Elevation F-2: chain link with top rail and tension wire
Galvanized or black vinyl-coated mesh on steel posts set in concrete. It is the least expensive way to fence a yard or keep a dog in, and built right, it stays straight for decades.
Galvanized chain link is the classic silver fence, and zinc coating holds up well in a dry climate like ours. Black vinyl-coated mesh costs more, but it nearly disappears against a yard, and the coating adds a second layer of protection over the steel.
For a backyard dog run or a work area, galvanized is the practical pick. Along a front yard or anywhere you look at the fence every day, most people are glad they paid for black.
Chain link's big advantage in Del Rio is that wind goes right through it. A solid fence catches every gust of a spring storm; open mesh barely notices. That is also why we are careful about privacy slats: they turn an open fence into a sail, and the posts have to be set to match.
Corner, end, and gate posts carry all the tension in the mesh, so they are heavier than line posts and set deeper in concrete. On rocky lots, we bore those holes with a rock bit rather than setting them shallow, which is the difference between a fence that stays tight and one that sags between posts after a year.
A tension wire along the bottom keeps the mesh from being pushed out, and if your dog is a digger, it is the first thing we recommend.
Lower numbers mean thicker wire. For residential yards, 9 or 11 gauge is the right range; the thinner light-duty mesh sold for weekend installs dents and stretches.
Four feet is standard for front yards and small dogs. Five and six feet suit larger dogs and backyard security.
Walk gates and double drive gates are built from the same framework and hung on heavier posts. For wide openings on acreage, see ranch fencing.
Chain link is treated like any other new fence inside Del Rio city limits: a new fence needs a permit, and so does replacing or repairing half or more of an existing one. We handle the application.
Outside city limits, the city permit doesn't apply. See the Del Rio permit guide for details.
Galvanized is less expensive and holds up well in our dry climate. Black vinyl-coated costs more but blends into the yard and adds a second protective layer over the steel. Most people choose black for front yards and galvanized for backyard dog runs.
Better than almost any fence type, because wind passes straight through open mesh. The weak point is the posts, so we set corner and end posts heavier and deeper, boring through rock where needed.
You can, but slats turn open mesh into a solid surface that catches wind. If you want slats, tell us before we build so we can set the posts for that load. If privacy is the main goal, a wood privacy fence is usually the better buy.
A bottom tension wire keeps the mesh from being pushed out, and it is standard on our dog fences. For persistent diggers, we can add a concrete mow strip or bury a wire apron along the fence line.
Inside city limits, a new chain link fence needs a permit, just like wood or iron. Repairs to less than half of an existing fence do not. We file the permit for you.