If you live in Denver, you already know our weather can be tough on wood. High altitude sun, quick freeze-thaw swings, and dry spells followed by spring snow all take a toll. Choosing the right type of wood fence for Denvers climate is about picking the right species, building it the right way, and maintaining it on a simple schedule. At A Straight Up Fence, weve been helping homeowners and businesses across Denver, Aurora, Arvada, Thornton, and the rest of the metro since 2006, and were happy to break down what works here and why.
What Denver’s Climate Means for Wood Fences
High UV and Sun Exposure
At 5,280 feet, the sun hits harder. UV breaks down lignin in wood, which leads to fading, fiber lift, and surface cracking. Cedars natural oils help, but any wood left bare will weather quickly. A quality stain with UV blockers is your first line of defense.
FreezeThaw Cycles and Moisture Swings
We can go from a warm afternoon to an overnight freeze, then back again. Wood swells as it takes on moisture and shrinks when it dries. Without consistent sealing, that movement causes checks, warping, and loose fasteners. Gaps that look small in August can widen by February.
Wind, Hail, and Snow Loads
Chinook winds and spring storms are part of life along the Front Range. Fences in Denver, Westminster, and Wheat Ridge should be built to resist gusts and support snow accumulation. That means sturdy posts, the right style for wind flow, and hardware that will not corrode.
Best Wood Species for Denver Conditions
Western Red Cedar
We recommend western red cedar for most residential and commercial projects in Denver, Highlands Ranch, and Littleton. It naturally resists decay and insects, is dimensionally stable in our dry air, and takes stain beautifully. With proper construction and maintenance, a cedar fence can last 15 to 30 years here. At A Straight Up Fence, we use western red cedar for all parts of our privacy fences because it performs consistently across the metro.
Redwood
Redwood is excellent for rot resistance and stability, similar to cedar, but it usually costs more in the Denver market. If design is a priority and the budget allows, it is a great option, especially for high-visibility front yards in Centennial or Englewood.
Pressure-Treated Pine
Pressure-treated pine is affordable and long-lasting when properly built and sealed. The tradeoff is movement. In our dry climate and intense sun, it can warp or shrink more than cedar if it is not maintained. If you choose PT pine for a rental or large perimeter in Northglenn or Aurora, budget for regular staining to keep it straight and protected.
Spruce and Douglas Fir
Spruce is initially inexpensive but tends to have a shorter service life without diligent upkeep. Douglas fir has good strength for rails and framework but is less naturally durable than cedar. If you go this route, use a high-quality stain and plan on closer maintenance intervals.
Fence Styles That Perform Well at Altitude
Privacy Versus Semi-Private
Full privacy panels give maximum screening and sound deflection, but they also act like a sail in high winds. Semi-private styles, like shadowbox or alternating pickets, allow air to pass through, which reduces wind loading while still protecting your space.
Board-on-Board and Shadowbox
Board-on-board overlaps vertical pickets to close gaps that open as wood dries. Shadowbox alternates pickets on each side of the rails so it looks finished from both directions and breathes in the wind. Both options hold up well in Denvers gusty conditions.
Horizontal Slats Considerations
Horizontal fences are popular across Arvada and Denvers urban neighborhoods. They look clean and modern, but they must be built with the right spacing, rail support, and fasteners to prevent sagging. We like thicker boards, tighter post spacing, and hidden steel reinforcement where spans are long or where snow can pile up.
Split-Rail for Large Lots
For wide-open properties and trail corridors around Thornton or the edges of Littleton, split-rail or post-and-board fencing gives a rustic look, sets boundaries for pets and kids, and is low maintenance. Add welded wire mesh if you need containment without changing the open feel.
Posts, Hardware, and Construction Details That Last
Post Materials: Wood Versus Steel
Wood posts are traditional and cost effective. In wetter pockets and irrigated yards, they can still rot over time at grade. Steel posts paired with cedar panels give you the best of both worlds. They resist rot, stand up to wind, and disappear visually behind the wood. At A Straight Up Fence, we often recommend steel for long runs, corners, and gate posts.
Footing Depth and Drainage
Set posts at least 30 to 36 inches deep, below the frost line. Bell or flare the bottom of the hole to resist heave. Use concrete that sheds water away from the post top, and avoid creating a bird bath at grade. In clay-heavy soils around Aurora and Westminster, we add gravel at the base for drainage.
Fasteners and Corrosion Resistance
Use hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel fasteners. Electroplated screws can rust quickly in snow and sprinkler overspray. For pressure-treated lumber, choose hardware rated for contact with treated wood. Quality fasteners prevent streaking and keep boards tight during seasonal movement.
