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Welcome to the Spaulding Fence & Supply blog! We provide the latest fence trends, expert tips, and educational insights for homeowners and contractors alike. Join us as we explore the world of fencing to help you create the perfect perimeter for your space!

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Fence News

Fence News is a monthly publication delivering the latest news from the fence industry and related fields. Each issue is packed with information on products, industry trends, success stories, management tools and more.

Fence News publication

Vinyl vs. Cedar Wood Fencing: Which Stands the Test of Time?

June 18, 2026 When choosing the right fence for your property, durability is often the deciding factor—especially in New England, where harsh winters, moisture, and temperature swings can impact outdoor materials. A common comparison homeowners consider is vinyl fencing vs. cedar wood fencing. While vinyl excels in long-term performance, cedar continues to stand out for its timeless beauty and classic regional appeal. Built to Withstand the Elements New England weather can be tough on fencing. Vinyl fencing is engineered to resist moisture, temperature changes, and UV exposure without warping, cracking, or splitting. Cedar wood fences offer natural resilience, but they can still expand, contract, and weather over time, particularly with repeated exposure to snow, rain, and humidity. The Classic Charm of Cedar Cedar fencing holds a special place in New England design. Its warm tones, natural grain, and organic texture create a charming, traditional look that complements historic homes, rural landscapes, and coastal properties alike. Over time, cedar gracefully weathers to a soft gray patina—a signature of classic New England style that many homeowners value. For those who prefer its original richness, staining can preserve and enhance its natural beauty. Natural Resistance vs. Long-Term Protection Cedar is prized for its natural oils, which provide initial resistance to insects and decay. However, these benefits can lessen over time without maintenance. Vinyl fencing, being non-organic, will not rot, attract insects, or deteriorate, offering consistent performance without treatments or sealants. Maintenance Matters To maintain its appearance and durability, cedar fencing requires periodic staining or sealing. While this hands-on care appeals to some homeowners, vinyl fencing provides a low-maintenance alternative, needing only occasional cleaning to maintain its look—saving both time and long-term upkeep costs. Strength and Longevity Cedar is a strong and dependable wood, but it remains susceptible to aging and environmental wear. Boards may crack, split, or loosen over time. Vinyl fencing is engineered for long-term durability, often reinforced to withstand impact and harsh conditions, with a lifespan that can extend for decades. Design Versatility and Options In addition to durability, vinyl fencing offers exceptional design flexibility. Homeowners can choose from a wide range of styles, colors, heights, and decorative accents—from classic privacy panels to picket and semi-private designs. This versatility allows vinyl to replicate the look of traditional wood or create a more modern aesthetic, making it easy to match your home’s architecture and personal style without sacrificing performance. Appearance Over Time Cedar’s evolving look is part of its appeal—whether maintaining its warm hue or allowing it to weather into a silvery finish. Vinyl, on the other hand, delivers consistent color and a polished appearance, thanks to built-in UV protection that resists fading. The Bottom Line Cedar wood fencing provides unmatched character and timeless New England charm, making it a favorite for traditional aesthetics. However, it requires ongoing upkeep. Vinyl fencing offers superior durability, low maintenance, and extensive design options, making it an ideal solution for homeowners seeking long-lasting beauty and versatility.

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☀️ Summer Fence Care in New England: Protect & Preserve

June 10, 2026 New England summers bring long, sunny days and backyard enjoyment, but they also introduce a mix of humidity, heat, and sudden storms that can quietly wear down your fence over time. Whether your property features vinyl, aluminum, or cedar fencing, taking a proactive approach during the summer months is essential to preserving both its appearance and structural integrity—while also helping you avoid unnecessary repair costs. Vinyl fencing is often chosen for its low-maintenance appeal, but that doesn’t mean it’s completely maintenance-free. Over the course of a humid New England summer, dirt, pollen, and mildew can build up on the surface, dulling its clean appearance. A simple wash with soap and water or a gentle spray with a hose can restore its brightness, while also preventing long-term staining. It’s also important to inspect vinyl panels for cracks or loosened sections caused by temperature fluctuations. Addressing these small issues early is a key cost-saving strategy, as replacing a single rail or panel is far less expensive than repairing an entire section later. If repairs are needed, replacement rails, posts, and hardware can easily be sourced from Spaulding Fence & Supply, helping you extend the life of your fence without overspending. Aluminum fences are highly durable and resistant to rust, making them a popular choice for homeowners seeking both elegance and longevity. However, summer conditions can still take a toll, particularly with exposure to moisture and coastal air. Occasional rinsing helps prevent buildup that can impact the finish, and checking for loose fasteners or minor corrosion spots ensures small issues don’t turn into larger, more expensive problems. A simple tightening of hardware or replacement of a worn hinge can prevent gate misalignment or structural strain down the road. Keeping a small supply of replacement parts on hand—or knowing where to get them quickly—can save both time and money. Spaulding Fence & Supply offers the necessary components to keep your aluminum fence secure, functional, and looking its best without the need for costly full replacements. Cedar fencing, prized for its natural beauty and classic New England charm, requires a bit more attention during the summer months, but the payoff is long-term durability and curb appeal. Heat and humidity can cause wood to expand, contract, and potentially warp, while prolonged sun exposure may lead to fading. Regular inspections will help identify early signs of wear, such as splitting or minor rot, particularly near the base where moisture tends to collect. Applying a protective sealant or stain during a dry stretch of weather is one of the most effective cost-saving measures you can take, as it significantly extends the lifespan of the wood and reduces the likelihood of large-scale repairs. When sections do need to be replaced, another major cost-saving opportunity comes from matching the existing fence rather than replacing it entirely. Spaulding Fence & Supply specializes in cedar fence matching, ensuring new boards or panels blend seamlessly with your current fence. This allows for targeted repairs that maintain a cohesive look, eliminating the need for a full redesign or rebuild. Across all fence types, managing the environment around your fence is just as important as maintaining the materials themselves. Keeping grass, weeds, and landscaping trimmed back reduces excess moisture and improves airflow, which helps prevent premature deterioration. Redirecting sprinklers away from the fence and ensuring proper drainage after summer storms can also reduce water-related damage—saving you from future repair expenses. These small preventative steps require minimal effort but can significantly extend the lifespan of your fence. Ultimately, protecting your fence during a New England summer is about consistent care, early intervention, and smart purchasing decisions. Vinyl, aluminum, and cedar fences each offer unique benefits, but all perform best when maintained regularly and repaired promptly. By investing in routine cleaning, addressing minor issues before they grow, and sourcing quality replacement parts when needed, homeowners can avoid costly overhauls. With a full range of materials and a specialty in seamless cedar fence matching, Spaulding Fence & Supply provides everything you need to maintain your fence efficiently and affordably—keeping it strong, attractive, and built to last for years to come.

