How much does it cost to install a chain-link fence?

Chain-link fence cost

Chain-link fence installation costs $1,350 to $3,900 on average. A 4- to 6-foot chain-link fence costs $9 to $28 per foot installed. Chain-link fence materials cost $4 to $15 per foot, plus $5 to $15 per foot for labor. Prices depend on height (3' to 12') and material (galvanized, cyclone, black coated).

Chain-link fence cost

Linear feet	4 foot tall	6 foot tall	8 foot tall
50	$450 – $1,300	$500 – $1,400	$600 – $1,500
100	$900 – $2,600	$1,000 – $2,800	$1,200 – $3,000
150	$1,350 – $3,900	$1,500 – $4,200	$1,800 – $4,500
200	$1,800 – $5,200	$2,000 – $5,600	$2,400 – $6,000
300	$2,700 – $7,800	$3,000 – $8,400	$3,600 – $9,000
400	$3,600 – $10,400	$4,000 – $11,200	$4,800 – $12,000

• Chain-link fences last 15 to 20 years and are low-maintenance.
• Available fence heights are 3’ to 12’ with 4’ to 8’ being the most common.

Chain-link fence cost calculator

Enter the linear feet of your fence below to estimate the cost.

Chain-link fence cost calculator

	Linear feet of fence
	Width of the area in feet
	Depth in inches (4" standard driveway; 5" for heavy trucks)

Your estimated cost

Factor	Average cost
Materials	$ – $
Labor	$ – $
Total	$ – $

Average cost of chain-link fence

Based on an average 4' high fence 50 to 200 feet long.

Average cost of chain-link fence

National average cost	$2,600
Minimum cost	$450
Maximum cost	$6,000
Average range	$1,350 to $3,900

*Based on 254 project costs reported by HomeGuide members.

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Chain-link fence installation costs

Materials and labor each make up 50% of the total installation cost.

Chain-link fence installation cost

Factor	Average cost per linear foot
Mesh fabric	$1 – $8
Posts and hardware	$3 – $7
Labor	$5 – $15
Total	$9 – $30

Labor cost to install a chain-link fence

Labor costs $5 to $15 per linear foot to install a chain-link fence. Total installation cost for labor and materials is $9 to $30 per linear foot, depending on the fence material, height, and terrain. Fence installers charge $30 to $70 per hour, plus materials.

Most contractors install 80 to 150 feet per day on average.

Chain-link fence removal and replacement cost

Chain-link fence removal and disposal costs $3 to $7 per linear foot on average. Replacing the chain-link fabric alone costs $6 to $15 per linear foot if the fence posts are still strong. Chain-link fence removal and a full replacement costs $12 to $37 per linear foot.

Chain-link fence replacement cost

Factor	Average cost per linear foot
Removal and disposal	$3 – $7
Replacing mesh alone	$6 – $15
Full replacement	$12 – $37

Contractors won't reduce their cost for the old fence parts, and most recycling places no longer buy old chain-link fencing.

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Chain-link fence cost per foot

A 4 to 6-foot chain-link fence costs $9 to $28 per foot, while an 8 to 10-foot fence costs $12 to $32 per foot installed. Residential jobs are priced by the project or linear foot, while larger jobs are estimated by the acre or mile.

Chain-link fence cost per foot

Height (feet)	Materials cost per foot	Installed cost per foot
4	$4 – $11	$9 – $26
5	$5 – $12	$10 – $27
6	$5 – $13	$10 – $28
7	$7 – $14	$12 – $29
8	$7 – $15	$12 – $30
10	$8 – $17	$13 – $32
12	$9 – $19	$14 – $34

Chain-link fence cost per linear foot

A 100 foot long chain-link fence costs $900 to $3,000 to install, a 200 foot costs $1,800 to $6,000, and a 300 foot costs $2,700 to $9,000.

Chain-link fence cost

Linear feet	Average cost to install
100	$900 – $3,000
150	$1,350 – $4,500
200	$1,800 – $6,000
300	$2,700 – $9,000

Chain-link fence per acre cost

The average cost to chain-link fence one acre is $7,500 to $25,000. Chain-link fencing a standard 1/4 acre residential plot costs $3,700 to $12,500, while a 1/2 acre yard costs $5,300 to $17,700.

Cost of chain-link fence per acre

Acreage	Linear feet	Total cost installed
1/4	417	$3,700 – $12,500
1/2	590	$5,300 – $17,700
1	835	$7,500 – $25,000

*Prices are for plots with four equal sides. Irregularly shaped acreage has more linear feet and is more expensive per acre.

