Written by D. Hahn in FenceLast Updated December 31, 2021
Chain link fence is one of the most popular types of fencing for residential and commercial applications because it is affordable and easy to install.
The fence is available in different sizes, materials, and appearances.
A chain-link fence is suitable for temporary fencing or as a protective shield for restriction in a particular area.
We show you the costs breakdowns as well as detailed installation instructions, FAQs and maintenance answers so you can quickly install your own Chain Link Fence or know the full cost if you hire it out.
Most contractors prefer to charge per linear foot which makes the average $23 per linear foot.
Again, rate may vary depending on factors like:
The proposed height of fence
The chain link mesh gauge, and
Quality of material
Factoring in these variables can drive the cost to as high as $6,935 or as low as $783.
Conversely, the rate may fall somewhere between $12- $33 per linear foot.
Is it cheaper to build a wood fence or chain-link fence?
Building a chain-link fence is usually more cost-effective than building wood fences.
And that’s because chain link materials are usually cheaper and the installation costs are affordable.
But adding extras like gates and fabric screens will increase the total price.
2. Chain Link Fence Installation: Tools
Shovel
Post Hammer
Fence Stretcher bar
Fence Hog Ring Pliers
A. Chain Link Fence Installation: Steps
Confirm Fence is within the property line
Check with HOA, County (possible permits)
Check with neighbor
Call 811 to locate utility cables before digging
Walk fence line and remove debris
Cut back tree branches
1. Layout
Step 1
walk your fence line and mark out where your gate and posts will be located.
Use a string and stake to stake out the entire fence before you dig the 1st hole.
Step 2 – square corners.
Use the 3, 4, 5 method to square corners.
Measure out 3′ on one side and 4′ on the opposite side.
The measurement in the middle should be 5′.
2. Dig Holes & Set the Posts
So, to get started, you’ll need the:
ACE shovel
Dirt and gravel
Shovel
Post Hole Digger
Step 1 – Dig Holes
1st terminal post Hole size (8″W x 30″ deep)
Start by the house or building.
Use a manual post hole digger being careful not to damage the house.
Remove the dirt in the spot with your shovel.
Remove all rocks from the area where you want to dig.
It’s worth mentioning that you should double the post parameter size.
Step 2 – Dig remaining holes
Use a gas powered 2 person auger to dig your holes. Your back with thank you!!!!
Make sure to measure each hole to the correct depth.
Step 3 Set the 1st post
After digging the hole, drop 4 inches of gravel inside.
Mark the posts for ground level. After dropping the gravel, place the post inside.
You may need a helping hand here: ask your partner to hold the post upright so it can be properly straightened.
Step 4 Add concerete.
After placing the pole, set in a bed of dry concrete.
Be sure to confirm that the post remains upright before you add the two gravels.
At this stage, all is almost set. So check again if the post is level and plumb and your post line is level with the ground.
Mix a new bag in your wheel barror – to the consistency of cake batter.
Add in the wet concerete. Keep it 2″ below the ground line and slope it away from the house so water runs away from the structure and off the post.
Step 5 Set 2 lines over all the holes
1st line is for the heights of each post – so they are even
2nd line is for keeping post even within the hole
Step 6 Set the remaining posts
Let cure overnight.
Have a beer – you are halfway done!
Step 7 Attach hardware on terminal posts
Brace band
3 Tention bands
Brace band
Step 8 Attach post top & post rail
Slide top rail through post top into end cup and tighten.
continue adding top rail until you reach the other end cup.
Mark your top rail
Cut with a hack saw.
Attach then place in end cup and tighten.
Step 9 Tension wire
Add tension wire to the bottom band.
Step 10 Attach fence
Roll out chain link fence on the ground
Insert the tension bar through 1st row of diamonds.
Attach tention bar to tension bands
Step 10 Stand up & attach
Stand the fence up
Attach it to the top post with tie straps
Step 11 Tension
Attach come along with tension bar 3 ft from end of post
Tighten the tension so the fence is tightened
Remove excess fence wire
Secure to the final tension bar
Remove the come along.
Step 12
Attach fence ties at each post so the chain link fence is secured to the posts and it is tight.
Step 13 Gates
Install gate hinges to terminal posts.
8″ from the top and 8″ from the bottom.
Top pin faces down and bottom one is up
Attach gate hinge pin to the top and bottom
Attach the gate latch hardware
B. Chain Link Fence Installation: Questions
Can you put up a chain-link fence without concrete?
Yes, a chain-link fence can be installed without concrete.
Expanded foams can replace concrete and can last for many years.
Utility companies have been using 2 part expanding foam for years to hold telephone poles firmly in the ground….so expanding foam is more than strong enough for chainlink fence posts.
Frankly, concrete is the strongest material for putting up a chain-link post, especially if you’re putting them on sandy soil or a location with extreme weather conditions.
What goes on bottom of chain link fence?
You can have a bottom rail installed or a tension wire to help keep the fence secured and tight to the bottom of the fence.
What are the parts of a chain link fence called?
Chain link fence or mesh
Top Rail
Line Posts
Terminal Posts
Fence Tie
Rail End
Rail End Band
Tension Wire Clip
Gate Frame
Gate Post Hinge
Are 2 feet deep enough for fence posts?
The minimum depth for a chain link fence should be 2 feet.
