Chain link doesn't get much love, but it does a lot for the money. If your main goal is keeping the dog in, keeping the kids in the yard, or fencing a big lot without spending a fortune, it's often the smartest call.
When chain link makes sense
- You have a lot of footage to cover. On a big lot, the savings over wood or vinyl add up fast.
- You need to contain a pet. Chain link is strong, hard to chew and hard to squeeze through.
- You want to see through it. Keep an eye on the kids from the kitchen window.
- It's a side yard, back lot or garden. Places where looks matter less than function.
When it doesn't make sense: if you need privacy, or your HOA doesn't allow it. Many newer Kannapolis subdivisions restrict chain link, so check your rules first.
Chain link options
Galvanized
The standard silver chain link. The most budget-friendly choice.
Black or green vinyl-coated
Coated chain link blends into the yard better and looks much more finished. It costs more but is a popular upgrade.
Heights
Common residential heights are 4 ft for general yards and 5 or 6 ft for bigger dogs or jumpers.
Privacy slats
Slats can be woven into chain link to add some screening. They help, but they won't match a true privacy fence.
How a good chain link fence is built
A chain link fence lives or dies by its terminal posts, the corner, end and gate posts that hold all the tension.
- Terminal posts set deep in concrete. The mesh is pulled tight against these posts. In red clay that moves with rain and drought, they need concrete to hold.
- Line posts set properly. Spaced evenly so the top rail stays straight.
- Mesh stretched tight. Loose mesh sags, and a sagging bottom is an invitation for a dog to push under.
- Bottom tension wire. A wire along the bottom keeps the mesh from being pushed out.
- Gates braced. Gates hung on solid posts with good hinges stay level.
Chain link for dogs
Chain link is one of the most common fences dog owners choose. A few things help:
- Go taller for jumpers. Five or 6 ft for athletic dogs.
- Stop diggers at the bottom. A buried wire apron or other barrier along the base keeps them from tunneling out.
- Keep the mesh tight. Loose fabric is the weak spot.
Our dog and pet fencing page goes deeper on this.
What sets the price of chain link
Chain link is usually the least expensive way to enclose a whole yard. Footage and gates drive most of the total. Plain galvanized 4 ft fence sits at the low end. Coated mesh, taller fence and lots of corners cost more.
Real pricing comes from a free on-site estimate and a written quote. See our fence cost guide for what moves the number.
Signs your old chain link needs work
- Top rail bent from a fallen limb
- Mesh sagging or pulled loose from posts
- Corner posts leaning inward
- Gate dragging on the ground or won't latch
- Rust eating through older galvanized posts
A lot of this can be fixed without replacing the whole fence. See fence repair.
Before the install
- NC811 is called to mark buried utilities.
- HOA check. Make sure chain link is allowed, and get approval in writing.
- Property line confirmed. Use your survey or corner pins. The crew builds to the line you give them.
- Gate plan. A walk gate for people and a wide double gate for a mower, trailer or truck.
Compare other materials
If you want more privacy, look at a wood privacy fence. If you like the see-through look but want something more decorative, try aluminum.
Call (980) 324-2157 for a free chain link estimate.
Questions people ask
Is chain link the cheapest fence?
For most yards, yes. It usually comes in well below wood, vinyl or aluminum for the same run. The exact price depends on height, coating, the number of corners and gates, and the ground, and you get it in writing after a free on-site look.
Will my HOA allow chain link?
Some do and many don't, especially in newer subdivisions. Some allow black vinyl-coated chain link in the backyard only. Check your HOA rules and get written approval before building.
Can you add privacy to a chain link fence?
Privacy slats can be woven in to add screening. They help, but they don't block as much as a solid wood or vinyl fence, and they add wind load. If privacy is the main goal, a privacy fence is usually the better buy.
How do I keep my dog from digging under chain link?
Keep the mesh tight with a bottom tension wire, and consider a buried wire apron or other barrier along the base. For serious diggers, ask the installer to talk through options during the estimate.