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

Normal Range: $1,700 - $7,500
How we get this data
black chain link fence between two backyards
Photo: genotar1 / Adobe Stock
black chain link fence between two backyards
Photo: genotar1 / Adobe Stock

On average, installing a 150-foot-by-4-foot black chain-link fence costs $1,700 to $5,000. However, adding height, a thicker gauge mesh, or installing it on difficult terrain can increase the price to over $7,500. For most residential projects, expect to pay $5 to $25 per linear foot for materials. Labor runs an additional $8 to $20 per linear foot or an average of $30 per hour.

This type of fence is nearly impervious to moisture and corrosion. While it won’t last much longer than its more affordable galvanized counterpart, it will suffer less rust and discoloration. As with any chain-link installation, you have four major cost considerations:

  • Height

  • Quality and gauge of the wire mesh

  • Size of the mesh holes

  • Difficulty of the terrain

Vinyl-coated chain-link costs $23 per linear foot on average or $13 to $40 per linear foot. You’ll pay $5 to $20 per linear foot for materials and an additional $8 to $20 per foot for labor.

HeightMaterials per FootTotal per Foot
4’$10$21
5’$11$22
6’>$11$23
8’$13$25
10’$20$36

If you purchase the materials yourself, expect to pay between $15 and $25 per hour for a handyperson or $25 to $50 per hour for a professional installer. Overall, you’ll end up spending $8 to $20 per linear foot for labor.

Vinyl or powder coated chain-link materials make up about 50% of the total project price or between $5 and $20 per foot. If you’re planning to do an install yourself, you can purchase complete kits from specialty suppliers that include all the following parts.

PartPrice
Wire mesh$2 – $6 per linear foot
Posts$2 – $7 per foot
Rails$2 – $3 per foot
Post cap$0.50 – $15 each
Post fittings$1 – $6 each
Tension Bars$5 – $20 each
Cement$5 – $20 per post
Truss Rods$5 – $15 each

Black Chain Fence Gate Pricing

Adding a gate onto your project adds another $150 to $500 for a residential style or $1,000 to $2,000 for a commercial rolling gate.

A 100-foot-by-4-foot vinyl-coated chain fence costs $1,000 to $4,800. Add $1,000 or more to increase it to a 6-foot height. It comes in standard colors of black, white, green, brown, gray, redwood, and beige. Custom colors are available though it may drive the price up and delay installation.

Vinyl coatings come in three varieties: powder coated, extruded and bonded, and extruded. The gauge of the wire is sometimes calculated on the underlying wire size and sometimes with the thickness of the coating included.

  • Class 1 extruded: The least expensive product with the PVC coating simply pulled over the wire much like you pull a glove onto your hand.

  • Class 2A extruded and bonded: Mid-grade quality used extensively in home and commercial applications. It’s the same as the above extruded method but also glued to the internal wire with a strong adhesive.

  • Class 2B thermally bonded: The superior product with the thinnest, hardest, and most durable coating. It uses vat-dipped powder coating methods to chemically bond the PVC to the wire.

The only difference between black, brown, green, and white is the color of PVC used. There are no other differences in price or use. Choose the color that best fits your home. You can find other colors like redwood, gray, and beige, though they are not commonly stocked at suppliers or home improvement stores.

Trying to decide between the less expensive galvanized, aluminized, and the higher-priced vinyl? They all have roughly the same life span of 15 to 20 years and require almost no maintenance. The main issues are cost, durability, and design. 

Standard chain link fence installation costs $1,300 to $3,300, about half as much as black vinyl.

TypeProsCons
Vinyl-coatedLooks better longer, many colors, corrosion resistant25% – 50% more expensive
GalvanizedCorrosion resistant, Least expensiveIndustrial look stands out
Aluminum / aluminizedExtremely corrosion resistant, more durable than galvanizedDouble the price of galvanized

Trying to decide between the cheaper galvanized and the higher-priced vinyl? They both have roughly the same life span of 15-20 years and require almost no maintenance. The main issues are cost and design.

TypeProsCons
Vinyl chain linkLasts 20 years or more Good in windy areas Inexpensive option Least privacy Best pet option
Vinyl privacy fence Complete privacy Many styles Maintenance free Most expensive Hard to repair Not good in extreme climates
Vinyl picket fenceInexpensive option Excellent for boundaries and design No privacy Not good for pets

Maintenance and Upkeep

Although chain link is maintenance free, you’ll likely get more life out of your fence if you follow a few easy upkeep tips:

  • Clean the chain link fence yearly.

  • Clean and apply vinyl coating to exposed metal.

  • Keep the chain link fence weed-free.

  • Discourage climbing on the chain link fence.

  • Inspect, repair, or replace worn out connections as needed.

Chain link fence repairs cost $200 to $700, far less than a new installation. 

DIY vs. Hiring a Fencing Contractor

Chain-link fences can be great DIY projects for the handy homeowner. Doing it yourself saves you half of the project costs or about $8 to $20 per linear foot. However, it will take an experienced DIYer at least 20 hours, almost three full work days, to install 150 feet. 

Plus, it can end up costing you more than a simple install if a professional needs to fix any mistakes. Find a local chain link fence installer to compare costs before starting your DIY project. 

FAQs

How long does it take to install a chain fence?

The first 150 feet takes about 20 hours for the DIYer, or a single day for a professional installation crew. Add a day for each additional 100 feet.

The easiest way to get affordable black chain-link fencing is to search multiple suppliers and get quotes. Get an extruded variety with a thinner gauge wire but be aware it won’t have the same durability as a more expensive product.

Is black chain fencing galvanized?

The interior wire of black chain fencing is usually galvanized and covered with a vinyl coating.

What is black cyclone fencing?

Black cyclone or hurricane fencing is another name for a black, vinyl coated chain-link fence.

Both vinyl and vinyl-coated chain link are almost maintenance free. However, chain-link varieties don’t block the view or the breeze and will last five to 10 years longer for a fraction of the price of wood or vinyl fencing.

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