Top 9 Things to Know About Porcelain Pavers

Across the country and around the world, millions of homeowners have discovered the long-term value of porcelain pavers. These durable landscape materials not only look beautiful, but also provide functionality that you can’t find with other material options. If you’ve been trying to find the perfect material for your next project, this might just be the one. To help you decide, we’ve outlined 9 things that you should know about porcelain pavers.

Can Be Used in Many Projects

One thing that homeowners love about porcelain pavers right off the bat is the fact that they can be used in nearly any landscape project. They’re fantastic for simple renovations like walkways or porches. They’re equally as functional in more advanced projects such as patios and pool decks. If you can imagine it, chances are porcelain pavers will do the job.

Come in a Range of Colors

Porcelain pavers are versatile due to the fact that they’re available in a wide range of colors. If you’re looking for a granite or wood appearance, for example, they can be made to emulate these types of finishes, and many more.

Will Last for Many Years

With any landscape project, you’re looking forward to the future and to get the most use out of your investment. Porcelain pavers are a wonderful choice for these projects. They’re extremely durable and last for years on end. Not only will they stand up to wear and tear, but on the off-chance that any paver gets damaged, it can be easily replaced.

Won’t Fade Over Time

Other materials may begin to fade after a few years because of exposure to the elements. Porcelain pavers, on the other hand, are much more resilient. Even after years of use, these pavers will look as good as new. This makes them perfect for outdoor projects where they’ll be exposed to the sun and various types of weather.

Don’t Absorb or Hold Moisture

Porcelain pavers are created to be non-porous, which means they won’t absorb or hold moisture. The best part about this feature is that it gives the pavers a non-slip, non-skid surface. This means they are a fantastic choice for pool decks. This feature is also handy for walkways or flooring that may be exposed to rain or potential spills.

Don’t Retain High Heat

If you’ve ever walked across asphalt on a hot summer day, then you know how easily it can burn your feet. With porcelain pavers, this is something you’ll rarely have to worry about. Their surface is constructed with materials that prevent it from absorbing a high level of heat. If it’s an especially hot day, it will be warm to the touch but nowhere near hot enough to burn. Do keep in mind that darker colors will always tend to get warmer than neutral or light colors if exposed to full sun.

Are Extremely Easy to Clean

If you’re like most homeowners, then you don’t want to spend hours every week keeping your landscape clean and tidy. Although every landscape does need a certain amount of maintenance, porcelain pavers make it a breeze, because they can be cleaned with very little effort. Their surface resists dust and debris, and all you really need to do is sweep them off once per week.

Resist Scratches and Stains

Porcelain pavers are extremely durable against weather or normal wear and tear, and they’re also resistant to scratches and stains. If a paver is scratched with metal or even a blade, you’ll typically be able to wipe it down and the scratch will be gone. As for stains, porcelain’s non-porous surface doesn’t allow spills to set in easily. Simply wipe them up in a timely manner, and you can live worry-free!

Can Handle High Foot Traffic

Many landscape projects involve some type of flooring whether it’s a pathway, outdoor living room, pavilion, pergola, etc. so you always want to select a material that can handle a lot of foot traffic. Porcelain pavers can handle a high level of foot traffic over a very long period of time. This makes them the perfect solution for any landscape design element where household members or guests will be walking on a regular basis.

Purchasing Porcelain Pavers in New Jersey

Braen Supply carries the full line of Mirage Porcelain Pavers, along with several other brands, giving you ultimate flexibility with every landscape design project. We also offer landscape design services, making us nearly a one-stop shop for every single project. Our team at Braen Supply is more than happy to answer any questions you may have and provide you with landscaping and hardscaping tips.

You can pick up materials at our New Jersey locations or we can ship them directly to your area throughout parts of New Jersey and New York and limited parts of Connecticut and Pennsylvania.

Interested in viewing our products from the comfort of your home? Click here to request a mobile showroom appointment where we can tailor our showroom to meet your project needs.

Whether you’re just beginning your landscaping journey or your project is already underway, you can call Braen Supply with any questions you may have about hardscape materials or landscape design.

