Written by
Sarah Noel
Fact-checked by
Tom Grupa
Chain-link fence cost
A chain-link fence costs $9 to $30 per foot installed. A 150' chain-link fence installation costs$1,350 to $3,900on average. Chain-link fence material prices are$4 to $15 per foot, plus$5 to $15 per footfor labor. Prices depend on height (3' to 12') and the material (galvanized, cyclone, black-coated).
| 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.
Get free estimates from chain link fence installers near you.
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Chain-link fence cost calculator
Enter the linear feet of your fence length below to estimate the cost.
Average cost of chain-link fence
Based on an average 4' high fence 50 to 200 feet long:
| 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.
Chain-link fence installation costs
Materials and labor each make up50%of the total installation cost.
| Factor | Average cost per linear foot |
|---|---|
| Mesh fabric | $1 – $8 |
| Posts and hardware | $3 – $7 |
| Labor | $5 – $15 |
| Total cost installed | $9 – $30 |
Labor cost to install a chain-link fence
Labor costs$5 to $15 per linear footto install a chain-link fence. The total installation cost for labor and materials is$9 to $30 per linear foot.Fence installers charge$30 to $70 per hour, plus materials.
Most contractors install lengths of 80 to 150 feet per day on average.
Labor costs rise for taller fences and work on difficult terrain.
Chain-link fence removal and replacement cost
Chain-link fence removal and a full replacement costs$12 to $37 per linear foot. Replacing the chain-link fabric alone costs$6 to $15 per linear footif the fence posts are still strong.
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| 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.
A 4' to 6' tall chain-link fence costs$9 to $28 per foot, while an 8' to 10' tall fence costs$12 to $32 per footinstalled. Contractors price residential jobs by the project or linear foot, while larger jobs are estimated by the acre or mile.
| 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' long chain-link fence costs$900 to $3,000to install. A 300' long fence costs$2,700 to $9,000 for materials and labor.
| 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 cost per acre
The average cost to put chain-link fence around 1 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.
| 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 meterinstalled. 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
A50-foot-rollof chain-link fence costs$45 to $90with standard 11.5-gauge wire and$250 to $400 per rollfor high-quality 9-gauge wire.
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.
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.
| 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 footinstalled. Galvanized mesh material alone costs$1 to $8 per linear foot. Galvanized chain-link fences are3' to 12' tallwith a 6.0 to 12.5 gauge wire thickness.
Cyclone or hurricane fence cost
A hurricane or cyclone fence costs$9 to $30 per linear footinstalled. 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
Ablack chain-link fence costs$10 to $32 per footor$1,600 to $4,200installed. The vinyl or powder coating protects against rust. 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 footinstalled. These ranch-style types of fences have wooden posts and beams on top and bottom. This split-rail wood fencing with galvanized or vinyl-coated chain-link mesh is easier to install.
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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.
Chain-link fence cost estimator
Chain-link fence material prices are$4 to $15 per linear footor50%of the overall cost.
| 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 thickness. Lower gauges are thicker, stronger, and more expensive wire. Residential wire mesh is typically 9 to 12 gauge in a 2" diamond.
| 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 installedor$2 to $5 per linear footof fencing. Each post costs$10 to $50plus$10 to $25for labor to install in concrete. Line posts go between terminal posts with 4 to 10 feet of spacing between them.
| Type | Material prices per post | Installed prices per post |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal | $15 – $50 | $25 – $75 |
| Line | $10 – $35 | $20 – $60 |
Chain-link gate installation cost
Most chain-link gates cost$60 to $470installed, depending on the type and size. Chain-link gate prices for materials alone are$30 to $150for walk-through models or$120 to $350for double-swing gates 6’ to 20’ wide.
| Type | Average cost installed | Specifications |
|---|---|---|
| Single swing | $60 – $270 |
|
| Double swing | $150 – $470 |
|
| Rolling | $350 – $4,000+ |
|
*Includes labor at $30 to $120.
Cost of chain-link fence privacy slats
Chain-link fence privacy slats cost$5 to $18 per linear footinstalled, 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 from4' to 8' in height.
| 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 and dust
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 rolls25' to 150' longand4' 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
Chain-link fence price factors
The following table shows additional price factors to install a chain-link fence:
| 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 buildingpermit costs$40 to $150, depending on local building codes. Fences higher than3.5 to 6.0 feettypically require permits. Repairs don’t need a permit, while replacements often require a permit.
Backyard fences are typically6 to 8 feetin height.
Front yard fences are3.5 to 4 feetin height.
Check building codes or homeowners association regulations for fence height, location, post size and depth, or rules on privacy slats.
Landscaping, land clearing, and surveying
Additional costs apply for landscaping to prepare for installation:
Land surveys cost $200 to $1,200 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. 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 setand 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 footfor mesh.
Good to know: Contractors chargean added $30 to $80 hourlyfor installation.
Chain-link fence alternatives and prices
Fencing pricesare$5 to $50+ per foot, depending on the type.
A wood fence costs $20 to $50 per linear foot installed.
A vinyl fence costs $30 to $60 linear foot installed.
| Type | Cost per linear foot | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Wood | $20 – $50 |
|
| Vinyl | $30 – $60 |
|
| Aluminum (picket-style fence) | $25 – $55 |
|
| Wrought iron & steel | $50 – $85 |
|
*Total material and installation price.
Chain-link fence FAQS
How long does a chain-link fence last?
Chain-link fences last15 to 20 yearswith proper maintenance and repair. Chain-link fence repair costs$150 to $550.
Typical chain-link fence repairs include:
Replacing small sections
Repairing the top rail
Replacing gates or posts
Re-setting posts
Fixing loose hardware
How much does a commercial chain-link fence cost?
Commercial chain-link fences cost$12 to $35 per linear footinstalled for 4' to 12' high fencing. Materials alone cost$7 to $19 per linear footon 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 panelmonthly. Chain-link fence rentals of up to 6 months cost$2 to $3 per linear footwith a minimum fee of$350 to $420. Individual panels are typically 6’ tall by 12’ long.
| 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 takes2 to 5 days, depending on the length and complexity. Contractors install80 to 150 feet daily, depending on crew size and working conditions. Posts take1 dayto set in concrete. Cement cures in1 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 footon 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.
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 a50%ROI resale value.
DIY chain-link fence installation cost
A DIY chain-link fence costs$4 to $15 per linear footfor materials plus$600+for tools and$100 to $160 per dayfor equipment rental. DIY chain-link fence installation requires two people working over 2 to 5 days.
Those lacking experience with power tools, heavy equipment, land clearing, or grading should hire a contractor.
Call 811 or your local utility company to mark public utility lines and a private utility crew for private lines. Marking lines prevents utility service disruptions, damages, and serious injuries.
Equipment and tools
| Tools | Materials |
|---|---|
|
|
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.
Hiring a chain-link fence installer
Before hiring a nearby chain-link fence installers near you, remember to:
Compare at least 3 estimates.
Search for fence contractors with several years of experience.
Look at their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
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?
