Blog for Denver Fence - Denver Fence Company

Fence Installation FAQs

Post author By Tom Colangelo
Post date October 5, 2021

Fence Installation FAQs: You Ask, We Answer

Q: Which type of fence is best?

A: This is a subjective question that only you can answer. What fence material is best for you will depend on why you want/need a fence, your tastes, and your budget. For example, if you want a privacy fence, a steel ornamental fence would not be a good choice.
We can give you an estimate for different types of fencing if you would like. We install several types, including:
• Cedar Fence
• Trex Fencing
• Vinyl Fence
• Steel Ornamental Fencing
• Chain Link Fence

RELATED READING
Is a Wood Fence Right for You?Trex Fencing vs Wood
Vinyl Fence 101
The Benefits of Steel Ornamental Fencing

Q: Do I need a permit for Denver fence installation?

A: In many cases, yes. It depends on how high the fence is. For a fence 4’ or shorter, you don’t need a permit. For a fence taller than that, you do, whether it’s in the front yard or the back yard. For a replacement fence, permit may not be required. Check out additional fence permit requirements.

Q: What are the Denver regulations regarding fence installation?

A: Visit the link above for full regulations regarding setback, permits, and fees. We are well-versed in the various rules and regulations, and can help you navigate the system. In addition, if you are part of a Homeowner’s Association (HOA) you will want to check out those requirements as well before spending any money on a fence.

Q: Do I need a survey?

A: If your fence is going anywhere near your property lines, yes, you need a survey. We can help arrange this, but you will be responsible for the fee. It is better to put the fence in the right place than have to tear it down because you built it on your neighbor’s property!

Q: How do you know where the utility lines are located?

A: We cannot build over existing utilities, so it’s best for you to call the Utility Notification Center of Colorado at 1-800-922-1987 or 811 to mark underground utilities for your project. It helps to have utility lines already marked before we come out for an estimate.

Q: Should I stain a wood fence?

A: This is up to you. Staining a pressure-treated wood fence can help prolong the life of the fence and improve the appearance. For a cedar fence, it will last just as long if you let it weather to a natural grey.

Q: Do you put the fence posts in concrete?

A: Yes. This is the best way to ensure stability and prevent rot when using wood fence posts.

Q: How long does fence installation take?

A: Depending on how large your project is and how busy we are, it may take 2-5 weeks before we can begin your project. We also have to allow time to order supplies. Once fence installation begins, we first set the posts in concrete.
Then we need to allow time for the concrete to cure before we come back and install the rest of your fence and the gate(s). We will include a time frame specific to your project when we give you your estimate.

Q: Do I need to be present when you’re installing my fence?

A: In most cases, you do not need to be home when we are installing your fence. However, if you would like to be, or have special concerns, please feel free to stay. We do ask that you keep pets and small children out of the area while we are working.

Q: Do you price match with other fence companies?

A. No, we do not. At Denver Fence Company, we pride ourselves on offering quality fence installation at competitive prices. We carefully craft each estimate to provide you with an up-front summary of costs, including materials and labor. We also include expected fees associated with permits as a line item in our estimates.

For the most accurate estimate, we require a site visit. Call (720) 418-8194 to schedule a free estimate. You can also fill out the contact form and we’ll get in touch by the next business day.
We serve homeowners and commercial clients throughout the Denver, CO area, including Arvada, Golden, Lakewood, Littleton, Wheatridge, and surrounding areas.

General Fencing

Vertical or Horizontal Cedar Fence?

Post author By Tom Colangelo
Post date October 1, 2021

Vertical or Horizontal Cedar Fence: How to Decide

So, you’ve decided to get a cedar fence. Congratulations! A cedar wood fence is a desirable addition to any home or business, and can increase curb appeal and eventual resale value. In fact, it’s one of the more popular fence types in the Denver area.

