Chain Link Fence Cost for Installation and Maintenance

Better known as a cyclone fence, hurricane fence, diamond mesh fence, or a wire mesh fence, a chain link fence is a very popular and inexpensive choice to help you box off your yard while giving your flowers support for a trellis garden. For this fence, you get a mesh made out of a thicker wire that runs vertically from top to bottom, and the wires bend around one another using a 45° angle in a twist or knuckle pattern that will slowly create a diamond. Since this sounds complicated, many people wonder what the chain link fence cost will be if they want something that is going to last in more extreme weather conditions. 

Your chain link fence cost will vary between a large variety of factors, including the fence’s height, labor costs, and the material the fence has for the composition. On average, you’ll expect to spend between $5.00 and $20.00 per foot for your materials, and you want to add between $10.00 and $20.00 per linear foot when you factor in installation costs. This means that your chain link fence cost will work out to between $2,000 and $5,000 with the average being right around $3,500. 

Fences that get taller than six feet will drive your chain link fence cost up. If you wank a thicker gauge for your fence, this will also drive the price up to around $40.00 per linear foot, and this will bring your total project price to around $5,000. Labor will typically account for between 25% to 50% of your chain link fence cost, depending on the scope of the project and your location. 

However, it can be easy to justify the chain link fence cost when you consider the fact that it’s a great way to keep your children and pets safe. It also allows the breeze to flow through, and this is important for areas that typically get bad weather. It also won’t block your view if you have a pleasant one. If you’re wondering how to estimate your chain link fence cost, this guide will outline the biggest things to consider. 

Your chain link fence cost will vary depending on several factors, but it also makes it easy to customize these factors without blowing your budget. This way, you can get a fence that you’re happy with that is easy to maintain for years. Sick by visualrhetor / CC BY-NC 2.0

Estimating Your Chain Link Fence Cost per Foot

This type of fence works well in both front and backyards, and it can be slightly more affordable than thicker privacy fences. If you want to install a four-foot tall fence made out of galvanized steel, the cost would largely depend on how big the area is that you want to enclose. For one linear foot for material costs, you’ll pay just under $5.50 for the top rail, hardware, posts, and fencing fabric. A solid estimate of your chain link fence cost per foot is as follows: 

• Small Front Yard (100 Feet) – $550
• Small Backyard (200 Feet) – $1,100
• Medium Backyard (300 Feet) – $1,600
• Quarter of an Acre (420 Feet) – $2,200

Height

You have to consider your different height options when you’re going to install a chain link fence. Many HOA’s or municipalities have a property code that tells you exactly how high your fence can be, depending on the situation. There are also usually different height requirements for the front yard and backyard. However, your security levels go up along with the fence’s height. It’s much easier to get over a three or four-foot fence than it is a six-foot fence. 

The chain link fence cost will vary depending on the final height. Your materials will also play a role here, as will the supplier. For residential uses, the following examples use a nine-gauge galvanized steel fence with two-inch diamonds because this is the most popular pick. The average costs are: 

• 3 Feet – $2.50
• 3.5 Feet – $2.80
• 4 Feet – $3.20
• 5 Feet – $4.00
• 6 Feet – $5.30
• 8 Feet – $6.40
• 10 Feet – $8.00
• 12 Feet – $9.60

You’ll notice that the price starts to jump significantly once you reach six feet and up with your fence’s height. This is because you have to pay more for materials, but you also have to consider how much more time it’s going to cost to make sure the fence is stable and safe. 

Diamond Size

You can get different sized diamonds on your fence, and this will factor into your chain link fence costs. If you have an above or below ground swimming pool, there are requirements as to which diamond size you have to have. The smaller the diamonds are, the more secure your fence is. You’ll measure the diamonds diagonally vertically and horizontally, and you use the inside dimensions. They range from 1 to 5 inches, and it’s more expensive to use smaller diamonds because you’ll use more materials. If you get a galvanized steel fence that is four feet tall, you can expect to pay: 

• 1-inch by 1-inch – $7.00
• 2-inches by 2-inches – $3.20
• 3.5-inches by 5-inches – $2.80

