Pros and Cons of Chain Link Fencing
When you begin researching a new fence, chain-link is often the first option that comes to mind for pure utility. It’s a staple of the American landscape—found in everything from backyard dog runs to high-security highway projects. But in recent years, chain-link has undergone a significant “professional grade” evolution.
At Midwest Fence, we’ve been installing chain-link in the Twin Cities since 1947. We know that while it’s often viewed as a “budget” choice, it is actually one of the most durable containment systems available—if it’s built correctly. Choosing the right chain-link system is an ideal way to protect your property while maintaining an open feel that many homeowners find more desirable than a solid wall.
The Pros of Chain Link Fencing
1. Unbeatable Visibility and Safety
If your primary goal is keeping children or pets safely inside your yard without blocking your view of the neighborhood, chain-link fencing is the gold standard. Unlike a solid privacy fence, you can keep an eye on your kids from inside the house while they play. This “checked box” for safety and visibility is a key factor that potential buyers look for when evaluating a family home.
2. The Aesthetic Fix: “Heavy Mill” Vinyl Coating
The biggest complaint about chain-link is usually the “industrial” silver look. However, we utilize a Heavy Mill Vinyl Coating (available in black and green) that completely changes the personality of the fence. This isn’t just a thin spray; it is a durable, thick coating that makes the fence blend seamlessly into your landscaping. In fact, our vinyl coating is the only one accepted by MnDOT for highway projects because of its extreme durability—a level of quality we bring directly to your backyard.
3. Long-Term Durability and Value
Chain-link is a “set it and forget it” solution. Our systems carry a 15-year warranty, though they easily outlast that timeframe with minimal care. Because we buy our wire and pipe by the semi-load, we can offer the best price and guarantee that we have the inventory in stock at our South St. Paul yard to repair your fence a decade down the road if a tree limb falls on it.
The Cons of Chain Link Fencing
1. The Climbability Factor
A common concern with standard 2-inch chain-link is that it can be easy for kids or intruders to climb. Midwest Fence offers a Mini-Mesh option (with 1-inch or 1.25-inch openings) that makes it virtually impossible to get a toe-hold. It provides the security of a solid wall with the airflow of a standard fence.
2. Lack of Privacy
By design, chain-link is see-through. While this is great for visibility, it isn’t ideal for privacy. We solve this by offering high-density polyethylene (HDPE) slats that can be inserted into the mesh. This customization allows us to tailor the fence to your specific needs, ensuring your backyard remains a private sanctuary without the maintenance of a wood fence.
Midwest Fence Builds to Last (Unlike Competitors Who Take Shortcuts)
Midwest Fence understands that the most frequent reason chain-link fences fail is the foundations, which is why we do not take shortcuts like “driven pipes” to cut costs; instead, we build to last.
While many contractors simply pound a thin metal pipe into the dirt, Midwest Fence anchors every post in a 42-inch deep concrete footing. In Minnesota’s heavy clay soil, a “driven” pipe will eventually shift and lean under the weight of the snow or the pull of the mesh. We dig deep to get below the frost line, ensuring your fence lines stay perfectly straight through decades of freeze-thaw cycles. This structural integrity is what allows us to build “immediately next to the lot line” with total confidence, helping you maximize every inch of your land.
Chain-Link Comparison: At a Glance
| Feature | Midwest Professional Grade | Retail / Bargain Grade |
| Coating | Heavy Mill Vinyl (MnDOT Grade) | Thin Galvanization (Prone to rust) |
| Security | Mini-Mesh Options Available | Standard 2″ mesh only |
| Foundation | 42″ Deep-Set Concrete | Driven Pipe (Prone to leaning) |
| Installation | In-house Employees (No Subs) | Often Subcontracted |
We invite you to visit our 7-acre showroom in South St. Paul to see the difference between standard galvanized steel and our premium black vinyl-coated systems. You can perform the “Touch Test” yourself and see why we have been the region’s trusted fence authority since 1947. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Midwest Fence for a free consultation. Call 651-451-2222 today!