The Complete Guide to Commercial Chain Link Fencing

Why Commercial Chain Link Fencing Remains a Top Choice for Melbourne Businesses

Commercial chain link fencing is one of the most practical and cost-effective security solutions for Australian businesses. It offers excellent value through its combination of affordability, durability and versatility, making it a top choice for securing commercial properties across Melbourne.

Key benefits of commercial chain link fencing:

• Cost-effective – An affordable solution for securing large perimeters, with installations starting around $75 per linear metre.

• Durable – Galvanised steel construction resists corrosion and withstands Melbourne’s variable weather for decades.

• Quick Installation – Faster to install than most alternative fencing types, minimising disruption to your business.

• Low Maintenance – Requires only occasional washing to stay in top condition, with no need for painting or staining.

• High Visibility – The open weave allows clear sightlines, which is ideal for security monitoring and surveillance cameras.

• Customisable – Available in multiple heights, colours and security configurations to suit your specific needs.

Independent research by the Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute shows that properly installed galvanised chain link systems regularly last 20–25 years, even in harsh climates. That longevity, combined with low upkeep, is a big reason they remain the go-to choice for commercial security projects worldwide.

With over a decade of experience, our team at Make Fencing has helped countless Melbourne businesses choose the right commercial chain link fencing solutions. From simple perimeter fences to complex security installations with automated gates, we know how to deliver excellent value while meeting strict commercial requirements.

What are the primary applications of commercial chain link fencing?

One of the greatest strengths of commercial chain link fencing is its versatility. It’s a reliable solution for a wide range of environments, from industrial zones in Dandenong South to school grounds in Bayswater.

Common applications include:

• Warehouses and Industrial Sites: Secures large perimeters, controls access and protects assets without obstructing surveillance.

• Construction Sites: Provides a flexible and secure temporary barrier for equipment and materials.

• Car Parks and Equipment Yards: Offers a visible deterrent and clear boundary for monitoring vehicles and valuable outdoor assets.

• Sports Facilities: Ideal for local footy ovals, tennis courts and backstops, keeping the game contained without blocking the view for spectators.

• Schools and Public Spaces: Creates a safe, durable and low-maintenance boundary for playgrounds and perimeters.

• Utility and High-Security Sites: Can be improved with features like barbed wire to provide robust security for critical infrastructure.

To see how we approach securing different types of properties, visit our page on Security Fences for Commercial Properties in Melbourne.

What are the key components and materials used in commercial chain link fencing?

Understanding the anatomy of commercial chain link fencing helps appreciate its strength. Each component is crucial for creating a robust, long-lasting barrier.

The primary components include:

• Chain Link Mesh (Fabric): The woven wire barrier, typically made from 9-gauge galvanised steel for commercial-grade strength and corrosion resistance.

• Steel Posts: The galvanised steel framework, including stronger terminal posts for ends and corners, and line posts for intermediate support.

• Top Rail: A continuous pipe along the top of the fence that provides rigidity and support.

• Fittings: Galvanised hardware like tension bands, ties and post caps that hold the system securely together.

• Tension Wire: A heavy-gauge wire along the bottom of the fence to keep the mesh taut and prevent it from being lifted.

By using high-quality, galvanised components like heavy-duty Schedule 40 pipe, we ensure our installations are not just effective barriers but also long-term investments. Learn more about our quality materials on our Commercial Fencing Melbourne page.

Specifications and Customisation Options

What are the different types of chain link fencing available for commercial use?

The standard is galvanised chain link fencing, recognised by its silvery-grey finish. The zinc coating provides excellent protection against rust and corrosion, making it a durable workhorse for Melbourne’s weather. For most commercial jobs, we use a strong 9-gauge wire woven into a 2-inch diamond pattern.

If you’re looking for a more polished appearance, vinyl-coated chain link fencing is an excellent choice. This type features a PVC coating over the galvanised steel core, adding another layer of weather protection and softening the industrial look.

Popular colour options include:

• Black: This is the most popular choice as it tends to blend into the background, making the fence less obtrusive.

• Green: Works well for schools, parks or sports facilities where you want the fence to blend with the surrounding landscape.

• Brown: Offers an earthy tone that suits many commercial and natural settings.

To complete the look, we can apply a durable powder-coated finish to the posts and rails, creating a uniform appearance that matches your chosen mesh colour.

How can you improve security or privacy with commercial chain link fences?

One of the best features of commercial chain link fencing is its adaptability. We can easily add features to improve security or privacy for your Melbourne property.

Key improvements include:

• Barbed Wire: Adding three strands of barbed wire is a highly effective and common way to deter climbing, creating a more formidable barrier.

• Razor Wire: For high-security sites, razor wire provides a maximum-level deterrent against intrusion.

• Privacy Slats: If you need to block the view into a storage yard or waste area, PVC slats can be woven through the mesh to create a visual screen.

• Smaller Mesh Size: Using a smaller diamond pattern makes the fence harder to climb and more resistant to being cut.

• Increased Height: Simply increasing the fence height to 8, 10 or 12 feet is a powerful deterrent against casual trespassers.

