Residential black chain-link fences 4 to 8 feet tall with PVC coating typically cost between $13 and $34 per linear foot, including materials and labor.
If you’re looking for information about plain chain-link fences without the coating, see our general guide, How Much Does a Chain-Link Fence Cost?
The average backyard requires about 150 to 250 linear feet of fence, which costs between $1,950 and $8,500 to secure with a black chain-link fence. Low-budget projects can keep the costs between $1,950 and $3,250 by choosing a fence with thinner wire, wider diamonds, and fewer posts. A sturdier, safer fence with high-quality materials costs $5,100 and $8,500.
The costs in this article are based on our survey on black chain-link fencing prices across the U.S., including major metros and rural cities. Your project’s cost will depend on the quality of the material, the fence height, where you live, and your property’s size and layout.
- Cost by Height of Fence
- Cost by Location
- Professional Installation Cost vs. DIY Cost
- Cost by Number of Posts
- Cost by Wire Mesh Gauge
- Cost by Diamond Size
- Cost by Type of PVC Coating
- Cost to Install Gates
- Cost to Install on Sloped or Uneven Terrain
- Cost of Permits for Fencing
- Cost of Privacy Slats
- Cost of Fence Removal
- FAQ
Cost by Height of Fence
Taller fences require more material, such as wider wire mesh, thicker posts to support the weight, and more accessories to install the fence, which increases the total price. Here’s how the cost of black chain-link fencing varies with height:
| Fence height | Price range, including materials and installation |
| 3 – 4 feet tall (small front yard fence) | $13 to $30 per linear foot |
| 5 – 6 feet tall (fit for backyards and front yards) | $14 to $32 per linear foot |
| 7 – 8 feet tall cost (backyard fence) | $17 to $34 per linear foot |
| 10 feet tall | $19 to $38 per linear foot |
Fence property laws and regulations regarding the minimum and maximum height vary across the United States. Before starting the fencing project, check your area’s HOA fence building code for allowed heights. Taller fences often require a permit.
Front yard fences are generally shorter at 3-4 feet in height, but backyard fences can be 6 to 8 feet, depending on the local regulations.
Fences taller than 8 feet are rarely needed in residential areas and require a permit. However, you might consider a 10-foot tall fence if you want to add a small tennis or basketball area in your backyard without exposing the neighbors to stray balls.
Cost by Location
The cost of living varies across the U.S., as does the cost of materials and labor. Your location is the next significant factor determining the price of installing black chain-link around your home.
The table below shows the typical price range for installing black chain-link fences in a sampling of big and small cities nationwide. The low ends are based on 4-foot-tall fencing, while the high ends refer to 8-foot-tall fences. Both estimations include two single swing gates.
Northeast U.S. | Cost per foot of fence (including labor cost + materials) |
| New York, NY | $23 – $41 |
| Pawtucket, RI | $21 – $37 |
| Southeast U.S. | |
| Atlanta, GA | $18 – $32 |
| Dothan, AL | $17 – $31 |
| Midwest U.S. | |
| Chicago, IL | $18 – $31 |
| South Bend, IN | $18 – $31 |
| Northwest U.S. | |
| Seattle, WA | $20 – $36 |
| Corvallis, OR | $21 – $37 |
| Southwest U.S. | |
| San Diego, CA | $24 – $43 |
| Roswell, NM | $19 – $33 |
For more specific pricing information based on your location, get a free custom quote from fencing contractors in your area through Fence Gnome.
Professional Installation Cost vs. DIY Cost
Installing your black chain-link fence yourself can save $8 to $18 per linear foot in labor costs. You save less if you don’t have the necessary tools and need to buy them or rent them.
Keep in mind that what you save in money, you’ll spend in time and energy. The common residential installation takes two to four days when done by professionals. Learn more about the DIY installation and cost estimates from our articles:
- How to build a chain-link fence DIY
- Cost to build a black chain-link DIY
Cost by Number of Posts
Metallic black chain-link fence posts cost $15 to $35 per post. The recommended number of posts is 12 to 18 per 100 linear feet of fence, which amounts to $2 – $6 per linear foot in your black chain-link fence budget.
Terminal posts frame the gates and replace line posts where the fence requires more strength, such as in corners and where the terrain slopes. Because they are thicker and sturdier, they cost about 25% to 30% more than line posts.
Each additional post, either terminal or line post, requires digging and pouring cement, which increases labor costs.
Cost by Wire Mesh Gauge
The common residential fence uses 9- or 10-gauge wire and mesh with a 2 or 2 3/8-inch diamond. This material typically provides enough strength and durability for a residential front yard and backyard.
A fence gauge measures the thickness of the wire. The lower the gauge, the thicker the wire. If you want a stronger, more durable fence around your yard, consider a 6-gauge wire (usually used for industrial and commercial fencing), but keep in mind that it can double the mesh cost.
