How much does a chain-link fence cost?
Ashburn, VA

How much does a chain-link fence cost?

Ashburn, VA

How much does a chain-link fence cost?

$9 – $30cost per linear foot
$1,350 – $3,900Average 150' fence cost installed

Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:

$9 – $30 cost per linear foot

$1,350 – $3,900 Average 150' fence cost installed


Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:
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Sarah Noel
Written by
Sarah Noel
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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 $3,900 on average. Chain-link fence material prices are $4 to $15 per foot, plus $5 to $15 per foot for labor. Prices depend on height (3' to 12') and the material (galvanized, cyclone, black-coated).

Chain-link fence cost - chart
Chain-link fence cost - chart
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.

Get free estimates from chain link fence installers near you.

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:

Average cost of chain-link fence - chart
Average cost of chain-link fence - chart
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.

Chain-link fence installation costs

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

Chain-link fence installation cost - chart
Chain-link fence installation cost - chart
Chain-link fence 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 foot to install a chain-link fence. The total installation cost for labor and materials is $9 to $30 per linear footFence 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 foot if the fence posts are still strong.

Get free estimates from chain link fence installers near you.
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.

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 foot installed. Contractors price residential jobs by the project or linear foot, while larger jobs are estimated by the acre or mile.

Chain-link fence cost per foot by height - chart
Chain-link fence cost per foot by height - chart
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

4' tall cyclone chain-link fence - residential
4' tall cyclone chain-link fence - residential

Chain-link fence cost per linear foot

A 100' long chain-link fence costs $900 to $3,000 to install. A 300' long fence costs $2,700 to $9,000 for materials and labor.

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 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.

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

50-foot-roll of chain-link fence costs $45 to $90 with standard 11.5-gauge wire and $250 to $400 per roll for 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.

Chain-link fence prices by type - galvanized cyclone, vinyl-coated, and aluminized-coating
Chain-link fence prices by type - galvanized cyclone, vinyl-coated, and aluminized-coating
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 6.0 to 12.5 gauge wire thickness.

Galvanized chain-link fence mesh - up close
Galvanized chain-link fence mesh - up close

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

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. Coated chain-link fences come in black, green, brown, and white.

Vinyl-coated black chain-link fence installed in backyard
Vinyl-coated black chain-link fence installed in backyard

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. This split-rail wood fencing with galvanized or vinyl-coated chain-link mesh is easier to install.

Get free estimates from chain link fence installers near you.

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 foot or 50% of the overall cost.

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 thickness. Lower gauges are thicker, stronger, and more expensive wire. Residential wire mesh is typically 9 to 12 gauge in a 2" diamond.

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

Most 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.

Chain-link gate installation cost - chart
Chain-link gate installation cost - chart
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.

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.

8 foot chain-link fence with green privacy slats
8 foot chain-link fence with green privacy slats

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 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

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 6.0 feet typically require permits. Repairs don’t need a permit, while replacements often require a permit.

  • Backyard fences are typically 6 to 8 feet in height.

  • Front yard fences are 3.5 to 4 feet in 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:

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 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.

Good to know: Contractors charge an added $30 to $80 hourly for installation.

Chain-link fence alternatives and prices

Fencing prices are $5 to $50+ per foot, depending on the type.

Chain-link fence alternatives and prices
Type Cost per linear foot Features
Wood $20 – $50
  • 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 $30 – $60
  • 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 $50 – $85
  • Longest-lasting
  • Most-expensive
  • Strongest for high-security fencing
  • Weather-resistant
  • Pest-proof
  • Heaviest material
  • Most difficult to install

*Total material and installation price.

Chain-link fence FAQS

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 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 foot installed for 4' to 12' 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.

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.

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 people working 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.

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?