Gauge

Your fence’s gauge tells you how thick the wire is that the manufacturer used in the fencing, and there are five common gauges. The lower the gauge is, the thicker your wire will be. Your chain link fence cost will increase as your gauge increases because it makes the fence stronger. If you wanted to install a two-inch diamond galvanized steel fence that is six-feet high, you’d pay around: 

• Six Gauge – $8.75
• Nine Gauge – $5.30
• Ten Gauge – $4.25
• Eleven Gauge – $3.20
• Eleven and a Half Gauge – $2.75

This type of fence provides great support for your climbing vines or plants to use when they grow. They can easily help create a living wall or a natural privacy screen that lasts all season long. Cactus flower through the chain link fence by digitearte / CC BY-NC 2.0

Chain Link Fence Costs Will Fluctuate by Gate Type and Size

You can get gates for your chain link fences, and the type of gate you need will depend on where you want it installed and the space. You can get a rolling gate, double swing gate, and a swing gate. The design and materials used will also impact your chain link fence cost. If you want to fence off your koi pond, you’d most likely only need a small swing gate to get in and out. However, if you want to fence off your yard and your driveway, you’ll need a rolling or double swing gate. 

Swing Gate

A swing gate fits nicely in any openings that range from three to six-feet across. It gets installed on terminal posts and will swing open to allow people to pass through. It has a latch to close it on the other terminal post. The heights can range between three and six-feet for residential swing gates. They’ll cost between $20.00 and $40.00 for every linear foot, and this can boost your chain link fence cost by $60.00 to $140 per gate. 

Double Swing Gate

This type of gate has two sections that will swing open and then meet in the middle to latch and close. Any stationary parts of this gate get attached to terminal posts. You’ll find these double swing gates installed on openings that range between six and twelve-feet across. Per linear foot, you’ll pay between $20.00 and $45.00, and this brings your chain link fence cost up by $180 to $300 per gate. They can get up to six feet tall too. 

Rolling Gate

The rolling gate is much harder to price out because there is a huge range of price points. You’ll see these types of gates on openings that measure between 12 to 30-feet across. This is a more expensive option at $50.00 to $200 per linear foot. The materials and size are the two biggest factors, and this can increase your chain link fence cost to $600 or $6,000. If you want an automated system to open the gate, your totals will be on the higher end of the price spectrum. 

Gate Size and Price Points

On average, most openings for your gate sizes that allow people to pass through range from three to six feet. This is where you’d use a swing gate. The gate’s height will depend on how high your fence is because it usually matches it. If you need to get a vehicle through, you’ll need a bigger opening. You can get this using a double swing or rolling gate. The following chain link fence costs reflect what you would pay if you had a stainless steel gate that uses nine-gauge galvanized steel. They include: 

• Swing Gates (Measurements in Feet): 
  • Three by Three – $105
  • Four by Four – $120
  • Five by Five – $130
  • Six by Six – $140
• Double Swing Gates (Measurements in Feet): 
  • Eight by Six – $260
  • Ten by Six – $280
  • Twelve by Six – $290
• Rolling Gates (Measurements in Feet): 
  • Twelve by Six – $700
  • Twelve by Eight – $900
  • Sixteen by Eight – $1,000
  • Twenty by Eight – $1,100

You want to think about your gate size when you total out your chain link fence cost because this can easily add thousands. You don’t want something too large or bulky, but it can’t be too small for your needs either. Somebody Left the Door Open! By Marcy Leigh / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Chain Link Fence Costs by Finish

Water and wind can easily go through this fence without damaging it, and this is why it’s such a popular choice in hurricane-prone areas. You get the choice of several different finishes, and each one will impact your overall chain link fence costs. However, it can still be a cheap fence idea to help make your yard more secure. For the following price points, say you picked out a four-foot fence with two-inch diamonds. 

Aluminum

If you want a purely aluminum fence, it’ll drive your chain link fence cost up. You’ll pay right around $8.50 per linear foot, but you get a very lightweight material with it. As a bonus, aluminum is a nice choice because it’s nicer on the eyes than galvanized steel, and it’ll also resist corrosion in wet or humid environments. You won’t have to worry about maintenance, and it does very well if you live in an area that has harsher sea coast conditions. Since it has lower maintenance needs and a long lifespan, it can help make up for the cost. 

