If you're looking for a heavy-duty option that won't break the bank, chain link fencing could be the perfect fit.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website.
Chain link fencing combines ruggedness and visibility. It’s a secure and sturdy barrier you can still easily see through, making it a practical fencing choice for lots of spaces. The design is so simple and effective it’s gone virtually unchanged for decades.
According to Vince Christofora, owner of Woodstock Hardware, chain link fences are also “one of the most affordable fences you can install.”
What Is a Chain Link Fence?
According to Christofora, a chain link fence features woven metal mesh usually made from galvanized wire. This mesh stretches tightly between metal posts sunk into concrete, providing a sturdy, strong foundation. Although chain link fencing is easy to see through, fabric or plastic slats can be added to cover chain link fence for added privacy.
Pros of a Chain Link Fence
Chain link fencing offers plenty of benefits in cost and construction.
- Durability: Unlike wood fences that can rot, chip or peel, chain link fences can take a beating for years and look pretty much the same. They’re also relatively impervious to extreme heat, cold or moisture.
- Affordable: Chain link fencing is considerably cheaper than wood or vinyl fencing. Experienced DIYers can can install it, reducing labor costs.
- Minimal maintenance: Metal construction provides ample protection against the elements. It doesn’t need staining, repainting or waterproofing like wood or vinyl fencing.
- Visibility: The wire mesh is strong and tight enough to keep kids and pets safely contained while letting you see what’s going on beyond it.
Cons of a Chain Link Fence
Despite its benefits, chain link fencing isn’t for everyone. Consider these potential drawbacks before you decide:
- Not great for home resale: The basic look and affordability of chain link fences don’t give the property value boost more attractive vinyl or wood fences provide.
- Not aesthetically pleasing: The industrial/commercial look lacks the rustic charm of wooden or vinyl options and may clash with your home’s design.
- Lack of privacy: Because you can easily see through chain link fences, they’re not great for those who put a premium on privacy.
- Not for residential security: The wide links and typical four-to-five-foot fence height are easy for intruders to climb.
How Much Does a Chain Link Fence Cost?
The price varies with the height of the fence, type and installation process. According to Brian Gregory at Foothill Fence, standard galvanized chain link fencing costs about $10 per linear foot. They charge $1,200 per day for labor for a two-man crew with a work truck, tools, and equipment.
Fencing installation time depends on the size of the job, so work with your installer to determine a precise number. Additional challenges like hills, brush or lawn sprinklers can increase the installation rate. Foothill Fence is based in Los Angeles, so their costs are higher than the rest of the country; pricing in your area may differ.
Don’t forget other potential expenses like building permits, or tearing down and hauling away an old fence.
Chain link vs. Wood and Vinyl Fence Cost
If you compare the costs of chain link fencing components at your local home center with those for wood or vinyl fencing, you may find that they are more similarly priced than you anticipated. It is the labor involved in installing these different fence options that is the hidden factor here.
Be aware that constructing a wood or vinyl fence will take longer, possibly up to three times longer, than a chain link fence of the same length. Consequently, wood and vinyl fences that are professionally installed are more expensive because of this additional labor involved in their installation.
Types of Chain Link Fences
Galvanized metal
This is the classic gray version you’ve probably seen at ball fields and backyards, with galvanized coating to increase its durability. This coating, usually zinc, protects the underlying steel from rust and corrosion, as well as cosmetic scratches. Galvanized metal fencing costs about $10 per linear foot.
Vinyl-coated (aka PVC-coated)
Galvanized fencing can also feature vinyl coating, adding another layer of protection and a range of color options. According to Gregory, their most popular colors are black, forest green, dark brown, beige and gray.
This could be a great choice for those who aren’t fans of the industrial look of galvanized fencing, and want it to blend into the background more. Vinyl-coated chain link fencing costs about $14 per linear foot.
Considerations When Buying a Chain Link Fence
Height: A taller fence provides more security and reduces the chances of a dog jumping over, but the extra material costs more and may be challenging to install. Most chain link fencing is four feet high, but it can be available from three to 12 feet.
Installation: Professional installers do the job done quickly and correctly. But if you want to save money and think you have the know-how, install the chain link fence yourself. Just remember: The money you save may not be worth it if the project takes longer than you thought, or if you end up with an unprofessional-looking result.
