Chain link fence installation: costs, types, and what to expect

Chain link fencing is the most affordable and durable option for homeowners who need a functional boundary fence without the cost of wood or vinyl. At $8 to $25 per linear foot installed, it costs a fraction of privacy fence alternatives while lasting 20 to 25 years with minimal maintenance.

This guide covers when chain link makes sense, the different types available, what installation costs, and how to add privacy if you need it.

When chain link makes sense

Chain link is not the right fence for every situation. But for certain needs, nothing beats it on value.

Pet containment. Chain link is the go-to choice for keeping dogs and other pets safely in your yard. It is strong, visible (so pets can see out), and hard to damage.

Property boundaries. If you need to clearly define your property line without spending thousands on a privacy fence, chain link does the job at the lowest cost.

Pool enclosures. Many local codes require fencing around pools and hot tubs. Chain link meets pool safety codes (when installed at the required height with self-closing, self-latching gates) at a fraction of the cost of other materials.

Backyard sports and play areas. Chain link works well around basketball courts, garden areas, and play zones where you want a boundary without blocking visibility.

Large acreage. When you need to fence a large area, the per-foot savings of chain link add up fast. Fencing 300 or more linear feet in wood or vinyl can cost $7,500 to $16,500. Chain link covers the same distance for $2,400 to $7,500.

Types of chain link fencing

Not all chain link is the same. The three main types differ in coating, appearance, and price.

Galvanized chain link

Standard galvanized chain link is the most common and affordable option. The steel wire is coated with zinc to prevent rust. It has the classic silver, metallic appearance most people picture when they think of chain link.

Galvanized chain link costs $8 to $18 per linear foot installed for a 4-foot fence. It lasts 20 to 25 years in most climates with minimal maintenance.

Vinyl-coated chain link

Vinyl-coated chain link has a layer of PVC over the galvanized wire. This adds color options (black, green, brown, and white are most common) and extra corrosion protection.

The vinyl coating makes the fence blend better with landscaping, especially in black or green. It costs $12 to $25 per linear foot installed, a small premium for significantly better appearance and an extra five to 10 years of lifespan.

Mini-mesh chain link

Mini-mesh (also called small-gauge or anti-climb) chain link has smaller diamond openings than standard chain link. The tighter weave makes it harder to climb and prevents small animals from squeezing through.

Mini-mesh is commonly used for pool fences, security applications, and yards with small pets. It costs $15 to $30 per linear foot installed, more than standard chain link because of the additional wire used.

Chain link fence cost breakdown

Here is what a chain link fence project typically costs, broken down by height and length.

Additional cost factors

Labor makes up about 40% to 50% of chain link fence installation cost. The rest goes to materials (posts, rails, mesh, fittings, and concrete for post holes).

For a comparison of chain link to other fence types, see our privacy fence cost guide.

Adding privacy to chain link

Chain link’s biggest drawback is its lack of privacy. The good news is that several affordable add-ons can transform an open chain link fence into a more private barrier.

Privacy slats

Plastic or aluminum slats that weave vertically or diagonally through the chain link mesh. They provide 70% to 90% privacy coverage depending on the style.

• Vertical slats insert into each row of diamonds. They are the most common and easiest to install. Cost: $3 to $8 per linear foot.
• Diagonal slats create a denser weave pattern for more coverage. Cost: $5 to $10 per linear foot.
• Slats come in colors to match vinyl-coated chain link (green, black, brown, white).

Privacy mesh and fabric

Woven or knitted fabric that attaches to the outside of the chain link with zip ties or aluminum clips. It blocks 85% to 95% of visibility.

• Cost: $1 to $5 per linear foot for the material.
• Lifespan: 3 to 7 years before replacement, depending on UV exposure and weather.
• Available in green, black, and tan to blend with surroundings.

Hedge and vine screens

For a natural look, climbing plants like ivy, jasmine, or clematis can grow on chain link to create a living privacy screen. This takes one to three growing seasons to fill in.

You can also purchase pre-grown hedge panels or artificial greenery that attaches to chain link for instant coverage. These cost $8 to $20 per linear foot.

The chain link installation process

Understanding the installation process helps you know what to expect and evaluate contractor quality.

Step 1: Layout and marking

The contractor marks the fence line, gate locations, and post positions. They also call 811 to have underground utilities marked before digging. Post spacing for chain link is typically 6 to 10 feet apart, depending on the fence height and expected wind load.

Step 2: Post installation

Terminal posts (end, corner, and gate posts) go in first. These are larger diameter than line posts and bear the tension of the stretched mesh. Posts are set in concrete footings, typically 24 to 36 inches deep depending on fence height and local frost depth.

Line posts are installed between terminal posts at regular intervals. They support the mesh but do not bear the same tension load.

Step 3: Rails and fittings

Top rails connect the posts and provide the upper framework for the mesh. Bottom rails or tension wire run along the base to keep the mesh taut and prevent animals from pushing under.

Step 4: Mesh installation

The chain link mesh is unrolled along the fence line and attached to one terminal post with a tension bar. The mesh is then stretched tight using a come-along tool or fence stretcher and secured to the opposite terminal post. Ties secure the mesh to the top rail and line posts.

Step 5: Gates and finishing

Gates are hung on their posts with hinges, and latches are installed. For pool fences, self-closing hinges and self-latching gates are required by code. Post caps are added to all posts, and any rough edges are trimmed.

A professional crew can complete a standard 150-foot chain link fence in one day. Larger projects or difficult terrain may take two days.

Maintenance and lifespan

Chain link is one of the lowest-maintenance fencing options available.

Routine maintenance

• Inspect the fence annually for sagging mesh, loose ties, or bent posts.
• Check gate hardware for proper alignment and smooth operation.
• Clear vegetation growing against the fence, which can push on the mesh and cause bulging.
• Apply rust-inhibiting spray to any scratched or bare metal areas on galvanized fences.

Repair

Individual sections of chain link mesh can be patched or replaced without replacing the entire fence. A bent post can be straightened or replaced individually. This makes chain link one of the cheapest fences to repair.

Expected lifespan

Galvanized chain link lasts 20 to 25 years. Vinyl-coated chain link lasts 25 to 30 years. Posts set in concrete footings typically outlast the mesh itself and can often be reused when re-meshing.

Get chain link fence quotes

Chain link installation is straightforward, but quality varies between contractors. Post depth, concrete footing quality, and proper mesh tension all affect how your fence looks and lasts.

Get free quotes from local fence contractors to compare pricing and find the right installer for your project.

Chain link in different climates

Chain link performs consistently well across all climates, which is one of its biggest advantages over wood and vinyl.

• Hot, dry climates like Arizona and Utah: Chain link is unaffected by heat and UV. The metal does get hot to the touch in direct sun.
• Humid climates like Florida, North Carolina, and Tennessee: Galvanized or vinyl-coated chain link resists moisture well. Choose vinyl coating for extra corrosion protection.
• Cold climates like Ohio, Idaho, and Colorado: Chain link handles freeze-thaw cycles without the heaving issues that affect wood. Posts still need proper depth and concrete footings.
• Wet climates like Oregon: Vinyl-coated chain link in green or black blends with lush Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Related guides

• Fencing overview for a comparison of all fence types
• How to choose a fence contractor for tips on hiring the right installer
• Privacy fence cost guide to compare chain link costs to wood and vinyl
• Fence permit requirements to understand local regulations
• Vinyl vs wood fence guide for a detailed comparison of privacy fence materials