3 Ways Stone Mobile Showrooms Enhance Customer Experience

In today’s fast-paced world, convenience and personalized service are chief among customer expectations. When it comes to selecting the perfect stone for your project–whether it’s for your home, garden, or a large-scale commercial endeavor the process can often feel overwhelming. This is where a stone mobile showrooms come into play, revolutionizing the way in which you experience and choose stone products. Here’s how:

Bringing the Showroom to Your Doorstep

One of the most significant advantages of a stone mobile showroom is the convenience it offers. Instead of having to take time out of your busy schedule to visit a physical location, the showroom comes to you. Imagine browsing through a selection of curated stone samples from the comfort of your own home. This on-site experience not only saves you time, but also allows you to see how a variety of stones may look in your actual environment, allowing you to perfectly develop your atmosphere. This real-world preview can make a huge difference in your decision-making process, ensuring that you pick the perfect stone that complements your space beautifully.

Personalized Service and Expert Guidance

When you visit a traditional showroom, you might have to wait for a salesperson or become overwhelmed with the wide variety of selections. With a mobile showroom, the experience is all about you. The stone expert who arrives at your location is there to focus solely on your needs. They can provide personalized advice, answer all your questions, and help you understand the nuances of each stone option. This one-on-one attention ensures that you receive expert guidance tailored to your specific project, making the selection process much smoother and more enjoyable.

Enhanced Visualization and Decision-Making

Seeing is believing, and this couldn’t be more true when it comes to selecting stone products. Mobile showrooms allow you to see large, high-quality samples in your own space, giving you a much better idea of how each option will look once installed. You can even compare different stones side by side to assess their texture, color, and finish, and see how they react to your local conditions if you’re planning an outdoor project. This enhanced visualization makes it easier to make confident decisions, reducing the risk of costly mistakes or buyer’s remorse later on.

Stone mobile showrooms are changing the game by making the selection process more convenient, personalized, and effective. By bringing the showroom to your doorstep, providing expert guidance, and enhancing your ability to visualize the final product in your own space, these mobile showrooms significantly improve the overall customer experience. If you’re considering a stone project, why not take advantage of this innovative service and see how it can make your decision-making process smoother and more enjoyable?

Ready to explore your stone options without leaving your home? Contact Braen Supply today to request a visit from our mobile showroom and experience the difference firsthand!

Are Porcelain Pavers Slippery?

When it comes to outdoor paving materials, a common concern among homeowners and designers is slipperiness, especially in areas prone to rain or near pools. Porcelain pavers, known for their durability and stylish appearance, are often considered for these spaces. But are porcelain pavers slippery, and how do they compare to other paving options?

Check out this guide to help you make an informed decision.

What Are Porcelain Pavers?

Let’s start with the basics:

Porcelain pavers are made from high-quality ceramic materials and baked at very high temperatures, creating a dense and durable product. They’re available in a wide range of textures, colors, and designs. They can be made to mimic the look of natural stone, wood, and even concrete. Porcelain is favored for its nonporous surface, which makes it resistant to stains, scratches, and moisture absorption.

With such a smooth finish, though, you may wonder whether they pose a slip hazard.

Are Porcelain Pavers Slippery?

The short answers is: It depends on the texture and surface finish of the paver. Most porcelain pavers are designed specifically for outdoor use and come with anti-slip properties. They are manufactured with textured surfaces or coatings that improve traction, even when wet.

Factors That Affects Slip Resistance

Surface Texture: A smooth porcelain paver will generally be more slippery than one with a textured or matte surface. For outdoor spaces, it’s best to choose pavers with a rougher texture designed to provide grip.

Water Exposure: In areas where water is present, such as pool decks or patios exposed to frequent rainfall, slip resistance becomes important. Porcelain pavers are a great choice for such environments since they are typically textured for slip resistance.

Regular Maintenance: Dirt, algae, or moss buildup can increase slipperiness over time. Regular cleaning of your porcelain pavers will maintain their appearance and ensure they stay safe to walk on.

