How to Save Money When Buying Custom Chain Link Fence

Planning and budgeting alone for a fence can take time and can be intimidating. Factors such as fencing materials, design style, and square foot can also be taken into consideration.

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In need of a fence? Our guys at Big Easy Fences can help you out. We offer fences ranging from wood to metal for every home in New Orleans.

Tips On How To Save Money on a Fence

If you don't want to deal with the whole budget thing, you can call a fence contractor to help you out. The tips can be useful if you want to do the overall cost or want some ideas from an expert.

1. Reduce the Materials

Many homeowners make the mistake of thinking that the fence needs to be the same height all around. Fence materials are prized for their dimensions, so the smaller they are, the cheaper they will be.

There are also certain wood types that are cheaper, such as treated pine, that are popular among homeowners. This is also the type of wood used in picket fences.

2. Plan Ahead

Think about your vision and the purpose of your fence installation. Come up with your own checklist such as:

The current state of your fence. Are you planning to replace it or get a new fence?

Fence type: wood fence, wrought iron fencing, or chain link fences. You can check out our list of fences.

3. Consider Cheaper Materials

The cheapest way to replace a fence is to opt for a chain link fence. Here's how to upgrade your chain link fence to make it a bit less boring.

More materials include:

• • • • • Pallet fencing
          • • Split rail
• Bamboo
• Split rail and mesh
• Concrete
• Barbed wire
  • • • • • • Recycled materials
            • Lattice
            • Wattle

4. Secure Permits Yourself

Some fence contractors include securing city permits in their service. But if you want to save money, you can take care of the permits yourself.

5. Book in the Slow Season

Another trick that you can do is schedule your fencing activity in the off season. Try to avoid building during the spring and fall because the demand is at its peak during these months.

Additional Cost-Saving Tips for Buying a Fence: Comparing and Finding Cheap Fences

When it comes to buying a fence, the cost can be a major factor in the decision-making process. While a chain link fence is often considered the most cost-effective option, many homeowners prefer the look of a wooden fence for its style and privacy. However, buying a wooden fence can be more expensive than a chain link fence.

Additional tips for saving money when buying a fence:

• Compare chain link vs wood fence cost: Before making a decision, compare the cost of a chain link fence with a wooden fence. This will give you a good idea of the price range you're looking at, and help you determine whether you want to spend more money on a wooden fence or opt for a more cost-effective chain link fence.
• Look for cheap fence wood: If you do decide to buy a wooden fence, look for a cheap source of wood. You can find inexpensive wood at your local home improvement store or lumberyard, or you can look for salvaged wood from a demolition site or old barn.
• Consider split rail fence: If you're looking for a rustic, rural look, a split rail fence can be a great option. This style of fence is often less expensive than other types of wooden fences, and it can provide a unique look for your property.
• Reuse an existing fence: If you already have an existing fence, consider repairing or painting it instead of replacing it. This can be a cost-effective way to freshen up the look of your fence without having to buy a new one.
• Look for fence styles that offer privacy: If privacy is a concern, consider a wood privacy fence. This type of fence provides a solid barrier between you and your neighbors, and it is often more expensive than other styles of fence.
• Shop around for fence companies: There are many fence companies out there, so don't settle for the first one you find. Shop around and compare prices, services, and quality before making a decision.
• Look for 'inexpensive fence companies near me': If you live in a densely populated area, there are likely many fence companies near you. Take advantage of this and look for inexpensive companies that can provide quality services.

Factors Affecting The Price of Fence

Fencing Material

The material of the fence that you will be using is one of the biggest factors that will affect the total price.

This can be attributed to how some materials can be more durable than others. Also, some of these can be harder to source due to the scarcity of the material. Both of these greatly affect the price of the fence.

• Wood' Wood is one of the most popular and most used fencing materials everywhere you go. Homeowners who use this material prefer its natural look. This would definitely match almost all types of landscaping or garden that you have on your property. However, this is pricier compared to your other options.
• Chain Link ' A chain-link or sometimes called wire fence, can be the cheapest fence you can purchase. For $2-3 dollars per foot, you can already find some stores selling this material. The chain link is made out of woven coated steel.
• Aluminum ' For easy installation and less maintenance, an aluminum fence is one of the better options. Here's how to maintain an aluminum fence.
• Wrought Iron ' Like the aluminum fence, the wrought iron fence is easy to install. This can be the most stylish and best designed compared to other materials. This is because wrought iron is very malleable and durable. However, you'll be paying more for this.
• Stone or Concrete Fence ' The concrete fence will give you the best privacy and even security because of being rock solid. Moreover, this can last for a very long time without requiring much maintenance.
• Vinyl ' Despite the higher cost, a vinyl fence is very popular for many homeowners because of its sturdiness and flexibility. Many manufacturers also offer a range of vinyl fence colors to choose from, including classic white, tan, and gray, as well as more unique shades such as green and wood grain.

Other material options include bamboo, PVC, and plastic.

Related: A Beginner's Guide to Fences

Size or Perimeter of Lot

Since most fence materials are measured and priced by the foot, the total size or perimeter of the property to be enclosed is a huge factor. The larger the size is, the costlier it will be. It will be your choice as a homeowner if you want to surround the whole house or property with a fence.

For full protection, doing so would be better. However, if you are opting for some picket fence to enhance your curb appeal, installing it on your front yard would suffice.

Height of Fence

Like the perimeter size, the height of the fence will also be a factor in. The taller it will be, the more you have to pay. In most cases, the height of the fence will depend on what you want. Maybe you can opt for a taller fence if you want more privacy and security. On the other hand, it can also depend on the prescribed length or height of the material you chose.

