Chain Link Fencing

Report Overview

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This study analyzes US demand for chain link fencing by market. Chain link fencing demand is provided in value terms (current US dollars) and in linear feet for the following market segments:

• residential buildings (single-family, multifamily, and manufactured housing)
• commercial buildings:
  • office, trade, and lodging
  • institutional
  • industrial
  • other commercial buildings (e.g., government buildings, utility structures, freight terminals, prisons, and recreational facilities)
• nonbuilding, consisting primarily of power generation and transportation infrastructure

Scope and Summary

Demand is segmented by new and improvement and repair (I&R) for each market.

Also included are pricing per linear foot at the manufacturers’ level and installation cost estimates.

Value data are also provided for demand by material (steel, aluminum) and coating type (metal-coated, polymer-coated).

Historical data for 2009, 2014, and 2019 and forecasts to 2024 and 2029 are presented in millions of dollars and million linear feet.

How will the COVID-19 coronavirus impact the global economy? The Freedonia Group is tracking recent developments and analyzing their impact in an easy to follow Economic Impact Tracker.

Demand for chain link fencing is forecast to increase 2.7% per year to $2.6 billion (231.7 million linear feet) in 2024. Sales growth will be supported by:

• the increased use of chain link fencing in single-family homes, especially for backyards, due to its durability
• the construction of commercial buildings, government agencies, and prisons, some of which require multiple chain link fencing units for security purposes
• comparatively low prices for chain link fencing, which will continue to drive sales of these products over alternative materials

Nonbuilding to Post Largest Sales Increase Among the Major Markets

The nonbuilding market for chain link fencing is projected to outperform the residential and commercial building segments through 2024. Long-term increases in infrastructure and military spending will support sales of chain link fencing for security purposes. Unlike in building markets, aesthetic concerns are much less important than cost and durability in the nonbuilding sector, which limits competition from ornamental metal, wood, and plastic fencing materials.

Polymer-Coated Chain Link Fencing to Continue to See Healthy Growth

Sales of polymer-coated chain link fencing will be driven by increasing consumer recognition of their favorable aesthetic and performance properties. The greater availability of color options for polymer-coated chain link fencing, for instance, will be attractive to homeowners in the residential market seeking more aesthetic but still affordable fencing materials. Consumers are also expected to become more familiar with the performance benefits of polymer-coated chain link, specifically its superior rust resistance.

Short Term Impact from COVID-19 Pandemic Is Mixed

Despite the near-term economic downturn resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for residential chain link fencing will benefit from increased homeowner spending on DIY projects and exterior upgrades that require minimal face-to-face interactions with contractors. A less positive outlook is anticipated for the commercial market, which will be negatively impacted by businesses delaying renovation projects amid falling revenues. The nonbuilding market will be less affected by the pandemic due to the continuation of these construction projects going forward, especially as local, state, and federal governments look to rejuvenate the economy by spending on infrastructure.