Adding a color coating to a chain link fence makes is look nicer and allows it to blend in better with its surroundings. Black chain link fences are the most popular of the available colors.
Green, Brown and White are other popular color choices. Even custom colors are available for addition setup charges. But black is the most popular.
It blends in well with most surroundings. Virtually disappearing in wooded lots where shadows are cast by trees. The black color goes well with almost any color of house.
In Northern climates during winter months, when nothing else is green, it looks much better than green chain link fence against the white background of snow.
It simply takes away the commercial loo that is associated with chain link fences.
What is Black Chain Link Fence?
Black chain link fence gets its color from a vinyl coating. The wire for the fence is coated with the vinyl coating before the weaving process is started.
This adds to the overall thickness of the wire used. Known as the gauge of the fence.
Individual strands of wire get woven together in diamond pattern. They form a mesh, known as “fabric”. There are three methods of coating the wire used for fabric know as Extruded, Extruded and Bonded, and Fused and Bonded.
Extruded Fabric
Fabric with extruded wire is a process where a polymer coating is pulled over the wire used to build the vinyl coated chain link mesh.
Extruded coatings are thicker than fused and bonded coatings. This makes the wire mesh slightly thicker.
It is the least expensive way to add color to the fence. Extruded black fabric is often chosen for residential applications.
However, taller heights are available for commercial applications.
Extruded and Bonded Fabric
Vinyl coated chain link fabric that is extruded and bonded uses the same process as extruded fence. However, it also includes an adhesive to glue the coating to the wire.
This helps prevent peeling or cracking over time. Mainly used for commercial projects, most fence companies don’t even offer this type of coating to homeowners.
Fused and Bonded Chain Link Fence Fabric
Fused and bonded vinyl coated chain link fence uses a process to actually fuse the polymer coating to the wire.
While it is the thinest of the coatings, it is also the strongest.
The coating can take more abuse than the others and is the least likely to peel or crack. As a result, it is also the most expensive.
Black Framework and Fittings
Fittings for Chain Link Fence Post
The posts and rails, called the “framework” can also have the black color on a chain link fence. The components used to attach the vinyl coated chain link fabric to the framework and the gates to the posts are called “fittings”.
Fittings can also be coated to match the fence. The pipe used for the framework and the fittings are coated in two different ways. The processes are called Light mil finish and heavy mil finish.
Light Mil Finish for Vinyl Coated Chain Link Fence
Light mil finishes on black chain link fence is a process of coating the pipe and fittings almost like powder coating.
Speaking in general terms, the coating is sprayed on and dries hard to the touch. Because light mil finishes are sprayed, it is thinner than heavy mil finishes.
Heavy Mil Finish for Vinyl Coated Chain Link Fence
Heavy mil finish is another way of coating the framework and fittings for chain link fence. In this process, colored powder is applied and baked on.
Heavy mil coatings are thicker and have more of a rubbery feeling.
So which one is better? They are both good. It really comes down to there are just two different ways to coat the pipe and fittings.
Both methods are widely used and expected as industry standards. Where your fence contractor purchases material from may determine wether they offer light mil or heavy mil coatings.
Where is Black Chain Link Fence Found?
You can find black chain link fence installed in many places and for all sorts of applications. Anywhere a galvanized chain link fence would be needed, the black colored fence can be used as well.
The primary reasons for choosing a colored fence over galvanized fence is because it blends in better and takes away the commercial look of chain link fence.
So let’s take a look at some applications where you might find a black chain link fence.
Residential Fence Applications
4′ Tall Black Chain Link
Take a drive through most neighborhoods and there’s a good chance you’ll see a chain link fence. But why? Why do homeowners choose chain link fences over other types?
The number one reason is the are more affordable. Chain link fences are great for keeping children and pets safe and secure. For fencing in swimming pools and gardens. Or sometimes just to establish property lines.
Homeowners choose black vinyl chain link because it is less obtrusive than the silver galvanized fence. Furthermore, city codes or home owners associations may prohibit the use of it.
As result, you are left to choose a color. As we mentioned before, black is the most popular.
Commercial and Industrial Applications
Heavy Commercial Grade Black Chain Link Fence
Black chain link fence isn’t just for homes and yards. Public parks and swimming pools are popular places to find it.
Athletic fields such as baseball and football fields use black vinyl coated chain link fence. Even large factories and businesses that surround their perimeters use it for security reasons.
Because chain link fence is more affordable than other fencing options, it used for large properties covering long lengths.
Because it is maintenance free, engineers and architects love to use it in their specifications for building project. Once it is installed, simply forget about it.
Does it Cost More?
In short, yes. However, maybe not as much as you think depending on the configuration of your fence.
There are two methods of incorporating the black color into a your fence. The first is to use black chain link fabric on galvanized framework. The second is an all black vinyl coated system.
Black Vinyl Coated Fabric on Galvanized Framework
This is when posts, top rails, fittings, and gate frames are silver in color with the fabric being black. With this method, the price could be the same as a galvanized fence, or maybe slightly more.
The reason comes down to the gauge (or thickness) of the fabric. Black residential fabric has a 9 gauge thickness.
Usually extruded wire (see above) this means the actual wire core has a measurement of 11 gauge, when coated, brings it to a 9 gauge finish. BTW, the smaller the gauge number, the larger the diameter.
But 9 gauge galvanized fabric uses straight 9 gauge core wire. The cost of the thicker galvanized wire in many cases offsets the cost of the vinyl coated fabric with thinner core.
So in this case, the price can stay the same. If anything $1.00 per linear foot more than all galvanized would be an executable up charge.
All Black Vinyl Coated Chain Link Fence
All black vinyl coated fence means that every component of the fence is coated black. This does cost more than a galvanized fence or the vinyl coated fabric only option above.
Coating the fittings and framework does add quite a bit more. However, choosing to upgrade your chain link fence to this option is still less expensive than choosing another material to have your fence built from.
It’s hard to give a per foot price on how much more. The layout out your fence, how many end posts, corner posts, and gate posts (known as terminals) can also greatly effect the price.
The number of gates will too. In my opinion however, the up charge is worth the investment if you can afford it.
For a more ornamental looking black fence, checkout our aluminum fence guide!!!