Porcelain vs. Other Paving Materials

When comparing porcelain pavers to other materials, here’s how they measure up:

Concrete Pavers: Concrete pavers tend to absorb moisture which can make them slippery in freezing conditions. However, they can be textured for slip resistance.

Wood: Wood decking can become slick in rainy conditions and may require frequent treatment to maintain traction.

Porcelain pavers, with their nonporous surface and slip-resistant properties, often offer the best balance of style, safety, and durability.

How to Choose the Right Porcelain Paver

When selecting porcelain pavers, keep these tips in mind:

Location Matters: For areas with high foot traffic or exposure to water, choose a paver with a textured surface.

Finish and Texture: Opt for textured or matte finishes over polished surfaces for better traction.

Conclusion

Porcelain pavers can be an excellent, slip-resistant option for your outdoor space, and has added benefits of fade-resistance and high heat prevention. With the proper maintenance, you can enjoy the beauty of porcelain without worrying about slips and falls.

If you’re considering porcelain pavers for your next outdoor project, our team at Braen Supply is here to help you find the perfect solution. Reach out to us for expert advice and to explore our extensive range of high-quality porcelain pavers designed for safety and style!

Interested in viewing our products from the comfort of your home? Click here to request a mobile showroom appointment where we can tailor our showroom to meet your project needs.

Mobile Showroom for Stone: What Materials Can I Request to See?

A mobile showroom for stone can help you to view and choose quality hardscape materials from your home! This quick start guide will walk you through what you should know when requesting to see materials.

Veneer

Transform your home with the timeless beauty of stone veneer! Whether you’re upgrading your fireplace, accenting your exterior, or adding a stylish feature wall, veneer offers the perfect combination of durability and elegance. Veneer comes in cultured and natural stone options, so you can find the best choice for your budget and aesthetic. A mobile showroom allows you to explore the possibilities of veneer and other premium products without leaving your home!

Porcelain Pavers

Porcelain pavers are a top choice for many homeowners and contractors alike. They’re known for their durability, low maintenance, and wide range of design options. Whether you’re looking to create a sleek, modern patio or a rustic outdoor space, porcelain pavers can deliver. During a mobile showroom visit, you can examine the texture, color, and overall feel of these pavers to see how they might work in your project.

Patio Stones

Patio stones can elevate any outdoor space whether you’re designing a cozy backyard retreat, a stylish entertaining area, or a durable walkway. This stunning selection of stones provides both beauty and functionality. With a variety of colors, textures, and styles to choose from, you can create the perfect outdoor living space. These natural stones hold up well under heavy foot traffic and are guaranteed to last for years to come. A mobile showroom will help you envision your dream backyard where your stone will complement the landscape.

Decorative Gravel

If you’re aiming to add a touch of elegance or a natural aesthetic to your landscape, decorative gravel is a versatile option. It’s perfect for garden pathways, driveways, or as a stylish accent in your flower beds or garden. A mobile showroom will allow you to see the various colors and sizes available, helping you envision how decorative gravel can enhance your outdoor space. Upon request, you can receive small samples of decorative gravel.

Concrete Paving Stones

Upgrade your outdoor areas with the durability and style of our concrete paving stones! Perfect for driveways, walkways, patios, and more, these budget-friendly paving stones are known for their durability that combines practicality with eye-catching design. Available in various shapes, colors, and finishes, they can be tailored to fit any aesthetic. Best of all, a mobile showroom brings these options directly to your home, making it easy for you to visualize how they’ll enhance your space.

With Braen Supply’s mobile showroom service, you don’t have to rely on pictures or small samples to make your decision. We bring the full range of materials right to you, so you can choose with confidence. Ready to start your project? Contact us today to request your personalized mobile showroom experience!

Mobile Showroom for Stone: Can It Come to My Business?

Whether you’re an architect, designer, or business owner, a mobile showroom for stone is designed to provide a seamless and personalized experience, right at your doorstep. Here’s how it works:

Why Use a Mobile Showroom?

