foot. It’s incredibly strong and durable, so it’s most often used for commercial and security purposes.
- 9 gauge: 9-gauge mesh typically costs $2 to $10 per linear foot. Most residential fencing comes in 9 gauge, since it’s thick enough to be durable, but not as expensive as 6 gauge.
- 11.5 gauge: 11.5-gauge mesh is quite thin and not very durable, but it’s the most affordable, usually ranging from $1.50 to $7 per linear foot.
By Finish Type
Chain link fences typically come in one of three finishes: galvanized, vinyl-coated or powder-coated metal. You can also purchase bare metal mesh, which is the most affordable, but least durable.
- Galvanized metal: Galvanized finishes, which include hurricane and cyclone finishes, help protect the mesh from severe weather, rust and corrosion. It has both commercial and residential applications, but it’s most often used for commercial purposes. It typically costs $5 to $15 per linear foot, including installation.
- Powder-coated metal: Powder-coated metal is also resistant to rust and corrosion, but it’s not quite as pricey or durable as galvanized metal, ranging from $6 to $8 per linear foot.
- Vinyl-coated metal: Vinyl-coated mesh comes in many different colors, so it’s a fun way to punch up your outdoor aesthetic. It’s also resistant to rust and corrosion and costs between $10 and $30 per linear foot.
- Bare metal: Bare metal is the most affordable mesh type, but it’s also the least durable as it’s highly prone to rust and corrosion. You can expect to pay between $1.50 and $6 per linear foot for bare metal mesh.
Per Acre
If you have a fairly large property, it might be helpful to estimate your chain link fencing costs by acre. Average prices for a standard two-inch diamond fence that’s four feet high include:
Labor Cost to Install a Chain Link Fence
If you hire a pro to install a chain link fence for you, you’ll want to factor labor costs into your overall budget. Labor prices vary by region and season, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $25 per linear foot in labor costs.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Chain Link Fence Installation
In addition to the fence’s height, finish and gauge, several other factors affect the cost of a chain link fence. Factors to consider include the diamond size, post materials and gates.
Diamond Size
The size of your chain link fence’s holes affects its strength and durability. Most residential chain link fences comprise two-inch holes, which is durable enough for most uses. However, if you need extra strength and durability, you might want to go with a smaller diamond.
- 2-by-2-inch diamond: $4 to $9 per linear foot
- 1-by-1-inch diamond: $9 to $16 per linear foot
Post Materials
Chain link fences require posts every eight to 10 feet for stability. Typically, posts are made of metal, but you can also purchase wood posts to add an organic flair to your new fence. Metal posts usually range from $6 to $30 per post, while wood posts cost between $10 and $50, depending on the species and style.
Gates
If you want to be able to enter and leave your fenced-in enclosure with ease, you’ll need to install gates.
- Walkway gate: Walkway gates are big enough to allow people to walk in and out. They usually cost between $100 and $450, including labor, depending on the height and style.
- Driveway gate: Driveway gates are large enough for a car to drive through. Their size makes them more expensive than walkway gates, usually ranging from $800 to $3,500, depending on size, features and materials.
Permits
Some regions require you to have a building permit to install a fence. Permits can range anywhere from $25 to $500, but most homeowners will pay around $200. Permit requirements vary by municipality, so check with your local authority for specific rules and regulations.
Privacy Slats
You can weave privacy slats into the chain link fence to make it more difficult for onlookers to see behind the fence. They’re usually made of vinyl, aluminum or wood, and cost between $5 and $15 per linear foot with labor. If you choose to install them yourself to save some money, you’ll likely spend closer to $3 to $5 per linear foot.
Additional Costs Associated With Chain Link Fence Installation
Several other costs can come with a chain link fence installation. For instance, if you have an existing fence, you might want to budget for the cost of removing it before installing your new one.
Paint
Provided your fence doesn’t have a powder-coated finish, you can paint it using an oil-based primer and several coats of exterior-grade paint. If you tackle the project yourself, you’ll pay between $50 and $100 in total, including paint, primer and paint brushes. Hiring a pro for the job usually costs between $5 and $8 per linear foot.
Old Fence Removal
If you have an existing fence, it’s a good idea to pay a pro to remove it before installing your new one. It usually costs between $3 and $5 per linear foot to get rid of an existing fence. But in some cases, you can salvage some of the mesh from your old fence and reuse it, or sell it, to save some money.
Excavation
If your land isn’t completely flat and level, you should factor excavation costs into your budget. Land grading and excavation usually costs between $5 and $10 per square foot.
Land Surveying
When you’re planning to install a chain link fence, you need to know that it will be the correct size and in the right spot. That’s where land surveying comes in. Land surveying for a chain link fence involves determining the precise boundaries and characteristics of your property where the fence will be installed. This is crucial to ensure the fence is placed within the correct boundaries and adheres to local regulations and property rights. Land surveying fees vary across states, ranging from $300 to $2,000. However, the average is around $500.
Landscaping and Land Clearing
You might also want to do some landscaping or land clearing before installing your chain link fence. This is a particularly important step if you have lots of existing vegetation along your fence line since it will need to be cleared before you can install the fence. These services usually cost between $2 and $5 per square foot, but if you need to remove mature trees, budget for an additional $750 to $1,000 per tree.
6 Ways to Save Money on a Chain Link Fence Installation
There are several ways to save money on a chain link fence installation, including:
- Getting quotes from multiple professionals to find the best price
- Installing some or all portions of the fence yourself
- Choosing the lowest fence height possible for your needs
- Forgoing decorative details, like ornate gates, in favor of simpler features
- Using recycled fencing materials
- Choosing bare or powder-coated metal instead of vinyl or galvanized
8 Steps to Installing a Chain Link Fence
Chain link fence installations typically involve the following steps:
- Measure and mark the fence line with stakes
- Dig post holes then set the posts in concrete
- Attach a tension wire to end posts
- Install top rails between end posts
- Attach the mesh to the end posts using tension bends and a fence stretcher
- Unroll the mesh along the fence line, attaching it to the rail and posts
- Hang gates
- Attach post caps and secure the mesh to the top rail with ties
DIY Chain Link Fence Installation vs. Hiring a Professional
Labor costs for installing a fence usually range from $5 to $25 per linear foot. If you choose to install the fence yourself, you’ll probably pay around half the cost of what you would to hire a pro, so you can save money by doing it yourself.
However, you’ll need quite a few tools and supplies, including an auger, fence stretchers and pipe cutters, as well as a fair bit of know-how. You’ll also likely need around 25 hours to spend on the project unless you have a few people to help you, so bear that in mind before deciding whether to hire a pro.
8 Questions to Ask Your Contractor About Your Chain Link Fence Installation
To make sure you’re hiring the right pro for the job, consider asking them the following questions before making a hiring decision.
- Do you have a proper license and insurance?
- How many chain link fences have you installed?
- What is your payment model and schedule?
- How do you prefer to communicate with clients during installation?
- Do you have references that you can share?
- Do you offer any guarantees or warranties for your work?
- What’s your process for ensuring installation complies with local codes and regulations?
- How long do you expect the fence installation to take?
To arrive at the average costs in this article, we surveyed five local and national cost databases. All averaged figures were correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.