Fencing is an excellent way to safeguard your home and investment, protecting your children and pets while keeping trespassers and animals off your property. Many homeowners opt for a chain link fence installation due to its affordability and durability, with added options like privacy slats to enhance security. Ace Fence Company provides expert advice and services for those seeking a reliable fence company, ensuring a smooth and cost-effective installation process. Choosing professional fence installation ensures quality workmanship and saves you time and money in the long run, giving you peace of mind.
Average Cost for a Chain Link Fence
A chain link fence generally costs $1,200 to $4,000 to install, though the average is $2,100.
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Factors Affecting the Cost of Your Chain Link Fence
Many factors will affect the cost of a chain link fence installation, such as gauge, finish, and height. Here are a few more things to consider:
Diamond Size
The hole size of your chain link fence can affect its durability and strength. Residential fencing often features 2-inch holes, but you can choose smaller diamonds if needed.
Diamonds of 2×2 inches will cost up to $9 per linear foot, whereas 1×1-inch diamonds can be up to $16 per linear foot.
Choose Materials
You’ll need various materials to build a chain link fence, such as:
Tension Wire
A tension wire is used on various fence types to strengthen the top rail area and keep the mesh taut between the posts. This prevents sagging, which is why your posts should be 10 feet apart or less.
Permanent and Temporary Tension Band/Bar
You’ll need temporary tension bands for your end posts to keep them in place while you install the rest of the fence. Once you add tension bands and a permanent tension bar, you can remove the temporary ones.
A tension bar slides vertically into the fence to connect to your terminal posts with a tension band. You only need one for each terminal post hookup, which includes the gate post, corner post, and end post.
Post Materials
A chain link fence requires multiple posts to remain stable. Most professionals place them 8 to 10 feet apart.
Many homeowners use metal posts to save money because they cost $6 to $30 per post. However, wood is another popular option. Each post will cost $10 to $50, depending on the style and species.
Regardless of the material you choose, make note of the post locations, measuring them multiple times to ensure they’re close enough to prevent sagging.
You’ll also need other types of posts for your chain link fence, such as:
- Line posts
- Corner posts
- End post caps
Other Materials
Generally, chain link fencing requires other materials, including:
- Fence Ties – These attach your fencing to the posts, though you can use brace bands instead.
- Concrete – You need concrete in the hole you dig for each fence post to keep it in place and straight.
- Gate Hinges – If you want a gate, you’ll need hinges to ensure that there’s an opening when you’ve finished your chain link fence.
Consider Permits
Local building codes determine if you need a permit. Typically, Austin doesn’t require one if you don’t live in a flood plain and aren’t making the chain link fence more than 8 feet tall.
Gates
If you wish to enter and leave the fenced-in area, you’ll need a gate. Here are a few options:
- Walkway Gate – This is large enough for people to enter and leave. It often costs $100 to $450, which includes labor.
- Driveway Gate – A driveway gate is big enough for a vehicle to move through. They’re more expensive and can cost $800 to $3,500, depending on the materials, features, and size.
Privacy Slats
Though a chain link fence is a budget-friendly option, it doesn’t offer privacy. However, homeowners can weave slats into the material to make it harder for people to see what’s inside. They’re often made of wood, aluminum, or vinyl. The cost is anywhere from $5 to $15 per linear foot, including labor.
Paint
If your fence isn’t powder-coated, you’ll need to paint it. The first step is an oil-based primer, but several coats of exterior-grade paint are also required. Expect to pay $5 to $8 per linear foot if hiring a professional.
Excavation
Experts often recommend excavating your land if it isn’t level and flat. Otherwise, each fence post might be at a different angle, which can affect longevity. Excavation and land grading costs about $5 to $10 per square foot.
Old Fence Removal
Do you already have an existing fence? It’s wise to hire a professional to remove it before you install the new one. Typically, this costs $3 to $5 per linear foot. If you previously had concrete for each post, this must be broken up and removed.
Homeowners often repurpose or sell the materials from the old fence. This can help you save money.
Land Surveying
When installing a new chain link fence, you need to determine the best spot and size. Land surveying can help you do this. It involves figuring out the characteristics and boundaries of your property. The average price is $500, though it could be as high as $2,000.
Landscaping
Before digging holes and pouring concrete, you should consider the amount of vegetation you have along the fence line. It might be wise to clear it away and do some landscaping; many professionals recommend it. The price is $2 to $5 per square foot, though expect to pay up to $1,000 if you must remove mature trees.
Think About Labor Costs
If you hire a professional to install a chain link fence, make sure to factor in the labor costs when creating a budget. The price varies, but you should expect to spend $5 to $25 per linear foot.
Ways to Save Money When Installing Your Chain Link Fence
Homeowners often like to save money whenever possible. Here are a few tips to get the best deal on your chain link fence installation:
- Get quotes from at least three professionals for the best price.
- Choose a lower fence height if possible.
- Select simple features instead of highly decorative details.
- Use recycled fence materials.
Read next: Importance of Hiring A Fence Installation Company
Brief Steps to Installing Chain Link Fences
Here are the steps involved in installing a chain link fence:
- Measure the fence line and mark it with stakes.
- Dig the post holes and set your posts in concrete.
- Attach the tension wire to your end posts.
- Install the top rail between your end posts.
- Attach mesh to the end posts with a fence stretcher, a tension bar, and tension bands.
- Unroll the mesh and attach it to your posts and rails.
- Hang the gates.
- Attach your post caps and use ties to secure the mesh to your top rail.

Why Work with Ace Fence Company Austin?
While it’s possible to install a chain link fence yourself, it’s generally wise to use the services of a professional fencing company.
Most homeowners don’t have the supplies and tools needed for the job, such as pipe cutters, drills, and fence stretchers. Instead, calling Ace Fence Company Austin at (512) 746-0980 is better to request a free quote.
FAQs About the Cost of Installing a Chain Link Fence
What Is the Average Labor Cost to Install a Chain Link Fence?
The average labor cost for installing a chain link fence is between $5 and $25 per linear foot.
Can I Install a Chain Link Fence Myself?
It is possible to install a chain link fence yourself. However, you’ll need many materials, including:
- Concrete
- End posts
- Top rails
- Line posts
- Tension bands
- Fence ties
- Tension bar supplies
- A stretcher bar
- Multiple regular posts
While chain link is a budget-friendly fence option, most homeowners don’t have the skills or tools to do it correctly. You must focus on keeping each post level and measure everything accurately. It’s wise to work with a professional.
What Is the Cost of 100 ft of Chain Link Fence?
Homeowners often choose a 4-foot-high fence. If it’s 100 feet long, it would cost between $800 and $2,000, though the average is $1,200.
How Far Apart Should Chain Link Fence Posts Be?
You would need to space your chain link fence posts about 4 to 10 feet apart. This means digging down into the earth, pouring concrete, and inserting them into the ground. Here are a few points to consider:
- It’s important to determine where each end post will sit first.
- Then, you can measure 4 to 10 feet away, marking that spot.
- Continue doing this until you reach the second end post.
- Turn and follow the steps above for the rest of the end posts until you’re back where you started.