But what style are you going to get? Will yours be a vertical or horizontal cedar fence? Which one is right for your home or business can depend on a number of factors, including your aesthetic and your budget.

Let’s take a look at each type of fence design.

Vertical Cedar Fence Is Traditional

A vertical cedar fence design is the traditional style. Cedar fence pickets or boards come in a variety of styles, including:
• Flat top
• Notched top (Dog ear)
• Scalloped
• Negative scallop
• Pointed top pickets
• Virginia top pickets
• French Gothic

With a vertical style, you can choose between boards or pickets closely spaced for privacy fencing, or pickets spaced further apart for an open look. Fence panels are generally constructed as privacy fencing.

Horizontal Cedar Fence Is More Modern

When it comes to style, a horizontal cedar fence is becoming more and more popular. We can place horizontal cedar planks close together, with an eighth-inch gap between them for privacy, or with a 1/4th – 1” opening between them for a lighter, open feel. And then a lot of clients like an additional lattice fence panel or other fence top panel to let in more light.

Cedar fence panels typically come in a vertical configuration, but there are a few horizontal options available. If you want more of a custom horizontal fence, that can add to the installation cost. You should also keep in mind that a horizontal fence uses more fence posts, but no stringers.

To Age or Not to Age?

Whichever fence configuration you decide to go with, there is one more thing to consider. To age or not to age? That is the question. With apologies to Hamlet, you need to decide what you want your cedar fence to look like in the coming years.

If you want it to retain the reddish hue, you will need to stain it with a clear stain. But you can also let your cedar age naturally. Cedar ages to a beautiful silvery-gray that can be highly desirable. Whether you choose to stain or not to stain depends on your personal aesthetic.

Get a Quote on Cedar Fence Installation

If you want a fence installed before the Colorado weather changes, schedule a fence installation quote now. We can give you two quotes- one for a vertical fence, and one for a horizontal fence. Just call us at (720) 418-8194. You can also fill out the contact form and we’ll get back to you by the next business day.

We serve residential and commercial clients throughout the Denver metro area, including Arvada, Golden, Lakewood, Littleton, Wheatridge, and surrounding areas.

TREX Fence Wood Fence

Trex Fencing vs Wood

Post author By Tom Colangelo
Post date August 25, 2021

Trex® Fencing vs Wood Fence: More Affordable Than Ever

If you’ve been following the news, you may know that lumber prices went sky-high in the last year or so. This was mainly due to pent-up demand once the COVID-19 vaccinations came out and people started trying to get their lives back to normal. That increased demand, along with a labor shortage, sent prices soaring.

Higher lumber prices have many homeowners and businesses rethinking what material to use for their deck or fence. Today, we’re going to look at how the cost of Trex® Fencing compares to a wood fence. Let’s get started.

Understanding the Different Materials and Upfront Costs

Everyone knows a wood fence is made from, well, wood. Even with lumber prices as high as they are, you may pay a lower upfront cost to have a wood fence installed. But with high lumber prices, the difference between the cost of wood and Trex® fencing is smaller than ever before.

Trex® fencing is a manufactured composite fence material. The company first introduced composite decking materials in 1996, and followed with fencing materials in 2005. Trex makes its composite fencing and gates from a blend of 95% recycled wood fiber and plastic.

Understanding Lifetime Costs

Here’s where the cost of the two types of fencing changes. The lifetime cost of a Trex® fence will be lower than that of a fence made with pressurized lumber. Here’s why:
Wood Fence Costs are Higher

A wood fence is subject to warping, rot, popped nails, and insect damage. This means you have to pay for fence repair such as replacing individual pickets or fence posts, or entire panels.
Wood also needs to be painted or stained every few years to keep it looking decent. Do you do it yourself or hire someone? It’s another added cost.

Trex® Fencing Cost is Lower

Because it’s composite fencing, Trex® is more durable than wood. Here’s why:
• It will never rot.
• It will never splinter.
• Insects can’t damage it.
• You never have to stain or paint it.
• It resists fading.
• It stands strong against Colorado’s Chinook winds, withstanding 130 MPH sustained winds and 147 MPH gusts.