Mesh size: Depending on the supplier, you could choose the size of the mesh openings of the fence or the distance of the diamond from side to side. While 2-3/8-inch is the standard for residential use, mesh sizes as low as 3/8-inch offer more security since they’re harder for intruders to climb. Keep in mind the smaller the mesh size, the more metal required to construct it, meaning a higher material cost.
Gauge: Many chain link fences are available in different gauges; the lower the gauge, the thicker the wire. Thicker gauge fences are ideal for large dog kennels or baseball backstops. They also offer higher security, providing a sturdier barrier that’s harder to cut through.
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Written by
Sarah Noel
October 5, 2023
Fact-checked by
Tom Grupa
Black chain-link fence costs
A 4-, 5-, or 6-foot black vinyl chain-link fence costs $10 to $29 per foot installed. Installing a 150' long black chain-link fence costs $1,500 to $4,800 on average, depending on height. A black vinyl chain-link fence costs $5 to $19 per foot for materials, plus $5 to $15 per foot for labor.
An 8- to 10-foot black chain link fence costs $13 to $34 per square foot installed.
Black chain-link fence cost - chartChain-link fence cost
Linear feet
4 foot tall
6 foot tall
8 foot tall
50
$500 – $1,350
$600 – $1,450
$650 – $1,600
100
$1,000 – $2,700
$1,200 – $2,900
$1,300 – $3,200
150
$1,500 – $4,000
$1,800 – $4,400
$1,950 – $4,800
200
$2,000 – $5,400
$2,400 – $5,800
$2,600 – $6,400
300
$3,000 – $8,100
$3,600 – $8,700
$3,900 – $9,600
400
$4,000 – $10,800
$4,800 – $11,600
$5,200 – $12,800
Chain-link fences are low-maintenance and last 15 to 20 years.
The vinyl-coating protects against rust, corrosion, moisture, fading and lasts longer than galvanized types.
Available in black, brown, white, green, grey, beige, and redwood colors.
In comparison, a standard galvanized chain-link fence costs $9 to $30 per linear foot.
Black chain-link fence cost calculator
Enter the linear feet of your fence below to estimate the cost.
For a more accurate cost estimate, get free quotes from chain link fence companies near you.
Get free estimates from chain link fence installers near you.
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A 4-, 5-, or 6-foot black chain-link fence costs $10 to $29 per foot, while an 8- to 10-foot fence costs $13 to $34 per foot installed. Black chain-link fence sections 4' high by 8' wide cost $80 to $200 each installed.
Vinyl-coated chain-link fence material costs $5 to $19 per linear foot, and labor costs $5 to $15 per linear foot.
Black chain-link fence cost per foot - chartBlack chain-link fence cost per foot
Height
Material cost per foot
Total cost per foot
4’
$5 – $12
$10 – $27
5’
$6 – $13
$11 – $28
6’
$7 – $14
$12 – $29
8’
$8 – $17
$13 – $32
10’
$9 – $19
$14 – $34
*Prices include mesh fabric, posts, and all hardware. Gates not included.
Average cost of black chain-link fence installed
Black vinyl chain-link fence installation cost breakdown - chartCost of black chain link fence per foot installed
Factor
Average cost per foot
Mesh fabric
$2 – $8
Posts and hardware
$3 – $9
Labor
$5 – $15
Total cost installed
$10 – $32
*Prices for average fences 4 – 8 ft. high. Gates not included.
Cost factors for installing a black chain-link fence:
Residential wire mesh is typically 9 to 12 gauge in a 2" diamond. Smaller diamonds and gauges cost more.
8 foot tall black chain-link fence in residential yard
Black powder-coated chain-link fence material prices
Powder- or vinyl-coated chain-link materials cost $5 to $19 per linear foot or 50% of the total cost. Fence posts, frameworks, and other fittings only come in a colored powder coating. Chain-link fabric mesh comes in either vinyl coatings or galvanizing treatments.
Black chain-link fence material prices
Part
Average material price
Wire mesh
$2 – $8 per linear foot
Terminal post
$20 – $35 each
Line post
$15 – $25 each
Single gate
$100 – $300 each
Double gate
$150 – $800 each
Additional hardware*
$1 – $3 per linear foot
*Includes rails, caps, bolts, ties, tension bars, and tension bands.