See how the price of black chain-link fence wire varies with the gauge in the table below:
| Wire Gauge | Price range per linear foot (including materials and labor) |
| 6 | $15.50 to $37.80 |
| 8 | $14.40 to $35.70 |
| 9 | $13.50 to $33.10 |
| 11.5 | $12.50 to $30.90 |
The low end refers to 3-foot tall fences, while the high end covers 8-foot tall installations.
Cost by Diamond Size
The diamond size refers to the wire mesh openings and measures the distance between two wires. The smaller the openings, the sturdier the fence, but the more expensive the wire:
- Chain-link wire mesh for residential fences typically has 2—or 2 ⅜—inch openings and costs $2.6 to $11.7 per linear foot, depending on the height of your fence. It’s widely available in home improvement stores such as Home Depot, Lowes, and Walmart.
- Wire mesh with a diamond size of 1 ¼ inches is mainly used for pool fences and commercial installations. It is available in rolls 4 feet wide and costs $7.0 to $11.0 per linear foot.
- Wire mesh with 1 ¾ openings is used for taller fences around tennis courts, sports fields, and commercial and industrial projects. It’s mainly available in 10- to 12-foot-wide rolls, costing $16 to $20 per linear foot.
Cost by Type of PVC Coating
The typical price range of $13 to $34 per linear foot refers to chain-link fabric used for residential and commercial applications (class 1 and 2A). It is the most affordable and easy to find.
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.
Learn more about each type of coating in your guide, Extruded vs. Fused Vinyl-Coating for Chain-Link Fences
If you want a cheaper chain-link fence, consider a galvanized or aluminum option without coating. Read our “How Much Does a Chain-Link Fence Cost?” guide for details on the costs of materials and installation.
Cost to Install Gates
A swing chain-link gate adds between $125 and $670 per unit to your fencing budget. The low end covers single gates, while the high end is for double gates.
A rolling gate for your driveway costs between $870 and $3,135, depending on width, height, quality of material, and rolling system.
Cost to Install on Sloped or Uneven Terrain
Installing a fence on sloped or uneven terrain requires special adjustments, takes more time, and has higher labor costs. The amount you’ll pay extra depends on the slope angle and the type of installation it allows. If your property is on a hill or uneven terrain, add 10% to the initial fencing budget.
You might need to regrade the area if the slope is steep or the yard is on rough terrain. Regrading a yard costs between $900 and $3,000, usually done by a different contractor.
Cost of Permits for Fencing
Before installing the fence, check if the local regulations and the HOA code require a permit. Permits related to fence installation typically cost $40 to $200, but prices vary widely depending on where you live.
Cost of Privacy Slats
Black chain-link fencing can make you feel very exposed, especially if the yard is small and the neighbors are close. You can make the space more intimate by having privacy slats professionally installed for $5 to $13 per linear foot of fence. Or you can invest some time in a DIY installation and buy the slats online for $3.50 to $10 per linear foot ($35 to $100 per box of slats covering 10 feet of fence).
Looking for cheaper options? Buy easy-to-install privacy screens for $0.75 to $2.00 per linear foot, or plant some ivy, honeysuckle, or wisteria to cover your fence for free.
Read more about adding privacy to your fence in our guide, “How to Make a Chain-Link Fence Private”.
Fence Removal
If you’re replacing an old fence with a new one, you’ll need to pay the fencing contractor to remove the old posts and wire mesh and dispose of them. The average cost to remove a fence is $3 to $5 per linear foot. Check if the fee includes hauling the waste from your property.
FAQ About Black Chain-Link Fencing
How can I get a cheap black chain-link fence?
To get a cheap black chain-link fence:
- Plan a DIY installation
- Look for more affordable wire mesh with a lower-grade coating, thinner wire, or larger diamonds (openings).
- Consider a shorter fence if you install the fence more for aesthetic value or to define the boundaries of your garden than for privacy or protection.
Is black chain-link fencing galvanized?
Yes. Black chain-link fencing is typically manufactured by adding PVC coating over galvanized steel chain-link fence wire.
What is black cyclone fencing?
Black cyclone fencing and black hurricane fencing are two lesser-known names of black chain-link fences, maybe because the chain-link mesh is one the best fencing materials to withstand high winds.
Can I get a PVC-coated chain-link fence in a color other than black?
Yes, vinyl-coated chain-link fences are 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.
Does a black chain-link fence increase property value?
Not as much as other types of fences. Choose a cast iron, wooden, or vinyl fence to improve the market value of your home. Learn more in our guide, Which Fences Increase Property Value the Most?
Find a Fencing Contractor Near You
Ready to install your new, modern black chain-link fence? Get on to Fence Gnome, check the local fencing pros’ reviews, get free quotes, and find the best fencing contractor in your area to build a beautiful, sturdy fence around your home!
Note: Fence Gnome may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.
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