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myChain Link Fencing Cost
At a Glance
- The average cost to install chain link fencing is around £800.
- Most jobs take between 1 and 2 days to complete.
- A breakdown of chain link fencing installation costs for 2026 by size and material.
- An overview of the job, what's involved and how long the installation will take.
- How to find a local chain link fence installer with MyJobQuote.
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Table of Contents
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
32 votes - 55%55% of votes
Increase home security
9 votes - 16%16% of votes
To mark borders and/or increase privacy
11 votes - 19%19% of votes
To help protect children and pets
6 votes - 10%10% of votes
58 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:
| Height | Cost Per Metre (Labour and Materials) |
|---|---|
| 1m | £25–£35 |
| 1.5m | £35–£45 |
| 2m | £45–£55 |
| 2.5m | £55–£65 |
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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:
| Height | Cost Per Metre (Labour and Materials) |
|---|---|
| 1m | £30–£40 |
| 1.5m | £35–£50 |
| 2m | £45–£60 |
| 2.5m | £55–£75 |
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Galvanised steel is your classic chain link fence. It has a protective zinc coating that corrodes instead of the steel, which helps to keep the fence from rusting for many years. It's the most common type of chain link fence, which is silver in colour and costs between £70 and £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).
| Type of Post | Cost Per Post |
|---|---|
| Intermediate Post | £25–£35 |
| End Post | £70–£80 |
| Two-Way Posts | £100–£130 |
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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.
| Fence Length | End Posts Needed | Intermediate Posts Needed | Typical Total Post Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10m | 2 | 3 | £215–£265 |
| 20m | 2 | 7 | £315–£405 |
| 30m | 2 | 11 | £415–£545 |
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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.
Should the final cost of a fence installation be very close to the estimate?
"While a fence installation estimate should be a reasonably close prediction of the final cost, it's not uncommon for there to be some discrepancy. A realistic expectation is that the final cost could be within 10-15% of the original estimate, though it could be higher or lower depending on several factors."
Labour Costs and Timescales
| Tradesperson | Hourly Rate | Day Rate | Typical Total Cost (10m Fence) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fence Installer | £40–£60 | £300–£400 | £300–£400 |
| Handyperson | £30–£40 | £240–£320 | £240–£480 |
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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.
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, 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.
How much of a fence post should be in the ground?
"2ft is the recommended depth for 6ft solid fencing panels. So 8ft posts would be required."
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 to £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 to £200 per metre
Homeowners often choose metal fencing because it doesn't rot. 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 to £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 to £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. The length of any warranty against composite fence boards rotting and splitting will depend on the manufacturer, but many of them guarantee their products for 10 years or more.
Hiring a Garden Fence Installer Checklist
When hiring a tradesman 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.
FAQs
How Do You Clean and Maintain a Chain Link Fence?
The advantage of a chain link fence is that it needs little maintenance. You can remove any debris by washing the fence down with a hose, or scrub any stubborn marks with a gentle detergent. Once a year you may wish to apply rust protection to the fence to help avoid moisture damage.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Chain Link Fence?
The average cost of fence repair in the UK is around £150, and the job usually takes around 2 to 3 hours, although this can vary depending on the extent of work required. For a basic repair job, the damaged mesh can be cut out and replaced by undoing wire ties and fixing new fencing in place.
How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Chain Link Fence?
On average, fence removal costs between £60 and £160, although waste removal and skip hire (if required) can increase the overall cost to roughly £200 to £400 depending on the size of fence being disposed of.
How Long Does Chain Link Fencing Last?
This type of fencing is sturdy and can withstand harsh weather, but its lifespan will depend on how it is coated and the weather it's exposed to. Damage to chain link fencing is often caused by a falling tree or an escaping animal.
Can Chain Link Fencing Be Installed on Uneven Ground?
Yes, although the installation process outlined within this guide may vary. For example, as well as additional groundwork the fence may be installed in segments or steps may be added depending on the different height adjustments required.
Do Fence Posts Need Concrete Foundations?
In unstable ground or loose, sandy and waterlogged turf and soil it is often strongly recommended to allow the fence posts to stay upright. On solid ground it is not always required. However, a concrete foundation will add to the stability and longevity of your fence overall.
Do I Need Planning Permission for Chain Link Fencing?
In England, if your planned fence is no more than 2m high from ground level, or no more than 1m high from ground level if it's next to a road used by vehicles, then you shouldn't require planning permission. Planning permission will be needed if the fence will be in the grounds or on the boundary of a listed building. These rules are slightly different if you live in Scotland. Check with your local planning authority or the Planning Portal if you're unsure.
