Tuscaloosa Fence Pros takes requests for chain link fence installation in Tuscaloosa, AL and passes them to an independent local installer, for jobs from a small dog run to a full backyard perimeter. Chain link is the practical fence: it keeps pets and kids in, marks the line, and costs less per foot than most other materials.
The details that separate a sturdy chain link fence from a flimsy one are wire gauge, post size and fittings. Here is what to look at before you request a free estimate.
Chain Link Gauge, Mesh and Post Options
Chain link is sold by wire gauge. A lower number means thicker wire.
- 11.5 gauge: light residential use
- 9 gauge: a common choice for homes with dogs
- 6 gauge: heavy duty, mostly commercial
Posts matter as much as mesh. Terminal posts at corners, ends and gates carry the tension of the fabric and should be heavier than line posts. A top rail stiffens the fence, and a bottom tension wire helps stop dogs from pushing under the mesh.
Galvanized vs Black Vinyl-Coated Chain Link
Standard galvanized chain link is the most economical. Black vinyl-coated chain link costs more but blends into a yard and reads as a darker, cleaner line from the street. With our humid climate and frequent rain, a coating also adds a layer of protection over the steel.
Adding privacy later
Slats can be woven through the mesh after installation. They cut visibility but also add wind load, so ask whether the posts are sized for slats if you might add them.
Chain Link Fence Cost: Typical Ranges
HomeAdvisor's cost guide lists chain link at about $8 to $40 per linear foot installed, depending on height and material. By height it lists roughly $8 to $20 for 4 feet and $10 to $29 for 6 feet, and black vinyl-coated chain link at about $13 to $40 per foot. These are national estimates that vary with the yard, the material and the layout.
- Gauge and coating
- Number of gates and terminal posts
- Removal of an old fence
- Ground conditions for digging post holes
Ground Conditions and Post Setting Around Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa sits on the fall line of the Black Warrior River, where the Gulf Coastal Plain meets higher ground. That means digging can vary a lot from one side of town to the other, and even within a single yard. An installer may hit rock, roots or dense, wet soil that holds water in the hole.
- Terminal posts are typically set in concrete; ask how line posts will be set
- Ask how they handle a hole that fills with water after a rain
- Before any digging, underground utilities should be marked through Alabama 811
Good Uses for Chain Link in Tuscaloosa Yards
- Dog yards and kennels: strong, see-through, and easy to extend
- Backyard perimeters on larger lots: keeps cost down over long runs
- Garden enclosures: helps keep out deer, dogs and other animals
- Rental properties: low upkeep and simple repairs
If you live in a historic district, check first. The City of Tuscaloosa's historic district design guidelines list chain link among materials considered inappropriate for fences in those districts.
Common questions
How much does a chain link fence cost in Tuscaloosa?
HomeAdvisor's national cost guide puts installed chain link at about $8 to $40 per linear foot, with 4-foot fences toward the low end and taller or vinyl-coated fences toward the high end. Your actual price depends on footage, gates, wire gauge, coating and ground conditions. Request a free estimate for a number based on your yard.
What gauge chain link should I get for dogs?
Many homeowners with medium or large dogs choose 9 gauge mesh, which is thicker and harder to bend than 11.5 gauge. Height matters too, since some dogs can climb or jump a 4-foot fence. A bottom tension wire or a buried barrier helps with diggers. Tell your installer about your dog so they can size the fence.
Is black chain link worth the extra cost?
For many homeowners, yes. Black vinyl-coated chain link fades into shrubs and lawn so the yard looks less fenced in, and the coating adds protection over the steel in a wet climate. It costs more than plain galvanized, so some people use black along the street side and galvanized in the back.
Can I add privacy slats to an existing chain link fence?
Usually, yes. Slats weave through the mesh and can be added years after the fence goes in. Keep in mind they make the fence catch more wind, so an older or lightly built fence may lean in storms. Have an installer check the posts and top rail before you invest in slats.