Let me tell you about the worst fence job I’ve ever seen. Last spring, a buddy in Aurora decided to DIY his backyard fence to save money. Six months later, it looks like a drunken carpenter built it after happy hour. The posts are crooked, the gates don’t close, and his dog escapes weekly. Now he’s calling me to fix it – and it’ll cost him double what professional installation would have.
Here’s the truth about fences in Colorado that most contractors won’t tell you:
Wood Fences – They’re High Maintenance Divas
My neighbor installed a beautiful cedar fence last year. It looked amazing…for about three months. Now it’s already graying and warped. Here’s what nobody mentions:
- You’ll need to stain it every other year (and no, that “weather-resistant” stain at Home Depot doesn’t last)
- The boards will shrink and warp no matter what you do
- Termites and woodpeckers love them as much as you do
Vinyl – The Boring But Smart Choice
After installing fences for 12 years, here’s what I put around my own house: commercial-grade vinyl. Why?
- It still looks brand new after 5 years
- My kids can crash their bikes into it without damage
- I haven’t done any maintenance except hosing it off twice a year
But warning – not all vinyl is equal. The cheap stuff turns yellow and brittle fast.
Metal Fences – Fancy But Cold
That gorgeous wrought iron fence in Cherry Creek? It cost more than my first car. And:
- Shows every fingerprint and dog nose print
- Provides zero privacy
- Still needs occasional touch-ups to prevent rust
What Actually Works in Denver
For most homeowners, I recommend:
Front yards: Powder-coated aluminum (looks sharp, lasts forever)
Backyards: 6-foot commercial vinyl privacy (no maintenance, contains kids/pets)
Budget option: Pressure-treated pine with professional sealing (will need upkeep)
Real Costs in 2024
Recent jobs we’ve done:
- Basic wood fence (150′): $4,500-$6,000
- Quality vinyl (150′): $7,000-$9,500
- Aluminum (150′): $8,000-$11,000
HOA Traps to Avoid
We recently had to redo a $12,000 fence in Highlands Ranch because:
- It was 6 inches too tall
- The wrong shade of “natural wood”
- Gates opened the wrong direction
The Bottom Line
Your fence should make life easier, not become another chore. The right choice depends on:
- How long you’ll stay in the home
- Your tolerance for maintenance
- What you’re trying to achieve (privacy, security, curb appeal)
Want personalized advice? I’m happy to take a look at your property and give you honest recommendations. No sales pitch – just straight talk from someone who’s installed thousands of Colorado fences.
Call us directly at (720) 401-0164 or email Info@bnbservices303.com.