Time is a precious resource in the business world. Coordinating site visits, dealing with traffic, and disrupting your busy schedule to visit a showroom can be challenging. A mobile showroom eliminates these hassles by coming directly to you. This service allows you to see, feel, and compare various stone products, including everything from stone veneer to porcelain pavers, in the comfort of your own space.

What to Expect with Braen

The Braen Supply Mobile Showroom is more than just a vehicle. It’s a fully-fledged showroom on wheels, equipped with a curated selection of our finest stone products. When we arrive at your business, you’ll have the opportunity:

To Explore a Variety of Materials: Whether you’re interested in veneer, patio stones, porcelain pavers, or custom designs, our mobile showroom carries a diverse selection of stone materials. You can see and feel the texture, color, and quality of each option.

Have a Personalized Consultation: Our expert team will be on hand to provide tailored advice based on your specific project needs. We can discuss everything from design ideas to technical specifications, ensuring you make the right choice for your business.

To Take Home Samples: If you need to review your options further or share them with your team, we provide samples that you can take with you. This way, you can make informed decisions at your own pace.

Ourmobile showroom for stone is equipped with a curated selection of our finest stone products

Is This Service Right for You?

Our mobile showroom service is perfect for any business involved in design, construction, or real estate. If you’re looking to enhance your space with premium materials but find it difficult to visit our physical location, this service is ideal for you. We cater to:

Architects and Designers: Bring your clients into the decision-making process with on-site consultations and immediate access to product samples.

Contractors and Builders: Save time by evaluating materials on-site, ensuring they meet the specific needs of your projects.

Business Owners: If you’re renovating or building a new space, our mobile showroom allows you to explore options and make decisions without disrupting your workflow.

Homeowners: Our mobile showroom brings stone materials right to your doorstep, so you have access to our products without leaving the comfort of your home.

How to Request a Mobile Showroom Visit

Scheduling our mobile showroom to visit your business is simple. Just give us a call or fill out our online request form. We’ll work with you to find a time that fits your schedule. We cover a wide service area. Whether you’re in the heart of the city or in a more remote location, we can bring our showroom to you.

A mobile showroom is designed to make your life easier by bringing the showroom experience directly to you. It’s convenient, personalized, and tailored to meet your specific needs. Let Braen Supply help you discover the perfect materials for your next project—right at your doorstep!

Ready to explore our stones from the comfort of your own business? Contact us today to request your mobile showroom visit!

10 Things About Thin Veneer Stone Your Contractor Wants You To Know

Adding stone veneer siding to your house as part of a landscaping project can absolutely reinvigorate its appearance, increase its value, and even make you feel proud to be a homeowner all over again. There are a few different types of stone veneer siding for you to choose from, and many homeowners select thin stone veneer for a variety of different projects.

Choosing a specific type of siding is a big decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly, especially since you’re likely to be living with the decision for quite a long time. If you’re still on the fence over which siding you’ll want to employ in your landscaping project, then perhaps we can help clear things up for you a bit. To that end, let’s take a look at 10 things about thin veneer stone that your contractor wants you to know.

Alternative to Full Stone Veneer

As we’ve mentioned in a few past discussions, thin stone veneer is a great alternative for landscaping projects when your home simply doesn’t have enough room available for full stone veneer siding. To put the sizes in perspective, full stone veneer typically ranges from 3”-6″ inches thick, depending on the project, while thin stone veneer is cut to only 1″ thick. As you might expect, this lowers the cost while not sacrificing quality.

Perfect for Fireplaces and Chimneys

Thin stone veneer can be used in a variety of indoor and outdoor landscape projects, and two such indoor projects that you will often find it being used for is with fireplaces and chimneys. The stone’s versatility makes it perfect for these two types of projects, and will definitely help the areas stand out. This will also help to increase the value of your home in case you ever decide to sell it someday down the road.

Attractive and Durable

Many homeowners choose the use of thin stone veneer because it has such an attractive quality. No matter what type of landscape project you’re using it for, it can really beautify a home, both inside and outside. Not only that, but it is quite durable and will last for many years with very little maintenance. This makes it a very attractive material on a number of levels.

