Economical, Durable, and Versatile — From Security Perimeters to Dog Runs
Includes materials, professional installation, and cleanup
40-60% less expensive than wood or vinyl while providing equal security
See-through design deters intruders while maintaining sightlines
Most projects completed in 1-2 days vs. 3-5 days for other materials
Galvanized coating resists rust — no painting, staining, or sealing required
Chain link is the go-to solution for businesses across Richmond, Henrico, and Chesterfield needing security, containment, or code compliance.
Richmond and Henrico counties require screening for commercial trash containers. We build code-compliant enclosures with:
Typical Project: Restaurant in Short Pump — 20ft x 12ft enclosure with double gate, vinyl slats, installed in 1 day. Cost: $2,800.
Protect inventory, equipment, and property with professional security fencing:
Typical Project: Self-storage facility in Chesterfield — 800ft of 8ft galvanized fence with 3 automated gates. Cost: $18,000.
Safe containment for pets at homes, boarding facilities, and veterinary clinics:
Typical Project: Backyard dog run in Glen Allen — 20ft x 30ft enclosure, 6ft vinyl-coated fence, shade cover attachment points. Cost: $1,800.
Industry-standard fencing for tennis, pickleball, basketball, and multi-sport courts:
Typical Project: HOA tennis court in Brandermill — 240ft perimeter, 10ft vinyl-coated fence with windscreen. Cost: $7,200.
| Factor | Galvanized Steel | Vinyl-Coated |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $15-20/ft | $18-23/ft |
| Appearance | Industrial silver finish | Green or black — blends with landscaping |
| Lifespan (Richmond climate) | 15-20 years | 20-25 years (coating protects from moisture) |
| Rust Resistance | Good (may show surface rust after 10+ years in humid areas) | Excellent (PVC coating adds moisture barrier) |
| Best For | Industrial sites, utility areas, temporary fencing, budget-conscious projects | Residential dog runs, HOA properties, playgrounds, anywhere aesthetics matter |
| HOA Acceptance | Rarely approved for front yards; sometimes allowed for rear utility areas | More likely to be approved (especially green in wooded communities) |
For residential applications or any property where aesthetics matter (HOAs, schools, churches), vinyl-coated is worth the 15-20% upcharge. Richmond's humid summers (85%+ humidity) and clay soil moisture accelerate rust on exposed steel. The PVC coating extends lifespan by 5+ years and maintains curb appeal.
For purely functional applications (behind commercial buildings, equipment yards, temporary construction fencing), galvanized steel is the most economical choice.
Chain link doesn't have to be see-through. Privacy slats transform your fence into an 80-95% visual barrier while maintaining airflow — ideal for pool areas, dog runs, and commercial properties.
Cost: Add $5-7/ft to base fence price
Cost: Add $6-8/ft to base fence price
Cost: Add $4-6/ft to base fence price
Richmond's heavy clay soil requires adjusted post-setting techniques. We use:
Chain link tension physics require different post sizes for corners/ends vs. straight runs:
Many DIY installations fail within 2-3 years because they use uniform post sizes, leading to corner failure and sagging. Evergreen follows ASTM F567 standards for all chain link projects.
We install continuous top rail on all fences 4ft+ for rigidity and longevity:
Richmond metro has dense underground utilities — especially in Short Pump, Glen Allen, and Midlothian. We coordinate 811 locates before every project and:
For construction sites, special events, or short-term property protection, we offer temporary chain link panel systems:
Rental: $3-5 per panel per week
Purchase: $75-100 per panel
Common Uses: Construction site perimeters (OSHA compliance), pool installations (temporary barrier during construction), event crowd control, parking lot demarcation, demolition safety zones.
We use 9-gauge or heavier wire (not 11-gauge "residential grade" sold at big box stores). Thicker wire = longer lifespan and better security.
We use come-along ratchets and stretcher bars to achieve uniform 50-60lb tension across the entire fence run — eliminating waves and sags.
We handle all permit applications for Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield, and Hanover counties — including dumpster enclosures, perimeter security, and pool fencing.
Most residential projects (under 200ft) are completed in 1 day. Larger commercial projects typically finish in 2-4 days — minimal disruption to your operations.