In our opinion, Trex® fencing is far superior to a wood fence, and looks better, as well. Some attractive features of a Trex fence:
• Same look on both sides (no “ugly” side of the fence)
• Picture frame with board-on-board design
• Interlocking pickets mean no mid rail
• 3 natural colors

One last thing – Trex® fencing is supremely eco-friendly. It uses 95% recycled materials (wood and plastic). That’s great news for the planet! And if yours is a commercial project, you should know that Trex products are LEED Certified.

The Benefits of Installing Steel Ornamental Fencing

Post author By Tom Colangelo
Post date July 26, 2021

Benefits of Installing Steel Fencing

Once you’ve decided to fence in your yard or business property, you have a lot of choices. Here in the Denver area, one of the most popular choices is ornamental steel fencing. It has beauty and elegance, and a lot of other things going for it that make it a great choice for residential and commercial applications alike.

Let’s take a look at the top benefits of steel ornamental fencing:

Increased Security

Any time you put up a fence around the perimeter of your property, you’re increasing security. Steel ornamental fencing panels come in a more decorative height of 3’, but are also available in 4’, 5’, and 6’ fence heights. In addition, an ornamental steel fence is compatible with automatic security gates and access control systems.

This makes a taller fence with pointed pickets and a security gate a good deterrent for a would-be trespasser.

Fast and Flexible Installation

Installing steel ornamental fence can be installed relatively quickly due to the prefabricated fence panels. This type of fence is also ideal for installation on a slope, because it’s available with rackable steel fence panels that adjust to the slope of your property.

Rack able fence panels are specifically designed and manufactured to make matching a slope much easier. The pickets attach to the rails of the fence using pivots that allow the pickets and rails to adjust to any angle. We anchor the fence posts and then measure and mark the distance from the mounts to the ground just like we would on level ground. Then we hold one end of the panel to these marks on the post with clamps and line up the rails with the marks on the next fence post. The rail then adjusts to meet the angle, and we move on to the next step.

This may sound involved, but it is still much faster than putting together a fence picket by picket.

Durability

Made with welded steel, this type of ornamental fencing is stronger than its aluminum counterpart, and cannot easily be cut through like chain link can. The powder coated finish prohibits the development of rust, which means it can stand up to our Colorado winters without a problem. And steel fence will never be subject to rotting or splintering like wood fence can be.

Low Maintenance

Steel ornamental fencing is incredibly low maintenance, and will look good year after year with little to no effort from you. Contrast that to a wood fence which may need to be stained or painted. And steel fence will also not warp like wood can. The most you might need to do is use some touch-up spray paint if the fence gets scratched or nicked.

Increases Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is a point of pride, but can also help you sell your home or attract new tenants to your property. Steel ornamental fencing enhances curb appeal, by creating an elegant and attractive frame through which to see the rest of your property.

Wide Range of Styles

Ornamental steel fence also comes in a wide range of styles. Options include:

Fence height
Picket spacing
2-4 bottom and top rails
Picket bottom
Rail flush bottom
Puppy pickets
Fence post styles
Post caps
Finials
Arched gates
Straight gates
And much more

We install steel ornamental fencing from a number of manufacturers and can provide you with catalogs or websites to help you make your choices.

Hire the Local Fence Installers You Can Trust to Get the Job Done Right

The team here at Denver Fence Company have been building and mending fences since 1977. We are experienced local fence installers serving homeowners and commercial businesses throughout the Denver metro area, including Arvada, Aurora, Bennett, Boulder, Brighton, Broomfield, Castle Rock, Castle Pines, Centennial, Commerce City, Conifer, Denver, Elizabeth, Englewood, Golden, Greenwood Village, Highlands Ranch, Kiowa, Lafayette, Lakewood, Littleton, Lone Tree, Longmont, Louisville, Monument, Northglenn, Parker, Strasburg, Superior, Thornton, Westminster, Wheat Ridge, Douglas County, Elbert County, and all parts of the Front Range.

