Fence installation in Denver, CO - free quotes from local pros

Denver homeowners face some of the toughest conditions in the country for fence installation. The combination of intense high-altitude UV radiation, expansive clay soil, severe hail, and Front Range winds means that both material choice and installation quality matter more here than in most markets. A fence that performs well in the Midwest or Southeast may fail within a few years in Denver.

We connect Denver homeowners with experienced local fence contractors who understand Front Range conditions. Whether you are installing a privacy fence in a Park Hill bungalow yard, enclosing a new build lot in Stapleton, or replacing a hail-damaged fence in Centennial, local expertise is essential.

The average Denver fence project costs $2,400 to $6,300 for a standard wood privacy fence. Get free quotes from local contractors and compare before you commit.

Fence costs in Denver

Denver’s strong housing market and higher cost of living push fence installation prices slightly above national averages. Here is what Denver metro homeowners typically pay.

What affects costs in Denver

Several factors unique to the Denver market influence fence pricing:

• Clay soil. Denver sits on bentonite clay, one of the most expansive soil types in the country. This clay swells dramatically when wet and shrinks when dry, which can push fence posts out of alignment. Contractors need to set posts deeper (36 to 42 inches) and use concrete footings with proper engineering. This adds labor and material costs compared to installations in sandy or loamy soil.
• High demand. Denver’s booming housing market keeps fence contractors busy. Spring and summer lead times can stretch to four to six weeks. Booking in late winter or early March gives you the best chance of getting on the schedule promptly.
• Hail damage replacement. The Denver metro sits in one of the most active hail corridors in the nation. Homeowners frequently need fence repair or replacement after severe storms, which spikes demand and can temporarily affect pricing and availability.
• Wind exposure. Front Range winds can be extreme, particularly in western suburbs like Arvada, Golden, and Lakewood, and in southern communities like Castle Rock and Highlands Ranch. Privacy fences in exposed areas need heavier posts and may require additional bracing.
• Alley access. Many Denver neighborhoods, especially older areas like Capitol Hill, Washington Park, and Highlands, have alley-accessed lots. Alley-side fences need gates wide enough for vehicle access and must comply with city sight-line rules.

How it works

Getting fence quotes in Denver is straightforward:

1. Describe your project. Tell us about your property, the type of fence you want, and your timeline.
2. Get matched with local pros. We connect you with up to three fence contractors in the Denver metro area.
3. Compare quotes and hire. Review estimates, ask questions, and choose the contractor that fits your budget and schedule.

There is no cost and no obligation. You are free to compare and decide on your own terms.

What to look for in a Denver fence contractor

Licensing

Colorado does not have a statewide contractor license for fence work, but Denver requires contractors to obtain a City and County of Denver contractor license. Other metro-area cities like Aurora, Lakewood, and Westminster have their own requirements.

Verify your contractor’s local license status before signing a contract. The lack of statewide licensing means that insurance verification is especially important in Colorado.

Insurance

Your contractor should carry general liability insurance (minimum $500,000 recommended) and workers’ compensation coverage. Ask for certificates of insurance and confirm they are current. This protects you from liability if a worker is injured on your property, if the installation damages a utility line, or if the fence encroaches on a neighbor’s property.

Questions to ask

Before hiring a fence contractor in Denver, ask:

• Do you have a Denver contractor license?
• Do you carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation?
• How many fence projects have you completed in the Denver metro?
• How do you handle Denver’s clay soil for post footings?
• What do you recommend for hail and wind resistance?
• Will you handle the Denver zoning permit?
• What warranty do you offer on labor and materials?
• How do you address grade changes on my property?

Denver fencing considerations

Climate challenges

Denver’s climate creates several challenges for fences:

• UV radiation. At 5,280 feet, Denver receives significantly more UV radiation than sea-level cities. Untreated wood fences gray and deteriorate faster. Cedar needs staining every two years, not the three-year interval common in lower-elevation markets. Vinyl and composite materials are increasingly popular because they resist UV damage without staining.
• Temperature swings. Denver regularly sees 40 to 50 degree temperature swings in a single day, especially in spring and fall. These rapid changes stress fence materials and joints. Quality hardware and proper installation minimize the impact.
• Hail. Denver’s position along the Front Range puts it in a severe hail zone. Standard vinyl fencing can crack under large hail. If you live in a hail-prone area, ask about impact-rated vinyl panels or consider wood, which handles hail impact better.
• Wind. Chinook winds along the Front Range can exceed 60 mph. Privacy fences act as wind sails, so post depth, diameter, and footing design are critical. Many Denver contractors recommend 6x6 posts instead of 4x4 for wind-exposed 6-foot privacy fences.

Soil and installation

Denver’s bentonite clay is one of the biggest factors in local fence installation. This expansive clay can swell up to 15% in volume when saturated, generating enormous pressure against fence post footings. Proper installation requires:

• Post holes 36 to 42 inches deep, below the clay’s active zone
• Concrete footings for all fence posts
• Some contractors use bell-shaped footings (wider at the bottom) to resist heaving
• Gravel drainage at the base of post holes to reduce moisture contact with concrete

Hiring a contractor experienced with Denver’s clay soil is one of the most important decisions you can make. Improper footing design in clay soil is the number one cause of fence failure along the Front Range.

Permits and regulations

Denver’s zoning code governs fence installation:

• Rear and side yard fences: maximum 6 feet
• Front yard fences: maximum 4 feet
• Corner lots: sight-triangle restrictions near intersections
• Alley-facing fences: specific setback and gate requirements
• A zoning permit is required for all new fence installations

Many Denver suburbs, including Aurora, Centennial, Highlands Ranch, and Castle Rock, have additional HOA restrictions. Common HOA rules include specific material requirements, color palettes, and height maximums below the municipal code limit.

Submit HOA architectural approval requests before your contractor pulls permits. The HOA process can take two to four weeks, so plan accordingly.

Popular fence styles in Denver

Vinyl and composite fences

Vinyl and composite are the fastest-growing fence choices in the Denver metro. Both resist the intense UV radiation that destroys untreated wood at high altitude. For a comparison of these materials, see our vinyl vs wood fence guide.

Cedar privacy fences

Cedar remains popular for homeowners who want a natural look. Denver’s UV intensity means cedar needs staining every two years, not the three-year interval common in lower-elevation markets. See our privacy fence cost guide for detailed pricing.

Chain link fences

Chain link handles Front Range winds better than solid privacy fences because air passes through the mesh. It is the practical choice for large lots, dog runs, and property boundaries. See our chain link fence guide for options.

Fence permits in Denver

Denver requires a zoning permit for all new fence installations. Your contractor should handle the application, but you will need to provide a site plan showing fence location relative to property lines and easements. For a full breakdown of the permit process, see our fence permit requirements guide.

For tips on evaluating contractors in the Denver market, read our guide to choosing a fence contractor.

Related services in Denver

Planning more outdoor improvements? We also connect Denver homeowners with:

• Concrete contractors in Denver
• Insulation contractors in Denver

A privacy fence paired with a new concrete patio is a popular combination for Denver homeowners looking to create a complete backyard living space. Consider scheduling both projects together to save on contractor mobilization.

Browse all fence contractors in Colorado or learn more about fencing options and costs.