Serving Western Arkansas & Eastern Oklahoma since 1950
5801 S. 29th St., Fort Smith, AR(479) 649-6511
Fort Smith & the surrounding region

Chain link fence installation

Chain link fencing provides dependable security without completely blocking the view around your property. It is a practical choice for backyards, pet areas, rural homes, gardens, utility spaces, equipment areas, and larger residential lots.

Chain link fence installation

Practical fencing for security, pets and property boundaries

Modern Fence Company installs chain link fencing throughout Fort Smith, Western Arkansas, and Eastern Oklahoma.

Our residential chain link options may include

  • Galvanized chain link fencing
  • Black-coated chain link fencing
  • Different fence heights
  • Different wire gauges
  • Privacy slats
  • Walk gates
  • Double-drive gates
  • Sliding gates
  • Custom gate openings
  • Pet enclosures
  • Utility enclosures
  • Residential security upgrades

We plan each system around the property, how the fenced area will be used, and the amount of security, privacy, and access the owner needs.

Galvanized chain link walk gate with latch and hinge hardware
Galvanized chain link and gate hardware
Why homeowners choose chain link

An open, durable boundary with less maintenance

Chain link is often selected because it provides an open, durable boundary with less maintenance than many solid fence systems.

Chain link fencing can be adjusted through changes in height, wire gauge, framework, coating, gates, and other features. The right system depends on how the fence will be used.

It may be a good choice when a homeowner needs

  • Pet containment
  • Backyard security
  • A fence around a larger property
  • A visible boundary
  • A garden enclosure
  • Protection around equipment
  • A fence around a utility area
  • A driveway or equipment gate
  • A practical fence for a rental property
  • A lower-maintenance option
  • A fence that allows air and light through
  • A system that can be upgraded with privacy slats
Galvanized chain link fencing

The traditional silver system

Galvanized chain link is the traditional silver-colored system used around homes, businesses, schools, parks, storage areas, and other properties.

It may work well for

  • Backyards
  • Pet areas
  • Large side yards
  • Gardens
  • Rural properties
  • Utility spaces
  • Equipment storage
  • Rental homes
  • Secondary property divisions

Galvanized chain link provides a practical balance of visibility, security, and long-term use. The final system may include different heights, wire sizes, posts, rails, gates, and framework based on the property.

Galvanized chain link fence mesh
Galvanized chain link
Black-coated chain link fencing

The same open design, a darker finish

Black-coated chain link provides the same open fence design with a darker finished appearance. It may blend more naturally into landscaping and outdoor areas than standard galvanized fencing.

Black chain link is often chosen for

  • Residential backyards
  • Pet enclosures
  • Gardens
  • Pool-area boundaries
  • High-visibility yards
  • Homes where appearance is important
  • Properties with black ornamental or metal details

Available components may include black-coated wire, posts, rails, gate frames, and fittings. Mixing coated and uncoated materials may create an uneven look, so the selected components should be discussed before the project is approved.

Black-coated chain link fence mesh
Black-coated chain link
Chain link fencing for dogs and pets

A secure outdoor area planned around the animal

Chain link fencing is commonly used to create a secure outdoor area for dogs and other pets.

A pet fence should be planned around the animal’s

  • Size
  • Strength
  • Jumping ability
  • Digging behavior
  • Climbing behavior
  • Reaction to nearby people or animals
  • Need for visibility
  • Need for shade or privacy

Important pet-fence details

  • Fence height
  • Bottom clearance
  • Gate latch placement
  • Gate gaps
  • Wire gauge
  • Post strength
  • Privacy slats
  • Digging protection
  • Secure corners
  • Separation from nearby hazards

A fence that contains a small, calm dog may not work for a larger or more active animal. Tell us about the pets that will use the area so we can help identify possible weak points.

Residential dog kennels and enclosures

Enclosures built for the space you have

Modern Fence Company can build chain link enclosures for residential pet areas.

A dog enclosure may include

  • Chain link panels
  • Walk gates
  • Secure latches
  • Custom dimensions
  • Different fence heights
  • Privacy screening
  • Separate exercise areas
  • Connections to an existing fence
  • Temporary or permanent layouts

The location should provide safe access, suitable drainage, shade where possible, and enough room for the intended use. A kennel should not be placed where runoff, standing water, or difficult access will create a long-term problem.

Chain link enclosure around a residential yard area
Chain link enclosure
Chain link privacy fencing

Slats reduce the view and add wind load

Chain link fencing can be fitted with privacy slats to reduce visibility through the fence.

Privacy slats may be useful around

  • Backyards
  • Side yards
  • Pet areas
  • Equipment spaces
  • Utility areas
  • Trash container areas
  • Properties near roads
  • Residential and commercial boundaries

The amount of privacy depends on

  • Slat design
  • Fence height
  • Viewing angle
  • Fence layout
  • Surrounding ground levels
  • Distance from neighboring properties
Chain link fence fitted with privacy slats
Chain link with privacy slats

Privacy slats do not always create the same solid visual barrier as a wood privacy fence. They also increase the amount of wind the fence receives. The posts, framework, and foundations should be selected with that added wind load in mind.

