Nine out of ten Colorado Springs homeowners we quote are stuck between two materials: cedar and vinyl. Both are HOA-friendly, both look good, and both can survive Front Range weather when installed correctly. But their long-term costs, maintenance, and failure modes are very different. Here's what a Colorado Springs fencing contractor sees after installing hundreds of each.
Cost per linear foot in Colorado Springs
Installed cedar privacy fence in Colorado Springs typically runs $35–$50 per linear foot. Vinyl runs $50–$70. Vinyl looks more expensive up front — until you factor in stain and repair cycles over 20 years, where the two often meet in the middle.
Lifespan on the Front Range
Cedar lasts 15–25 years if the pickets are stained every 3–5 years and posts were set below frost line in concrete. Vinyl lasts 20–30 years with almost no upkeep, but low-grade vinyl gets brittle at 6,000+ feet of UV exposure. Ask your fencing contractor which extrusion grade they run — thin-wall vinyl cracks in hail.
HOA acceptance
Almost every HOA in Briargate, Wolf Ranch, Flying Horse and Broadmoor allows both, but many require specific colors (natural cedar or white/tan vinyl) and a 6-foot maximum. We handle the HOA submittal packet on every install.
Which one should you pick?
- Pick cedar if: you love the natural look, don't mind staining every few years, and want the lower up-front cost.
- Pick vinyl if: you want a set-it-and-forget-it fence and are staying in the home 10+ years.
- Pick decorative steel instead if: you're in hail country and want front-yard curb appeal.