US Chain Link Fencing

Report Overview

What factors will benefit the residential market?

• Pet ownership trends

• Outdoor living preferences

This study analyzes US demand for chain link fencing by market (residential, commercial, and nonbuilding), material (steel and aluminum), coating type (metal-coated and polymer-coated) and region (Northeast, Midwest, South, West). Residential market coverage includes demand by application (new construction vs. improvement and repair) and housing type (single-family, multifamily and manufactured housing). Commercial market coverage includes demand by application (new construction vs. improvement and repair) and building type (office-trade-lodging, institutional, industrial and other). Historical data (2012, 2017, and 2022) and forecasts for 2027 and 2032 are presented for chain link fencing demand in current US dollars (including inflation) and in linear feet.

Featuring 35 tables and 14 figures – available in Excel and Powerpoint! Learn More

Demand for chain link fencing is forecast to increase 1.0% per year to 225 million linear feet in 2027, valued at $3.9 billion. Going forward, market gains in real terms will be supported by:

• the ongoing popularity of installing chain link fencing at single-family homes, especially in backyards, due to its cost and durability

• growth in the construction of places such as military installations, correctional facilities and airports, most of which require multiple chain link fencing units for security purposes

However, a number of factors will restrain stronger growth, including:

• minimal increases in the construction of warehouses, as chain link fencing is frequently used on the grounds of these buildings

• competition from ornamental fencing, particularly in the building construction markets, as ornamental products can provide the security of chain link fencing while being considered more aesthetically pleasing

In value terms, market advances will be supported by increasing usage of higher value products such as polymer-coated chain link fencing. However, this shift will restrain real growth in the future as these products are more durable than most fencing types, restricting the need for more frequent replacement.

Pet Ownership & Outdoor Living to Boost the Residential Market

The residential market will remain the largest market for chain link fencing, with growth resulting from increasing improvement and repair activity, influenced by:

• the continued popularity of outdoor living, which often leads to fences being erected around backyards – chain link fencing offering an economical fencing solution for more budget-conscious homeowners

• widespread pet ownership, which often results in parts of or the entire perimeter of a housing lot to be surrounded by fencing

However, chain link fencing’s less desirable appearance can be a drag on property values in some cases. As such, it sees intense competition in the residential market from products perceived as being more aesthetically pleasing, such as ornamental and picket fences. In addition, wireless pet fencing has become a popular alternative to physical fencing, further restraining demand.

Nonbuilding Market to Provide Growth Opportunities

The nonbuilding market for chain link fencing is projected to see gains through 2027. 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.

Historical Market Trends

Demand for chain link fencing can vary considerably from year to year, determined by several factors primarily related to trends in construction spending and new home sales. Specific factors impacting annual chain link fencing demand include:

• the size and age of the US housing stock

• trends in average property size

• levels of housing starts, particularly in the single-family housing segment, and existing home sales

• the number and types of commercial buildings erected or repaired in any given year

• levels of home renovation activity

• interest rates – low interest rates may encourage home and business owners to take out lines of credit to fund new fence installations or repairs

• construction and renovation of correctional facilities and military installations

In addition, a number of other variables can affect demand for chain link fencing in a particular year or over a short-term period, such as:

• changes in the price of raw materials that can cause the per-square cost of fencing materials to increase or decrease sharply

• consumer preferences for stay-at-home activities such as gardening, swimming, or outside entertaining, which may require fencing for security or privacy

Demand by Market

Chain link fencing can be installed around houses, businesses, government buildings, and other facilities to provide perimeter security. In some structures – such as residences – a single fence may be installed, while in others – such as prisons and government agencies – multiple chain link fencing units can be used to provide several layers of security.

The residential market will experience the best growth opportunities despite a decline in new housing construction. Demand in the remodeling market will be driven by increasing interest in outdoor living activities, as well as a rise in pet ownership, as chain link fencing is a relatively inexpensive option for pet owners to keep their pets unleashed and on their property.

Real demand growth in the commercial market will be minimal, although it will represent a rebound from the pandemic-related declines of the previous period. Growth will occur in the industrial segment as the manufacture of both durable and nondurable goods rise, necessitating new factories or expansions to existing facilities. Growth will also be boosted by increased infrastructure spending on transportation-related facilities such as airports and freight terminals.