Chain Link Fences Are Budget Friendly, But Are They Worth Buying?

Fences are a useful addition to any yard. They can provide security and privacy, and increase your home's curb appeal. Plus, if you have children or pets, they are a great way to make your yard safer for play. However, installing a new fence can also be quite expensive. A fence installation typically costs thousands of dollars, depending on the fence material you choose and the size of the yard you are fencing. If you want the benefits of a fence and are on a tight budget, then you may be interested in a chain link fence, which is the most affordable wire fence option. 

Chain link fences are made from galvanized steel wires twisted together to create an effective barrier. This common fence style may not be the most aesthetically pleasing, depending on your design preferences. Still, it is a highly functional fence that you can install yourself and spruce up in numerous ways to create more privacy or beauty for your yard. Before you decide that a chain link fence is right for your yard, though, you should also understand some of the potential drawbacks, such as a lack of privacy and security compared to other styles of fences and the potential to rust over time. While some styles of fences can increase your home's value, chain link fences do not typically do so. Plus, if you want to enhance the style of your chain link fences, the costs can add up.

If budget is your main concern, then chain link fences are worth considering. They are usually the most affordable fencing option, sometimes costing about half of what a wooden or vinyl fence costs when professional installation is included. Chain link fences are also a good option if you are a fan of DIY projects. Installing one on your own is completely doable. Combine the cheaper material prices with the lack of professional installation expenses, and you can save quite a bit of money. Just be sure to avoid the mistakes everyone makes when installing a chain link fence so you don't spend extra time or money to fix problems later. 

Chain link fences are also strong and durable. They can keep animals and people out of your yard while also not being as susceptible to damage as other types of fencing. Strong winds that might take down another type of fence will flow right through a chain link fence. These fences have a very practical, industrial look to them, but if that does not match your home's aesthetic, there are many unique ways to make a basic chain link fence look better and add curb appeal. From decorating with plants to adding privacy slats and more, chain link fences can become blank canvases for you to experiment with. Additionally, if you are not a huge fan of the look of fences at all, the open design of chain link fences makes them far less obtrusive than other solid fences. You can install a chain link fence and still have a relatively good view beyond your yard.

While the benefits of chain link fences sound great, there are quite a few drawbacks to consider as well. First, while they are an affordable option, they do not give your property value a boost like other types of fences do. Fences that increase curb appeal or add privacy are more likely to impact property value, and chain link fences do not inherently do either of these things. It is common to dislike the look of chain link fences. You can, of course, enhance the fence with paint or privacy slats, but the cost of these enhancements can add up over time, and there may be additional hidden downsides. For example, there are drawbacks to using privacy slats for a chain link fence, like increased maintenance. It can also cost time and money to properly care for a chain link fence. You will need to be diligent about inspecting the fence, cleaning it, and removing rust. Protective coatings to prevent rust are also important. All of this maintenance can add up to hundreds of dollars per year.

Overall, a chain link fence can be an affordable option to add some security to your yard, but it is not a perfect solution. It can be costly to maintain, and it will not give you the privacy and immediate curb appeal that other fences may. Though, if you need something highly functional and privacy is not the intended purpose of the fence, it could be a great choice for your home.