Cost Includes More Than Just the Material

When calculating the overall costs involved with the installation of thin stone veneer, it’s important to remember that the cost of the stone itself is obviously only one of the line items that you need to put in the budget. You also need to take the cost of other materials such as mortar and sills into consideration. Also, if the area where you’re installing the stone has tighter joints, that means you’ll need additional materials. And, finally, there’s the overall cost of labor that’s involved.

Variety of Cuts Available

Another great thing about thin stone veneer is that it’s available in a variety of cuts, which means that you can add your own bit of personality to your new landscaping project depending on your specific tastes. There are six primary cuts that are available: square / rectangular, any others that all list later. Each one presents its own unique look, but they all have the same high level of quality.

Installation Doesn’t Take Long

Speaking of the labor involved in your landscaping project, the good news is that thin stone veneer isn’t typically a huge undertaking. Of course, there will be a few factors involved depending on the specifications, which both a landscape designer and contractor will be able to go over with you. But, most thin stone veneer installations only take one or two days to complete.

Costs Less Than Full Stone Veneer

If you’re like most homeowners, it’s always a good thing when you can keep a landscaping project under control in terms of the cost involved. This is especially true if you’re on a limited budget and still want to have a good result. Since thin stone veneer costs less than full stone, this is typically a great alternative even if you do have the room for the full stone treatment.

Residential and Commercial Options

Although we talk a lot about homeowners when it comes to landscaping projects, plenty of business owners can utilize our information and tips, as well. Thin stone veneer is great for home use, but it is often used in offices, hotels, and other such commercial properties on a regular basis. In fact, many business owners will use thin stone in a few different areas of one location due to its appearance and versatility.

Doesn’t Require Additional Support

One of the reasons why thin stone veneer is a popular material is that it weighs less than 15 pounds per square foot, which means you won’t need to attach it to any kind of structural support for its installation. Since there is no block or concrete base needed, or any similar support, you’ll end up saving money due to an overall lower cost of installation.

Broken Pieces Must Be Replaced

As we mentioned earlier, thin stone veneer is quite durable and will last a long time with a low level of maintenance. It’s important to realize that if a piece of the stone gets broken due to an unforeseen accident, you will definitely be noticeable. Luckily, replacing a broken piece of thin stone veneer is not a big job and can be done quite quickly.

Purchasing Stone Veneer in New Jersey

No matter what type of stone veneer siding you choose to install in your home, Braen Supply can provide both the materials themselves and landscape design to make sure that everything goes smoothly. Visit our facility in New Jersey and our landscape designer will assist you with developing the layout, provide you with ideas to improve the project, analyze your material needs, and set you up with a local contractor. We offer competitive pricing and you can either purchase materials at our facility or have them delivered in bulk throughout most of NJ and parts of NY, CT, and PA.

5 Ways To Use Belair Retaining Walls In Your NJ Landscape

One of the fastest, simplest and most effective means of giving your property a makeover is to incorporate Belgard Belair retaining wall blocks into your landscape. Like all Belgard products, the Belair wall collection is designed with style, functionality and longevity in mind. This means that there are a number of ways that you can make use of the blocks to enhance your home, depending on your individual needs and preferences. To emphasize this point, we’ve put together a quick guide to what you can expect from Belgard Belair retaining walls, as well as five fabulous ideas for introducing these wall blocks to your property.

Belair Belgard Retaining Wall Blocks At-A-Glance

Belair retaining walls are a part of Belgard’s Natural Collection, featuring a rugged and naturalistic chiseled facing on all sides. The blocks are designed to look just like real stone, and it’s nearly impossible to differentiate between a Belair wall and a 100% natural stone wall. In addition to featuring a chiseled surface, each stone features rich and detailed texturing. The blocks are available in several different color families, making it easy for you to match your new wall with your landscape’s current style of decor and existing features. Because Belgard Belair retaining walls are crafted from concrete, they are extremely affordable and highly durable. The blocks are also treated to prevent fading and discoloration, meaning that your retaining wall will continue to look spectacular throughout the years.

