Black chain-link fence cost ranges from $1,630 to $5,770, with an average price of $2,850. Homeowners pay $5 to $22 per linear foot for chain-link material and hardware, while labor rates for installation are $6 to $17 per foot.
Unlike a regular chain-link fence, black chain-link fencing is PVC-coated steel wire mesh. It’s easy to install, maintenance-free, and corrosion-resistant, suitable for backyard and front yard fences. Costs for a regular, uncoated chain-link fence are different.
We talk in-depth about the most significant cost factors to consider, which are:
- Fence length and height
- Gauge and mesh size
- Vinyl-coating type and color
- Type and number of gates
- Terrain and permits
You’ll also read about other related costs that can affect the price, so you can make the best deal when talking to a fencing company.
In this guide:
- Average Costs
- Cost Estimator by Size
- Other Factors That Affect Cost
- Related Services
- Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
- Cost by Location
- FAQ
Average Black Vinyl-Coated Chain-Link Fence Costs in 2023
| National Average Cost | $2,850 |
| Typical Price Range | $1,630 to $5,770 |
| Extreme Low-End Cost | $750 |
| Extreme High-End Cost | $7,000 |
This table shows the typical price range and the national average cost to install a mid-size residential fence. Expect a higher price for:
- A taller fence of 7 feet or more
- Chain-link fabric with thicker wire or a mesh diamond size under 2 inches
- Installing the fence on steep terrain or a property needing land clearing
If your budget is limited, you can land on the lower end of the price range by:
- Installing the fence DIY
- Buying chain-link material and hardware from general home improvement shops such as Home Depot or Lowe’s rather than from specialized fencing stores
- Choosing a higher gauge wire or mesh diamond size
- Searching and comparing more fencing offers before deciding
Black Chain-Link Fence Cost Estimator by Size
Both fence length and height are essential when estimating project cost by size. See below how pricing varies with these parameters.
Average Black Chain-Link Fence Price Per Linear Foot
Midsize vinyl-coated chain-link fence costs $12 to $39 per linear foot to install, so you can expect to pay about $1,200 to $3,900 for 100 linear feet. Material costs are $5 to $22 per foot, including fence fabric, terminal posts, line posts, top rail, and accessories. You’ll pay $6 to $17 per foot in labor fees.
Here’s the cost for fencing projects 50 to 300 feet long.
| Project Size | Average Overall Cost |
| 50 feet | $600 – $1,950 |
| 100 feet | $1,200 – $3,900 |
| 150 feet | $1,800 – $5,850 |
| 200 feet | $2,400 – $7,800 |
| 300 feet | $3,600 – $11,700 |
Average Black Chain-Link Fence Cost by Height
Pricing also varies with the height of the fence. The 3 to 6 feet tall options are affordable and easy to find. They cost, on average, between $3.60 and $9.80 per linear foot (wire mesh only) or $180 to $490 per 50-foot roll. See below how the cost of installing a black chain fence varies with height when you add hardware and labor.
| Fence Height | Average Wire Mesh Cost Per Linear Foot | Total Installation Cost Per Linear Foot |
| 3 feet | $3.60 to $5 | $11 to $34.20 |
| 4 feet | $4.30 to $6.60 | $11.50 to $36 |
| 5 feet | $6 to $7.30 | $13.50 to $36.50 |
| 6 feet | $8.40 to $9.80 | $16 to $39 |
| 7 feet | $11.60 to $13.90 | $19 to $43 |
| 8 feet | $11.60 to $14.50 | $19 to $43.50 |
Other Factors that Affect Cost
Chain-link fence installation cost depends mainly on fabric size but also varies with:
Type of PVC Coating
The typical price range of $3.60 to $9.80 per foot refers to chain-link fabric used for residential and commercial applications (class 1 and 2A). If you need industrial quality for your projects, expect to pay up to double the price per foot for a class 2B wire mesh with thermally fused PVC coating. See below the pros and cons of each type of wire-netting fence.
| Type of Coating | Pros and Cons |
| Class 1 (extruded coating) – A thin layer of PVC pulled over the steel wire. | ✓ Cheapest option ✓ Protects from rust and corrosion ✗ Lower resistance to impact ✗ Can peel and tear |
| Class 2 A (extruded and bonded coating) – The PVC layer is bonded to the internal wire with a strong glue. | ✓ Mid-range pricing ✓ Popular choice for residential and commercial projects ✓ Good resistance to rust, corrosion, tearing, and peeling |
| Class 3 B (thermally fused coating) – The PVC layer is chemically fused to the metal wire. | ✓ Premium wire mesh. ✓ Best resistance to corrosion, peeling, tearing, and cracking. ✗ Expensive – mostly used for commercial and industrial applications |
If your budget is limited, you can also work with galvanized or aluminized chain-wire fences with a similar lifespan of 15 to 20 years. They are available only in steel-grey color and are corrosion-resistant but less durable than the vinyl-coated alternative. See the compared costs below.
| Type of Chain-Link Material | Average Cost Per Linear Foot | Average Cost for a 150-foot Fence |
| Galvanized chain-link fence | $10 to $17 | $1,500 to $2,550 |
| Aluminized chain-link fence | $11 to $18 | $1,650 to $2,700 |
| Vinyl-coated chain-link fence | $12 to $39 | $1,800 to $5,850 |
Vinyl Coating Color
What makes vinyl-coated chain-link fences very attractive is the colored coating in black, brown, green, or white:
- Black chain-link fabric is the most affordable and easiest to find.
