Chain link has a reputation as the schoolyard fence, and on a front lawn it can look like one. Along a back lot line, behind a hedge, around a dog run or a vegetable garden, it is often the smartest fence money can buy: cheap, strong, fast to install and almost no upkeep. This guide covers what it costs in Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville and the rest of Halton, which parts matter, and the pool rules that catch people out.
Chain link fence prices
| Option | Installed, per linear foot | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Galvanized, 4 ft | $20 - $28 | The basic residential fence |
| Galvanized, 5 to 6 ft | $25 - $35 | More mesh, taller posts, deeper concrete |
| Black vinyl-coated, 4 to 6 ft | $28 - $45 | Coated mesh, posts and rails; looks far better in a garden |
| Privacy slats (add-on) | $4 - $10 | Woven into existing or new mesh |
| Remove old fence | $5 - $12 | Includes posts and disposal |
| Gates | 2026 range |
|---|---|
| Walk gate, 3 to 4 ft | $250 - $600 |
| Double drive gate, 10 to 12 ft | $800 - $1,800 |
| Self-closing, self-latching pool gate hardware | Add to the above; hardware is code driven |
For a typical 120 ft backyard, that works out to about $2,400 to $4,200 in galvanized and $3,400 to $5,400 in black, plus gates. Rocky ground, a slope, a lot of corners or tight access all push the number up. Our fence cost guide compares chain link with wood, vinyl, aluminum and composite, and the fence cost calculator works out your own run.
The parts that decide how long it lasts
- Gauge. The wire thickness. Lower numbers are thicker: 9 gauge is heavy-duty, 11 to 11.5 gauge is lighter residential wire. For a family yard with kids and dogs, 9 gauge is worth the small extra cost.
- Mesh size. The width of each diamond. Residential chain link is usually 2 inch. 1 3/4 and 1 1/2 inch mesh are smaller, harder to climb and needed for pool enclosures in several towns (see below).
- Terminal and line posts. End, corner and gate posts take the tension of the whole fence and should be heavier pipe than the line posts between them. All posts go in concrete below frost: at least 42 inches, and 48 inches is our standard.
- Top rail and bottom tension wire. A top rail keeps the mesh straight. A taut tension wire along the bottom stops the mesh being pushed out, which is how dogs and children get under. Milton's pool by-law requires both on a pool enclosure.
- Post spacing. Line posts no more than 10 ft apart. Further, and the mesh sags.
Chain link and pool enclosures
This is where most chain link fences fail inspection. Standard 2 inch residential mesh is too open for a pool enclosure at 4 ft in several towns:
| Municipality | Chain link rule for a pool enclosure |
|---|---|
| Burlington | Mesh no larger than 38 mm (1 1/2 in), at least 1.2 m high and no more than 2.0 m (Pool Fence By-law 074-2005; confirm with the city) |
| Milton | Mesh no larger than 38 mm at 1.2 m high, or up to 50 mm (2 in) if at least 1.8 m high, with a top rail and a taut bottom tension wire (Swimming Pool Fencing By-law 077-2010) |
| Halton Hills | Openings no larger than 38 mm, or up to 50 mm if at least 1.83 m high; no more than 50 mm under the fence and no loose gravel beneath it (Pool Enclosure By-law 2009-0028) |
| Hamilton and Oakville | General enclosure rules on height and openings apply. Confirm chain link mesh size with the inspector before you order. |
The practical rule: for a pool, buy 1 1/2 inch mesh, or go to 6 ft with 2 inch mesh where the by-law allows it. Our pool fence requirements guide compares every rule across Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, Milton and Halton Hills.
Making chain link look better
- Go black. Black vinyl-coated mesh disappears against planting in a way galvanized never does. It is the single biggest upgrade.
- Plant in front of it. A hedge or a row of shrubs on your side turns chain link into a green wall within a few seasons. See the best privacy plants and hedges for Ontario.
- Grow a vine on it. Clematis, climbing hydrangea or a native Virginia creeper will cover it. Avoid vines on a pool enclosure, where anything climbable can be a problem.
- Add slats for instant privacy, with the wind warning above.
- Keep it to the back. Use chain link on the side and rear lot lines and a wood or aluminum fence where the yard faces the street or the patio.
Chain link or another fence?
Choose chain link when cost, security, pets or a long run matter more than privacy and looks. Choose wood or vinyl when you want privacy, and aluminum when you want a clean see-through fence that suits the front of a house or a pool. Our wood vs vinyl vs aluminum fence comparison sets out the trade-offs, and privacy fence ideas covers the private options.
Gates on a chain link fence
Chain link gates are welded pipe frames with mesh stretched inside, so they do not rack the way a wood gate can. Size walk gates at 42 to 48 inches if a mower or wheelbarrow has to fit, and set gate posts as heavier terminal posts. See our fence gate ideas guide for widths, hardware and pool gate latches.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a chain link fence cost in Ontario?
About $20 to $35 per linear foot installed for galvanized and $28 to $45 for black vinyl-coated, in 2026. A 120 ft backyard is roughly $2,400 to $4,200 in galvanized before gates.
Is black chain link worth it?
For most yards, yes. It costs more, but black mesh fades into planting and looks far less industrial than galvanized.
What gauge chain link should I buy?
9 gauge for a family yard with kids or dogs, because it resists bending. Lighter 11 to 11.5 gauge suits a garden fence or a low-traffic run.
Can chain link be used as a pool fence?
Yes, with the right mesh and height. Burlington requires mesh no larger than 38 mm. Milton and Halton Hills allow up to 50 mm mesh only on fences at least 1.8 to 1.83 m high. Standard 2 inch mesh at 4 ft fails in all three.
How long does a chain link fence last?
About 20 to 30 years for galvanized, with posts set in concrete below frost.
Do privacy slats damage a chain link fence?
Not the mesh, but they catch the wind. A slatted fence needs heavier, deeper posts than an open one, or it will lean.
How deep should chain link fence posts be?
At least 42 inches in concrete to get below the frost line in Ontario, and 48 inches for a quality install. Corner, end and gate posts matter most.