Fence Installation General Fencing

How to Get the Fence Installation You Deserve

Post author By Tom Colangelo
Post date June 24, 2021

How to Get the New Fence Installation You Deserve

At Denver Fence Company, we work hard to ensure you know exactly what to expect with your new fence installation. Whether you’re replacing an old fence or installing a fence for the first time, it pays to know what to watch out for. We specialize in installing cedar wood fence and steel ornamental fencing, but any fence installation will require you to follow some of the same steps.

• Hire a Professional Fence Company

If you want a beautiful fence that will last for years to come, hire a professional fence company. They have years of experience in the business, and can handle any unexpected problems that come up. At Denver Fence Company, we have all of the heavy equipment to dig post holes, grade your property, and more.

While you might save money with a DIY fence installation, chances are good you’ll make one or more mistakes – either with not setting your fence far enough from the property lines, not getting a timely building permit, not ensuring the posts are set properly before proceeding, or underestimating the backbreaking labor that installing a fence requires.
And when you hire a professional fence company, you’ll get a warranty on labor and materials. Some fence supply companies only warranty fence materials if they’re professionally installed.

• Interview More Than One Fence Company

When you’re hiring any service provider, it’s a good idea to get 3 or more quotes. Ask friends, neighbors, family, and coworkers what company they worked with, and were they happy with the outcome. You can also ask them if there is someone you should avoid.
Visit the company websites. Check to see how long they’ve been in business, and whether they’re licensed and insured. Check out their photo gallery to see if they install the type of fence you want. Read the online reviews on Google and Facebook.

Schedule your estimates, and take notes. Ask everyone the same questions. You should receive an estimate in writing with a sketch or detailed drawing of your fence installation. Decide who you want to work with based on installation cost, experience, and how well the fence company communicated with you.

• Ensure the Fence will Meet All Local Rules and Regulations

A reputable fence company will take care of getting the appropriate permits for your fence installation. They will also schedule any necessary inspections. But just because they are supposed to take care of it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t check up on what the permitting process is.

Ultimately, if your fence violates building code, zoning or Homeowner’s Association (HOA) rules, you are responsible for any fees or adjustments (even tearing down) your new fence.

• Monitor the Installation

The first part of installation is placing the fence posts and setting them. This is a crucial step and will help ensure the rest of the installation goes smoothly. It’s very possible we (or another company) will set the posts one day, and come back the next day to put up the rest of the fence, whether that is fence panels or individual planks or pickets.
It’s a good idea if you can check in with the installation crew or foreman on site so you can get a clear update of what the next step is.

• Examine the Finished Fence

Much like you have a walk-through of a new home or other major installation, a reputable fence company should provide you the opportunity to review the finished product with them. Walk the fence line on both the interior and exterior of the fence to ensure the workmanship meets your expectations. If you see a potential problem, address it then. It’s easier to fix while a crew is still on your property.

• Enjoy Your New Fence

Whether you wanted a fence for privacy, security, or to just keep your dog and children in the yard, you can rest assured a new fence will add beauty to your home, and curb appeal to your commercial property.

Chain Link Fence Pros And Cons

Post author By Tom Colangelo
Post date June 13, 2021

Chain Link Fence – The Pros and Cons

Chain link fence has been around since 1844, when British inventor Charles Barnard developed a wire-weaving machine based on the cloth-weaving machines of the day. A number of companies use that same basic technology today to manufacture chain link fencing for use in a number of residential and commercial applications. Is it right for your project? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons.

Pro #1 Chain Link Fence Cost

The #1 positive that chain link fence has going for it is the relatively low cost when you compare it to other fence materials, such as wood, steel, and vinyl. This makes it very cost effective for large projects such as fencing the perimeter of a commercial property or ball field. The low price also makes it an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget.

