Chain link fencing remains one of the most cost-effective ways to secure a boundary in the UK. Fully installed, you can expect to pay £18–£40 per linear metre, depending on height, finish, and ground conditions. At the lower end, a standard 1.0m green PVC-coated fence with driven posts suits most garden boundaries; at the higher end, a 1.8m galvanised security fence on concrete spurs suits industrial or high-traffic applications.
For a typical 20-metre garden boundary at 1.2m high, the all-in cost (mesh, posts, fixings, and labour) comes to roughly £450–£800. The wide range reflects regional labour variation, site access, and whether existing posts or rails can be reused.
Cost Per Linear Metre by Height
Height is the single biggest driver of price. Taller fences need heavier-gauge mesh, longer posts, and more labour time to tension correctly. The table below covers the most common domestic and light-commercial specifications.
| Height | Finish | Supply only (mesh + posts) | Installed cost per linear metre |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.9m | Green PVC-coated | £3–£5/m | £18–£25/m |
| 1.0m | Green PVC-coated | £3–£5/m | £20–£28/m |
| 1.2m | Green PVC-coated | £4–£6/m | £22–£32/m |
| 1.5m | Green PVC-coated | £5–£7/m | £25–£36/m |
| 1.8m | Galvanised (security) | £6–£8/m | £28–£45/m |
All prices are for supply and installation on reasonably flat, accessible ground. Sloping sites, rocky subsoil, or restricted access can add 15–30% to labour costs.
What Drives the Price
Mesh specification
Chain link mesh is sold by height, gauge (wire thickness), and aperture (diamond opening size). Standard domestic mesh runs at 2.0–2.5mm wire in a 50mm aperture. Heavier-gauge 3.0mm or 3.15mm mesh — sometimes called “security specification” — costs roughly 30–40% more on supply but is markedly harder to cut or deform. PVC-coating in green (RAL 6005) is the most popular finish for gardens; galvanised-only mesh is cheaper but will show surface rust within a few years on exposed sites.
Posts and fixings
A standard domestic run uses steel angle-iron line posts at 2.75m centres, with heavier straining posts at each end and at corners. The most common approach for domestic fencing is:
- Driven steel angle posts: quickest to install, suitable for softer ground, typically 38mm × 38mm or 50mm × 50mm section
- Concrete spurs with bolted angle posts: used where post longevity is the priority, particularly on clay soils prone to movement; adds £3–£6 per post to the cost
- Concrete-in angle posts: posts set directly into concrete footings, common on commercial and security fences
Straining posts at corners and ends are larger section (typically 50mm × 50mm or 75mm × 75mm) and cost more per post. A standard 20m run will typically have two straining posts and seven line posts.
Labour rates
Fencing contractors in the UK typically charge day rates of £200–£350 per person per day in 2026. Chain link installation is usually a two-person job for efficiency — one to tension the mesh, one to fix and adjust. An experienced team can install 30–50 linear metres per day on straightforward ground. Day rates are higher in London and the South East; £200–£250 per person is more typical in the Midlands and North.
On quoted-rate contracts, expect £15–£30 per linear metre for labour alone. This nearly always excludes breaking out old fencing, disposal of spoil, or remediation of particularly difficult ground.
Ground conditions
Hard or rocky ground that requires breaking out before post installation adds significant cost. Clay soils may require concrete haunching around posts to prevent frost heave. On sloping sites, the contractor must either step or rake the fence, both of which add time. Always confirm with your installer how they handle slopes before accepting a fixed-price quote.
Worked Example: 20m Garden Boundary at 1.2m High
This is the most common domestic scenario — a rear garden boundary replacing old timber panel or wire fencing.
| Item | Quantity | Unit cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2m green PVC chain link mesh | 22m (10% waste) | £2.50/m | £55 |
| 50mm × 50mm angle line posts (2.75m centres) | 7 posts | £12 each | £84 |
| 50mm × 75mm straining posts | 2 posts | £18 each | £36 |
| Concrete for post footings | 8 bags | £6 each | £48 |
| Straining wire, fixings, ties | 1 lot | — | £25 |
| Materials subtotal | £248 | ||
| Labour (two-person team, 1 day) | 1 day | £500/day | £500 |
| Total installed | £748 |
This falls mid-range within the £450–£800 bracket. A simpler run with driven posts and good ground access would sit nearer £500; a sloping site or concrete haunching throughout would push towards £800.
Planning and Permitted Development Rules
Chain link fencing is generally straightforward from a planning perspective, but height limits are set by permitted development rights and must be respected without planning permission.
Key height limits under permitted development:
- Adjacent to a highway (including footpaths that border your land): maximum 1 metre. This applies to front garden boundaries and side boundaries where the fence runs alongside a public highway or adopted footpath.
- Elsewhere (rear gardens, fields, commercial land not adjacent to a highway): maximum 2 metres.
If you want to exceed these heights — for example, a 2.4m security fence on a rear boundary — you will need to apply for planning permission. Most straightforward applications are approved, but the process typically takes 8 weeks and incurs a planning fee (currently £258 in England for a householder application as of 2026).
[!tip] Check the legal boundary Before instructing any fencing work, confirm the exact position of your legal boundary. Fencing even a few centimetres onto a neighbour’s land can create significant legal problems. Your title deeds and Land Registry title plan should show the boundary, though these are not always precise to the centimetre.
There is no general requirement to notify neighbours before erecting a fence within permitted development height limits, but it is good practice — particularly where the fence will affect their light or access.
Chain Link vs Alternative Fencing Types
Chain link is not the only option at this price point. The table below compares it against the two most common domestic alternatives.
| Fence type | Cost per linear metre (installed) | Typical lifespan | Privacy | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chain link (PVC-coated) | £18–£40 | 20–30 years | None | Very low |
| Timber close-board | £35–£65 | 15–20 years | Full | Moderate (treat every 2–3 years) |
| Featherboard / lap panel | £40–£70 | 10–15 years | Full | Moderate |
Chain link wins on cost, longevity, and maintenance. It loses on privacy, which is why many homeowners combine it with hedging — a native mixed hedge planted at the base establishes in 3–5 years and gives privacy without the ongoing cost of replacing timber panels.
Getting Quotes
Most fencing contractors will provide a site visit and written quote free of charge. When comparing quotes, check:
- Whether the price includes removal and disposal of existing fencing
- The post specification (driven angle iron vs concrete-in vs spurs)
- Mesh gauge and aperture size
- Whether VAT is included (many smaller fencing contractors are not VAT-registered)
- Payment terms — a small deposit (10–25%) is reasonable; avoid contractors asking for full payment upfront
For a 20–30 metre run, obtaining three quotes is straightforward and typically reveals a meaningful spread. Regional fencing federations and the Fencing Contractors Association (FCA) maintain directories of members who work to industry standards.
