Chain link fencing is a practical, inexpensive option for your home. It comes in a variety of heights and gauges, and is available in a range of finishes to match the look of your yard or your home.
The cost of an 8 ft chain link fence depends on many factors, including the type of material you choose for the mesh and posts, as well as your choices for gate styles, trims, and privacy options. It’s also influenced by the area you live in or the contractor you hire.
Cost
Chain link fencing is an inexpensive way to add a privacy fence to your home or yard. It’s also extremely durable and offers a variety of options for customization to suit any taste.
A typical 8 ft chain link fence costs between $3,218 and $5,194, depending on the materials you choose, your location, and whether or not you need professional installation. If you do need professional installation, national averages run from $7 to $15 per linear foot for installation of the posts and mesh alone, but those costs vary widely by region.
The material used for your chain link fence will also impact the cost, as well as its lifespan and maintenance requirements. Galvanized steel is the most common type, but you can also use bare metal or a PVC mesh coating for saltwater corrosion resistance. Stainless steel is another option, but it’s more expensive.
Decorative elements, like colored vinyl or aluminum slats, add another layer of appeal to the fence. They can also protect the metal from rust and corrosion, which can prolong its life and decrease maintenance costs.
Additional options include wood posts and other types of metal, such as wrought iron. Using these types of posts with black chain link fences can create a more rustic and natural look, while still keeping it affordable.
Posts can also be painted to match the fence, which will reduce the amount of maintenance required and enhance the look of your yard. You can paint the posts yourself or hire a professional.
You may also want to consider a powder-coated version of the fence, which is typically available in black or green and provides protection from corrosion. It can increase the lifespan of the fence by a few years and decreases the amount of maintenance required.
Lastly, you should consider the type of gate you’re installing. Adding a gate will change the height of your fence, so it’s important to factor this into your budget. A gate will add an extra $2 to $8 per linear foot to your fence, but it can help make the space around your home more private.
Durability
Chain link fences are an excellent choice for property owners because they’re durable, versatile, and can be made to look a variety of ways. Whether you’re looking for a simple backyard fence or a more decorative look for your Sarasota, Florida home, there are many different styles to choose from.
Choosing the right material for your 8 ft chain link fence is a crucial decision that will affect its durability. For example, you can purchase galvanized steel chain link mesh with a zinc coating to help keep it from rusting and corroding. This type of fence is available in a variety of colors and costs $10 to $17 per linear foot, including professional installation.
Another option is to buy a vinyl-coated chain link fence. These fences are more expensive than the other options, but they last longer and resist rust and corrosion. They also come in a variety of colors, making them a popular choice for home owners.
Posts: Depending on your needs, you can use metal posts or wood posts for your 8 ft chain link fence. You’ll need to set them at least 2 feet below the ground and ideally in concrete to ensure the fence is stable.
Wire: Chain link wire is sold in a variety of sizes, from 6 gauge to 11 gauge. The higher the gauge, the thinner the wire is; however, if you’re looking for a more secure fence, a 9-gauge wire is usually the best option.
Mesh: The wire is sold in a variety of sizes, but the most common size for residential fencing is an 11-1/2 gauge fabric that measures 2-1/4″. This material is more resistant to rust and corrosion than 6 or 9-gauge fabrics.
There are also other types of chain link fence mesh, like PVC coated or stainless steel. These types of materials are more durable than plain galvanized mesh, but they cost a bit more.
The fence mesh is connected to the line posts by means of a top rail and brace bands. You can find these accessories in most hardware stores. You can even get a kit with all of the necessary parts for a complete installation.
Styles
When it comes to putting up an 8 ft chain link fence, you have a lot of options to choose from. Each style is made from different materials and has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Depending on your needs, you may need to consider things like privacy, security, and aesthetics to determine which type is the best choice for you.
The basic parts of an 8 ft chain link fence include the mesh, top rail, and posts. You can also purchase extra accessories to customize the look of your fence and make it more functional.
For example, you can buy extra slats to add more privacy and keep kids out of the yard. You can also use barbed wire to create a secure perimeter.
You can even install a gate that slides parallel to the fence line and swings open. This option is great for securing entrances, and it reduces the size of the gate for a more compact appearance.
Another accessory you can add to your fence is a bottom rail, which keeps people from climbing the fence or getting stuck on it. It also helps prevent people from slipping under the fence.
This accessory is a good option for sports fields or ball courts, where it can help players stay safe and avoid falling on the wire. It is usually available in either 2 or 1-1/4″ mesh, and can be ordered in any color to match your fence.
U-posts are another post type that’s commonly used in chain link fencing. They’re easier to drive into the ground, and they stay sturdy under pressure.
They are also strong enough to support heavy gauge fence fabric. You can find them in a range of heights at Ace, and they are made from galvanized steel for rust-free durability.
If you need extra strength, you can also add a second post that’s placed in the ground to provide added support. This style is typically used for taller fences that need more stability, or when you need to provide additional security to your property.
Installation
Compared to wood fences, chain link fencing is easier to install and less expensive. Moreover, the installation process is streamlined because the posts and chain link fabric are sold in rolls, allowing you to quickly complete the work.
The first step in installing an 8 ft chain link fence is to set the posts. You’ll need posthole diggers, cement mixers for putting in the concrete, and several hand tools.
Before you dig, call 811 to request information about any buried utilities that may be near your property. They’ll also mark those lines with flags or paint to avoid digging into them.
Next, fill the terminal and corner post holes with concrete. This will prevent the fence from sagging or causing damage to your property. Use a level to ensure that all the posts are plumb and that they sit level on their grade marks. If they don’t, backfill with loose dirt and step on them gently to help hold them to their respective grades.
Once the posts are in place, insert a tension bar about three feet from the end of each post and attach a fence fabric stretcher bar to it. Pull the stretcher bar until the chain link fabric overlaps the top rail by 1-inches to 2-inches and sits about 2-inches above the ground.
Repeat this process on the other end of the fence to create a tight fit between posts. You can use a come-along cable puller winch and stretcher bar to accomplish this task.
After the fence is secured, you can add privacy slats to give your yard a more private feel. You can purchase a variety of colored slats to fit your preferences.
Before assembling the fence, determine the size and type of fence material you want to use. The best chain link mesh is made of galvanized steel, but aluminum is a lightweight alternative. You can also choose a color for the fence posts and brace bands to customize your design.
The last step is to secure the top rails and mesh to the posts. These are inserted into the brace bands on each terminal post, which are then locked into place with bolts.
