How Much Does It Cost to Install a Chain-Link Fence?

Chain-Link Fence Cost Factors

Although it’s one of the simplest fencing options, there are still various factors that can impact the price you pay for chain-link fencing. Some of the key considerations include:

Fence Material

Materials typically make up 50% of your overall budget. You’ll need posts every 7 to 10 feet with post caps. The typical residential fencing has 2-inch holes and uses 9-gauge wire with posts every 10 feet.

Total Length and Height

You’ll spend $8 to $40 per linear foot (including installation) depending on the height and material type you choose. However, the average homeowner most commonly pays in the $10 to $20 per linear foot range. You’ll usually find fencing quotes with either a total project or per foot pricing.

Labor

Labor typically costs $3 to $20 per linear foot, making up 25% to 50% of the total project. Occasionally, a contractor may work at $25 to $50 per hour, most notably in cases where you supply the materials. For 150 linear feet, labor will usually run you $1,000 to $3,000, regardless of how they bill.

Contractors charge more for taller fences, custom sizing, unusual shapes, and if they need to do any excavation or fence removal work.

Gauge or Thickness

Gauge refers to the metal strands’ thickness. The higher the number, the thinner the strand. Thicker mesh lasts longer and provides more security. Below are prices for standard 2-inch residential mesh, not including labor:

• 11.5-gauge: $1.50–$7 per linear foot. Light, thin wire.

• 9-gauge:$2-$10 per linear foot. This is the most common size for residential fencing.

• 6-gauge: $4–$20 per linear foot. Typically used for heavy commercial or security applications.

Decreasing the mesh size from 2 inches to 1 inch can double or triple the price up to $55 per linear foot.

Diamond Size

The smaller the diamond size of the chain-link fencing, the stronger and more expensive it is. Below are typical material prices for the most common diamond sizes:

• 3½” x 5”: $2–$5 per linear foot

• 2” x 2” (most common residential size): $3–$8 per linear foot

• 1” x 1”: $8–$15 per linear foot

Posts

Posts run an average of $30 each or $3 per linear foot as part of the complete project. For each post, materials run $20 (including the concrete to set them) and labor at $10. Most companies set the posts and come back the next day to start installing the fencing, though a few may opt for one-day installations. Most posts are made from metal, and this is the most economical and sturdy option, but some homeowners opt for more expensive wooden posts for a natural aesthetic. 

Gate

Residential standard swing gates add $100 to $450 with labor or $50 to $320 for materials alone. Automated commercial rolling gates large enough to allow a car through run $500 to $1,800 or more.

Privacy Slats

Chain-link privacy slats run $5 to $15 per linear foot including labor or $3 to $5 for just the slats. 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 come in at roughly half the cost. 

Paint

If you don’t have a powder coating on your chain-link fence, you can add color and an element of protection by painting it. However, it isn’t a quick job, it’s difficult to cover all the intricate fence diamonds, and the fence often needs several coats. A primer goes on both sides of the fence first, and then you’ll need to apply at least two coats of exterior-grade paint. Expect to pay $50 to $100 for supplies or $5 to $8 per linear foot to have a professional do this for you.

Old Fence Removal

To demolish an existing length of wire mesh, expect to spend between $3 to $5 per linear foot. For chain-link in usable condition, try selling it to the contractor for a fee reduction. Some scrap yards will take it too. Scrap or resale value can be upward of $6 per linear foot.

Excavation

For quality installation, the land the chain-link fencing is set in needs to be level and clear of large trees, shrubs, and roots. The cost to grade and excavate land is typically $40 to $150 per hour.

Permits

Building permits cost anywhere from $25 to $500.These are sometimes a legal requirement for security around things like pools or livestock, and often stipulate specific diamond sizes. Permit requirements and prices vary between municipalities. Check with your local building code enforcement agency for details. 

Additional Hardware

Equipment rentals can run from $25 to $150 per day for a cement mixer and post hole auger. Professionals include tool pricing in the project price and sometimes as a line item. 

Additional Landscaping

Before you place anything on your property, consider barriers like trees, bushes, sheds, and driveways. Working around existing structures adds anywhere from $2 to $5 per linear foot.

Individual tree removal costs average at $750 and tree stump removal costs are around $345.

Chain-Link Fence Costs by Size

The table below will help give a rough idea of the price to install a perimeter chain-link fence around your entire yard. 

The prices are based on an average 4-foot high fence with 2” x 2” diamond size and 9-gauge thickness in a square plot.

How to Measure Chain-Link Fence Size Yourself

To price up materials and get an accurate fencing contractor quote, you’ll need to calculate the amount of fencing you need.

1. Carefully measure the perimeter of the area you want the fence to sit around in linear feet

2. Decide on the height, gauge, and diamond size you want for your fence

3. Multiply the basic linear foot mesh price by the calculation you got in step 1

4. You’ll also need to price up corner posts, line posts (usually spaced 8 to 10 feet apart), post caps, and top rails

Chain-Link Fence Costs by Type

Diamond size and gauge of the chain-link fence play a big part in the end price, but the style and finish of the fence also matter. Some of the common types to look out for include:

Galvanized

Strong galvanized wire mesh runs $5 to $15 per linear foot, including labor. For the mesh alone, you’ll spend $1.50 to $5 per linear foot, depending on height. Considered the basic, utilitarian standard, this type is the most popular and cheapest available.

Cyclone or Hurricane

You’ll spend between $8 and $40 per linear foot for cyclone or hurricane fencing. Often, standard galvanized chain-link fencing is referred to by this name. Sometimes it comes with a PVC-coated mesh over metal, and this is a good choice in coastal areas to protect from salt-water corrosion. 

Black Powder-Coated

Glued, extruded, or powder-coated black vinyl chain-link costs $13 to $40 per linear foot. It comes in a wide variety of low-maintenance and attractive colors, most commonly black and green, and this type of coating works well for coastal and marine applications. 

Wood With Metal

In most cases, you’ll want to match the look and quality of your home and neighborhood with the fencing materials you choose. Mixing wood with black wire mesh creates a high-end look without the high-end price tag. You might also try another metal like aluminum or wrought iron for better aesthetic appeal.

• Wire with wood costs $5–$45 per linear foot. Each project is unique so pricing may vary.

• Wrought iron costs $30–$100 per linear foot.

• Aluminum and steel fencing costs $10–$60 per foot.

Hire a Professional Fence Builder vs. DIY

The simplicity of the project makes it good for the DIYer with experience, the right tools, and about 20 to 30 hours to invest. You can save up to 50% on the total project costs by installing a chain-link fence yourself. Despite this, there are some technical aspects that can trip up the novice. 

You need specialist equipment like wire cutters, posthole augers, and fence stretchers, and you’ll mix cement and wrestle with heavy and unwieldy fence rolls. If you have any hesitations, find a professional fence installer near you. Pros will complete the job quickly, they often get material discounts, and they’ll use the right tools to secure the fence well.