Chain Link Fence: Grades, Materials, Pros, Cons & Applications

Fence School Navigation

Bay Area Fence Factory Fence School 2026 Edition

Here we'll try to help you out with a few things related to Chain Link fencing that we hope you will find useful.

Planning Your Fence to help you figure out how much fencing you need.

Chain Link Grades, Pros & Cons - Information about Chain Link fencing.

Wood Fence Grades, Pros & Cons - Information about Wood fencing.

PVC Vinyl Fence Grades, Pros & Cons - Information about PVC Vinyl fencing.

Ornamental Aluminum Fence Grades, Pros & Cons - Information about Aluminum fencing.

Molded Fence Panels (Simtek/Bufftech) Pros & Cons - Information about SimTek Molded fence panels.

Thanks for being here, and if you have questions please feel free to contact us via the contact form,

E-mail - bayarea.fencing@verizon.net

or call 727-726-7554

Bay Area Fence Factory

Top Quality Guaranteed!

Understanding Chain Link Fencing

Chain link fencing is categorized by the materials coating and its "grade", which is determined by the thickness of the wire fabric and the diameter and wall thickness of the supporting framework.

1. Mesh Material Types

Galvanized Steel: The traditional "silver" fence, coated in zinc to prevent rust. It is highly cost-effective and lasts 15 - 30 years.

Vinyl (PVC) Coated*: A galvanized steel core wrapped in a colored polymer (most commonly black, green or brown). It offers better corrosion resistance, especially in our coastal or humid areas. It lasts 15 - 30+ years.

*Note: Vinyl coated chain link contains a metal core that is one size smaller than it's stated gauge. Example, 9 gauge vinyl coated fence fabric has 11 1/2 gauge metal core surrounded with vinyl, making the final wire thickness 9 gauge. 6 gauge vinyl coated chain link has a 9 gauge metal wire core.

Exotic Chain Link Materials

Aluminized Steel: Steel wire fabric coated with aluminum rather than zinc. It is more resistant to salt and chemical spray, making it ideal for coastal environments or roadways.

Stainless Steel: The most durable and expensive option. It is resistant to acids, alkalis and high temperatures. Often used at airports or for high-security industrial enclosures.

2. Specialty Mesh Types

Mini-Mesh: Fencing fabric woven with tiny diamond shaped openings (as small as 3/8 inch) designed to be "No climb", very difficult for tools to penetrate. typically used for high security or pool safety.

Tennis Court Mesh: Typically 1.75 or 2 inch diamond mesh to prevent tennis balls from getting stuck or passing through.

Temporary Panels: Pre-assembled 6 foot tall panels used for construction sites or events where portability is required.

3. Grades and Applications

The "gauge" indicates wire thickness; lower numbers represent thicker, stronger mesh wire.

Grade Residential: Wire Gauge, 9 or 11.5 - Frame Strength, .065 wall tubing.

Typical Applications: Backyards, marking property lines.

Grade Commercial: Wire Gauge, 9 to 11.5 - Frame Strength - .065 & SS20 (20 weight) pipe.

Typical Applications: Schools, public parks, apartment complexes and standard business perimeters.

Grade Industrial: Wire Gauge, 6 to 9 - Frame Strength, SS40 (40 weight).

Typical Applications: High security facilities, factories, prisons and baseball backstops.

Pros and Cons of Chain Link Fence

Chain link fence is the “workhorse” of the industry. In 2026, it remains the most popular choice for large perimeters, pet containment, and commercial security in the Tampa Bay area due to its unmatched cost‑to‑strength ratio.

Pros of Chain Link Fencing

Lowest Initial Costs: Chain link is the most budget‑friendly fencing option. In 2026, typical installed pricing ranges from $15–$40 per linear foot, making it ideal for large yards in Pinellas, Pasco, and Hillsborough counties.
Extreme Durability: Made of galvanized steel, chain link is nearly indestructible. It won’t rot like wood, and it is far more impact‑resistant than vinyl or aluminum fencing.
Low Maintenance: Beyond an occasional rinse with a hose, it requires almost zero upkeep. It never needs staining, painting, or sealing.
High Visibility: The open‑weave design allows clear visibility through the fence. This is a major advantage for homeowners who want to keep an eye on pets or kids without blocking views of Florida’s landscape.
Wind Resistance: Because it is “open,” wind passes through it. In high‑velocity hurricane zones like Pinellas County, this makes chain link less likely to blow over than solid‑panel privacy fences.
Faster Installation: Chain link can be installed significantly faster than wood or other panel‑style fences, which can reduce labor costs.

