Chain Link Fencing Cost

Chain Link Fencing Cost Calculator

How Much is a Chain Link Fence?

On average, you can expect to pay anywhere between £45 and £100 per metre (labour and materials), depending on the fence height and type of finish. Chain link fences come in PVC-coated mesh, polymer (powder-coated) mesh or galvanised steel, and labour fees can vary across the UK.

The chain link fence prices below cover the cost per metre for each finish. These are estimates that include labour and fence materials, but they exclude fence posts, gates, and other fittings, and costs may vary based on your location, with London and the South East typically higher than the national average.

What is your main reason for installing a chain link fence?

To replace an existing fence

5 votes - 71%71% of votes

Increase home security

1 votes - 14%14% of votes

To mark borders and/or increase privacy

1 votes - 14%14% of votes

To help protect children and pets

0 votes - 0%0% of votes

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If you're looking to replace your garden fencing, chain link fencing might be what you need.

Costs for PVC Coated Chain Link Fencing

Below are the combined labour and material costs for PVC coated chain link fencing:

PVC-coated fencing prevents the metal from being exposed and is very resistant to rust and corrosion. You can choose any colour you want, so it's a lot more customisable than galvanised fencing. You can expect to pay £60 to £200 per roll.

Pros

• ✔ Lots of colours to choose from
• ✔ More attractive
• ✔ More Durable

Cons

• ✖ Can be more expensive
• ✖ PVC can crack making it look shabby

Cost for Galvanised Steel Chain Link Fencing

Below are the combined labour and material costs for galvanised steel chain link fencing:

Galvanised steel is your classic chain-linked fence. It has a protective zinc coating that stops it from rusting or corroding. It's the most common type of chain fence, which is silver in colour and costs between £70 to £320 per roll.

Pros

• ✔ Not as expensive
• ✔ Classic look

Cons

• ✖ Slightly less durable due to exposed metal

Costs for Polymer (Powder-Coated) Chain Link Fencing

Polymer coated chain link fencing uses a powder coating rather than a vinyl dip coating, giving the wire a smooth, slightly rubberised finish. Like PVC-coated mesh, it protects the steel underneath from rust and corrosion.

Most UK retailers sell this coating type under the "PVC coated" or "plastic coated" name rather than marketing it separately as "polymer," so you'll usually find it priced the same as PVC-coated chain link fencing — in the £25 to £65 per metre range shown above, with rolls typically costing a similar £60 to £250 depending on length and height.

Pros

• ✔ Good rust protection
• ✔ Smooth, slightly rubberised finish

Cons

• ✖ Fewer colour options than PVC-coated mesh
• ✖ Rarely sold as a distinct product — check exactly what coating a supplier means by "polymer"

Type of Post

Fence posts are usually spaced around 2 to 3 metres apart, although this may vary slightly depending on the height and weight of your chain link fencing and if any additional support is required. As such, you need to take into account the total number of fencing posts required when estimating your overall material costs.

On average, fence posts cost between £25 and £130 each, depending on the type and material you choose. See the chart below for average prices (not including labour).

The number of posts you need depends on the length of your fence. As a guide, allow for two end posts, plus one intermediate post roughly every 2.5m along the run. The table below shows typical total post costs (materials only) for a few standard fence lengths.

If your fence changes direction, you'll also need a two-way post at each corner, which costs more than a standard end post.

Most people fitting a chain link fence also add a matching chain link gate for access. A standard 4ft-wide gate typically costs around £230, while a wider 6ft gate costs around £300, on top of your fencing and post costs.

Labour Costs and Timescales

Hiring a professional fencing installer costs more than using a handyperson, but you'll benefit from more experience and a job completed to a high standard within a reasonable timeframe. A professional installer typically charges £40 to £60 per hour, or a day rate of around £300 to £400. This doesn't include material costs or equipment hire, and it may be higher in London and the South East.

On average, a professional fence installer can fit 10 to 15 metres of standard fencing per day, although this can vary depending on the size of the fencing, ground conditions and any complexities involved.

A general handyperson typically charges £30 to £40 per hour, or a day rate of £240 to £320. This can save money on larger jobs, but a handyperson is likely to take longer than a specialist installer, and choosing a general tradesperson over a fencing specialist may affect the quality of the finished work.

