EUR
en
The average cost of a chain link fence is $2,406, with most homeowners spending between $1,298and $3,575. Your final price depends on the fence’s length, height, gauge, and extras like gates or privacy slats.
Several details drive your chain-link fence quote: material, length, post style, add-ons, and labor.
Materials make up about 50% of your project budget. Standard galvanized mesh keeps costs low, while upgrades such as a driveway gate push the price higher.
Fence length is one of the biggest price drivers. More linear feet mean more mesh, posts, and labor hours, so bigger yards naturally cost more.
Fence height affects both price and privacy. Expect to pay $8 to $40 per linear foot (materials and labor) as you move from 4-foot panels to security-grade 10-foot options. However, the average homeowner pays $10 to $20 per linear foot.
The style and finish of your fence also impact the total cost and its suitability for your needs. Galvanized chain link fences are popular due to their durability against rust, making them great for long-term use. If you live in a hurricane-prone zone, upgrading to a cyclone fence delivers extra strength against wind, water, and corrosion.
Opting for a powder-coated finish enhances the fence’s appearance and adds extra protection, though it increases the price. Wood post chain link fences combine metal fencing with wooden posts for a more natural aesthetic and typically cost between $5 to $45 per linear foot.
Gauge refers to the thickness of the metal strands in your fence. The higher the number, the thinner the strand. Thicker mesh lasts longer and provides more security for your property.
The size of the diamonds in your chain link fence affects both strength and cost. Smaller diamonds make the fence stronger but also more expensive. Two-inch by two-inch is the most common residential diamond size, costing $3 to $8 per linear foot. One-inch by one-inch diamonds will cost slightly more, at $8 to $15 per linear foot.
Posts run an average of $30 each or $3 per linear foot as part of the complete project. You’ll need posts with caps every seven to 10 feet.
Most posts are made from metal, the most economical and sturdy option, but some homeowners opt for more expensive wooden posts for a natural aesthetic.
Residential standard swing gates add $100 to $450 with labor. Automated commercial rolling gates that are large enough to allow a car to pass through run $500 to $1,800 or more.
Chain-link privacy slats cost approximately $3 to $10 per linear foot, including materials and labor. These strips can be woven through the chain links, and options include redwood, vinyl, and aluminum. They won’t provide as much privacy as a wood or vinyl fence but are roughly half the cost.
Labor generally accounts for roughly 50% of the overall price tag. Professional rates range from $25 to $50 per hour.
Contractors charge more for taller fences, custom sizing, unusual shapes, and if they need to do any excavation or fence removal work.
Want a pop of color or extra rust protection? A pro can tackle the tricky mesh pattern and deliver even, long-lasting coverage. Expect to pay around $5 to $8 per linear foot for this service.
If you have an old fence that needs to be removed before installing a new one, you might spend between $3 and $5 per linear foot for removal.
For quality installation, the land where your chain link fence will be set must be level and free of large trees, shrubs, and roots. The cost to grade and excavate land is $120 to $150 per hour.
Depending on your location, you may need a building permit to install a chain link fence. Building permits cost between $20 and $60.
While a chain link fence might not significantly boost your home’s market value, it can make your property more appealing to potential buyers. Fences provide safety and peace of mind, which is especially attractive to families and pet owners. A well-maintained fence can also enhance curb appeal and help define property boundaries–creating a more secure-looking home.
To make the most of your budget, consider the following tips:
Most pros need about two days to install a standard chain-link fence—one day to set the posts in concrete and another to stretch and tie the mesh. Larger footprints, complex layouts, or rocky soil can tack on extra hours. If your fence line tops 150 feet, ask the contractor for a tailored timeline so you know exactly when the yard will be secure.
A well-maintained chain-link fence typically lasts 15 to 20 years. Upgrading to galvanized, powder-coated, or vinyl-coated wire can push that life span closer to 30 years by warding off rust and sun damage. Plan to inspect the mesh and hardware each season; tightening loose ties early prevents sagging that leads to bigger repairs. Because fixes run $300 to $800—and sometimes more than $1,500—a few minutes of yearly maintenance is the cheapest insurance you can buy.
Yes—chain-link almost always beats wood on price. While wood runs $20 to $50 per linear foot, chain-link falls between $8 and $40. The final gap depends on your fence height, local labor rates, and any extras like decorative caps or privacy slats. If budget is your top concern, a galvanized chain-link fence delivers solid security for far less cash than cedar or pine panels.
Temporary chain-link panels average about $2 per linear foot per month, but location, fence length, and rental duration all affect the quote. Short-term leases usually include delivery, setup, and teardown fees, so ask for an all-in price before you sign. If you need the fence for several months, negotiate a lower monthly rate or look into buying used panels instead.
A standard chain-link fence won’t drag down your home’s value, but it won’t add much either. Curb-appeal upgrades—think powder-coat colors or wood posts—can make the fence look more polished and buyer-friendly. More important, a sturdy, well-installed fence signals clear property lines and adds a layer of security, both of which buyers appreciate. In other words, quality installation matters more than the material alone when it comes to resale impressions.
Bookmark
Daniel Féau processes personal data in order to optimise communication with our sales leads, our future clients and our established clients.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.