Chain link is the workhorse fence — affordable, see-through, tough and quick to install. Around Lakewood it fences dog yards, defines rental property lines, secures commercial lots and holds up for decades with almost no upkeep. The finish and the hardware are where quality shows.
We install galvanized chain link where budget and durability lead, and black vinyl-coated chain link where looks matter — the black mesh practically disappears against a yard and resists corrosion. Either way, we specify the gauge, framework, posts, gates and fittings so you know what you are getting.

Galvanized or Black Vinyl-Coated?
Galvanized chain link is the classic silver mesh — the most economical and extremely durable. Black (or green) vinyl-coated chain link adds a bonded coating that looks better, blends into landscaping and adds corrosion protection, which is worth it near damp, shaded or lakefront lines.
Chain Link Uses Around Lakewood
- Dog and pet yards where visibility and a chew-proof barrier matter.
- Rental and turnover properties that need a durable, low-cost line fast.
- Commercial lots, storage yards and ballfields with matching gates.
- Privacy slats or screen added to an open run for a cheaper privacy option.

Repairs and Add-Ons
We also repair damaged chain link — a bent top rail, a torn mesh section or a sagging gate — instead of replacing a whole run when the rest is sound. And when privacy becomes the goal, slats, screen or hedge inserts can turn an existing chain link fence into a screened one.
Gauges, Framework and Fittings
Not all chain link is equal, and the parts you cannot see decide how long it lasts. The mesh gauge (how thick the wire is) sets the strength, the framework (terminal posts, line posts, top rail) carries the load, and the fittings and tension wire keep the fabric tight. A light residential kit from a big-box store and a heavier commercial build can look the same from the street and perform nothing alike. We specify the gauge, post size, rail and fittings on the estimate so you know what you are paying for.
- Residential grade for home yards, pets and simple property lines.
- Heavier commercial gauge and framework for lots, yards and high-traffic gates.
- Bottom tension wire or a bottom rail to stop dogs pushing under.
- Top rail or top tension wire depending on height and use.
Commercial, Sports and Dog-Yard Chain Link
Chain link earns its keep where visibility and durability beat looks. Around the South Sound that means storage yards and commercial lots along the Fife and Frederickson corridors, ballfield and sport-court enclosures, and plenty of backyard dog runs. Each has its own spec: taller fabric and barbed or three-strand tops for security, backstop framing for ballfields, and tight mesh with a secured bottom for dogs. We build to the job rather than installing one residential kit everywhere.
Privacy Add-Ons and Repairs
An open chain link fence does not have to stay open. Privacy slats woven through the mesh, a hedge insert or a windscreen panel turn it into a screened fence for a fraction of a wood rebuild — a popular move for rentals and side yards. We also repair chain link rather than replacing a whole run when the posts are sound: a bent top rail, a torn section of fabric, a loose tension wire or a sagging gate can usually be fixed on its own.
What Chain Link Costs
Chain link is usually the most affordable fence by the foot, which is exactly why gauge and framework matter — the cheapest bid often skimps on the parts that keep it standing. Height, gauge, galvanized vs vinyl-coated, the number of gates and any tear-out all move the price. As general market context, chain link in the region runs roughly $15–$30 per linear foot installed before adders; we quote your exact run, gates and removal in writing.
How a Chain Link Fence Goes In
Chain link looks simple, but a fence that stays tight and square for decades comes down to the framework and how the mesh is stretched. Here is how we set it.
- Locate the line and corners, then request the Washington 811 utility locate before digging.
- Set terminal (end, corner and gate) posts in concrete first — they carry the tension of the whole run.
- Set the line posts to height, then run the top rail and, where specified, a bottom rail or tension wire.
- Hang and stretch the mesh tight along the framework so it will not sag or bow.
- Fit tension bands, bars and fittings, then hang the gates with the right latches and hardware.
- Walk the line, check tension and gate swing, and clear the site.
Choosing the Right Chain Link Height
Height does more than you might think. A 4-foot fence marks a boundary and keeps small dogs in a front yard; a 5- or 6-foot fence is the backyard standard for larger dogs and basic security; and commercial and industrial lots run taller, sometimes with a barbed or three-strand top where the jurisdiction allows it. On a residential lot the front-yard and corner limits are lower for sight distance, so we confirm what the City of Lakewood or Pierce County allows for your address before we build. We also build taller specialty runs — ballfield backstops, batting-cage and sport-court enclosures — where the mesh and framing carry a very different load than a backyard fence.
Why Choose Us for Chain Link in Lakewood
Chain link is where corners get cut — a light residential kit stretched over flimsy posts looks fine on day one and leans within a season. We spec the gauge, framework and fittings to the job, whether it is a dog yard off Parkland or a secured commercial lot near Frederickson. Creative Effects has fenced Lakewood since 2017; we are a registered Washington contractor (L&I #CREATEL809CL), insured and bonded, and rated 4.6★ on Google. You get a straight quote that lists exactly what you are paying for.
Get a Free On-Site Fence Estimate
Talk to a local Lakewood fence pro. We'll look at your line, your soil and your gates—then quote it in writing.
- Insured & Bonded
- WA L&I #CREATEL809CL
- 4.6★ on Google (51 reviews)
- Free Estimates
- Serving Lakewood since 2017
Chain Link Fence FAQs
- Both last a long time; galvanized is the most economical and black vinyl-coated adds a bonded coating that resists corrosion and looks better, which helps on damp or lakefront lines. The coating also makes the mesh nearly disappear against a yard.