Virginia Class A Contractor License. $2M general liability and workers' comp coverage — protecting you from on-site accidents.
3-year workmanship warranty on all installations. Materials carry manufacturer warranties (10-20 years depending on coating type).
Galvanized chain link: 15-20 years with minimal maintenance. May show surface rust after 10+ years in humid areas or near wooded properties. Vinyl-coated chain link: 20-25 years. The PVC coating provides extra moisture protection, which is valuable in Richmond's humid subtropical climate (average summer humidity 85%+). Proper installation (deep post-setting in clay soil, adequate drainage) is critical to achieving maximum lifespan.
Technically yes, but we don't recommend it for most homeowners. The difficulty isn't in the materials (available at Lowe's/Home Depot) — it's in achieving proper tension and correct post-setting. DIY chain link often sags within 1-2 years because: (1) Posts aren't deep enough for Richmond's clay soil and frost line (36 inches required), (2) Fabric isn't tensioned uniformly (needs 50-60lbs of pull with specialized tools), (3) Corner/terminal posts aren't sized correctly (need to be oversized to absorb tension). A poorly installed fence will cost more long-term due to repairs. Professional installation typically costs $15-25/ft installed — DIY materials alone run $8-12/ft, meaning you're paying $3-13/ft for expert labor, proper tools, and warranty protection.
It depends on your specific HOA and the fence location. Front yards: Rarely approved in Richmond metro HOAs (Wellesley, Brandermill, Woodlake, Magnolia Green all prohibit front-yard chain link). Backyards (behind the home): Often allowed if vinyl-coated (green or black) and includes privacy slats. Some HOAs permit chain link only for dog runs or utility areas not visible from the street. Always submit your ARC application before installation. Evergreen can provide specifications, material samples, and renderings to support your HOA application. We have a 90%+ approval rate for backyard vinyl-coated chain link in Chesterfield and Henrico County HOAs when we assist with the submission.
Yes, when properly designed. Key considerations: Height: Use 6ft for large or athletic breeds (Labs, German Shepherds, Huskies) that can jump. 4-5ft is adequate for small to medium breeds. Dig prevention: Add a bottom rail or bury 4-6 inches of mesh underground to stop diggers. Gate latches: Use self-latching gates with paw-proof latches (mount 54+ inches high or use gravity latches dogs can't manipulate). Fabric strength: 9-gauge wire minimum — lighter gauge wire can be bent by determined dogs. Avoid sharp edges: Ensure all cut edges are capped or crimped (we include this in all installations). Chain link is one of the safest fencing options for dogs because they can see through it (reducing anxiety) and it's extremely difficult to chew through (unlike wood).
Very minimal. Annual tasks: Inspect for loose fittings or ties (tighten as needed), check gate hinges and latches (lubricate with WD-40), trim vegetation growing into fence. Every 3-5 years: Inspect for rust spots on galvanized fences (touch up with rust-inhibiting spray paint if needed), check post stability (tighten if loose in ground). Every 10+ years: Consider replacing gate hardware (hinges/latches wear faster than fence fabric). Vinyl-coated fences need even less maintenance — the PVC coating prevents rust, so you typically only need to inspect gates and fasteners. No staining, painting, or sealing required unlike wood fences. Hose off accumulated dirt/pollen once a year to maintain appearance.
Yes, chain link is compliant when installed to Virginia pool fence standards (ISPSC 2021). Requirements: Height: 48 inches minimum (we recommend 54 inches for extra safety margin). Mesh spacing: 2-inch diamond pattern is compliant (max 1.75 inches per code, but 2" is standard and acceptable). Bottom clearance: Max 2 inches from ground (we set at 1 inch). Gates: Self-closing, self-latching with latch mounted 54+ inches from ground. Climb-resistance: No horizontal rails within 45 inches of top (we use vertical tension wire system instead). Chain link is popular for pools because it's see-through (allows supervision), budget-friendly, and quick to install. However, many homeowners prefer aluminum ornamental for aesthetics. See our pool fence compliance page for detailed requirements.
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Serving Richmond, Short Pump, Chesterfield, Henrico, Midlothian, Glen Allen, Mechanicsville & Hanover County