Pool Safety Starts with the Right Fence: Choosing the Best Pool Surround

June 9, 2026 As summer arrives and backyard pools become the center of family fun, safety quickly moves to the forefront of every homeowner’s mind. Installing the right pool fence is one of the most effective ways to prevent accidents, control access, and create peace of mind while still enhancing your outdoor living space. At Spaulding Fence & Supply, we help homeowners find fencing solutions that balance safety, style, and long-term durability. When selecting a pool fence, it’s important to consider both function and appearance. A well-chosen fence should meet local safety requirements while complementing your home and landscape. Fortunately, there are several trusted fencing options that provide reliable protection without sacrificing curb appeal. Aluminum fencing continues to be one of the most popular choices for pool surrounds, thanks to its durability and timeless look. Its open design allows for clear visibility into the pool area, which is especially important for monitoring children and guests. Aluminum is naturally resistant to rust and corrosion, making it ideal for poolside environments where moisture is constant. Homeowners also appreciate that it requires very little maintenance—no painting or staining—while still offering an elegant, upscale appearance that works with both modern and traditional homes. Vinyl fencing is another excellent option, particularly for those looking to create a more private and secluded backyard retreat. With solid or semi-private panel designs, vinyl fencing blocks visibility from neighboring properties while maintaining a clean, polished look. It’s also highly resistant to moisture, rot, and pests, making it a long-lasting solution in outdoor environments. Because vinyl has smooth surfaces and no splinters, it’s a safe and family-friendly choice that holds up well over time with minimal upkeep. For homeowners seeking a more budget-conscious solution, chain link fencing remains a reliable and practical option. While it may not offer the same level of decorative appeal as other materials, chain link provides a strong, effective barrier that meets safety needs without a high upfront cost. Modern versions often include vinyl-coated finishes in darker colors, which help the fence blend more seamlessly into the landscape while improving overall appearance. It’s a straightforward, durable choice that gets the job done efficiently. Cedar fencing offers a beautiful, natural option for homeowners who want to add warmth and character to their pool area. Known for its durability and natural resistance to moisture, insects, and decay, cedar is especially well-suited for outdoor environments like pool surrounds. It can be customized in a variety of styles and finishes, allowing homeowners to create a look that complements their property while providing strong privacy and security. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, cedar ages gracefully over time, developing a distinctive character. To maintain its appearance and longevity, periodic staining or sealing is recommended. Ultimately, the right pool fence depends on your priorities—whether that’s visibility, privacy, budget, or design. Regardless of the material you choose, features like secure gates, proper height, and compliance with local safety codes are essential to ensuring your fence does its job effectively. At Spaulding Fence & Supply, we understand that your pool area should be both safe and enjoyable. Our team works closely with homeowners to recommend fencing solutions that not only meet safety standards but also enhance the beauty of your outdoor space. As the summer season heats up, now is the perfect time to invest in a pool fence that protects your family while elevating your backyard. If you're ready to explore your options, Spaulding Fence & Supply is here to help you create a safe, stylish, and summer-ready pool environment.

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Spaulding Fence & Supply Co., Inc.
72 James Street Worcester, MA 01603
70 James Street Worcester, MA 01603 -Mailing
Worcester, MA 01603
Phone: 508-799-4798
info@spauldingfencesupply.com
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Hours of Operation:
Winter Hours (Nov - Mar)
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