The price of chain link mesh is only one part of a chain link fence.
A complete fence can also require posts, straining wire, binding wire, concrete, a gate, transport and labour. Comparing only the advertised price of a roll often produces a budget that is too low.
Start with the perimeter
Measure the full boundary in metres.
For common Kenyan plot sizes:
| Plot size | Approximate perimeter |
|---|---|
| 50 by 100 ft | 91 m |
| 100 by 100 ft | 122 m |
| Square half acre | about 181 m |
| Square acre | about 255 m |
These are estimates. The surveyed shape of the property determines the real perimeter.
How many rolls do you need?
Many chain link products are sold in rolls, but roll lengths vary.
If your supplier sells 30 metre rolls:
- 50 by 100 plot: about 4 rolls
- 100 by 100 plot: about 5 rolls
- square half acre: about 7 rolls
- square acre: about 9 rolls
Those figures allow some margin rather than assuming every last metre can be used perfectly.
Height and gauge matter
Two rolls with the same length can have very different prices.
Check:
- fence height
- wire gauge or thickness
- coating
- mesh opening size
- roll length
A quote for a lighter residential mesh should not be compared directly with a heavier product intended for more demanding use.
Posts can change the budget
At 3 metre spacing, a 91 metre perimeter needs roughly 31 posts. At 2.5 metre spacing, it needs roughly 37.
Concrete, timber and steel posts have different purchase and installation costs.
Corner posts and gate posts may need to be heavier than intermediate posts.
Do not forget the installation items
A useful quote should make clear whether it includes:
- mesh
- posts
- post holes
- concrete
- straining wire
- binding wire
- gate
- transport
- labour
If one contractor includes all eight and another quotes only mesh and labour, the lower number is not necessarily the cheaper job.
Example: 50 by 100 plot
A 50 by 100 plot has an approximate perimeter of 91 metres.
With 30 metre rolls, budget around four rolls. At 3 metre post spacing, budget around 31 posts plus stronger corner and gate posts where required.
That gives you a bill of quantities you can take to several suppliers and installers.
For a broader comparison of fencing methods, see cost of fencing a 50 by 100 plot and cost of fencing one acre.
