🌲 Colorado Cedar Fencing Guide: Everything Homeowners Need to Know
Why Cedar Fencing Is So Popular in Colorado
Cedar is the most trusted fencing material across the Colorado Front Range — and for good reason. With intense sun, rapid temperature swings, and frequent high winds, homeowners need a fence material that’s naturally durable and stable. Cedar performs exceptionally well in Colorado’s climate due to its:
Natural resistance to rot and decay
Dimensional stability in dry climates
Lightweight, flexible structure that handles wind well
Beautiful grain and warm color
Long lifespan compared to pine or spruce
Many Colorado homeowners choose cedar because it offers premium looks, strong performance, and excellent long-term value without requiring heavy maintenance.
🌤️ How Cedar Performs in Colorado Weather
Colorado’s environment is tougher on fences than most places in the U.S. Here’s how cedar handles the unique challenges:
1. Intense Sun & UV Exposure
Cedar contains natural oils that resist UV breakdown better than other softwoods. While the color naturally fades to a silver patina over time, a stain or sealant can preserve its warm tone.
2. Rapid Freeze–Thaw Cycles
Cold snaps and sudden warm-ups can cause cheaper woods to warp or split. Cedar’s natural stability helps it maintain shape through Colorado’s dramatic temperature swings.
3. High Wind & Storm Gusts
Cedar is lightweight yet strong, which reduces stress on fence posts and rails. When installed with proper post depth and spacing, cedar withstands strong wind events extremely well.
4. Dry Climate & Low Humidity
Colorado’s dry air prevents rot and extends the lifespan of cedar, making it ideal for the Front Range.
🪵 Types of Cedar Used in Colorado Fences
Not all cedar is equal. Here are the most common types:
Western Red Cedar (Premium Choice)
Highest durability
Rich reddish-brown color
Excellent wind resistance
Minimal warping
Longest lifespan
Japanese Cedar (Economy Option)
More affordable
Slightly softer wood
Lighter color
Good for budget-conscious homeowners
White Cedar (Rare in Colorado)
Not widely used due to cost and limited supply
If you want the longest-lasting fence, Western Red Cedar is the gold standard.
Cedar Fence Styles Popular in Colorado
These are the most common cedar fence styles used across the Front Range:
1. Standard Privacy (6 ft)
Most popular
Affordable
Great for suburban neighborhoods
2. Board-on-Board (Shadowbox)
Overlapping pickets avoid gaps
Better wind resistance
Premium appearance
3. Cap & Trim
Decorative top trim
Cleaner, upgraded look
Often preferred by HOAs
4. Horizontal Cedar Fencing
Modern, high-end appearance
Requires reinforced framing
Works great in premium neighborhoods
5. Split-Rail & Ranch-Style Cedar
Ideal for acreage or semi-rural areas
Simple, natural look
Welded wire can be added for pets
🔩 Structural Components That Matter in Colorado
The difference between a fence that lasts 7 years vs. 20+ years comes down to construction details.
Post Depth
We set posts 30 inches deep. This prevents frost heave and wind failure.
Post Material Options
Cedar posts (Standard option)
PostMaster+ steel posts (premium, wind-resistant)
PostMaster+ is the top-performing option in high-wind areas like Brighton, Erie, Firestone, Henderson, and GVR.
Rails
Three-rail construction (top, middle, bottom) is now the industry standard for stability.
Fasteners
We use exterior-ring shank nails for longer-lasting connections.
🛠️ How Long Does a Cedar Fence Last in Colorado?
With proper installation:
Cedar fence lifespan in Colorado:
15–25 years
Factors that increase lifespan:
Steel posts
Staining every 3–5 years
Proper post depth
Western Red Cedar pickets
Factors that reduce lifespan:
Poor installation
Cheap pickets
Untreated framing
High-wind exposure without reinforced posts
🎨 Should You Stain a Cedar Fence?
Staining isn’t required (unless your HOA requires it), but it will significantly increase the lifespan of your cedar fence.
Benefits of staining:
Protects against UV fading
Reduces cracking
Repels moisture
Maintains the warm cedar color
Best results come from oil-based semi-transparent stains.
💵 Cedar Fence Cost in Colorado (Average Pricing)
Prices vary by city, style, and materials, but here’s a realistic Colorado range:
Standard 6′ Cedar Privacy:
$42 – $58 per linear foot
Board-on-Board / Shadowbox:
$55 – $70 per linear foot
Cap & Trim Style:
$60 – $75 per linear foot
Horizontal Cedar Fence:
$85 – $125 per linear foot
Split Rail:
$18 – $32 per linear foot
👉 “Curious what your fence might cost? Try our Fence Cost Calculator for a quick estimate.”
🆚 Cedar vs Vinyl vs Steel: Which Is Best in Colorado?
| Fence Type | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar | Natural, warm look | Beautiful, strong, flexible, excellent privacy | Needs staining |
| Vinyl | Low-maintenance | No staining, modern look, great for HOAs | Can crack in extreme cold |
| Steel Ornamental | Security + curb appeal | Extremely durable, wind-resistant | Higher cost |
Cedar strikes the best balance of appearance, strength, and affordability.
🧰 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Cedar Fence
Even a well-built cedar fence will eventually show signs of wear. Here are the most common indicators that replacement is more cost-effective than ongoing repairs:
1. Leaning or Wobbly Posts
If posts are shifting, rotting at the base, or leaning after windstorms, the structure is compromised. Straightening posts is often temporary—replacement provides long-term stability.
2. Rot at the Bottom of Pickets or Rails
Cedar resists decay, but after many years, moisture and soil contact can break down the lower portions of pickets and framing.
3. Warped, Split, or Cracked Boards
Colorado’s sun and freeze-thaw cycles can cause warping or splitting. If many boards show damage, replacement is more practical.
4. High Wind Damage or Missing Sections
Strong wind gusts along the Front Range can stress older fences. If entire sections lift, lean, or detach, structural integrity is usually lost.
5. Fading, Dryness, and Surface Breakdown
If the wood looks dry, excessively gray, or soft to the touch, even staining may not fully restore strength or appearance.
6. Uneven Fence Lines or Sagging Sections
Sags often mean the framing (rails or posts) has weakened beyond repair.
7. Gaps Under the Fence
Shifting soil and aging materials can create large gaps at the base — a sign the fence is no longer secure or aligned properly.
8. Repeated Repairs Are Adding Up
If you’re repairing pickets, rails, or posts every season, investing in a full replacement is typically more economical.
Forever Fencing CO
Fence Cost Estimator
For in-person estimates: kenneth@foreverfencingco.com | 720-986-9416
Contact Us
Thank you for considering Forever Fencing CO. Contact us today for a free consultation and discover why we are the preferred choice for fence installation in your area.