Height, wire gauge and strength

Height and wire are specified, not assumed

Fence height should be based on how the area will be used. Chain link wire is also available in different gauges.

A lower fence may suit

Gardens, decorative boundaries, small pet areas, property separation, and areas where visibility is important.

A taller fence may be needed for

Larger dogs, increased security, equipment areas, rural properties, privacy slats, and steep grade changes.

Wire gauge depends on

Residential or commercial use, fence height, expected contact, pet size, security needs, gate locations, property exposure and project specifications.

A taller fence places more load on the posts and framework. Local rules or HOA requirements may also limit fence height or placement. A lighter system may be suitable for some residential boundaries; properties with larger animals, heavier use, or greater security needs may require stronger wire and framework.

The wire, posts, rails, fittings, and gates should be specified as one complete fence system.

Chain link gate frames and framework staged before installation
Framework and gate frames
Posts, rails and framework

The strength depends on more than the wire

The posts, top rails, braces, fittings, and concrete foundations support the entire system. Modern Fence Company considers:

  • Fence height
  • Wire gauge
  • Post size
  • Post spacing
  • Hole depth
  • Soil conditions
  • Mountain rock
  • Expansive clay
  • Drainage
  • Wind exposure
  • Privacy slats
  • Gate size
  • Gate weight
  • Changes in grade

Light framework and shallow holes may lower the first estimate, but they may also increase the chance of movement, leaning, and gate problems. We select materials and installation details based on the project rather than using the same specifications everywhere.

Chain link on sloped ground

It follows uneven ground better than rigid panels

Chain link fencing can often follow uneven ground more closely than rigid prefabricated panels. This makes it useful for properties with hills, drainage areas, and changing grades.

Large gaps under the fence can create problems for small pets. Gate placement also matters because gates need enough clearance to open without dragging against the ground. We review the grade before finalizing the fence and gate layout.

A sloped installation may require attention to

  • Bottom clearance
  • Wire tension
  • Post spacing
  • Gate locations
  • Drainage
  • Soil movement
  • Changes in fence height
  • Pet containment
  • Mowing access
Walk gates, double-drive gates, custom gates

Measure the widest thing that has to get through

Walk gates

A walk gate provides daily access for people, lawn equipment, trash containers, and small tools. Consider whether the gate needs to accommodate:

  • A lawn mower
  • Wheelbarrow
  • Trash containers
  • Pool equipment
  • Garden equipment
  • Bicycles
  • Utility access
  • Small recreational equipment

A gate that is too narrow may become a daily frustration.

Double-drive gates

Double-drive gates provide a wider opening for vehicles, trailers, equipment, and larger yard access. They may be used for:

  • Driveways
  • Trailers
  • Boats
  • Recreational vehicles
  • Landscaping equipment
  • Small tractors
  • Utility access
  • Emergency access

The posts, frame, hinges, latches, and ground conditions must support the wider opening.

Custom chain link gates

Modern Fence Company provides custom gate fabrication for chain link fence projects.

  • Walk gates
  • Double-drive gates
  • Sliding gates
  • Cantilever gates
  • Custom-width gates
  • Gates for sloped openings
  • Vehicle gates
  • Automatic gates

The gate should match the strength of the fence and continue operating correctly through regular use.

Technician servicing an automatic gate operator at a property entrance
Operator sized to the gate
Driveway gates with chain link fencing

Manual or automatic, sized to the actual gate

A driveway gate can be added to a chain link fence to manage vehicle access. The gate may be manual or automatic.

Planning may include

  • Opening width
  • Swing or slide operation
  • Vehicle clearance
  • Trailer access
  • Gate weight
  • Ground slope
  • Support posts
  • Operator capacity
  • Keypad access
  • Remote access
  • Safety devices
  • Emergency access

An automatic operator should be selected for the actual gate size, weight, movement, and expected number of daily uses. Modern Fence Company can coordinate the fence, gate, operator, and access control system.

How a project runs

Our chain link fence installation process

  1. 1

    Initial contact

    Tell us where the property is, the approximate length, how the area will be used, desired height, galvanized or black coating, gate needs, privacy needs and schedule.

  2. 2

    Property visit

    A salesperson reviews the fence line, existing conditions, slope, access, gate locations, visible utilities, drainage and material options.

  3. 3

    Fence specification

    We discuss fence height, wire gauge, coating, posts and rails, gates, privacy slats, removal of existing fencing and security upgrades.

  4. 4

    Written proposal

    We prepare a proposal based on the selected materials, layout, gates, and work included.

  5. 5

    Approval and deposit

    After the proposal and required deposit are received, the project is prepared for scheduling.

