Chain link, aluminum, and wrought iron — three very different price points
Metal fence cost: $10–$85 per linear foot
Metal fencing spans the widest price range of any category on this site because "metal fence" describes three structurally different products aimed at different jobs: chain link (cheapest, functional, no privacy), aluminum (rust-proof ornamental, common for pools and front yards), and wrought iron / steel (heaviest, most secure, most expensive). Picking the right one depends more on the job — containment vs. security vs. curb appeal — than on price alone.
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Estimated installed cost
Live$3,700
$1,650 – $5,750 for 150 ft · a wide range — site conditions matter a lot here
- Materials 41% $1,519
- Labor 50% $1,856
- Gates 9% $325
Cost breakdown
- Chain Link, materials + labor (150 ft) $1,500–$5,250
- 1 × Walk gate (3–4 ft) $150–$500
Why this number?
Chain Link, materials + labor (150 ft). Chain Link installs for a national average of $10–$35 per linear foot at 6 ft height on flat ground. 45% of that figure is materials; the rest is labor.
1 × Walk gate (3–4 ft). Gates cost more per foot than straight fence line because each one needs a separate frame, hinges, and a latch that has to be built to swing freely.
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2026 national pricing
Metal materials compared
Chain link, aluminum, and wrought iron/steel are structurally different products at very different price points — pick based on the job (containment, curb appeal, or security), not price alone.
| Material | Low / ft | High / ft | Avg / ft | Lifespan | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chain Link | $10 | $35 | $20 | 15–20 yrs | Low |
| Aluminum | $25 | $50 | $35 | 25–40 yrs | Low |
| Wrought Iron / Steel Ornamental | $35 | $85 | $55 | 30–50 yrs | Medium |
Straight answers
Metal fence cost — frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest metal fence?
Chain link is the cheapest metal fence by a wide margin, typically $10–$35 per linear foot installed — often less than half the cost of aluminum or wrought iron for the same run, because the wire fabric and posts are far less expensive to manufacture and install.
Is aluminum or wrought iron better for a pool fence?
Aluminum is the more common choice for pool enclosures because it resists rust in wet, chlorinated environments and is lighter to install, and most state pool-safety codes are written around ornamental aluminum or similarly non-climbable, corrosion-resistant fencing. Wrought iron/steel can meet the same codes but costs more and needs repainting to prevent rust at weld points.
Does a metal fence rust?
Bare or vinyl-coated chain link and painted steel wrought iron can develop surface rust over time, especially at cut edges, welds, or scratches in the coating. Powder-coated aluminum does not rust, which is the main reason it costs more than chain link for a comparable ornamental look.