While installation cost is cheaper because of lower materials cost and lower labor costs, maintenance costs are also lower. That’s because chain link needs virtually no maintenance, and will last decades. Compare that to a wood fence that needs staining or painting, or is subject to wood rot.

Pro #2 Chain Link Fence Repair Is Fast and Easy

Chain link fence repair is generally only needed if a vandal cut through the chain link, or if a tree fell on it, or a car plowed into it. You’ll never need repair because of warping, rotting, or insect damage. In most cases, the repair is relatively simple and affordable. We can simply cut out the damaged piece and insert a new section. Replacing a damaged top rail is also a simple process.

Pro #3 Chain Link Fence Height Options

Chain link rolls and swing gates are available in a number of height options, making this an easy choice for a back yard fence or part of a security fence. Common heights include:

• 3’
• 3’ 6”
• 4’
• 5’
• 6’
• 7’
• 8’
• 9’
• 10’
• 12’

Many of the taller fence heights are for commercial applications, which may also include barbed wire or razor wire on top as a security measure. Taller fences may also need a rolling gate rather than a swing gate. You’ll want to be sure to check your local building and zoning codes before installing any type of fence.

A Pro and a Con: Chain Link Fencing is See-Through
As you know, chain link is see-through. For some that’s a pro – it allows you to see your dog or your children playing even while you’re on the other side of the fence. And the see-through nature allows sunshine through the fence to a garden, for example, whereas a cedar fence would block the light.

At the same time, for some, the see-through nature of chain link is a major negative. That’s where chain link privacy slats and a chain link privacy screen come in. Both are ways to add privacy to the fence, and are still cost-effective options. We can install these privacy measures at the same time we install your fence, if you would like.

Con #1 A Chain Link Fence Is Easy to Climb

Since the see-through can be a con for some people, this is technically #2. But numbers aside, the fact that chain link is so easy to climb is a deal breaker for some homeowners and even businesses. An agile dog can easily climb the fence, as can a curious child or determined trespasser.

Con #2 Chain Link Is Not Visually Appealing

Few would argue that a chain link fence is a beautiful fence that could compare with a cedar fence or a steel ornamental fence. Galvanized gray is reminiscent of an industrial complex or even a prison yard. However, there are options to get vinyl coated chain link with a PVC coating of black, brown, or green, which can increase the visual appeal.
Common Chain Link Fence Applications

You’ve probably seen chain link fencing since childhood, and never thought a lot about it until now. It’s the perfect utilitarian solution for a number of residential and commercial applications, including:

• Back yard fence
• Dog run fence
• Defining property lines
• Temporary construction fence
• Security fence for a commercial or industrial property
• Sports field fence
• Baseball backstops

Pretty much anywhere you need a fence as a boundary and don’t mind the see-through nature, chain link is a good, affordable fencing option.
Get a FREE Quote on Chain Link Fence Installation in the Denver Area.

If you’re a commercial property owner or homeowner looking for a cost-effective fencing solution, chain link may be just the thing. As always, we recommend hiring a professional fence installer. While you might try to do it yourself, you might end up calling us in to fix a botched job, Save yourself the headache and call us at (720) 418-8194 to schedule a free estimate.

You can also fill out the form and we’ll get back to you by the next business day. We install chain link fencing for both residential and commercial clients throughout the Denver metro area, including Lakewood, Wheat Ridge, Arvada, Littleton, Golden, and surrounding areas.

Vinyl Fence

Vinyl Fence 101: What You Need To Know

Post author By Tom Colangelo
Post date May 19, 2021

Vinyl Fence 101 – What You Need to Know

While the team at Denver Fence Company is best known for our installation of wood fence and steel ornamental fencing, we also install vinyl fence. Vinyl fencing has become more popular around the country over the years. But is it right for your Denver area home or business?