Finishes, Treatments, and Maintenance Schedules
Stain Types and UV Protection
A penetrating oil or hybrid stain with UV blockers slows graying and surface checking. Transparent stains highlight cedars grain but need more frequent touch-ups. Semi-transparent offers better UV protection and is our most common choice. Solid color stains give the longest coverage interval but hide more of the wood character.
Recommended cycle in Denver:
- New cedar: first coat within 30 to 60 days of install
- Restain every 2 to 3 years for semi-transparent, 3 to 5 for solid color
Sealing End Grain and Bottom Edges
End grain drinks water. We seal cut ends, post tops, and the bottom edges of pickets to limit wicking and splitting. Adding a small ground clearance under pickets keeps them out of snow and mulch.
Seasonal Inspection and Care
Twice a year, do a quick walkaround:
- Tighten any loose screws
- Look for soil or mulch piled against the bottom of boards
- Clear sprinklers that overshoot the fence
- Rinse off road grime along alleys in Denver and Englewood
If something looks off, call us early. Small fixes now prevent larger repairs later.
Budget, Longevity, and Local Requirements
Upfront Cost Versus Long-Term Value
Cedar and redwood cost more at installation, but they need fewer replacements and fewer emergency repairs. Pressure-treated options lower the initial bill, which is helpful for long property lines in Northglenn or multi-tenant lots in Aurora, but plan for additional maintenance. Well price both so you can compare 5, 10, and 15 year ownership.
Sustainability and Sourcing
Ask for FSC-certified cedar or redwood when available. Western red cedar is a renewable resource and, with the right finish, can outlast many synthetic options while keeping a warm, natural look.
Permits, Codes, and HOA Considerations
In Denver, residential fences typically top out at 6 feet in back yards unless you obtain special approvals. Corner lots, alley setbacks, and front yard heights have additional rules. HOAs in Highlands Ranch, Centennial, and parts of Arvada often specify style and color. We handle permits and provide drawings for HOA submittals so you do not have to chase paperwork.
Conclusion
Denvers climate rewards smart choices. Pick a durable species like western red cedar, choose a style that fits your site and the wind, build with solid posts and corrosion-resistant hardware, then follow a simple stain schedule. That combination keeps your fence straight, good looking, and protective for years.
If you are weighing options for a home in Denver or a commercial site in Aurora, Thornton, or Westminster, we can help you compare materials and styles side by side. A Straight Up Fence has been designing and installing cedar, composite, chain link, and custom iron accents across the Front Range since 2006. We also fabricate gates, set steel posts, and handle staining and repairs.
Ready to start? Call A Straight Up Fence for a free, no-pressure estimate. Well visit your property in Denver, Littleton, Englewood, Arvada, Northglenn, or Wheat Ridge, review code and HOA details, and recommend a fence that fits your budget and lasts in Colorados sun and snow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best wood fence for Denver’s climate?
Western red cedar is the top pick for a wood fence for Denver’s climate. It resists decay, stays stable in dry air, and takes stain well. Redwood also performs great but usually costs more. Pressure-treated pine is budget-friendly, but in Denver’s UV and freeze–thaw cycles it needs stricter maintenance.
Which fence styles hold up best to Denver winds and snow?
Semi-private designs like shadowbox or board-on-board reduce wind load while maintaining privacy. They also minimize gaps as wood dries. Horizontal slats can work in Denver if you use thicker boards, tighter post spacing, and hidden steel reinforcement. Split-rail is low-maintenance for large lots but offers minimal screening.
How should posts, footings, and hardware be built for Denver conditions?
Set posts 30–36 inches deep, below frost, and bell the hole to resist heave. Shed water off concrete and add gravel for drainage in clay soils. Steel posts with cedar panels excel in wind and moisture. Use hot-dipped galvanized or stainless fasteners, and treated-rated hardware with pressure-treated lumber.
How often should I stain a wood fence in Denver, and what finish works best?
Apply the first coat 30–60 days after install. Re-stain semi-transparent every 2–3 years; solid color lasts 3–5. Choose penetrating oil or hybrid stains with UV blockers. Seal end grain, keep picket bottoms off soil, and do semiannual checks to tighten fasteners and clear overspray.
How much does a wood fence cost in Denver?
Typical installed ranges: pressure-treated pine $30–50/lf, western red cedar $40–65/lf, redwood $55–85/lf. Steel posts can add $5–12/lf; staining runs about $3–6/lf. Corner lots, terrain, gates, and permits can change pricing. Get a site-specific quote to compare 5-, 10-, and 15-year ownership costs.
Can you install a wood fence in Denver during winter?
Yes. Contractors install year-round using cold-weather concrete mixes, deeper footings, and hole protection to cure properly. Expect occasional weather delays, but quality and warranty aren’t compromised. Winter installs can be less busy, and staining can follow in spring once temps and moisture levels cooperate.