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Factors That Impact Chain Link Fencing Costs

It is often worth paying extra to have the job completed to a higher standard. There are, however, additional factors that can also influence the overall cost, as outlined below:

• Size of the Project – As well as material costs increasing in proportion to the amount of fencing required, larger projects may also need additional workers or tradesmen with specialist skills.
• Garden Access – Whether the fence is being installed in a front or back garden, access to the area is important. If materials need to be carried through the property, or existing plants or trees must be worked around, the job may become more complex.
• Garden Clearance – If your garden is overgrown or needs to be cut back before installation can begin, you may need to hire a professional specialising in garden clearance.
• Waste Removal – While disposing of waste is often included in the job, waste removal services can be an additional cost if the area needs to be prepared in advance.
• Site Preparation – Whether this involves building a garden brick wall for the fencing to attach to, or carrying out extra groundwork on uneven surfaces, both labour and material costs may increase.
• Condition of the Ground – When installing fence posts, the condition of the soil must be considered. For example, loose or waterlogged ground may require deeper posts or the addition of a concrete base.
• Gates and Accessories – Whether it’s a decorative feature or simply hanging a gate, additional elements can affect both the amount of work involved and the overall design of the fencing.
• Weather Delays – Poor weather conditions can delay work, so it’s advisable to have a clear agreement in place if labour costs or other overheads may be affected.

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What Does Installing a Chain Link Fence Involve?

While knowing how to fit a fence can be relatively straightforward for someone confident in their DIY abilities, installing a chain link fence in general isn't something practical to complete yourself.

This is due to the specialist tools and knowledge required when using post-hole diggers and adding tension bars, in order to ensure the job is secure and completed to a high-standard. It is therefore best to hire someone locally, and with the help of MyJobQuote you can find fencing and gate specialists within your area.

If, however, you do decide to work alongside a professional fitter, the following is an example of the process involved:

Before the Job

• Measuring and Marking — Once you have completed the measuring, mark the spots for all the posts along the fence line. Accurate marking ensures the fence will be straight and correctly spaced.

During the Job

• Sinking the Posts — Your first job is to sink the posts. Make the width of the hole three times the width of the post and the depth about one-third of the post’s length. Pack the hole with concrete, large stones, or earth, and use a level to check that the post is straight.
• Unrolling the Fence — When all posts are installed, unroll the fencing along the length of the fence. Place a tension bar between the end of the mesh and the end post, securing it in place.
• Attaching the Mesh — Roll the mesh along the fence and attach some fence ties to secure it to the top rail. Tighten the fence and remove any excess mesh.

After the Job

• Final Checks — Walk along the fence to make sure all posts are straight, the mesh is tight, and all ties are secure.

Other Types of Fencing

If you change your mind about chain link fencing, there are other options to consider. Have a look at other types of fencing, together with the average cost of installation per metre.

Wooden Fencing

• Typical cost: £50–£100 per metre

Wooden fencing is a popular choice with homeowners because it's reasonably priced and easy to install. You can choose standard panel fencing or something more distinctive, such as a picket fence. Feather board fencing tends to sit at the higher end of this range, while basic picket fencing costs less.

Metal Fencing

• Typical cost: £80–£200 per metre

Homeowners often choose metal fencing because it resists rot and lasts longer than wood. Options include steel, aluminium or wrought iron. None of these are cheap, so you'll need to add a fair bit to your budget if you want metal fencing instead of a chain link fence.

PVC or Vinyl Fencing

• Typical cost: £60–£120 per metre

If you're looking for another cost-effective option, uPVC or vinyl fencing is easy to install and needs little maintenance. It's available in a range of colours, including white, brown, green and beige, and offers strength and style without an expensive price tag.

Composite Fencing

• Typical cost: £60–£150 per metre

Composite fencing is created by combining recycled plastic and reclaimed wood fibres. It's a relatively new option, and it's becoming popular due to its low maintenance and the fact it doesn't splinter or rot. Many retailers offer 20-year warranties on composite fencing because of its durability.

Hiring a Garden Fence Installer Checklist

When hiring a tradesmen to install chain link fencing, consider the following points:

• Have you checked their online presence? Whether it's their own website, social media or MyJobQuote profile, checking online is an instant way to search for previous work and customer feedback.
• Do they have positive reviews? Check if the feedback is complimentary, and look for reviews of recent work or past chain link fencing jobs that are comparable to your requirements.
• How long have they been trading? Knowing how long a company has been running can help verify their experience, or for an independent tradesperson, check how many years they have worked in the industry.
• Are they covered by valid insurance? Public Liability Insurance, for example, isn't a legal requirement but most reputable tradesmen will still be covered as it protects both parties in the event of an accident or injury.
• Will they also remove old fencing? If you are having an old fence replaced, check that this is included in the confirmed work and that any waste removal is covered.
• Have you requested more than one quote? It's recommended to compare more than one quote to get the best price, and with MyJobQuote you can contact local fencing specialists without any commitment.
• Have you received your quote in writing? Most tradespeople will provide this as standard, but always check that a written quote is provided. This should itemise exactly what's included and help avoid any unexpected costs.

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