Vinyl-coated chain-link fence mesh - up close
Black chain-link fence gate pricing
A residential black chain-link fence gate costs $130 to $1,000 installed, depending on the size and opening design. Vinyl-coated commercial rolling gates cost $1,400 to $3,000 installed.
Black chain-link fence gate cost - chartBlack chain-link fence gate cost
Type
Average cost
Features
Single walk-through
$130 – $450
- 3' – 6' tall
- 3' – 6' wide
- Hinges on one side
Double drive-through
$200 – $1,000
- 3' – 6' tall
- 8' – 12' wide
- 2 gates opening from the middle
Rolling gate
$1,400 – $3,000
- 6' – 8' tall
- 8' – 30' wide
- Rolls open on rails
*Total installation cost. Labor alone costs $30 to $120 per gate, depending on the size and type.
6 foot tall black vinyl-coated chain-link fence with gate
Vinyl-coated chain-link fence cost
Vinyl-coated chain-link fence costs $1,000 to $3,400 per 100 linear feet installed, depending on the height, coating type, and color. Prices increase for removing old fencing or debris disposal.
Vinyl-coated chain-link fence cost
Height
Cost per foot
Cost per 100 linear feet
4’
$10 – $27
$1,000 – $2,700
6’
$12 – $29
$1,200 – $2,900
8’
$13 – $32
$1,300 – $3,200
10’
$14 – $34
$1,400 – $3,400
*Total installation cost.
Types of vinyl-coated chain-link fence
Vinyl-coatings are either extruded, extruded and bonded, or thermally bonded. The gauge or wire size may be calculated on the underlying core wire or with the coating thickness included.
Vinyl-coated chain-link fence types
Type
Features
Class 1 – Extruded
- Residential application
- Thin coating pulled over the wire
- Tears or peels easily
Class 2A – Extruded and bonded
- Commercial or residential application
- Coating bonded to wire with glue
- Longer lasting
Class 2B – Thermally bonded
- Commercial and industrial applications
- PVC chemically fused to steel wire
- Strongest powder coating
- High cracking and peeling resistance
- Permanently bonded color coating
Vinyl-coated black chain-link fence installed in backyard
Brown, white, and green chain-link fence prices
Black, white, brown, or green chain-link fences cost $2 to $8 per linear foot for the materials or $10 to $34 per foot installed.
Less-common colors include shades of gray, beige, and redwood.
Customized colors cost more, take longer to make, and have a minimum order requirement.
Black chain-link fence prices at Home Depot and Lowe's
Vinyl-coated chain-link fences from Home Depot or Lowe's cost $2.50 to $3.20 per linear foot or $128 to $160 per 50-foot-long roll.
These rolls are mainly 4' high with a 9-gauge thick wire in black, green, or white.
Fence posts, slats, gates, and hardware sell separately.
Pros and cons of vinyl chain-link fences
Chain-link fences have either galvanized, aluminized, or vinyl coatings. All chain-link fence types last 15 to 20 years and are low-maintenance.
Get free estimates from chain link fence installers near you.
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PVC-coated chain-link fence cost vs. other materials
Type
Material cost per foot
Pros and cons
Vinyl-coated / PVC / Plastic
$2 – $8
- More aesthetically pleasing
- Various colors
- Better rust protection
- More durable
- Less maintenance
Galvanized
$1 – $8
- Cheapest
- Most common
- Only in silver-grey
- Rusts over time
Aluminized
$4 – $13
- High durability
- High corrosion-resistance
- Highly salvageable metal
- Only in silver-grey
Aluminum
$9 – $40
- Expensive
- Corrosion-resistant
- Lightweight
- Pleasing appearance
- Minimum maintenance
*Material mesh prices based on fencing 4' to 8' high.
Black chain-link fence FAQs
How long does a black chain-link fence last?
A black chain-link fence lasts 15 to 20 years on average. The vinyl coating makes the galvanized wire more rust and corrosion-resistant. Thicker 6- to 9-gauge wire lasts the longest. Wet, humid, and salty coastal areas decrease the lifespan of chain-link fences.