- Some sellers overprice green mesh, adding $1 to $3 per linear foot to the cost of black-coated fencing.
- Brown and white are harder to find and also pricier.
Gauge
Residential fencing commonly uses a 9 or 10-gauge mesh costing that costs $4.80 to $10 per foot (fabric only) or $240 to $500 per 50-foot roll. A smaller AWG (American Wire Gauge) means a thicker wire and a sturdier fence that can better face impact and climbing.
Mesh Size
The most popular mesh size is the 2-inch diamond, which costs $5 to $11.50 per linear foot (mesh only). Also standard is the 2 ⅜-inch mesh size with an average price of $2 to $4.50 per foot.
Chain-link fence material is made by weaving steel wires together, creating diamond-shaped holes. Mesh size refers to the distance between two parallel steel wires in the chain fabric.
Chain-link Gates
A chain-link fence gate is easy to install and maintenance-free. Including one in your project will add another $95 to $1,800 to your budget, depending on the type of gate. See below what options are available and how much they cost.
| Type of Gate | Average Cost |
| Single walkthrough gate | $95 to $450 |
| Double walkthrough gate | $200 to $1,000 |
| Drivethrough rolling gate | $500 to $1,800 |
Terrain
The labor cost to install a chain-link fence is between $6 and $17 per linear foot.
Expect higher rates for hilly, uneven terrain or if the handyman needs to install the fence in a unique shape by going around constructions, trees, and other obstacles.
Permits and Inspection Fees
Typically, you can expect to pay $40 to $200 for permits related to fence installation. Check with your local HOA before starting the project, especially if the fence is more than 6 feet tall.
Related Services
Before adding up all the costs involved in your fencing project, keep in mind that you might also need the following:
- A fence line survey
- To have the land cleared and/or graded
- Some privacy by adding slats, fence screens, etc.
Also, consider the cost of upkeep and occasional repairs. See below how these things can add to your costs.
Fence Line Survey
Depending on property size and terrain profile, a land boundaries survey costs $200 to $1,100. It indicates the precise location of the property line so you know where to install your fence without encroaching on your neighbor’s property.
Land Clearing
Before installing the new fence, you’ll need to remove any stumps, trees, bushes, or boulders that are in the way. Consider an average cost to clear land of $1.18 to $2 per square foot.
Land Grading for Sloped Yards
While black chain-link is one of the best fences for a sloped yard, you might still consider leveling the property before installation. The cost to grade land is $100 to $3,400.
Fence Removal
The average cost to remove a fence using the services of a fence company is $3 to $5 per linear foot. Make sure to check if the fee includes hauling the waste from your property.
Fence Repair
You’ll typically pay $150 to $1,050 to repair a chain-link fence, but prices vary widely depending on fence size and damage extent.
Chain-link Fence Maintenance and Upkeep
Black chain-link fencing is low-maintenance compared with wood fences but still requires some upkeep to limit the repair spendings we discussed. Chain-link fence upkeep includes:
- Pressure washing the fence once or twice a year
- Applying metal paint where the original coating starts to wear off
- Periodically removing the weeds stuck in the wires
- Preventing children and animals from climbing the fabric
Fence Slats and Privacy Screens
Privacy mesh costs $0.75 to $2 per linear foot. You can also go for fence slats for $3 to $26 per linear foot or save money using tape strips.
Chain-link fencing can make you feel very exposed, especially if the yard is small and the neighbors are close. Here are the most common privacy add-ons used by landowners for a chain link fence.
| Privacy add-on | Average cost |
| Slats | $3 to $26 per linear foot |
| Privacy mesh/screen | $0.75 to $2.00 per linear foot |
| Tape strips | $30 to $40 per roll |
| Lattice panels | $4 to $45 per panel |
| Reed fence screen | $2 to $10 per linear foot |
You can also use other ways to make a chain-link fence private, such as growing hanging plants and hedges or installing homemade decorations. If privacy is essential for you, take a minute to consider a wood, vinyl, or masonry alternative before committing to the diamond mesh fence:
- Wood fencing costs $14 to $31 per linear foot, depending on the type of wood and fencing style.
- Vinyl fence installation price is $17 to $38 per linear foot, varying with design and terrain.
- Composite fences can be installed for $15 to $45 per linear foot.
- Masonry fence is a premium alternative, very durable and secure. Consider a brick fence cost starting at $10 to $80 per square foot for construction materials.
Barbed Wire
Because chain-link fencing does not excel in security, you can top the fence with barbed wire to better keep intruders out. Barbed wire cost ranges from $1 to $7 per linear foot.