Chain-link fencing price per meter

Chain-link fencing costs $30 to $100 per meter installed. The chain-link fence material price is $13 to $50 per meter, and installation adds $16 to $50 per meter. One meter is around 3.3 feet long.

Roll of chain-link fence cost

A 50-foot-roll of chain-link fence costs $45 to $90 for standard 11.5-gauge and $250 to $400 per roll for high-quality 9-gauge. Most chain-link fence rolls cost $1 to $8 per linear foot, depending on the wire thickness, height, and coating.

• Chain-link fence rolls are 3' to 12' high and weigh 50 to 420 pounds
• Rolls of 10, 100, and 150 linear feet are also available, but less common.

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Chain-link fence prices by type

Chain-link fence prices depend on the type of mesh material.

• Galvanized-steel mesh is the most common and affordable.
• Vinyl-coated mesh increases durability and protects against rust.
• Pure aluminum is the most expensive, gives a unique look, and is the most lightweight.

Chain-link fence prices by type

Material	Material cost per linear foot	Installed cost per linear foot
Galvanized	$1 – $8	$9 – $30
Vinyl coated	$2 – $8	$10 – $32
Aluminized coating	$4 – $13	$12 – $35
Aluminum	$9 – $40	$17 – $62

Galvanization is coating steel wire with zinc for rust-resistance. Aluminized chain-link is galvanized wire coated with aluminum as well for extra protection.

Galvanized steel chain-link fence price

Galvanized steel chain-link fence prices are $9 to $30 per linear foot installed. Galvanized mesh material alone costs $1 to $8 per linear foot. Galvanized chain-link fences are 3' to 12' tall with a wire thickness of 6 to 12.5 gauge.

Cyclone or hurricane fence cost

A hurricane or cyclone fence costs $9 to $30 per linear foot installed. A cyclone fence is the same as chain-link fencing. Vinyl coating on cyclone fences offers rust-protection, which is popular in coastal and hurricane-prone areas.

Black and green vinyl-coated chain-link fence cost

A black chain-link fence costs $10 to $32 per foot or $1,600 to $4,200 installed. The vinyl or powder coating protects against rust and helps the wire blend into the surroundings. Coated chain-link fences come in black, green, brown, and white.

California chain-link fence cost (wood with metal)

A California chain-link fence costs $8 to $16 per linear foot installed. These ranch-style types of fences have wooden posts and beams on top and bottom. Split-rail wood fencing with galvanized or vinyl-coated chain-link mesh is easier to install, but requires more maintenance.

Alternative metal fences for property owners are:

• A wrought iron fence costs $24 to $44 per foot to install on average.
• An aluminum fence costs $24 to $50 per foot, depending on height.

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Chain-link fence cost estimator

Chain-link fence material prices are $4 to $15 per linear foot or 50% of the overall cost. Chain-link fence estimates depend on height, quality, wire thickness, and material type.

Chain-link fence material prices

Item	Average cost
Wire mesh	$1 – $8 per linear foot
Terminal post	$10 – $50 each
Line post	$10 – $35 each
Walkway gate	$30 – $150 each
Driveway gate	$120 – $350 each
Privacy slats	$2 – $12 per linear foot
Fabric screen	$1 – $6 per linear foot
Additional hardware*	$1 – $2 per linear foot

*Includes rails, caps, bolts, ties, tension bars, and tension bands.

Link mesh prices per gauge

Chain-link mesh prices are $1 to $10 per linear foot, depending on the gauge or thickness. Lower gauges are thicker, stronger, and more expensive wire. Residential wire mesh is typically 9 to 12 gauge in a 2" diamond. Smaller 1" diamonds are stronger but cost double or triple.

Chain link fence wire cost by thickness

Gauge size	Average cost per linear foot
6	$5 – $10
8	$3 – $10
9	$2 – $10
11	$1.50 – $7
11.5	$1 – $6

*Material prices only. The exact cost depends on the fence height.

Chain-link fence post prices

Chain-link fence post prices are $20 to $75 each installed or $2 to $5 per linear foot of fencing. Each post costs $10 to $50 plus $10 to $25 for labor to install in concrete. Line posts go between terminal posts with 4 to 10 feet of spacing between them.

Chain-link fence post prices

Type	Material prices per post	Installed prices per post
Terminal	$15 – $50	$25 – $75
Line	$10 – $35	$20 – $60

Chain-link gate installation cost

Chain-link gates cost $60 to $470 installed, depending on the type and size. Chain-link gate prices for materials alone are $30 to $150 for walk-through models or $120 to $350 for double-swing gates 6’ to 20’ wide. Rolling driveway gates cost $350 to $4,000+ and may be automatic.

