Chain link (also called cyclone or frost fence) and wood are the two most common residential fences in the US. They are close in price but do very different jobs: chain link keeps things in or out while leaving the view open, and wood blocks the view entirely. Here is how they compare for a typical 150 ft yard, using prices from our fence cost calculator.
Cost side by side
| 150 ft, 6 ft tall, no gates | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chain link | $2,250 | $4,125 | $6,000 |
| Pine wood | $2,550 | $4,650 | $6,750 |
At the same height, chain link saves roughly 10-15%. The gap widens in practice because chain link is usually built at 4 ft, where it is plenty to hold a dog or mark a boundary, while wood privacy fences are built at 6 ft. A 4 ft chain link fence on 150 ft averages around $3,500 installed; see the chain link cost guide for more sizes.
Privacy
Wood is the obvious winner: a solid 6 ft board fence blocks the view completely (board-on-board and shadowbox styles come close while letting some air through), which is the main reason most people choose it.
Chain link is see-through by design. Privacy slats woven into the mesh add cost and still leave gaps; climbing plants or a hedge along the fence work over a few seasons. If privacy is the main goal, chain link plus slats rarely beats simply building wood.
Durability and upkeep
| Chain link | Pine wood | |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 10-15 years (cedar 15-25) |
| Regular upkeep | Almost none | Stain or seal every 2-3 years |
| Common repairs | Re-tension mesh, replace a bent top rail | Replace boards, reset leaning posts |
| Weak spot | Rust once the coating is scratched | Rot at the posts in wet soil |
Over 15 years, a 150 ft wood fence costs about $1,200-$2,550 more than chain link if you stain one side yourself every 3 years, and $3,900-$9,750 more if you pay a pro, which makes chain link the lower-cost fence to own as well as to buy.
Pets and kids
Chain link is a strong, affordable pet fence. Dogs can see through it, which some find exciting enough to bark and run the line, and agile dogs can climb the mesh. Wood blocks the view, which calms reactive dogs, and gives nothing to climb on the outside face. Our guide to the best fence for dogs covers heights by breed.
Looks, HOAs and resale
Wood looks residential and adds curb appeal; chain link looks utilitarian. Many HOAs ban chain link outright or allow only black vinyl-coated mesh, and some cities restrict it in front yards. Check before you buy materials: see do you need a fence permit.
The mixed approach
You don't have to pick one for the whole lot. A common layout is 6 ft wood along the patio and the side facing the neighbors' windows, and 4 ft chain link along the back and far side where nobody looks. On a 200 ft perimeter with 150 ft of it in chain link, that saves about $600-$1,650 (around $1,150 at average prices) versus 6 ft wood all the way around, and more over the years in staining. Try both materials in the calculator to see the split for your yard.
Verdict
Choose chain link for pet and kid containment, marking a boundary, long rural runs and the lowest cost of ownership.
Choose wood when privacy, looks or HOA rules matter.