How Much Does It Cost To Install A Chain Link Fence?

How much does a fence cost?

Many variables come into play when determining how much a chain link fence installation will cost. The amount spent on this type of fencing ranges from $1,850 and $5,450, with the national average being approximately $3,500.

Several factors will impact your chain link fence cost:

• How many feet of fencing is required
• How high the fence will be
• The cost of labor
• The quality of the material
• The fence material (stainless steel, galvanized steel, aluminum, aluminum-coated, or vinyl-coated).
• Whether a privacy screen will be included
• Whether an existing fence needs to be removed and disposed of first
• Whether you want a gate installed

Installing fencing is never a straightforward matter of choosing a type and installing it. Additional factors, such as those listed above, go into the final cost of chain link fence installation.

How much does a fence cost?

A number of variables come into play when you're trying to figure out how much a chain link fence is going to cost you. However, according to national figures, most residential customers spend between $1,600 and $6,500 on a chain link fence.

That's an average of about $3,00 to $,3500 per chain link fence installation. How you choose to install your fence, as well as what materials and labor you use will play a major role in your overall cost as well.

Average cost: $1,600 to $6,500

Chain link fence installation cost

A chain link fence costs on average $20 per linear foot, with a price range between $13 to $27 per linear foot. Fencing is typically charged by the linear foot, so make sure you know how much you'll need to complete your project.

The following table shows the average cost per 100 linear feet:

If you’ve given more than a minute of thought to installing a fence around your property, you’ve probably asked yourself: “How much is a chain link fence?” The best way to figure out how much you’ll need to budget for your chain link fence installation is to understand what’s required.

Keep reading to learn the cost of materials, labor, and enhancements needed to build a functional fence.

Chain link fence material costs

Figuring out a chain link fence installation budget starts with figuring out the materials you’ll need. A basic four-foot-high chain link fence - ideal for residential spaces - averages between $8.50 and $9.50 per linear foot, while mid-level fencing is $10 to $11. High-quality fencing is $14.50 to $15.50. An 11.5-gauge wire is standard for basic and mid-level chain link fencing.

Nine-gauge wire is standard for higher quality chain link fencing, providing a more secure and longer-lasting fence. That said, nine-gauge wire can be nearly twice the cost of 11.5-gauge wire, which some homeowners may find prohibitive.

The different types of chain link fencing are priced as follows:

• Galvanized steel: $4 to $6.
• Aluminum: $5 to $8.
• Aluminum Coated: $6 to $8.
• Vinyl Coated: $7 to $9.
• Stainless Steel: $10 to $18.

Naturally, chain link fencing is available at heights greater than four feet, which is better for installations where security is the top priority. Additional feet in height will usually cost about $2 extra per linear foot. 

Labor costs to install chain link fencing

If you’re a handy homeowner, chain link fence installation will be relatively easy, provided you’re comfortable with digging post holes and pouring concrete. For a small yard, you may be able to complete the installation process in a couple of days, while larger projects may take more than a week.

If you choose to hire a professional, expect to pay $7 to $15 for labor costs on top of the cost of the materials. The price of your chain link fence installation will naturally vary based on where you live and the amount of fencing to be installed. Larger projects will sometimes have a lower per-linear-foot cost.

Chain link fence enhancements and improvements

A basic chain link fence without any enhancements or improvements isn't particularly functional. For example, a chain link fence without a gate that serves as an access point usually won't work. You may need a second access point and other improvements as well. Below, you'll find some of the most common enhancements improvements and how they'll impact your overall chain link fence cost.

Gates

Gates provide a secure access point that allows you to enter or exit the fenced area. Most of the time, only one or two gates are required, but more may be needed if you have a bigger property. While the cost of a chain link fence gate will vary according to the material being used, a four-foot-high gate will typically cost about $75, while a six-foot-high gate will cost as much as $125, including installation.

Slats

You may want to have a little more privacy protection than a chain link fence provides. This is where privacy slats come in. These slats consist of strips of vinyl woven into the chain link fence at the time of installation or after. They come in various colors and styles so that you can customize them according to your sense of aesthetics.

A box of privacy slats costs about $50 and usually contains 80 pieces. If you have them installed at the same time as your fence, the labor cost involved will tack an extra $2 to $3 per linear foot on your total cost.n

Decorative fabric screens

Fabric screens are another way to add more privacy to your chain link fence. While it’s possible to get custom-made privacy screens with any design you like, prefabricated options tend to come in solid colors like green or brown. Installing fabric privacy screens is easy enough that it could be a DIY project if you choose.

If you add a fabric screen to your chain link fence installation, you can expect to pay between $1 to $7 per linear foot for the screen and an additional $1 to $2 per linear foot in labor costs.

Height restrictions, permits and other considerations

Some communities have height restrictions for fencing. Before you even start to plan out your chain link fence installation project, you’ll need to check your community's zoning regulations and ordinance laws to ensure you won’t have any problems. If you build a fence that doesn’t comply with the local regulations, you can face steep fines. Worse, you may be required to demolish and rebuild the fence to comply with the rules.  

Additionally, you’ll need to find out if you require a permit to build a fence along your property line. Some communities will allow fences under a particular height without a permit, as long as it isn’t crossing the property line.

Unless you know exactly where the utility lines and gas pipes are, you’ll need to contact your local utility companies for this information. Usually, utility companies will come out and tell you where to dig your fence posts, free of charge.

Fence installation companies will often obtain the relevant permits and work with the utility companies on your behalf, which is a solid point in favor of hiring a professional to complete your chain link fence installation.

Where can I install a chain link fence?

You can install a chain link fence virtually anywhere on a residential or commercial property, provided there aren’t any major or immovable obstacles in the way.

Here are some common places to install a chain link fence:

• High impact areas. In places where a fence might be subjected to high winds, heavy snowfall, or torrential rain, a chain link fence is a better option than other fencing materials.
• Budget-friendly residences. Homeowners that require a durable, low-cost fencing solution will find chain link fencing a good solution.
• Utility areas. Chain link fence installations can protect AC/HVAC systems, equipment storage areas, or refuse storage areas.
• Play areas. Installing chain link fencing around play areas will ensure those areas remain safe and in good condition.
• Residential yards. Chain link fences can keep intruders out or keep children and pets in.
• Industrial areas. Chain link fencing is ideal in places where security is a high priority.