• Tack Welding: For sensitive industrial sites, welding the fittings creates a permanent structure that cannot be easily tampered with.

We can combine these features to create the perfect solution for your business. For more ideas, see our guide on What Type of Fencing is Best for Security.

What are the typical heights and gate options for commercial chain link fences?

Getting the height and access points right is crucial for any commercial chain link fencing project. We offer a wide range of options to suit your property’s functional requirements.

Fence Heights While 4-foot fences are common for residential use, commercial properties typically require more. The 6-foot height is the standard for most commercial applications, providing a good balance of security and cost-effectiveness. For sites needing more protection, such as industrial facilities or distribution centres, we often install 8, 10 or even 12-foot fences. Taller fences are also ideal for sports facilities like tennis courts to contain balls.

Gate Options Your gates are the key to controlling access. We can design and install a variety of gate types to suit your needs:

• Swing Gates: The traditional choice, available as single gates for pedestrian access or double gates for wider vehicle entry points.

• Sliding Gates: An excellent solution for properties with limited space or high traffic. Cantilever gates are a type of sliding gate that works well on uneven ground as they don’t require a ground track.

• Automated Gates: Any gate can be automated for ultimate convenience and control. We can integrate keypads, card readers or remote controls to manage access, along with safety features like photo-eye beams to protect people and vehicles.

We can help you choose the right combination of height and gate functionality for your project. See examples of our work on our Commercial Fence Installation page.

Installation, Maintenance, and Finding a Professional

What does installation and maintenance involve for commercial chain link fences?

Proper installation is the key to ensuring your commercial chain link fencing provides decades of reliable service. While the components are straightforward, the installation process requires precision and expertise to create a robust, long-lasting barrier.

The Importance of Professional Installation

A professional installation ensures the fence's structural integrity. Key elements include:

• Solid Foundations: Terminal and corner posts are set deep in concrete footings to bear the tension of the fence and prevent leaning or shifting over time.

• Correct Spacing: Line posts are precisely spaced (typically 10 feet apart) to provide consistent support along the entire fence line.

• Proper Tensioning: The chain link fabric must be stretched taut with specialised tools. This prevents sagging, which creates security vulnerabilities and looks unprofessional.

Our team at Make Fencing understands Melbourne's unique soil conditions and terrain, ensuring your fence is built to last and meets all local requirements. For more on our professional process, see our guide on Commercial Chain Link Fence Installation.

Why Maintenance is Refreshingly Simple

One of the biggest advantages of commercial chain link fencing is its minimal upkeep. The galvanised zinc coating protects the steel from rust and corrosion, standing up to Melbourne's weather without needing constant attention.

Typically, the only maintenance required is a periodic wash with soapy water to remove dirt and grime. There is no painting, staining, or sealing needed, which saves businesses significant time and money over the fence's lifespan.

How does commercial chain link fencing compare to other fencing options in terms of cost, durability, and security?

When choosing a fence for your Melbourne property, it's helpful to see how commercial chain link fencing compares to the alternatives.

• Cost: Chain link is consistently the most economical choice for securing large perimeters. It is significantly more affordable than heavy-duty options like palisade fencing or visually solid fences like Colorbond steel. While timber fencing may seem cheap initially, its ongoing maintenance costs add up.

• Durability: The galvanised steel construction offers excellent longevity. It resists rust and can absorb impacts without failing. Palisade and Colorbond fencing are also very durable, but chain link provides exceptional resilience for its price point. Aluminium is rust-proof but less impact-resistant than steel.

• Security: Chain link provides a solid security baseline that is easily upgradable with barbed wire or a greater height. Its key advantage is visibility, allowing for effective surveillance. Palisade fencing offers maximum security against breaching, while solid fences like Colorbond provide privacy but can be easier to climb if they lack anti-climb features.

Overall, commercial chain link fencing offers the best all-around balance of cost, durability, and security for most commercial applications. For a deeper dive into costs, check out our Commercial Security Fence Cost page.

How do you find a reliable Melbourne contractor for commercial chain link fencing?

Choosing the right contractor is just as important as choosing the right fence. A professional installation will ensure your investment lasts for decades.

Here’s what to look for in a Melbourne fencing contractor:

• Local Expertise: A contractor who understands Melbourne's varied soil conditions and council requirements can prevent costly delays. They'll know how to build a fence that can handle our "four seasons in one day" climate.

• Quality Materials: Ensure your contractor uses heavy-gauge, galvanised steel that meets Australian standards. At Make Fencing, we pride ourselves on using only high-quality materials for superior durability.

• Proven Experience: Look at their portfolio. A reliable contractor will have a track record of successful commercial projects, from warehouses and schools to high-security industrial sites.

• Custom Solutions: Your business is unique, and your fence should be too. Avoid one-size-fits-all approaches. A good contractor will work with you to design a solution that fits your specific security needs and budget.

As a family-owned business with over a decade of experience, Make Fencing combines technical expertise with a commitment to customer service. We listen to your needs and deliver a solution that exceeds expectations.

To learn more about our approach, visit our Fencing Contractor Melbourne page.

Ready to discuss your project? Contact us for a quote on your commercial fencing project and let's secure your property.