Let’s take a look at some pros and cons.

Vinyl Fence Pros

Vinyl fence has a number of things going for it. That’s why it has become more popular over the years. Here are a few of the positives:

Durable

Unlike its wood counterpart, a vinyl fence will never splinter, rot, or be vulnerable to a pest infestation. These fences can last for many, many years to come. They are also fade resistant, because ultraviolet (UV) inhibitors and other additives are part of the manufacturing process.

Low Maintenance

One of the big selling points for a vinyl fence is it is very low maintenance. An occasional hosing off in the summer should be all it needs. This is in contrast to some wood fences, which need to be painted or resealed periodically.

Vinyl Fence Cons

Now that you’ve learned about the pros of vinyl fencing, it’s time to learn about the cons.

Vinyl: Sustainable or Not?

While the industry may say vinyl is sustainable because of the longevity of vinyl fence, you need to know that it is a product of manufacturing plants, and all that that entails. Vinyl fencing is made from Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), a synthetic plastic polymer. The manufacturing process uses dioxins, ethylene dichloride, vinyl chloride, and phthalates.

In addition, because of how it’s made and its durability, vinyl usually ends up in a landfill rather than being reused or recycled. And it sits there for decades, because it will not decompose.

Heavy Snow and a Vinyl Fence

In Denver, we know snow. This is one area where a vinyl fence might not be the best choice. While vinyl fencing can easily withstand the cold, the weight of heavy snow could cause it to warp, bend, crack, or even collapse under the weight of the snow.

For this reason, if you did choose to install vinyl fencing, you would want to make sure you did not let your snow blower throw snow towards the fence. You might even want to consider trying to sweep snow off of a vinyl fence.

Schedule a FREE Estimate for Vinyl Fence Installation

If you’ve decided a vinyl fence is right for your property. Call (720) 418-8194 or fill out the Get a Quote form to get the estimate process started. We serve homeowners and commercial clients throughout the Denver, Colorado metro area, including Lakewood, Wheatridge, Arvada, and Littleton.

Wood Fence

Is A Wood Fence Right For You

Post author By Tom Colangelo
Post date May 5, 2021

Is a Wood Fence Right for Your Home?

A wood fence is an American classic. From a picket fence to a split rail fence to a privacy fence, all of them are possible with wood. From a custom-made fence to one constructed with fence panels, wood fences are very popular in the Denver area. They give your property a natural look that blends in with our majestic scenery.

Denver Fence Company specializes in the installation of cedar fence and Copperwood fence.

Benefits of a Wood Fence

A wood fence has many benefits, including the basics of providing privacy, and a way to keep your kids and pets on your property. But there are several other benefits including:

Durability and Ease of Repair

A wood fence can last for decades. They are also easy to repair. Replacing a plank or gate is relatively easy, so there’s no need to replace the whole fence.

Sustainability

Another benefit of a wood fence is sustainability. Cedar, especially, is a sustainably managed resource, and is completely renewable.

Multiple Style Options

You have multiple style options when opting for a wood fence, including:

Picket
Open picket
Privacy
Board on board
Stockade
Lattice
Horizontal plank
Post and rail

And once you decide on the style of wood fence, there are other options to consider, including fence height, picket style (flat top, dog ear, pointed, Gothic, etc.), gate style, and finishing touches like finials for fence posts.

Wood Fence Maintenance

You should know that your wood fence may need occasional maintenance. You can leave a cedar fence to weather naturally, and it will turn a silvery grey. By staining a cedar fence, you can prolong its life, and change the appearance to suit your tastes.

Get a FREE Estimate on Wood Fence Installation

At Denver Fence Company, we have decades of experience in wood fence installation, both Cedar and Copperwood. Check out our Gallery page for some examples of our work. We can custom design your fence so you get exactly the look you want.

If your home or business is in the Denver metropolitan area, call (720) 418-8194 or use the contact form to schedule a free quote.