Chain-link gate installation cost

Type	Average cost installed	Specifications
Single swing	$60 – $270	3' to 6' width For walkways
Double swing	$150 – $470	6' to 20' width For driveways
Rolling	$350 – $4,000+	6' to 30' width For driveways Rolls to one side

*Includes labor at $30 to $120.

Cost of chain-link fence privacy slats

Chain-link fence privacy slats cost $5 to $18 per linear foot installed, depending on the size, material, and design. The privacy slats alone cost $2 to $12 per foot. Privacy slats come in various colors and styles from 4' to 8' in height, and installing is DIY-friendly.

Chain-link privacy slats cost

Height in feet	Average cost per box (10 LF)
4	$20 – $80
5	$30 – $90
6	$35 – $100
8	$50 – $120

*Each box contains around 80 slats and covers 10 linear feet.

Slat-fencing benefits:

• Reduces wind, dust, and noise
• Withstands severe weather and lasts for decades
• Low-maintenance; easy to change when damaged
• Provides around 75% visual blockage
• Made from PVC, high-density polyethylene, or aluminum
• Some designs simulate redwood panels or green hedges

Chain-link fence privacy screen prices

Privacy fabric screens for chain-link fences cost $1 to $6 per linear foot, depending on the height, light-blocking capacity, and design. Fence privacy screens typically sell as rolls 25' to 150' long and 4' to 8' tall. Most screens come in dark, neutral colors.

Pros and cons:

• Easy to hang
• Provides 80% to 95% privacy
• Water- and wind-permeable
• UV-resistant models available
• Shorter lifespan than plastic privacy slats
• Less aesthetically pleasing

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Chain-link fence price factors

The following table shows additional price factors to install a chain-link fence:

Chain-link fence price factors

Factor	Average cost
Permit	$40 – $150
Landscaping	$50 – $100 per hour
Tree removal	$180 – $700 each
Tree stump removal	$50 – $300 each
Land survey	$200 – $800
Yard grading	$500 – $3,000
Height extensions (material only)	$10 – $35 per post
Fence painting	$0.60 – $1.30 per square foot
Automatic gate closer (material only)	$15 – $30

Building permits and codes

A chain-link fence building permit costs $40 to $150, depending on local building codes. Fences higher than 3.5 to 6 feet typically require permits. Basic repairs don’t need a permit, while replacements often require a permit.

Backyard fences are typically 6 to 8 feet in height, and front yard fences are 3.5 to 4 feet in height. Check the building codes or homeowner’s association for local regulations for fence height, location, post size and depth, privacy slats, and pool enclosures.

Landscaping, land clearing, and surveying

Additional costs apply for tree services, land surveys, and landscaping to prepare for installation.

• Land surveys cost $250 to $800 to determine the property line.
• Working around unmovable structures increases costs $2 to $6 per linear foot.
• Landscaping costs $50 to $100 per hour.
• Tree removal costs $180 to $700 per tree.
• Stump removal costs $50 to $300 per stump.
• Yard grading costs $500 to $3,000 for leveling uneven property.

Installing a chain-link fence on concrete

Post-mounting brackets or anchors to install a chain-link fence on concrete cost $15 to $35 each. Contractors secure anchors to concrete with hammer-drills and bolts. Alternatively, cutting a hole in the concrete to insert the post costs $125 to $250 per project, depending on drilling or sawing depth.

Chain-link fence height extension

Chain-link fence height extension kits cost $285 to $430 per set and are 1' to 4' high and 100' long. Extending a chain-link fence with exact matching material costs $10 to $35 per extension post, plus $1 to $10 per foot for mesh. Contractors then charge $30 to $80 hourly for installation.

Chain-link fence alternatives and prices

Fencing prices are $5 to $25 per foot, depending on the type.

• A wood fence costs $12 to $27 per linear foot installed.
• A vinyl fence costs $15 to $30 per linear foot installed.

Chain-link fence alternatives and prices

Type	Cost per linear foot	Features
Wood	$12 – $27	Natural, painted, or stained Easy to repair Offers the most privacy Requires yearly maintenance Weathers quickly Shortest lifespan Can rot or warp unless re-sealed regularly Prone to termite damage
Vinyl	$15 – $30	Maintenance-free Easy to clean with a hose Quick installation Waterproof Outlasts wood Difficult to repair Limited color options Cracks in extreme temperatures Weak in high-wind areas
Aluminum (picket-style fence)	$25 – $55	Rust-proof Many design options Budget-friendly Low maintenance Not as strong as steel
Wrought iron & steel	$30 – $65	Longest-lasting Most-expensive Strongest for high-security fencing Weather-resistant Pest-proof Heaviest material Most difficult to install

*Total material and installation price.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does a chain-link fence last?