Remember that the deeper the holes, the more stable your fence can be.
Make sure you get a longer post.
How far apart should fence posts be?
While building a chain link fence may look simple, it requires proper planning.
One of the areas that require careful planning is the distance between each post.
Try not to position the post in a too far distance apart, because it may lower the integral strength of your fence.
On the other hand, keeping them too close may look weird.
Can you use T Posts for chain link fence?
Yes, you can use T Post for chain link fence. The chainlink normally is covered over them and secured to the posts.
As a general rule, try to keep them around 6-8 meters apart and maintain this distance throughout the post
Where to buy chain link fence supplies
Of course, when looking for chain link fence supplies, you want products that blend quality with affordability.
You can get that from a fencing supply warehouse or reliable online fencing supply stores.
3. Chain Link Fence Installation: Accessories
Chain link fence accessories are durable and available at a competitive price.
Gate
Apart from protecting the environment, chain link fence gates are an impressive decorative material for yards and gardens.
Walk gates, roll gates, single gates, cantilever gates, and double swing gates are the popular types of chain link gates.
If there’s any reason walk gates have become popular over the years, it’s their ease of use and maintenance.
Installing a walk gate is a breeze.
You can decide the color and height of your chain link.
Single gates are suitable for places with large openings with enough space for the gate to function.
They can be automated.
Slats
Slats, made with plastic coated and aluminum wire, connect to the chain-link fence.
Slats are beautiful, flexible, and easy to install. The chain-link fence slats are available in two types: the bottom locking and the winged chain link with both designed to beautify the fence.
Chain-like slats also work by preventing the effect of strong wind.
Should you Use foam instead of concrete?
Concrete provides strong structural support to a fence. Here’s the thing: expanded foam is nowhere near concrete when it comes to rigidity and density.
Expanded post is strong enough to withstand normal conditions but may not survive extremely harsh conditions which concrete can withstand.
Overall, there’s no straight answer to the “which is better between concrete and foam”
If you’re in a location with a decent level of wind and environmental conditions, expanding foam can be a quicker and easier option. But if the wind is a problem, concrete will be a better option.
How much weight can a dog chain link kennel hold?
A dog chain-link kennel can hold 20lbs to 90lbs of dog weight.
Does chain link fence decrease property value?
Chain link fences may not increase the property value of a home because of their average aesthetics.
Even if they increase home value, it may eventually be bad business investments considering the amount of money spent installing the fence.
4. Chain Link Fence Installation: Avoid
Not acknowledging local fencing rules
Learn about local fencing rules before installing your fence.
Each county has its HOA laws which can be sometimes stringent. Check what your HOA law approves in terms of color, variety, and height of the fence.
Special local safety codes can guide anyone installing a fence in places like pools.
Wrong gate settings
Your outdoor property should have an entry and departure.
That’s why gates are a must-have.
Measure the fenced area and install hinge posts to hang the gates.
Not talking to the neighbor
The good side (which is the finished side) of the fence should face the neighbor. Apart from being ethical, it is also the recommended) standard. You will have a beautiful property with the finished side facing the world. If not, the fence will look like it is built backward.
Do you need a permit to install a chain-link fence?
To install a chain link fence, you may need to apply for Permits from your county’s building authority.
Be sure to confirm requirements with the concerned department before getting to work.
5. Chain Link Fence Maintenance
While chain link is stronger and durable than most fence types, maintaining them regularly can guarantee several years of use.
Combat rust with rust-resistant finish
Despite the durability of the chain link, it can become prone to rust from moisture.
Snow, rain, and dew are responsible for rust in chain link fences. Fighting rust with the proper rust-resistant coating is the way.
A. Wash, then wax
Grass and other dirt blown by wind accumulate on the fence.
That’s why you need to consistently clean your fence.
Wash with soap and water at least once a season.
Wax the fence and add oil to the joint, latches, springs, etc.
B. Inspect loose panels
Loose panels may damage your fence if you don’t monitor them properly. Check for loose nails and tighten loose bolts.
Strictly monitor the hardware as it gets most of the attention.
C. Check the hinges
If your chain link fence has a gate, always prevent it from rusting.
And the best way is to apply oil on the hinges.
Else, it may become difficult to open or close the gate
D. Create a maintenance schedule
It’s easy to maintain a chain link fence for simple problems.
It’s easy to replace tickets and palings. Schedule a maintenance routine, let’s say, every month.
Do a physical check of all parts of the chain-link fence for possible errors or pending damage.
E. Use the help of an expert
Above all, it’s important to use the help of an expert.
At some point, you may need the help of a professional, especially when structural issues appear.
A fencing professional can help solve complex fencing issues while helping you save time and money.
Chain Link Fence Cost & Installation: Summary
Chain link fences do not cost that much if you DIY. We showed you how much the cost is for the average chain-link fence installation.
You also should be able to install the chain-link fence and gate with the detailed 13 step process above.
Chain link fences add value to your property and help keep your family safe and secure as well as keeping the outside world out.
What you should know about crash-proof retirement?
1. It is a means to protect your retirement fund from market crashes.
2. An exclusive Crash Proof Retirement® System provides you an option...
Your retirement is fast approaching, and you’re ready to make a move.
Where do you intend to settle? How do you want to live during your retirement years? How much savings do you...
