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–£100 per metre (labour and materials) depending on the fence height and type of finish. Chain link fences come either in PVC-coated mesh or in galvanised steel, and labour fees can vary across the UK.

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

Chain Link Fence Prices

The below cost tables provide examples of the cost per metre for both PVC-coated and galvanised steel chain link fencing. Please note that the prices quoted are estimates that include labour and fence materials, however exclude fence posts, gates, or other fittings.

Costs may also vary based on your location, with London and the South East being higher than the national average.

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

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 consideration and the total number of fencing posts required when estimating your overall material costs.

On average, fence posts cost between £25 and £80 each, depending on the type and material you choose. See the chart below for average prices (not including labour).

Labour Costs and Timescales

Hiring a professional fencing installer will cost more than using a handyman or tradesman. One of the benefits of a professional fence installer is that they will have a lot more experience, ensuring the job is completed to a high-standard and within a reasonable timeframe.

A fencing installer will usually charge around £25-£35 per metre in labour fees, or between a total of £400 and £600 for larger jobs where a day rate is required. This figure may be higher in areas such as London and the South East, and also doesn't include material costs or equipment hire.

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

By comparison, a general handyman would normally be expected to charge a day rate of between £240 and £320. However, it is likely they are to take longer to complete the work.

The price you pay a tradesperson will depend on what part of the country you come from. London and the South East of England is always more expensive.

Factors That Impact Chain Link Fencing Costs

Labour costs for a day’s work will typically be in the region of £300 to £400 when using a professional fence installer. If you hire a handyman instead, you can expect to pay between £240 and £320. This can potentially save money, especially on larger jobs; however, choosing a general tradesmen rather than a specialist installer may impact the overall quality of the work.

It is therefore 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.

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 costs of installation.

Wooden Fencing

Wooden fencing is a popular choice with householders because it is reasonably priced and easy to install. You can choose standard panel fencing or have something more distinctive like a picket fence. A 36-foot by 6-foot wooden fence will cost between £550 and £1750 depending on the type of wood panel.

For example, picket fencing with timber fence posts will cost between £550 and £700 to supply and fit. Or you could choose a more expensive option such as Feather board fencing which will cost between £700 to £950.

Metal Fencing

Householders often choose metal fencing because it is resistant to rot and will last a lot longer than wood. You can choose to have steel, aluminium or wrought iron. None of these options are cheap. You’ll need to add a fair bit to your budget if you want steel instead of a chain link fence.

Wrought Iron fencing for example costs between £65 and £300 per foot. This means that to cover the length of a 30-foot back garden you will need a budget of between £1,950 and £9,000.

PVC Fencing

If you are looking for another cost-effective fencing option, other than chain fencing, then you could choose to have uPVC fencing. It is easy to install, and this type of fencing doesn’t need a lot of maintenance.

You also have the choice of four different colours. You can pick panels in white, brown, green, and beige. uPVC fencing provides strength and style without an expensive price tag. A 6ft panel by 3ft will cost between £40 and £50.

Composite Fencing

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

Building Regulations and Planning Permission

As a general rule, you don't need planning permission to install chain link fencing. This is providing it's no taller than 2 metres high (or 1 metre if next to a main road) and on the assumption you are replacing an existing fence. Additional rules may apply if your property is within a conservation area or a listed building.

If you need to apply or are unsure if you require planning permission for your chain link fencing, then you can either check with your local planning authority or via the Planning Portal.

Although there are aren't any building regulations applicable to installing a chain link fence, you should still inform your neighbour if the fencing is going up next to a boundary wall.

To find out whether a fence is yours or a neighbour’s check your Title Plan or contact the Land Registry. You can do this online. A Title Register and Title Plan are £3 each, but a Property Summary is free.

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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