Chain link doesn't win beauty contests, and it doesn't need to. It is the most cost-effective way to fence a large area, it lasts a long time, and it holds dogs well when it is installed tight. For a lot of Monroe homeowners and rural Union County property owners, it is the right fence for the job.
Common uses for chain link in Monroe
- Dog yards. A secure backyard for dogs for less than wood or vinyl.
- Dog runs and kennels. Smaller enclosed areas with a gate.
- Side yards and trash areas. Closing off the space between houses or around equipment.
- Gardens. Keeping out deer, rabbits and dogs.
- Large lots and acreage. Long runs around a house site where a wood fence would cost too much.
- Shops and storage. Enclosing a work area or equipment yard.
Galvanized vs. vinyl-coated chain link
Galvanized is the familiar silver chain link. It costs the least and holds up well.
Vinyl-coated chain link, usually black or green, has a coating over the wire and matching coated posts. It blends into the yard and trees much better, and some HOAs that don't allow plain galvanized will allow black vinyl-coated. It costs more than galvanized.
Other choices include fence height (4 feet is common for yards, 5 or 6 feet for bigger dogs) and wire gauge, which affects strength.
Signs chain link is the right call
- You need to fence a big area on a budget.
- Containing pets matters more than privacy.
- You want something that needs almost no maintenance.
- Your HOA allows it, or you are outside an HOA.
If privacy matters, a wood privacy fence or vinyl fencing is a better fit. For acreage and livestock, look at farm and ranch fencing.
How a chain link fence is built
- Locate the property line from your survey, and confirm NC811 has marked utilities.
- Set terminal posts at ends, corners and gates in concrete. These carry the tension of the whole fence.
- Set line posts between them.
- Install the top rail, and often a bottom tension wire, which keeps dogs from pushing under.
- Stretch the mesh tight and tie it off to the posts and rail.
- Hang gates and check the latch.
The bottom of the fence is where dogs test it. In red clay that washes out after storms, a bottom tension wire and a close fit to the ground help keep diggers in. Most residential chain link fences take one to two days to install.
What it costs
Chain link is usually the least expensive way to fence a Monroe yard. The price depends on footage, height, galvanized vs. vinyl-coated, and the terrain. Gates are priced separately, and wide double drive gates cost the most. We don't publish prices because every lot is different. Your actual price comes from a free on-site visit and a written quote. The fence installation cost guide walks through what moves the number.
What to ask any chain link contractor
- What gauge wire and what post sizes are you using?
- Is there a top rail and a bottom tension wire?
- How deep are terminal posts set?
- Are gate posts heavier than line posts?
- Is removal of the old fence included?
These details are what separate a chain link fence that stays tight from one that sags in two years. A top rail keeps the mesh from drooping between posts, and properly set terminal posts keep the whole fence from pulling inward at the corners.
Repairing chain link
Chain link is also one of the easiest fences to repair. A bent top rail from a fallen limb, a loose section of mesh, or a gate that won't latch can usually be fixed without replacing the whole fence. See fence and gate repair.
Call (980) 414-4919 or request a free quote to price your chain link fence.
Questions people ask
How long does a chain link fence last?
Galvanized and vinyl-coated chain link both hold up for a long time when posts are set well and the mesh is kept tight. Most wear shows up at gates and anywhere a tree limb has landed on the fence.
Can I add privacy to a chain link fence?
Privacy slats can be woven into chain link to block some of the view. They don't give the full privacy of a solid fence, and some HOAs restrict them, so check your rules first.
Will my HOA allow chain link?
Some Monroe-area HOAs don't allow chain link, and others allow black vinyl-coated chain link in back yards. Check your covenants before planning. Ask the contractor for a written quote and drawing for your application.
How do I keep my dog from digging under chain link?
A bottom tension wire and a tight fit to the ground help. For determined diggers, a buried wire apron or a concrete strip along the fence line adds more protection. The installer can talk through options during the estimate.