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
Installing a chain-link fence is easy enough to manage as a DIY project. It can be pretty time-consuming, so keep in mind that what you save in dollars, you’ll spend in hours. You’ll need to measure, mark, dig, pour concrete, install fence posts and top rails, cut and stretch wire mesh, etc.
With cheap fence fabric, it can take 4 to 5 hours to untangle it and a few days to finish the installation, so make sure you have time. Here are the costs of materials needed to install a 150 x 4-foot chain-link fence:
| DIY Materials | Cost Per Item | Total Cost for 150 Feet |
| Gravel | $5 per 0.5-cubic-foot bag | $85 |
| Concrete mix | $10 per 50-pound bag | $210 |
| Terminal post | $22/each | $66 |
| Line post | $22/each | $336 |
| Rail end (brace band) | $1/each | $10 |
| Tension bands | $2/each | $36 |
| End post caps | $2/each | $12 |
| Chain-link fence loop cap | $4/each | $70 |
| Top rail | $13/10 ft. | $195 |
| Tension wire | $34/170-ft. spool | $34 |
| Rolls of chain-link mesh | $200/50 ft. | $600 |
| Tension bars | $6/each | $60 |
| Aluminum fence ties | $14/100-pack | $14 |
| Chain-link fence gate kit | $65/4-ft. single gate | $65 |
| Total Cost of DIY Materials | $1,855 |
You will also require some equipment which can add to the total cost. Here is the list you need to check:
| Equipment for DIY Black Chain-Link Fence Installation | Average Cost |
| Tape measure | $18 |
| Spray paint | $5 |
| Work gloves | $10 |
| Ground stakes | $16 / 4 stakes |
| Post hole digger rental per day | $10 |
| Wheelbarrow | $60 |
| Shovel | $20 |
| Rubber mallet | $16 |
| Mason’s line | $15 |
| Level | $21 |
| Socket wrench set | $34 |
| Pipe cutter | $43 |
| Come-along cable puller hand winch | $56 |
| Pliers | $12 |
| Total cost of DIY equipment | $320 |
It costs about $1,855 to install a 150 x 4 feet black chain-link fence DIY if you have all the tools and up to $2,175 if you have to buy or rent equipment. A professional installation ranges from $1,725 to $5,400. Check with your local fencing contractors and see if working with a fence company fits into your budget. Remember to discuss the installation warranty.
Cost of Black Chain-Link Fence Installation by Location
A black chain-link fence in front of the house is typically 3 or 4 feet tall, so it costs $12 to $35.80 per foot. Backyard fences are 6 to 8 feet tall and come with a higher price of $17 to $43.50 per foot. Expect to pay more if you live in the city and less if you have land in a rural area.
FAQ
In general, the cost to install a fence can range from $1,330 to $5,550. The most expensive material is composite ($26 to $57 per linear foot), while the cheapest material is wire ($1 to $4 per linear foot).
A 200-foot black chain-link fence costs $2,400 to $7,800 to install. The cost to install 100 linear feet of fence is $1,200 to $3,900; for 300 linear feet, you typically pay $3,600 to $11,700.
A small fencing project of 60 linear feet costs $720 to $2,340, depending on height, wire gauge, and mesh size. You’ll pay about $600 to $1,950 for a 50-foot black chain-link fence and $480 to $1,560 for a 40-foot fence.
Installing a black chain-link fence can take one to four days, depending on the terrain and the mesh’s length, height, and quality.
To get a cheap black chain-link fence, plan for a DIY installation and invest time in finding the best deal for good quality black chain-link mesh.
Yes. Black chain-link fencing is typically manufactured by adding PVC coating over galvanized steel chain-link fence wire.
Black cyclone fencing and black hurricane fencing are two lesser-known names of black chain-link fences, maybe because chain-link mesh is one the best fencing materials to withstand high winds.
Vinyl chain-link is better for pets than a vinyl picket fence. Both are inexpensive, maintenance-free, and good in windy areas, but offer no privacy.
Vinyl privacy fencing is the most expensive and hardest to repair, but it’s easy to maintain and offers complete privacy and a variety of styles.
Yes, vinyl-coated chain-link fences are also available in brown, white, and green coatings. Black is the most popular and affordable, green is easy to find but can cost more, while brown and white are less accessible.
The chain-link fence repair cost is $150 to $1,100, but prices vary with the extent and type of damage.
Black chain-link fencing is affordable, durable, and relatively easy to install, but it does not help much if you want to increase your property value. Choose a cast iron, wooden, or vinyl fence to improve the market value of your home and enjoy a good return on investment.
Final Thoughts
It costs on average $2,850 to install a black chain-link fence, with prices ranging from $1,630 to $5,770. Materials are $5 to $22 per linear foot, while labor fees range from $7 to $17 per foot.
A DIY installation is easy enough, and it can save you money, but it still takes a lot of time and effort. Find a professional chain-link fence installer in your area and get a quote before deciding which way to go.
Main Photo by: Pexels
