Chain link fencing is well-known for being cost-effective and versatile, providing security, tranquility, and a degree of privacy.
Coming in various heights, chain link fences also come in 4ft in height for an average cost of $10 to $20 per linear foot, including installation.
Depending on the type of material, and the complexity of the project, the cost can also vary. Using chain link fences is best for backyards and front yards.
Popular for their versatility and inexpensive cost to install, chain link fences are also called diamond, cyclone, hurricane, or wire mesh fences.
Chain link fences are among the most affordable fencing options, making them one of the top choices for property owners. They are best for front and backyards that can protect your home without totally concealing it from the outside world.
In installing a chain link fence, the average cost can fall between $10 to $20 per linear foot. However, high-end variations and types of installation can cost you up to a maximum of $40 per linear foot.
Depending on the height of the fence, the type of the material, and your preferred finish option, the prices to install a chain link fence can vary.
Labor cost to install a 4ft. chain link fence
The table below shows the average cost per hour and per linear foot to install a chain link fence.
| Description | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Labor cost per hour | $25 - $50 |
| Labor cost per linear foot | $5 - $20 |
Labor cost per hour
In hiring a professional contractor to install a chain link fence, some of them may offer their services per hour, depending on the type of the fencing project.
For example, if you shoulder the materials, your hired professional may charge you an average cost between $25 to $50 per hour.
However, professionals who charge per hour tend to cost you more. Also, it might be tricky if the job tends to take a more extended period.
Labor cost per linear foot
Labor costs typically cover 50% to 70% of the entire fencing project. As an average cost, the labor cost to have a chain link fence installed can fall between $5 to $20 per linear foot.
Before you sign a contractor to install a fence on your property, ask them about their rates and discuss a reasonable cost that works for your expected quality and budget.
How to estimate the cost of installing a chain link fence?
In installing a chain link fence, you cannot help but be worried about the costs and labor included in the project.
To help you prepare your pockets and time, below are some of the factors that contribute to the cost of installing a chain link fence.
1. Height of the fence
Available at different heights, chain links can vary from 4 feet to 10 feet high.
With this, the cost of materials and their installation can also vary depending on the height. Generally, the higher you want your fence to be, the more you should expect to spend.
2. Materials involved
Come in different material types, chain link fences can come in galvanized material or black-coated PVC vinyl.
Other variations and types can also be available. With this, it is important to know their differences to help you decide which one best suits your budget and preference.
3. Labor cost
Depending on the contractor, the labor cost can differ. Some professionals can cost you very high quotes, and some can offer low.
Typically, their prices are affected by factors such as their experience, their marketing cost, and other reasonable factors.
To help you decide which contractor to hire, you should get multiple quotes from various contractors and compare their rates and services.
4. Location
Another factor that you should consider when it comes to determining your estimated cost is the location where you want your fence to be installed.
For instance, if you reside in an area where the property value is at a high rate, you can expect to pay more for the installation cost.
Additionally, you should also consider the type of terrain where you want your fence to be installed. Flat areas are easier to work with. Rocky, bumpy, or sloped areas may incur more time and cost.
5. Permits to secure
Before installing a fence on your property, you should first check with your local authorities for any necessary permit that you have to secure.
Normally, any home projects that will alter the structure of your home may require a permit from the authorities.
Advantages and disadvantages of chain link fences
Before you decide to install a chain link fence on your property, it is essential to know both its pros and cons to know if it is the best type of fence to have.
Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of installing a chain link fence:
Advantages
- Over their relatively long lifespan, chain link fences are durable and require less maintenance compared to other types of fences
- Compared to other types and alternatives, chain link fences are less expensive
- Chain link fences are versatile enough to be altered or extended in length
- Chain link fences can also be used for both residential and commercial purposes
- Although it lacks the privacy that other fences can offer, chain link fences are suitable for those who prefer not to enclose their property from the outside world.
Disadvantages
- Unlike other types of fences, chain link fences lack in providing your property privacy from the outside
- In other regions, chain link fences are illegal to be used for residential purposes
- Depending on the type of material used, chain link fences tend to rust over time, especially for their metal variants
- Chain link fences do not provide much improvement in terms of curb appeal for homes and properties
Alternatives to a chain link fence
Chain link fences are a durable and reliable way of keeping your pets, children, and property secure and safe.
Although chain link fences have their advantages, they can sometimes not meet your expectations and ideal purpose. With that, it can also be helpful to know other alternative fencing options.
Below are some of the fencing alternatives that you can consider:
1. Wood fences
Advantages of wood fences
Wood fences are popular and commonly used by property owners because they are easy to acquire and are very economical, regardless of the type of wood.
Aside from their availability and affordable cost, wood fences can offer a classic visual appeal to your property. For instance, traditional types of wood such as pine can give a unique look to your property.
Aside from this, most wood types are highly customizable, giving you the freedom to style and suit it better with your property.
Disadvantages of wood fences
Unlike steel and metal fences, wood fences require a lot of maintenance and upkeep. This can incur more costs and labor.
For instance, most wood fences are required to be regularly stained and treated to provide it the necessary protection.
Aside from that, wood fences are less durable compared to other types of fences. For one, wood fences are prone to rotting or warping, especially in rainy areas.
Additionally, wood fences are not just vulnerable to weather conditions. Threats such as pests and termites can also be destructive to wooden fences.
2. Aluminum fences
Advantages of aluminum fences
If you want to choose a lightweight fencing option, that will not oxidize, rot, or rust over time, choosing an aluminum fence is a good option.
An aluminum fence also comes in different types, which gives you the chance to choose a type that meets your preferences and standards.
If the property that you want to fence is sloppy or uphill, you can choose aluminum fencing since it comes in panels that are screwed together, making installation easier and more accessible.
Disadvantages of aluminum fences
While the structure of aluminum fences can be advantageous during installation, it can also be a disadvantage since it can compromise security to a certain degree.
However, you can counter this disadvantage by hiring and requesting a professional to have the screws installed from inside the property.
One of the downsides of aluminum fences is that they are not as durable and strong compared to other steel fences. They can be bent upon impact.
3. Wrought iron fences
Advantages of wrought iron fences
Most fencing professionals would say that wrought iron fences are highly reliable since they have the combination of durability, strength, and longevity that you can expect for a fence.
If you want to have minimal privacy but highly efficient security for your property or home, you can rely on a wrought iron fence. You can get this without compromising on a good visual appeal.
Aside from their reliability and high visual appeal, wrought iron fences can last for a long time.
Disadvantages of wrought iron fences
Justifiable for the security it provides, wrought iron fences can come at an expensive price.
In regions and areas that are prone to heavy rainfall or snowfall, wrought iron fences can also be prone to rust. However, galvanization can help minimize this problem.