Labor Expenses

Labor costs can take up the biggest amount of your fencing budget. You can definitely install it on your own to save money if you have expertise in doing such an activity. But here can be a lot of problems and obstacles in installing the fence that you probably won't even think about. First, the installation can take a long time if you are a beginner. Second, there can be challenges such as topography and the landscape of the yard.

Maintenance

In planning and buying a fence, maintenance can be considered already. Will the material of your choice require frequent painting and staining? Does it need to be treated like wood?

Make Fence Installation Easy

If the idea of getting a fence stresses you out, let our crew at Big Easy Fences help you out. We offer free estimates on all services to help you get the best fence for your home.

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Chain link fencing combines ruggedness and visibility. It's a secure and sturdy barrier you can still easily see through, making it a practical fencing choice for lots of spaces. The design is so simple and effective it's gone virtually unchanged for decades.

According to Vince Christofora, owner of Woodstock Hardware, chain link fences are also 'one of the most affordable fences you can install.'

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Custom Chain Link Fence. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

What Is a Chain Link Fence?

According to Christofora, a chain link fence features woven metal mesh usually made from galvanized wire. This mesh stretches tightly between metal posts sunk into concrete, providing a sturdy, strong foundation. Although chain link fencing is easy to see through, fabric or plastic slats can be added to cover chain link fence for added privacy.

Pros of a Chain Link Fence

Chain link fencing offers plenty of benefits in cost and construction.

• Durability: Unlike wood fences that can rot, chip or peel, chain link fences can take a beating for years and look pretty much the same. They're also relatively impervious to extreme heat, cold or moisture.
• Affordable: Chain link fencing is considerably cheaper than wood or vinyl fencing. Experienced DIYers can can install it, reducing labor costs.
• Minimal maintenance: Metal construction provides ample protection against the elements. It doesn't need staining, repainting or waterproofing like wood or vinyl fencing.
• Visibility: The wire mesh is strong and tight enough to keep kids and pets safely contained while letting you see what's going on beyond it.

Cons of a Chain Link Fence

Despite its benefits, chain link fencing isn't for everyone. Consider these potential drawbacks before you decide:

• Not great for home resale: The basic look and affordability of chain link fences don't give the property value boost more attractive vinyl or wood fences provide.
• Not aesthetically pleasing: The industrial/commercial look lacks the rustic charm of wooden or vinyl options and may clash with your home's design.
• Lack of privacy: Because you can easily see through chain link fences, they're not great for those who put a premium on privacy.
• Not for residential security: The wide links and typical four-to-five-foot fence height are easy for intruders to climb.

How Much Does a Chain Link Fence Cost?

The price varies with the height of the fence, type and installation process. According to Brian Gregory at Foothill Fence, standard galvanized chain link fencing costs about $10 per linear foot. They charge $1,200 per day for labor for a two-man crew with a work truck, tools, and equipment.

Fencing installation time depends on the size of the job, so work with your installer to determine a precise number. Additional challenges like hills, brush or lawn sprinklers can increase the installation rate. Foothill Fence is based in Los Angeles, so their costs are higher than the rest of the country; pricing in your area may differ.

Don't forget other potential expenses like building permits, or tearing down and hauling away an old fence.

Chain link vs. Wood and Vinyl Fence Cost

If you compare the costs of chain link fencing components at your local home center with those for wood or vinyl fencing, you may find that they are more similarly priced than you anticipated.  It is the labor involved in installing these different fence options that is the hidden factor here.

Be aware that constructing a wood or vinyl fence will take longer, possibly up to three times longer, than a chain link fence of the same length. Consequently, wood and vinyl fences that are professionally installed are more expensive because of this additional labor involved in their installation.

Types of Chain Link Fences

Galvanized metal

This is the classic gray version you've probably seen at ball fields and backyards, with galvanized coating to increase its durability. This coating, usually zinc, protects the underlying steel from rust and corrosion, as well as cosmetic scratches. Galvanized metal fencing costs about $10 per linear foot.

Vinyl-coated (aka PVC-coated)

Galvanized fencing can also feature vinyl coating, adding another layer of protection and a range of color options. According to Gregory, their most popular colors are black, forest green, dark brown, beige and gray.

This could be a great choice for those who aren't fans of the industrial look of galvanized fencing, and want it to blend into the background more. Vinyl-coated chain link fencing costs about $14 per linear foot.

Considerations When Buying a Chain Link Fence

Height: A taller fence provides more security and reduces the chances of a dog jumping over, but the extra material costs more and may be challenging to install. Most chain link fencing is four feet high, but it can be available from three to 12 feet.

Installation: Professional installers do the job done quickly and correctly. But if you want to save money and think you have the know-how, install the chain link fence yourself. Just remember: The money you save may not be worth it if the project takes longer than you thought, or if you end up with an unprofessional-looking result.

Mesh size: Depending on the supplier, you could choose the size of the mesh openings of the fence or the distance of the diamond from side to side. While 2-3/8-inch is the standard for residential use, mesh sizes as low as 3/8-inch offer more security since they're harder for intruders to climb. Keep in mind the smaller the mesh size, the more metal required to construct it, meaning a higher material cost.

Gauge: Many chain link fences are available in different gauges; the lower the gauge, the thicker the wire. Thicker gauge fences are ideal for large dog kennels or baseball backstops. They also offer higher security, providing a sturdier barrier that's harder to cut through.

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