Vinyl and chain link fence installation
Two fence types that need almost no upkeep, for very different jobs.
If you don't want to stain a fence every few years, vinyl and chain link are the usual answers. Vinyl gives you a finished look and real privacy. Chain link gives you a tough, see-through barrier that keeps dogs and kids in for less money.
How do they compare?
| Fence | Good for | Things to know |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl privacy | Backyards where you want privacy without staining | Solid panels catch wind; posts and reinforcement matter |
| Vinyl picket or rail | Front yards, gardens, a tidy border | Check the city's front yard height rules |
| Galvanized chain link | Dogs, kids, side yards, budget runs | Very durable; plain look |
| Black-coated chain link | Blending into a yard or view | Costs more than plain galvanized |
| Chain link with slats | Adding some privacy to chain link | Slats add wind load |
Vinyl in a Montana winter
Vinyl gets stiffer in the cold, so a quality product and proper installation matter. Ask about the wall thickness of posts and rails, whether posts get metal inserts or concrete fill, and how gates are reinforced so they don't sag. Bright white vinyl also shows dirt from snowmelt and road spray, so some people choose tan or gray.
Chain link for dogs
For dogs, ask about a bottom tension wire or bottom rail so the fence can't be pushed out underneath, and a height that matches how high your dog jumps. Self-closing, self-latching gates help when kids are coming and going.
Pool and code requirements
Fences that serve as pool barriers have their own requirements, and fences in Missoula city limits need a city permit. If the fence has a code job to do, tell the contractor before they quote.
The contractor prices the job after walking the fence line, checking the ground, the slope and any gates, and hearing what the fence needs to do. We don't quote prices, and a number given over the phone before anyone has seen the property is only a ballpark.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
Does vinyl fencing crack in Missoula's cold?
Lower-quality vinyl can get brittle in the cold. A heavier product, good post reinforcement and avoiding impacts in winter all help.
Can chain link keep deer out?
A standard 4-foot chain link fence won't stop a determined deer. For a garden, ask about a taller deer fence instead.
Related services
More background: Missoula fence guide.
Need a yard fenced, a gate fixed or a leaning run replaced?
Call now and a local fence contractor will come walk the line and quote the job.