Aluminum Coated

If you have a steel chain link fence and don’t want to pay out to have a pure aluminum one, you can choose to have an aluminum coating added for around $3.80 per linear foot. This coating will give your fence an extra layer of protection against harsh environments, and it can also make your fence stronger. You’ll get a bright and smooth finish with additional resistance to corrosion. The manufacturer will apply the aluminum coating before they weave the metal together. 

Galvanized Steel

Galvanized steel chain link fence costs sit right around $3.20 a linear foot. This is one of the most inexpensive options available, and this makes it very popular among homeowners for their yards. The galvanization process each fence goes through ensures that it’ll last longer, but it’s prone to rust and scratches that can cause it to break down. You’ll get an industrial look with this sense, but it works well to keep your pets or children secure in your yard. 

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a second more expensive choice for your chain link fencing. You’ll pay just over $9.00 a linear foot with this option, but it’s much more durable than galvanized chain link fence. You get resistance to alkali, and this type of material won’t allow the fence to roll up at the bottom or sag with age. It has a higher weather and temperature resistance, and it’ll stay springy and strong. 

Vinyl Coated

A vinyl coating on your fence falls right in the middle for chain link fence costs at around $5.90 per linear foot. When you invest in a cyclone fence, having a plastic coating on it can make it more durable. It will protect the fence from harsher elements and saltwater, and it’s excellent for climbing vines. It can help prevent rust, and this can make your fence last much longer. It’s also a nice way to give yourself more in the area of colors, and the most popular picks are white, green, brown, or black. The coating will eventually break down, and this makes it hard to justify the higher cost. 

Labor Costs

Once you pick out a fence material, diamond size, height, finish, and gate, you have to factor in labor costs. We mentioned that labor costs can increase your chain link fest cost by 25% to 50%, depending on the scope of the project. You can budget to pay between $7.00 and $14.00 for every linear foot they install. When you add in the material cost to your labor fees, the total chain link fence cost ranges between $10.00 and $24.00 a linear foot. Your fence height, the material, and your location will all factor in. 

If you live in an area with a higher cost of living, you’ll pay more. The goal of installing this type of fence is to get it tight, and you do this by digging fence holes and setting them in concrete. This makes it very labor intensive, and there are several steps. First, the company will have to clear the area and dig the post holes. Then, they’ll put the posts into the concrete before giving it a few days to cure. Then, they string the mesh up. 

The company will install brackets and post caps. Post caps go onto each terminal cap. For the posts that the mesh runs through, it’ll get an offset loop post top. Once they finish here, the workers will install a fence rail. Then, they string the mesh fence fabric up between the posts and use the brackets to attach it. It can take around a week to finish this project. 

Your labor costs are a large part of your overall chain link fence cost, but it pays to have a professional installation done because this helps to ensure that your fence is tight and sturdy. CM014MP – Installation of Chain Link Fence (12-12-2013)_2 by MTA Construction & Development Mega Projects / CC BY 2.0

Replacing a Chain Link Fence Cost

If you want to replace your chain link fence, you usually have a few options to choose from. It’s possible to replace the mesh fencing while leaving the posts in place if they’re in good shape. You’ll pay between $10.00 and $15.00 a linear foot to do this. 

If the entire fence is in disrepair and not safe, you’ll have to tear it down and start from scratch. You’ll pay between $3.00 and $5.00 a linear foot to get rid of it. You’ll remove all of the mesh fencing before taking out the fence posts. Your contractor may buy your old fencing at a reduced cost, so make sure you ask. To remove and replace this fence, your chain link fence costs will range between $10.00 and $30.00 for every linear square foot, and this is on the slightly higher price spectrum. 

