Chain Link vs. Aluminum Fence in NH: Which One Is Right for You?

If you've decided you want a metal fence and you've narrowed it down to chain link or aluminum, you're asking the right question. Both are durable, both handle NH's freeze-thaw cycle without heaving issues (they're not affected the same way wood or vinyl are), and both are low-maintenance. The differences come down to cost, appearance, and what you're trying to accomplish.

Cost Comparison

• Chain link (galvanized, 4 ft, installed): $14–$22 per linear foot
• Chain link (vinyl-coated black, 6 ft, installed): $18–$30 per linear foot
• Aluminum ornamental (4 ft, installed): $24–$36 per linear foot
• Aluminum pool-code height (4.5–5 ft, installed): $28–$42 per linear foot

On a 150-foot job, chain link is typically $1,500–$2,500 less expensive than aluminum. That's a real number. For property where appearance isn't a priority — a back lot line, a utility area, a dog run — chain link is a perfectly sensible choice.

Appearance

This is where aluminum wins and it isn't close. Galvanized chain link is utilitarian — it says 'practical' more than 'residential.' Black vinyl-coated chain link is significantly better-looking than galvanized and can blend into landscaping reasonably well, but it still reads as industrial to most homeowners.

Aluminum ornamental fencing — vertical pickets with decorative finials, available in black, bronze, or white — looks like wrought iron at a fraction of the cost and weight. It complements the property instead of just securing it. For front yards, pool areas, and anywhere the fence is visible from the street, aluminum is the clear aesthetic winner.

Durability and Maintenance in NH

Chain Link

• Galvanized chain link: will rust eventually — timeline depends on gauge and quality, but expect surface rust in 10–15 years in NH's wet climate
• Vinyl-coated chain link: the coating protects the galvanized core; lasts significantly longer and resists rust well
• Snow and ice: chain link handles NH winters without issue — it flexes slightly and doesn't crack
• Maintenance: very low — inspect for rust spots and treat early

Aluminum

• Powder-coated aluminum: doesn't rust — aluminum forms a stable oxide layer that protects it naturally
• NH winters: aluminum handles cold, snow, and ice without issue; the material doesn't become brittle like cheap vinyl
• Impact resistance: aluminum dents under significant impact, unlike steel; a falling tree branch will leave a mark
• Maintenance: essentially none — hose it down occasionally

Best Use Cases for Each

Chain Link Is the Right Call When:

• You need to secure a large area on a budget (dog run, side lot, utility area)
• You need a quick, durable solution and appearance is secondary
• You're enclosing a commercial or agricultural area
• The fence is not visible from the street or doesn't affect curb appeal

Aluminum Is the Right Call When:

• You need a pool barrier that looks good (aluminum is the most popular pool fence material in Southern NH)
• The fence is visible from the street and curb appeal matters
• You want something that looks like wrought iron without the cost or maintenance
• Your HOA requires an ornamental style
• You're adding value to the property and want the fence to contribute to it

The Honest Bottom Line

If you're on the fence (no pun intended) and appearance matters even a little, go aluminum. The cost premium is real but not enormous, and the aesthetic difference is significant. If budget is the primary driver and the fence location is practical rather than decorative, chain link is a perfectly good fence that will do exactly what you need.