How long does it take to install a chain fence?
Installing a chain-link fence takes 2 to 5 days on average. Most contractors install 80 to 150 feet of fencing a day. Setting the posts in-ground with cement takes one day. Installers let the cement cure for 1 to 4 days, depending on the cement type.
Does a black chain-link fence fade?
Black vinyl chain-link fencing has a 10- to 15-year manufacturer warranty against fading, chipping, and peeling. Many homeowners renew their chain-link fence by painting it black.
How can I get a cheap black chain-link fence?
The cheapest black chain-link fence material costs $2 to $3 per linear foot for fencing 3' to 4' tall. Thinner 11- to 12.5-gauge wire is the cheapest and the least durable. Budget black chain-link fences typically have a Class 1 Extruded vinyl coating, which wears quickly.
Tips to save:
Buy in bulk for discounts.
Get multiple project quotes to compare.
Combine projects for a lower total price.
Is black chain-link fencing galvanized?
Black chain-link fencing uses galvanized steel wire underneath the vinyl coating. Galvanization prevents rust if the vinyl coating chips off.
What is black cyclone fencing?
Black cyclone or hurricane fencing is the same as a black, vinyl-coated chain-link fence. Cyclone fencing is popular in coastal and storm-prone areas as wind and water pass through it.
Other names for hurricane or cyclone chain-link fences include “wire netting,” “wire mesh,” “diamond-mesh fence,” and “chain-wire fence.”
How do vinyl-coated chain-link fences compare to other vinyl fences?
Vinyl-coated chain-link fences cost $10 to $34 per foot, while vinyl fences cost $30 to $60 per foot installed. Both types are durable and low maintenance.
Vinyl chain-link fence vs. vinyl fences
Type
Pros
Cons
Vinyl chain-link fence
- Lasts 15 – 20+ years
- Affordable
- Withstand high winds in storm-prone areas
- Resists rust
- Waterproof
- Low maintenance
- Eventually rusts if vinyl-coating chips off
- No privacy
- Easy to climb
Vinyl panel fence
- Color doesn’t wear off
- Lasts 10 – 20+ years
- Immune to rust, pests, & water damage
- Provides privacy with solid slats
- Maintenance-free
- More difficult for intruders to climb
- Boosts curb appeal for faster home resale
- More expensive
- Cracks in extreme temperatures
- Lightweight material doesn’t endure high winds well
DIY black chain-link fence prices
DIY black chain-link fence installation takes 2 to 5 days on average for two people. Installing requires construction experience, equipment rental, and hard physical labor.
Hiring a fence installer instead costs $20 to $60 per linear foot for professional labor and includes a warranty.
Get free estimates from chain link fence installers near you.
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Black chain-link fence kit cost
Black vinyl chain-link fence kits cost $1,500 to $5,800 or $10 per foot for fences 4' to 6' high and 150 to 500 feet long. Kits include the fabric-mesh, posts, gates, and parts. Kits don’t include tools or concrete for post setting. Online fence stores and some hardware stores sell kits.
Hiring a vinyl-coated chain-link fencing contractor
Before hiring a fence installer near you, be sure to:
Compare three or more in-person estimates.
Check references from their past clients.
Examine their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Verify their fencing contractor license (or C-13 license in California), American Fence Association certification, or OSHA endorsements.
Ask for proof of insurance and bond guarantees.
Select contractors with several years of experience.
Avoid companies with the cheapest quotes that may reflect low-quality work.
Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before making payments.
Do not pay in full before work begins. Follow a payment plan.
Questions to ask
How many chain-link fences have you installed?
Do you know local fence-building codes and post-hole size requirements?
Which color choices do you offer, and do costs vary?
Can I choose a custom color to match my home?
Do you offer different vinyl-coating thicknesses?
Will you help mark public utility lines before work begins?
What additional costs can I expect that aren’t in this estimate?
Can you give me a discount if I wait until winter or your slowest season?
How long will this project take?
Do you charge for debris clean up after installation?
Are permits required? Will you pull them?
Can you place the fence on the property line, or should it stay within it?
What is your payment schedule?
How long is the warranty on your work?
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Pvc-Coated Chain Link Fence.
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