Chain link and metal fence installation
See-through fences that last: chain link for practical containment, and ornamental metal where looks matter.
Not every fence needs to block the view. Chain link keeps dogs and kids in for a fraction of the upkeep of wood, and ornamental steel or aluminum adds a finished look to a front yard or a patio. Because air passes through them, both handle the wind on open lots far better than solid panels.
Chain link options
- Galvanized. The basic, durable choice for dog runs, garden enclosures, side yards and shop yards.
- Black or green vinyl-coated. Blends into a lawn or landscaping better than bare metal.
- Privacy slats. Add screening, but they also add wind load, so posts and top rail need to be sized for it.
- Taller runs. For large dogs or sport courts, with heavier posts.
Ornamental steel and aluminum
Picket-style metal fencing is popular in front yards where city rules keep fences low, and around patios and pools. Powder-coated steel is strong; aluminum won't rust and is lighter. Both come in rackable panels that follow a sloped yard.
Which is right for you?
| Chain link | Ornamental metal | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Practical | Finished, decorative |
| Wind | Low load without slats | Low load |
| Upkeep | Very little | Touch up scratches on steel |
| Pets | Good for most dogs | Small dogs may fit through picket gaps |
Pool and hot tub fences
Barriers around pools and spas have their own safety rules for height, gaps and self-closing, self-latching gates, and they're more likely to need a permit or inspection. Check with the Idaho Falls Building Division, or the building office for your city or county, before you build.
Clearances around utilities
A City of Idaho Falls handout on clear-view areas notes that fences must stay at least 2 feet from the sides and back of a utility transformer and leave 3 feet of access around fire hydrants. If a green transformer box sits near your lot line, tell the contractor.
What affects the price?
- Length and height
- Galvanized, coated or ornamental material
- Gates, including drive gates
- Removing an old fence
Every fence is priced after the contractor walks the line, checks the ground, counts gates and corners, and talks through what you want. We don't quote prices. A figure given over the phone before anyone has seen your lot is only a rough starting point.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
Is chain link allowed in front yards in Idaho Falls?
Front-yard fences are limited in height and type, especially near driveways and corners. Check with the city before choosing a front-yard fence.
Will privacy slats make my chain link blow over?
Slats add wind load. A fence designed for slats, with stronger posts and framework, handles them better than slats added to light-duty chain link.
Related services
More background: Idaho Falls fence guide.
Panels blown out by the wind, or a bare backyard waiting for a fence?
Call now and a local fence contractor will come look at the job and quote it directly.