When is chain link the right call?
- Dog runs and side yards where privacy doesn't matter.
- Large lots and back acreage where block would cost too much.
- Temporary fencing around a project or a vacant lot.
- Sport courts and garden areas.
Galvanized or black?
Plain galvanized is the cheapest. Black vinyl-coated mesh looks a lot cleaner, blends into landscaping and is easier on the eyes from the patio. You can add privacy slats to either, though slats catch wind, so posts and bracing need to be up to it.
Can chain link be a pool barrier?
Sometimes, but the mesh has to be small enough that little feet can't climb it. As summarized from Glendale's pool code, chain link openings can't exceed 1¾ inches. Standard yard mesh is usually bigger than that, so most chain link you see isn't pool-ready. See pool barriers for the full picture.
Where can I put it?
The same height limits apply as for any fence in Glendale: 6 feet in side and rear yards and 3 feet in front yards, plus clear sightlines at corners and driveways. Front-yard fences must also stay out of public right-of-way and utility easements. Details are in our permit guide. HOAs often restrict chain link where it faces the street.
What does it cost?
As of October 2026, Angi lists chain link in the Phoenix area at about $8 to $40 per linear foot installed. Coated mesh, taller fabric, slats and gates push it toward the top of that range.