Chain Link vs Wood Fence Cost Comparison Guide
Chain link - $12 and $22 per linear foot
Wood fence - $17.85 to $37 per linear foot
Chain link vs wood fence: If you are not sure which is the best option for your situation and how much each type of fence will cost, here is some helpful information.
If you are looking for a professional company to install any type of fence including chain link and wood, contact us.
Chain Link vs Wood Fence
1. Chain Link Fence Cost
Chain link vs wood fence: a chain link fence will cost you less than a wood one
Standard chain link fences will cost on average between $12 and $22 CAD per linear foot to install. On average, you can expect to pay between $1,825 and $3,500 CAD to install a chain link fence depending on the size you need.
If you choose a coloured, vinyl-coated chain-link fence then you will pay about 10% more or between $13.70 and $46.65 CAD.
2. Wood Fence Cost
Chain link vs wood fence: a wood fence will cost more and the price will go up depending on the type of wood you use
On average a wood fence will cost you about $17.85 to $37 CAD per linear foot to install. You can expect to pay on average between $2,650 to $4,000 CAD depending on the size of fence you install.
The type of wood that you choose will also affect the price. However, higher-quality wood such as cedar, redwood, and tropical hardwoods, will last longer than a lower quality wood such as pressure-treated pine. Spending the extra on a better type of wood may be a better investment in the long run.
3. Other Costs
The type and number of gates will add to the cost of your fence
In addition to the basic cost of your fencing materials, here are some other items that will add to the cost of your fence.
Number of gates that you want: Gates can cost anywhere from $140 to $890+ CAD
Old fence removal: If you need an old fence removed, it can cost on average between $140 to $1,340 CAD
Land Survey: If you need to have a survey done before you install your fence, it can cost between $150 and $600 CAD depending on the size of the land being surveyed.
Grading the ground: If you need to level or flatten the ground in order to install your fence, you can expect to pay between $0.55 and $2.75 CAD per square foot.
Any embellishments your want to add such as decorative caps or lighting: This cost will vary depending on what you choose.
It will also cost you more if you get a professional to do the installation for you instead of doing it yourself. If you are not sure how to install a fence, you are better off hiring someone who does to ensure that the job is done right and that your fence will last for a long time and look professional.
4. Benefits of Wood Fences
Chain link vs wood fence: in general wood fences are more aesthetically pleasing
Wood fences are probably the most popular type of fencing that homeowners choose for many reasons. These reasons include:
Aesthetically Pleasing:
It's pretty hard to beat a wood fence for aesthetics. Wood has an exquisite natural beauty especially if it is stained to showcase the wonderful grains and knots. You can choose an almost unlimited number of stains to use on your wood fence and if you prefer, you can even paint it any other colour you like.
A chain link fence is not as beautiful as a wood fence, however, the look has improved over the years. In the past, you only had the option of a silver fence. Now you can purchase vinyl-coated steel chain link fences in black, green, white, and brown.
You can also paint an older steel chain link fence with rust-resistant paint that is made for metal to improve its appearance and make it stand out.
More Privacy:
A wood fence is usually a solid structure that you can't see through, so it is a better option if you are looking for maximum privacy.
Durable:
Wood is a very durable building material for decks and fences and it makes a good choice if you want a sturdy fence. If you properly take care of your wood fence, it can last for many years.
A chain link fence is not as durable as a wood one. However, if you check the connections on your fence and do not let anyone climb on it, it can last for many years as well.
Customizable:
Chain link vs wood: wood is easier to customize
Wood is a great material to work with, which makes it also very easy to customize. You can cut it to the exact height that you want and you can embellish it with a decorative topper such as lattice. You can also add matching wood flower boxes to the rails if you like.
A chain link fence, however, is not sturdy enough to support hanging things like flower boxes on it, so it's not as easy to customize.
Won't Rust but Will Need to Be Maintained:
Unlike a chain link fence, a wood fence won't rust. However, your wood fence will deteriorate if you don't take care of it. You will need to stain or paint your fence to protect it.
Staining costs a bit more, but paint will crack and peel over time meaning that you will need to do regular touch-ups. You will probably need to stain or paint every 2 to 3 years or when it shows signs of wear. If your fence faces south, you will probably have to do it more often as it will be more exposed to UV light.
You will also need to inspect your fence on a regular basis to check for signs of rot or mildew especially if you live in an area that has high humidity. You should also check it after a prolonged period of rain.
If you see signs of mildew, you should treat it with a mildew cleaner or with a solution of dishwashing liquid and warm water. You should also clear any old leaves or dirt from around the base of your fence to keep it from developing mould there.
If you have your fence built from higher quality wood such as cedar or if you use pressure-treated wood, you will have less maintenance because these materials are more resistant to rot and mildew.
5. Benefits of Chain Link Fences
Chain link fences also have many great benefits
Chain link fences are another popular option for homeowners, especially those who are on a budget. Chain link fences also have many great benefits including:
Low Cost:
Chain link fences are usually the least expensive fencing option. If you want to put up a fence, but you don't want to spend a lot of money on it, then this is a great choice.
More Air Flow:
A chain link fence easily allows air to flow through it unlike a solid wood fence. If you prefer lots of cool breezes in the summer, then a chain link fence is a good option.
If you still want the look and privacy of a wood fence, but you also want good airflow, you could consider installing a shadowbox fence. A shadowbox fence is a type of privacy fence that resembles a standard picket fence when you look at it straight on.
However, the vertical boards of the fence are not attached to the same side of the horizontal rails. Instead, they are alternately attached with one board fastened to the front of the rail and the next one to the back of the rail. The separations of a shadowbox fence will allow more light and air to pass through than a solid privacy fence does.
Less Maintenance:
A chain link fence requires less maintenance than a wood fence does. In order to keep your wood fence looking its best and lasting for years, you need to stain or paint it every 2 to 3 years and make sure that it doesn't rot or get infested by insects.
Chain Link vs Wood Fence? We Can Install Both
Whether you want to install a chain link or wood fence, we can help. With Citywide Fences & Decks, you will enjoy personal service like no other. If you are looking for the best fences at an affordable price, contact Citywide.
Our expertise and unmatched customer service have earned us a reputation for the finest craftsmanship, professionalism, and friendliness in the industry. Not only will you appreciate your new deck, but you will also enjoy working with us.
The services we offer include:
Citywide Fences and Decks is a locally owned and operated business based in the Kitchener, Waterloo region. We have been proudly serving our community with the best quality services for more than 13 years. Contact us to get started.
What our customers are saying…
“Highly recommend! Professional, conscientious and trust worthy company. We are extremely happy with both our new fence and lawn drainage system. Employees were hard working and obviously dedicated. Dave explained the process for each project and went above and beyond to personally ensure we were satisfied with the completed projects. Both our fence and drainage system were completed in the agreed time frame as discussed and meet our high standards.”
— Glen and Jackie Soehner