Cons of Chain Link Fencing

Zero Privacy: By itself, chain link offers no visual barrier. To gain privacy, you must add slats or fabric windscreen, which increases cost and makes the fence more susceptible to wind damage.
Industrial Aesthetic: Many homeowners (and some cities & HOAs) consider galvanized chain link too “utilitarian” or “commercial” for high‑end residential areas.
Tip: Choosing black vinyl‑coated chain link (as discussed in the “Types” section) helps in many cases because it blends into the environment and looks much cleaner.
Climbability: The diamond mesh pattern creates easy footholds for children and intruders.
Property Value: While functional, chain link generally does not add as much curb appeal or resale value as ornamental aluminum or PVC or LLDPE fencing.
Risk of Corrosion (Lower Grades): Lower‑grade chain link installed near saltwater environments in the Tampa Bay area can eventually corrode. The fabric, the fittings and framework are susceptible.

Glossary of Fence Terms & Jargon for Chain Link Fence

Chain Link Fencing (Definition)

Chain Link Fencing: The assembly of parts that fill the area between the posts, also referred to as “a fence line.” The parts of this type of fence include the fabric (mesh), framework, fittings, and tensioning components

1. The Fabric (Mesh Components)

The Fabric: The woven metal wire that forms the actual barrier, also referred to as the mesh.
Mesh: The diamond‑patterned wire. Key specifications include gauge (wire thickness) and mesh size (the width of the diamond opening). Formed from fabricated wire strands called “weaves.”
A Weave: A single strand of formed fabric wire, also known as a single “link” of chain link.
Selvage: The finished edge of the fabric. It can be knuckled (folded over) or twisted (sharp points) for added security.
Coating: Typically galvanized (zinc‑coated) or vinyl‑coated (colored) for corrosion resistance.
Fence Ties / Wire Ties: Small metal fasteners used to attach the chain link fabric to line posts, top rail, and bottom tension wire.

2. Rails, Wires & Structural Support

Rail: The pipe or tubing that supports the chain link fabric.
Top Rail: A horizontal pipe running along the top of the fence, connecting all posts and preventing the fabric from sagging.
Bottom / Mid Rails (Optional): Additional horizontal pipes used for increased stability or bracing.
Tension Wire: A high‑tensile wire stretched between terminal posts along the bottom (or sometimes top) of the fence line. Not as rigid as rail but helps keep the fabric tight.
Self‑Tensioning Top Wire: A 6‑ or 9‑gauge wire with alternating bends every 3–4 inches. Used in place of top rail. Fastened to the fabric with hog rings placed no more than six diamonds apart in an alternating up/down pattern.
Bottom Wire: A non‑tensioned wire pulled between terminal posts and attached 2–3 inches up from the bottom of the fabric using hog rings.
Truss Rod Assembly: A turnbuckle‑and‑rod system (often with a truss rod tightener) that provides adjustable diagonal tension within a gate frame or across a terminal‑post span to eliminate sag and maintain structural squareness.

Loop Caps: Fittings that sit on top of line posts, allowing the top rail or self‑tensioning top wire to pass through.
Tension Bars: Flat metal or fiberglass bars inserted into the end of the mesh fabric and secured to terminal posts using tension bands.
Tension Band: A galvanized steel fitting shaped like an inverted “R” or C‑shape that wraps around a post. It secures the tension bar (and therefore the fabric) to the terminal post using a carriage bolt and nut.
Brace Band: A U‑shaped metal connector that wraps around a terminal post and holds the rail end cup that supports the horizontal rails.
Rail End: A cup‑shaped fitting (aluminum or steel) that connects the horizontal rails to terminal posts. Used with a brace band to anchor the rail securely.
Wall‑Mount Bracket for a Chain Link Drop‑Fork Latch: A flange or plate fitting designed for surface mounting. Provides a secure receiving point for a gate’s drop‑fork latch or allows a chain link post to be wall‑mounted using brace bands.

3. Fittings & Hardware

4. Gate Assembly (Components of a Chain Link Gate)

Gate Assembly: Gates are separate moving structures within the fence line, built from their own framework, fittings, and hardware.
Gate Frame: The rectangular structure made of steel tubing that forms the body of the gate.

Welded Corners:
A fabrication method where the vertical and horizontal members of a gate frame are permanently fused together using welding. This creates a rigid, one‑piece corner that resists racking and sagging far better than clamp‑style assemblies.

Gate Corner Clamps: A two‑piece clamp assembly, typically malleable iron or pressed steel. Joins the vertical and horizontal members of a gate frame at the corners, providing rigidity and preventing racking or sagging.
Hinges: Hardware that connects the gate frame to the gate post (commonly male/female hinge sets).

Male/Female Hinge:
The standard two‑part hinge set used on most residential and commercial chain link gates. The male half attaches to the gate post, and the female half attaches to the gate frame, allowing the gate to swing smoothly while supporting its weight.
Box Hinge: A heavy‑duty, two‑part hinge system (also known as a malleable butt hinge). Wraps around both the gate frame and the post, allowing smooth pivoting while supporting significant weight. Common on industrial and commercial gates.
Latches: Mechanisms that secure the gate in the closed position (e.g., fork latches, slam‑locks).
Drop Rods: Vertical rods used to secure double‑drive gates into the ground, preventing movement when closed.