December 2, 2016
Choose the best chain link fence for you!
Now that you have settled on using chain link for your brand new residential or commercial fence, you need to choose the exact chain link fence you would like to be installed—I know, you thought the hard part was over! There are different types of materials, varieties, and types of chain link fencing to select from, so here are some tips for choosing the best chain link fence for you.
Wire Material 101
There are three types of wire materials that you can typically choose for your chain link fence: zinc-coated or galvanized, aluminum, and stainless steel.
- Zinc-Coated: Zinc coated wires are dipped into zinc and then galvanized. Some are galvanized after weaving and others are galvanized beforehand. Most people prefer the former finish, but either type will typically last about 12 years with minimal maintenance.
- Aluminum: Aluminum wires are naturally resistant to rust or corrosion, negative effects from weather, and wear and tear. Aluminum wire chain link fencing is typically chosen for commercial or public use. These can last up to 25 years with minimal maintenance.
- Stainless Steel—Stainless steel wires are the strongest and most durable (but also most expensive). They do not fall victim to the issues that other types can have. Stainless steel chain link fences are typically found at high-grade enclosures or barriers at airports, railroads, or on the side of highways.
Additional Protection 101
Beyond the durability of the wire material itself, many homeowners and business owners opt to add a little extra protection by adding paint or plastic coating to their chain link fence.
- Paint: Paint can add a little more aesthetically to your chain link fence, but it can be prone to cracking and chipping over time. Pain typically lasts 3-5 years on a chain link fence before it needs to be re-applied.
- Plastic Coating: Plastic coating uses PVC to provide lasting protecting for your chain link fence, without being prone to cracking or peeling. PVC also protects your chain link fence from rust, scratches, or other imperfections.
Wire Gauge and Mesh Size 101
Finally, you need to select the right wire gauge and mesh size for your chain link fence. These depend the most on the amount of security you need for your property and the amount of tension that you think your fence will bear. If you need higher security, opt for small mesh sizes and wire gauges. If you need your chain link fence to withstand a good deal of tension, also opt for a smaller mesh size and smaller wire gauges.
Let Us Help You Pick the Right Chain Link Fence for Your Home
Ready to get your perfect chain link fence installed around your residential or commercial property? Hercules Fence has extensive experience in repairing and constructing fences made out of any and every material. Our experienced team can help meet your fencing needs, whether they’re residential or commercial, for the right price. Give us a call at 757-316-3600 or visit us online. To see examples of our work and keep in touch, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, Flickr, and Pinterest.
This entry was posted on Friday, December 2nd, 2016 at 9:24 pm.Both comments and pings are currently closed.
FAQs
Galvanized Chain Link Fences
Galvanized chain link fences are the most common type in residential and commercial settings, and for good reasons. They are remarkably corrosion-resistant and have a lifespan of 30 years with little to no maintenance.
What is the longest lasting chain link fence? ›
If you ask online, “What fence lasts the longest,” you will get a surprising number of answers. That's because multiple factors play into a fence material's longevity, but we'll keep it simple. If you're asking because it's trivia night, the correct answer is: galvanized steel chain-link fence.
Are there different grades of chain link fences? ›
Chain link fence comes in different grades. In general, there are three different grades, residential grade, industrial grade, and industrial grade.
What is the best gauge for chain link fence? ›
Most residential and commercial fences are made from a 9-gauge chain link with a 2-inch diamond pattern. Temporary fences often are made from thinner 11- or 11½-gauge wire. If you're fencing a high-security property, a 6 gauge works best, while a 9 gauge works perfectly fine if you're fencing a typical home.
How to choose a chain link fence? ›
Check the gauge:
Unless you are building a temporary chain link fence, we recommend your chain link fencing to be between 11 and 9 gauge. 6 gauge is typically for heavy industrial or specialized uses and the 11 gauge is a heavy residential chain link that stands up better to kids and pets.
What is the strongest chain link fence? ›
With chain link wire, the smaller the number of gauge - the thicker, stronger it is. Although a 'one to two' gauge difference does not appear to be much, experience would teach you otherwise. Not only is one stronger than the other, but the galvanized coating is much better on thicker wire.
What is the cost of 100 ft of chain link fence? ›
The average cost of a 4-foot high chain link fence price ranges from $8 to $20 per linear foot, with the national average being around $12 per linear foot. This means that a 100-foot chain link fence would cost anywhere from $800 to $2,000, with the average cost being around $1,200.
How much is 300 ft of chain link fence? ›
Chain-link fence cost per linear foot
| Linear feet | Average cost to install |
|---|
| 100 | $900 – $3,000 |
| 150 | $1,350 – $4,500 |
| 200 | $1,800 – $6,000 |
| 300 | $2,700 – $9,000 |
Oct 6, 2023
Chain Link Fence Cost per Foot
| Length | Average Cost (Materials Only) | Average Costs (Installed) |
|---|
| 100 Feet (Small Front Yard) | $300 - $700 | $1,300 - $2,700 |
| 200 Feet (Small Backyard) | $600 - $1,400 | $2,600 - $5,400 |
| 300 Feet (Medium Backyard) | $900 - $2,100 | $3,900 - $8,100 |
| 400 Feet (Large Backyard) | $1,200 - $2,800 | $5,200 - $10,800 |
We are here to help. It is actually very simple to determine which gauge is the thickest. When looking at gauge sizes, the smaller the number, the thicker the gauge. Meaning a 9-gauge chain link fence has a thicker, sturdier metal than an 11-gauge fence.
Generally, they will not decrease your property value, either, but that may depend on your area. Because chain link is one of the less attractive fencing options out there, it could decrease your property value in neighborhoods with many vinyl fences. It looks functional, not decorative.
How long should a chain link fence last? ›
With proper care and maintenance, your chain link fence can last upwards of 20 years (especially if it's powder coated). Luckily, you don't need to do a lot of maintenance on your chain link fence to help it last.
How deep should a 6 foot chain link fence post be in the ground? ›
While exact post depth will be determined by local weather and soil conditions, holes for terminal posts are generally dug 8" wide and 18" – 30" deep with vertical sides (the hole should not slope, but be perfectly straight top to bottom). Ask your chain-link dealer for specific terminal post depths.
Is black chain link fence more expensive? ›
Many choose to install black chain-link fences because they're more affordable than other fencing types, and they last longer than most other chain-link fences. However, black chain link fencing will still cost you more than a standard chain-link fence.
What type of fence holds up the best? ›
Longest Lifespan
Aluminum and vinyl fences are tied for the best fence material here. Since both of these deluxe fencing materials are 100% immune to rot, mold, and wear from the elements, you can expect them to last 50+ years and look great the entire time.
What is the most durable fence style? ›
Vinyl fencing is known for its beauty, durability, and longevity. In fact, a vinyl fence is five times stronger than wood, and more flexible. Unlike wood, vinyl does not rot, become infested, or need painting or staining. As a matter of fact, a vinyl fence can last up to 30 years.
What is the difference between a commercial and residential chain link fence? ›
Generally the commercial and industrial styles of chain link have larger diameter posts and heavier wall pipe for both posts and top rail than residential chain link. We generally use domestically manufactured Schedule 40 or HF40 posts in a 2" or 2-1/2" O.D.
Is it better to drive chain link fence posts or concrete? ›
If you want to install a fence that will last a long time, with less labor and time, you will want to drive the post and not concrete them in place. In all climates and soil condition except rolling sand a properly driven post will be easier to install, stronger, and last longer than a concreted post.