Chain-link fences last 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance and repair. Chain-link fence repair costs $150 to $550. Typical repairs include replacing small sections, replacing gates or posts, repairing the top rail, resetting posts, and fixing loose hardware.

How much does a commercial chain-link fence cost?

Commercial chain-link fences cost $12 to $35 per linear foot installed for 4- to 12-foot-high fencing. Materials alone cost $7 to $19 per linear foot on average. Commercial chain-link fencing is stronger, lasts longer, and has a thicker 6-to-9-gauge wire.

What is the price to rent a temporary chain-link fence?

Temporary chain-link fence rentals cost $15 to $30 per panel monthly. Chain-link fence rentals of up to 6 months cost $2 to $3 per linear foot with a minimum fee of $350 to $420. Individual panels are typically 6’ tall by 12’ long.

Temporary chain-link fence rental prices

Period	Cost per panel
Weekly	$5 – $18
Monthly	$15 – $30

*Typically includes the panel, stand, delivery, setup, and removal.

How long does chain-link fence installation take?

Chain-link fence installation takes 2 to 5 days, depending on the length and complexity. Contractors install 80 to 150 feet daily, depending on crew size and working conditions. Posts take 1 day to set in concrete. Cement cures in 1 to 4 days, depending on the type.

How much does it cost to move a chain-link fence?

Moving a chain-link fence costs $10 to $22 per linear foot on average. Contractors dismantle the fence and reuse as many parts as possible. Fences more than 15 years old are best to replace rather than move. Have a professional inspect the fence to find the ideal solution.

Does a chain-link fence decrease property value?

Chain-link fences don't increase the property resale value. While chain-link fences are affordable, chain-link wire has the least designer appeal of all fence types. Only solid privacy fences of wood, cast-iron, or vinyl have a 50% ROI resale value.

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DIY chain-link fence installation cost

A DIY chain-link fence costs $4 to $15 per linear foot for materials plus $600+ for tools and $100 to $160 per day for equipment rental. DIY chain-link fence installation requires two workers over 2 to 5 days.

Those lacking experience with power tools, heavy equipment, land clearing, or grading should hire a contractor.

Equipment and tools

DIY chain-link fence building equipment

Tools

Materials

Cement-mixing / pouring tools (bucket, mortar hoe, trowel, wheelbarrow) Post-hole digging bar Power drill Post-hole digger or power auger Wire / cable cutters Metal-cutting hand saw Measuring tools: masonry line or twine cord, tape measure, landscape stakes, & post-level or surface-leveling tool Hog-ring pliers Shovel Ratchet socket-wrench Fence stretcher bar & 2-ton come-along winch (or cable puller) Sledgehammer Eye and hearing protection, gloves

Concrete mix – quick-setting blends cure in under an hour, saving 1 to 2 days of time Chain-link fence hardware set (including posts, gate, fencing roll) Furring strips & wood screws 2”x4” scrap wood Gravel (optional)

Tool rental costs

• Post-hole digger tools: $6 to $10 per day. Best for softer soils only.
• Power auger tools (1-person): $75 to $110 per day. Ideal for hard or clay soils.
• Electric cement mixers (160 – 180 lbs. capacity): $30 to $50 per day.

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Hiring a chain-link fence installer

Before hiring a nearby chain-link fence installer, remember to:

• Compare at least three estimates.
• Search for contractors with several years of experience.
• Look at their reviews on HomeGuide, Google, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
• Check their building license (C-13 in California). Top pros also have certification from the American Fence Association, or OSHA.
• Verify their insurance, worker’s compensation, and bond guarantees.
• Avoid companies with the cheapest quotes as quality may suffer.
• Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
• Never pay in full before the project starts. Follow a payment plan instead.

Questions to ask

• Do you know local building codes and requirements for fences?
• Will you schedule an underground locate appointment to mark utility lines before work begins?
• Are all materials and labor fees in this estimate? What additional costs can I expect?
• How long will this project take?
• What fencing material choices do you offer, and what are the price differences?
• Will you haul away any old fence materials and clean up after installation?
• Can you help locate my property survey to mark the official boundaries?
• Will my fence go directly on the property line, or should fencing stay inside it?
• Do I need a permit for fence installation? If so, will you pull the permit for me?
• What are your payment terms and schedule?
• How many chain-link fences have you installed?
• Can I see references of your past installations?
• Do you offer a warranty on your work?

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