  6. 6

    Material ordering and gate planning

    Materials are ordered, and custom gates are measured or planned through our fabrication shop.

  7. 7

    Post installation

    The crew lays out the fence and installs corner posts, gate posts, and line posts. Concrete is allowed to set as needed.

  8. 8

    Framework and fabric

    Rails, braces, fittings, and chain link fabric are installed and tensioned.

  9. 9

    Gate installation

    Walk gates, double-drive gates, sliding gates, or automatic systems are installed and adjusted.

  10. 10

    Cleanup and review

    Project debris is removed and the work area is left lawn-mower ready. A supervisor or salesperson reviews the completed project.

Schedule and scope

No single price per foot

Modern Fence Company does not rely on one price per foot for every chain link project. A useful proposal should explain the fence height, wire, framework, gates, removal, and other work included.

The schedule depends on total length, height, number of gates, gate fabrication, material availability, existing fence removal, ground conditions, rock, weather, property access, privacy slats and current workload. We provide scheduling updates as the installation date approaches.

The final scope may be affected by

  • Total fence length
  • Fence height
  • Wire gauge
  • Galvanized or coated materials
  • Post and rail size
  • Number of gates
  • Gate width
  • Sliding or swinging operation
  • Privacy slats
  • Security upgrades
  • Existing fence removal
  • Rock or difficult soil
  • Slope
  • Drainage
  • Property access
  • Travel distance
  • Permits
  • HOA requirements
Why property owners choose us

What comes with the fence

  • 01

    More than 75 years of experience

    Modern Fence Company has served the region since 1950.

  • 02

    Employee installation crews

    Our fence installations are completed by Modern Fence Company employees rather than unknown subcontracted crews.

  • 03

    Residential through industrial experience

    Our experience with residential, commercial, industrial, municipal, and government fencing helps us properly specify different levels of chain link construction.

  • 04

    In-house gate fabrication

    We fabricate custom gates in our own shop for better control over dimensions, framing, hardware, and operation.

  • 05

    Property-specific planning

    We review the grade, soil, drainage, access, gates, and intended use before finalizing the project.

  • 06

    Clean project completion

    Our crews remove project debris and leave the work area lawn-mower ready.

  • 07

    Workmanship warranty

    Chain link installations include a one-year workmanship warranty for qualifying labor issues caused by our work. Damage from vehicles, storms, animals, soil movement, misuse or outside contractors is not automatically covered. Review our warranty information.

Where we work

Chain link fence installation across
Western Arkansas & Eastern Oklahoma

Modern Fence Company installs residential chain link fencing throughout:

We also serve communities throughout Sebastian, Crawford, Franklin, Logan, Scott, Le Flore, Sequoyah and Haskell counties. Travel charges may apply outside our primary service area.

View our chain link fence projects

Galvanized, black-coated, pet enclosures and custom gates

Visit our project gallery to see completed galvanized chain link, black-coated fencing, pet enclosures, privacy systems, custom gates, and larger perimeter projects. You can also read customer reviews from property owners who have worked with Modern Fence Company.

Common questions

Chain link fence questions

Visit our fencing and access control FAQ for more answers.

Is galvanized or black chain link better?

Both provide practical fencing. Galvanized chain link has a traditional silver finish. Black-coated chain link may blend more naturally into landscaping and residential settings.

What chain link fence height should I choose?

The right height depends on pets, security, privacy, local rules, and how the area will be used.

Can chain link fencing provide privacy?

Yes. Privacy slats can be added to selected chain link systems to reduce visibility.

Are privacy slats completely private?

Not always. The amount of privacy depends on the slat style, fence height, viewing angle, and surrounding property levels.

Can chain link fencing contain dogs?

Yes, when the height, wire, bottom clearance, gates, and layout are appropriate for the dog.

Do you build dog kennels?

We can build chain link enclosures and residential dog areas based on the available space and intended use.

Can you install black-coated chain link?

Yes. Black-coated chain link and matching components are available for selected projects.

Can you build custom chain link gates?

Yes. We fabricate walk gates, double-drive gates, sliding gates, and other custom gate systems.

Can you install an automatic gate with chain link fencing?

Yes. A driveway gate can be added to a chain link fence and may be manual or automatic. The operator is selected for the actual gate size, weight, movement, and expected number of daily uses.

Request a chain link fence estimate

Security and containment without closing off the view

Chain link fencing can provide practical security, pet containment, and clear property boundaries without closing off the view. Our team will help you plan a chain link system that fits the property and expected use.

Tell us

  • Where the property is located
  • The approximate fence length
  • How the fenced area will be used
  • The height you are considering
  • Whether galvanized or black coating is preferred
  • Whether privacy slats are needed
  • The number and width of gates
  • Whether the property is sloped
  • Whether an old fence must be removed
  • Whether pets will use the area
  • Your preferred project timing