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Is a Chain Link Fence Easy to Install Yourself in Rockland County, NY, and Essex County, NJ?

Updated: Dec 26, 2022

Since a chain link fence tends to be one of the most budget-friendly fences, you may be wondering if it’s easy to install yourself. If this is a DIY project that you are considering taking on for your property in the Rockland County, NY, or Essex County, NJ, areas, here are some things that you may want to keep in mind as you embark upon your project journey.



Is a Chain Link Fence Easy to Install Yourself in Rockland County, NY, and Essex County, NJ?

Skill Level Required to Install Chain Link Fencing


A good rule of thumb is if you are capable of building a birdhouse, you’re capable of installing a chain link fence. It’s a fairly common project for the average homeowner to take on and complete successfully. This project will require certain tools and a decent amount of physical strength to complete. It’s a good idea to have multiple people working on the project together to help lift materials and complete the installation.


Approximate Timeline to Install a Chain Link Fence


The timeline to install your chain link will depend upon your skill level and the size of your property where the fence is being installed. Professionals generally take a couple of days to install a chain link fence, taking one day to dig the holes and set the posts and returning the second day to install the chain link material. Overall, it takes approximately two days to install 150 feet of chain link fencing.


Preparing to Install a Chain Link Fence


Before installing a chain link fence, you will need to make sure to follow local codes and contact your utility companies to ensure you are able to dig safely without hitting any utility lines. It’s important to know exactly where your property lines are and follow local guidelines.


One of the first steps for purchasing the materials and installing a chain link fence is to lay out the perimeter using a mason’s line. You will also need to measure your property to determine how much material needs to be ordered. Fence posts will need to be installed every seven to ten feet, so they will need to be ordered accordingly. You will want to measure the footage you’ll need for the fence and determine where your gate will be located.


Tools, Materials Needed for Chain Link Fencing


You’ll need a variety of tools on hand to install a chain link fence, and here are the tools you will likely need.

  • Tape measure

  • Level

  • Pliers

  • Wire cutters

  • Sledge hammer

  • Post hole digger

  • Wheelbarrow

  • Shovel

  • Hoe

  • Hacksaw or pipe cutter

  • Mason line and stakes

  • Crescent wrench

  • Fence stretcher


When you visit a local fence store, they will be able to help you complete your order for the materials that you need, but here are the materials that you will likely want to include.

  • Chain link fence fabric

  • Top rails and bottom rails

  • Line posts

  • Terminal posts

  • Top rail sleeves

  • Loop caps

  • Tension bars

  • Brace bands

  • Rail ends

  • Tension bands

  • Carriage bolts

  • Post caps

  • Fence ties

  • Fence gate

  • Post hinges

  • Gate hinges

  • Fence latch

  • Decorative accessories


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