Fencing comparison
Chain Link vs Wood Fence: Cost Comparison
Chain link is the cheapest fence that actually contains a dog, and wood is what most people want when privacy matters. The gap is roughly two to one, and maintenance widens it over time in the other direction.
Chain link
$10 to $25 per linear ft
Wood
$20 to $50 per linear ft
| Feature | Chain link | Wood |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost per linear ft | $10 to $25 | $20 to $50 |
| Typical 150 ft run | $1,500 to $3,750 | $3,000 to $7,500 |
| Privacy | None | Full with solid panels |
| Maintenance | Essentially none | Stain or seal every 2 to 5 years |
| Lifespan | 20 to 30 years | 15 to 20 years |
| Contains dogs | Yes | Yes |
| Appearance | Utilitarian | Warm, traditional |
| HOA acceptance | Often restricted | Usually accepted |
Chain link
- Roughly half the cost of wood
- Almost no maintenance for decades
- Does not block light or airflow
- Easy to repair a damaged section
- No privacy at all
- Utilitarian appearance, often restricted by HOAs
- Adds little to curb appeal
- Slats added for privacy look poor and degrade
Wood
- Full privacy with solid panels
- Warm appearance that suits most houses
- Can be painted or stained to taste
- Individual boards are cheap to replace
- Roughly twice the cost
- Needs staining or sealing every few years
- Warps, cups and rots at the posts
- Shorter lifespan than chain link or vinyl
The verdict
Choose chain link for a back boundary, a dog run, a large acreage perimeter or anywhere containment matters and appearance does not. Choose wood where privacy or curb appeal is the point, and budget for the staining that keeps it from failing early. Whichever you choose, the posts decide the lifespan: correctly set depth below the frost line, concrete footings and treated or metal posts matter more than the fence material. Confirm the property line with a survey and check local rules and any HOA covenant before ordering, because a fence on the wrong side of a boundary is an expensive mistake.
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View on AmazonFrequently asked questions
How much does a chain link fence cost per foot?
About $10 to $25 per linear foot installed in 2026, varying with height, gauge, whether it is galvanized or vinyl coated, and how many gates and corners the run includes. Corners and gates carry a disproportionate share of the cost, so a run with many turns costs more per foot than a straight boundary.
How long does a wood fence last?
Typically 15 to 20 years with regular maintenance, and less if it is not stained or sealed. The posts almost always fail before the boards, at ground level where moisture sits. Setting posts in concrete with correct depth, and using pressure treated or metal posts, adds more years than any surface treatment.
Do I need a permit to build a fence?
Frequently yes, and rules on height, setback from the property line and which side faces out vary by municipality. Homeowner associations often add their own restrictions and sometimes prohibit chain link outright. Check both before ordering materials, and confirm the property boundary with a survey rather than an assumption, since fence disputes with neighbors are expensive and slow.
Is vinyl fencing worth it over wood?
It costs more upfront and needs no staining, so it can win over a long hold. It also cannot be repaired the way a wood board can, and it can become brittle in extreme cold and discolour in strong sun. If maintenance is the thing you want to avoid and you plan to stay, it is worth pricing alongside both options here.