How to Maintain a Chain Link Fence with Costs

Compared to privacy screens, fences, or other fencing types, the chain link fence cost for maintenance is relatively low. You will want to take a look at your fence every few months or after bad weather to ensure there is no rust, missing or broken links, or damage to the top rails. If you have gates, make sure that they’re moving correctly. The gate posts should be straight, and it should form a right angle when you close them. If you notice any damage or rust to your fence or gate, fix it as quickly as possible. Doing so will help your fence last much longer, and this can help you get your money back from the purchase and installation process. 

You also want to consider giving your chain link fence a good clean twice a year. All you have to do is turn on a high pressure spray from your garden hose and give the fence a good spray. If you have a pressure washer, you can use it. For fences that collect a lot of debris and grime, get a bucket of hot soapy water and manually clean your fence. Vinegar is great to remove mold from your fence. You can save money here because you’re able to do most of this yourself. However, you can also hire a professional to do it for you, and you’ll pay between $20.00 and $40.00 an hour. This works out to just over $1.00 a linear foot. 

Prices to Improve or Enhance Your Fence

There are steps you can take to enhance or improve how your fence looks and the security factor. These are all completely optional, but it gives you something to think about when you’re trying to set up a reasonable budget for this project. 

Barbed Wire

Adding barbed wire to the top of your fence is a nice way to boost your fence’s security. There are a few different ways you can go about this. First, you could install eight-foot posts for a six-foot fence. Wrap the barbed wire around the two feet of open space. You can install extra vertical Y-shaped arms on the fence posts to make the barbed wire form an angle. You’ll pay up to $3.00 a linear foot for barbed wire. 

Height Increase

You can make your fence taller once you get it put up. If you want to add more security or contain a rambunctious dog, this may be something you have to look into. You can cover your fence posts with longer posts to help boost your fence’s height. Once the poles are in place, you’ll have to attach new chain link mesh. You can then put the original top rails on the top of the new fence. If you want to go up two feet, you’ll pay around $20.00 a linear foot. 

Paint 

You can revamp an old fence or turn your fence into a color that goes better with your home by painting it. It also provides another layer of protection. The fence will have to be clean of debris and gunk before the paint goes on. You can easily apply paint with a roller to cover large areas and go back and touch it up with a brush. Go for a paint specially designed for metal. You’ll pay around $60.00 for supplies and $7.00 a linear foot for labor if you hire someone to do it for you.

Barbed wire and other improvements can boost your fence costs, but they can also make your yard much more secure. For many people, this additional peace of mind is well worth the additional chain link fence costs they pay

Where to Find Chain Link Fence Installers Near You

If you are looking for professionals to help with your chain link fence installation, here is a helpful resource:

• Chain Link Fence Installers 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can you remove rust from your chain link fence?

First, you’ll start by getting a brush and scrubbing the debris away before spraying down the fence with a powerful jet of water. Get a wire brush and scrub any rust spots you see before brushing or spraying them with a rust inhibitor. 

2. How much do privacy slats cost on a chain link fence?

Adding privacy slats will increase your chain link fence cost by $3.00 to $12.00 a linear foot, and you have to add $2.00 to $3.00 for every foot for labor if you have a professional come in and do it. They come in vinyl and wood designs in most home improvement stores. 

3. How long will the installation process take?

Since labor plays a large role in your chain link fence cost, it makes sense to want to know how long an average installation takes. It can take a full day to set the posts in concrete and let them cure. To install 150 feet of fence, give it another day. For every additional 100 linear feet past 150 feet, add a day. Typically, you should budget for around a week from start to finish. 

4. How deep do you have to bury a chain link fence post?

The posts add stability to your fence, so you should bury them at least two feet in the ground or up to ⅓ of the post’s height. Whichever measurement is greater you’ll use. 

5. Can you rent a chain link fence?

You can actually rent a fence. You’ll have to pay right around $2.00 per linear foot every month. Depending on your location, you can find rates for daily, weekly, or monthly totals that will help you decide if it’s a good idea to rent a fence over building your own. 

Bottom Line

Your chain link fence cost will vary depending on several different factors. Knowing how these factors will impact the final cost can make it relatively straightforward and easy to create a working budget for your project. Once you decide whether or not it’ll work for you, you can reach out to a few different contractors in  your area and get estimates. Your new fence will boost your home’s security while adding an interesting element to your yard or garden.