US Chain Link Fencing

US Chain Link Fencing

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.

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 OpportunitiesThe 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.

Study Description

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.