Chain link does not get much credit, but it is one of the hardest-working fences around. It keeps dogs in, it lasts a long time, it costs less than almost anything else, and it does not need paint or stain.
Built well, a chain link fence stays tight and straight for years. Built poorly, it sags between posts and starts to look tired fast. The difference is in the posts, the tension and the details.
Where chain link makes sense
- Dog yards. Secure, see-through and hard for most dogs to chew or climb.
- Backyards on a budget. Usually the least expensive of the common residential fences.
- Gardens. Keeps deer and rabbits out with the right height and bottom treatment.
- Utility areas. Around equipment, sheds, trash areas and side yards.
- Rural property. Around barns, dog runs and work areas on Rowan County acreage.
Galvanized or black vinyl-coated
- Galvanized. The classic silver finish. The lowest price and very durable.
- Black vinyl-coated. Fabric and framework coated in black. It blends into landscaping and looks much more finished. A popular choice in Salisbury neighborhoods where plain galvanized feels too utilitarian.
Black chain link is often a good middle ground for homeowners who want an open fence that does not stand out, at a lower price than aluminum.
Chain link fence installation in Salisbury
- Free on-site estimate. The installer measures the run, plans gates and looks at slope and trees.
- Written quote. Height, fabric gauge, finish, post sizes, gates and any old fence removal.
- NC811 and property line. Utilities get marked. You confirm the line before posts go in.
- Terminal posts first. Corner, end and gate posts are set in concrete. These carry the tension, so they are sized heavier than line posts.
- Line posts and top rail. Line posts go in between, and the top rail ties everything together.
- Fabric and tension. The mesh is stretched tight and attached. Good tension is what keeps chain link from sagging.
- Gates and walk-through. Gates are hung and adjusted, and the crew checks every latch with you.
Most residential chain link fences take one to two days.
Chain link fence cost in Salisbury
Chain link is usually the least expensive way to fence a Salisbury yard. Footage, height, fabric gauge, galvanized vs. black coated, and the number of gates and corners all move the price. Gates are priced separately, with wide double drive gates costing the most. We don't publish prices, and the real price comes from a free on-site visit and a written quote. See what drives cost on the fence prices page.
What to ask any chain link installer
- What gauge is the fabric? Lower numbers mean thicker wire. Ask what you are getting.
- What size are the terminal posts? They should be heavier than line posts.
- Is there a bottom tension wire? It helps keep the bottom of the fence from being pushed out by dogs.
- How will gaps under the fence be handled on uneven ground? Diggers and small dogs find those gaps fast.
Signs your old chain link needs work
- Fabric sagging between posts.
- Leaning corner or gate posts.
- Rusted top rail or fabric.
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Gates dragging or not latching.
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Fabric pulled loose from the bottom where a dog has pushed or dug.
- Tree roots lifting posts out of line.
Many of these can be fixed without replacing the whole fence.
Chain link on rural and sloped property
Out on Rowan County acreage, chain link often goes around a dog run, a barn lot or the yard around the house while the rest of the land gets farm fencing. Chain link handles moderate slopes well because the fabric can follow the ground between posts. On steeper ground, the installer may step the top rail or add extra posts to keep the bottom close to grade. A good installer walks the run with you and points out any spots where gaps could form, so there are no surprises after the fence is up. See fence repair. If you need privacy instead of an open fence, compare wood fences.
Questions people ask
How long does a chain link fence last?
Galvanized chain link commonly lasts many years, and vinyl-coated fabric often holds up even longer. The posts and how tight the fabric was stretched have more to do with how it ages than anything else.
Can I add privacy to a chain link fence?
Privacy slats can be woven into chain link to block some of the view. They help, but they are not the same as a solid privacy fence. If real privacy is the goal, a wood or vinyl fence is usually the better choice.
How tall should a chain link fence be for a dog?
Four feet works for many dogs. Larger dogs or jumpers often need 5 or 6 feet. Describe your dog during the estimate and the installer can suggest a height and bottom treatment.
Is black vinyl-coated chain link worth the extra cost?
For most front and side yards, yes. It blends into the background and looks more finished than plain galvanized. For utility areas or back corners of a property, galvanized is usually fine and costs less.