How Much Does It Cost to Install Chain Link Fencing
How Much Does a Chain Link Fence Cost?
$14 – $29 Per Linear Foot Installed
The cost of chainlink fencing is calculated by the length, height, type of fence and features being installed. A 5 foot high, 100-foot chain link fence with 2 gates is approximately $2,100, or $21 per foot, or per linear foot, as that is how it's measured.
Average Cost of Chain Link Fences and Installation
Expect an average cost of around $23 per linear foot to have a 5 foot tall chain link fence installed around your home or property. DIY'er can expect to pay around $14.65 per foot to buy the fencing, and rent the tools to install the fence yourself.
Chain link fences installed by a professional generally include the cost of all fence materials, install labor, fence poles, gates, concrete to install the new fence, any permits and site surveys for property lines and underground utilities that are needed, etc. If you have an old fence that needs to be removed, plan to pay a bit extra.
Average Do It Yourself cost
$14.65 Per Foot
Average Contractor Installed Cost
$23 Per Linear Foot
Typical Cost Average
$14 – $29 / Linear Foot
Last Updated: Friday, October 22, 2021
Overview of Chain Link Fencing
Chain link fences are one of the most durable and long lasting types of fencing you can install around your home. Whether you're installing it for home security or safety around a pool, the cost of chain link fence per foot makes it a budget-friendly fencing choice. Compared to vinyl, wood, privacy, split rail and just about every other type of fencing, the cost of installing a chain link fence is relatively the same as others, but there are added considerations due to the tension placed on end poles and corner posts as the wire is stretched tight.
In this Costimate, you'll learn about options that you have for installing a chain link fence. The features that can affect the cost of the fencing itself, as well as factors that can increase how much installation is going to be. We also have a section where you can compare chain link fence prices from around the web and review actual costs submitted by other homeowners and fence installers. We're current at work building a cost calculator that will let you put in data and provide a rough estimated cost of your fence.
Fencing Materials and Supplies Cost Details
Chain Link Fence Price Factors
Like any large ticket item you install at your home, the type of fencing, what the fencing includes and other features such as gates or wire type, are going to have the most impact on your how much you should budget for a new chain link fence.
- Height of the Fence – Chain link fences are commonly sold in 4′, 5′, or 6′ foot heights for residential use. 8′-12′ fences are available, but not usually for use around a home.
- Linear Feet of Fence Installed – Larger areas to be fenced-in use more linear feet fencing, more top rails and posts, and will determine the chain link fence cost per foot.
- Natural or Coated Wire – Chain link mesh is galvanized steel wire or in a vinyl-coated mesh in a variety of colors (brown, green, white, etc) to match your needs. Coated chain link fences cost more than standard galvanized.
- Thickness of Fence Wire – There are a few different thicknesses, or wire gauges to choose from. In general, thicker wire cost more money, but is better suited for security purposes.
- Number and Type of Gates – Each walkway and driveway gate (2-gates that lock in center) will add to your cost.
- Open Mesh or Privacy Slats – Along with vinyl coated mesh, you can have privacy slats installed (weaved) between the mesh, or a solid covering installed to one side to provide privacy.
Permits, Survey, and Chain Link Fence Installation Costs
Once you've decided on the fence and whether to install it yourself or hire a professional, you have to factor all the costs of fence installation. While most of it will be labor, there are a few added costs to make sure your new fence does not encroach on your neighbors yard, and that during the installation, you don't mistakenly dig through an underground wire, gas line, or other utility service. These are considered the total cost for the fence, installed.
Permits and Property Survey
- $75 – $150 | Site Survey to Locate Property Lines
You should always check local city and neighborhood ordinances and have a home site survey done, before installing any type of fence. This will prevent costly mistakes such as installing your fence on a neighbors property, or installing a type of fence not allowed in your city. - $0 to $75 | Utility Locator Service
In most areas of the USA you can dial 811 on your phone, at least 3 days before you plan to begin work, and a utility locator service will come out and mark all public underground utilities in the area you plan to install the fence. The service is free in most cases, but if you need to locate non-public services like an invisible fence wire, or underground pool utilities, they will charge you.
Fence Installation Factors
Most fencing companies are going to determine how much chain link fencing installation cost by the foot, and factor that into their total quoted price, including labor cost. There are several factors that help them decide the cost per foot, that they charge for your specific project. In addition, they will probably charge a set fee per-gate you want installed. Walkway gates are one cost, and driveway gates are another.
- Accessibility to Location – Plain and simple, if the fencing installation crew has to walk a half-mile with all their tools and supplies to get into your yard, its going to cost more.
- Trees and Obstructions – It's much easier to install fencing in a straight line. If trees, large boulders, buildings, or other obstructions need to be removed or the fence needs to flow around them, it will cost more.
- Shape and Level of Yard – If a square, flat area is the easiest and lowest cost to install a fence, the opposite is also true. Odd shaped yards, or areas that are very hilly and uneven, will increase the work that goes into the install.
- Type of Soil – Clay and rock-filled soil will cost more per foot, due to the amount of time it will take to dig the post holes.
- Time of Year – If you want to save money on your new fence, call the company in late fall (before the ground freezes) or early springtime, before everyone else does. If the fence company is not busy with work, they are more likely to give you a lower priced estimate.
Completed Installation Time
Even though most companies don't charge by the hour to install chain link fences, it's helpful to understand the amount of time it will take to have it installed.
- 2 -3 days | Simple Installation
- 3-4 days | Most Common Installation
- 3-5 days| Larger Installations
Day 1-2 of any fence installation is usually spent marking the property, digging the post holes and setting the posts into concrete to let it set and harden 1-2 days. In some cases with large areas or where the ground is difficult to dig into, it could take up 2 days just to set the posts.
Days 2 -3 are generally when the top rails are installed, and the wire mesh is fastened to the posts. The job is finished by installing all wire straps, post caps and the gates.
Days 3 and beyond are for installing larger gates, installing privacy slats and covering if it's not already in place, etc.
Cost of Installation Supplies
After you decide on the height and style of fencing for your project, you'll also need the supplies listed below in order to complete the fence installation. Most companies will provide this all-inclusive of their per-foot installation cost.
- $35 – $75 | Concrete Mix for Posts
- $10 – $25 | Stakes, String, and Marking Paint
- $100 – $150 / Day | Power Auger Rental for Drilling Post Holes
DIY or Hire a Pro
Installing your own fence is actually a good project for a DIY'er. As long as you're familiar with common hand tools, willing to learn how to cut metal pipe and use a powered post hole digger, chain link fence installation cost can drop considerably if you do it yourself. On the other hand, if you want it done right the first time, don't have 3-4 friends to help you, and are unsure about the special tools needed, leave it to the pros!
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How Much Does It Cost to Install Chain Link Fencing
Source: https://www.costimates.com/costs/fences-and-retaining-walls/chain-link-fences/