Uses for Belgard Belair Retaining Wall Blocks

It’s easy to fall in love with Belgard Belair retaining walls at first sight, but you may be wondering exactly how you should make use of them throughout your landscape. Fortunately, Belair wall blocks are extremely versatile and can serve a number of decorative and functional purposes. Of course, a retaining wall’s primary purpose is generally to prevent erosion and to protect the integrity of the landscape, but these walls can be used for so much more. Here’s a look at five of our favorite ways to use Belair retaining walls:

1. Maximize Your Living Space

Building with Belgard Belair retaining wall blocks makes it possible for you to level of areas of land throughout an otherwise sloped and unusable landscape and start enjoying more time outdoors. Once these areas have been leveled off and are secured with the attractive wall blocks, it’s easy to create a stunning patio for entertaining and dining, or even an outdoor kitchen. Not only will this maximize your ability to spend time outside with your loved ones, but it will also increase the overall value of your property.

2. Let Your Garden Grow

If you’ve got a green thumb, Belgard Belair retaining walls can help you to be able to spend more time tending to your flowers, vegetables and other plants, while also giving you the ability to show them off to the world. Again, retaining wall blocks make it possible to level off hilly or sloped patches of land. This makes the landscape much more suitable for growing. At the same time, the wall blocks create a beautiful planter bed setting for your vegetation that will not only protect your plants, but will also accentuate their beauty.

3. Facilitate Movement

Belgard Belair retaining wall blocks are the perfect solution for any homeowner who needs to construct a spectacular staircase that will help guests move from one area of the property to another. The blocks are stately and elegant and are a fabulous choice for establishing a front staircase leading up to the front doors of homes with hilly front yards. Stairs can also be used to facilitate movement between various levels of your patio or landscape. The blocks complement many Belgard stair caps and treads, making it easy to create a charming and cohesive design.

4. Create Boundaries

You don’t necessarily have to use Belgard Belair retaining wall blocks for building retaining walls. Instead, the blocks are a great choice for freestanding walls. These types of walls can be used to create boundaries between various areas or “rooms” of your outdoor living space, such as a division between your hot tub and your outdoor living room. Freestanding Belair walls are also great for creating boundaries and privacy between you and neighboring properties.

5. Establish Extra Seating

Throughout the years, we’ve seen many homeowners choose to build additional seating into their Belair retaining walls, steps and freestanding walls. By giving the wall a dual purpose, you are able to create seamless seating that looks absolutely stunning while making it much easier for you to entertain large groups of friends, family and loved ones at a moment’s notice.

Planning Your Landscape with Belgard Belair Retaining Wall Systems

Do you love these ideas as much as we do? Or do you perhaps have other ideas and plans for working Belgard Belair retaining wall blocks into your landscape? Whatever the case may be, we urge you to visit a local Belgard showroom for more ideas on how to build with the blocks and incorporate them into your property. You might even request samples of the colors that you’re most interested in so that you can compare the shades against other tones and hues that may exist within your landscape and hardscape. It’s also a great idea to work with a contractor or landscaping design software in order to draw up plans that are customized for your property. In addition to this, Belgard offers access to an online design studio that will make it easier for you to visualize how the blocks will look within the scope of your unique landscape. Whatever you do, have fun with your design!

Working With Belgard Belair Retaining Walls in NJ

Braen Supply is available for all of your Belgard Belair retaining wall system needs. As a top supplier and authorized dealer of Belgard products, we are able to provide exclusive access to a full range of Belair retaining wall blocks in a various colors and hues. Homeowners can visit our local showroom in order to see how the walls look in-person, and to draw further landscaping inspiration. Our team of Belgard experts is more than happy to answer any questions you may have and to provide you with landscaping and hardscaping tips. Our Belgard Belair wall blocks can be picked up at your convenience or can be bulk delivered to areas throughout parts of NJ and NY and limited parts of PA and CT.

8 Wow-Worthy Hardscape Designs Built By Belgard

Are you in love with Belgard but not sure where to begin with your hardscaping project? Although you’re free to come up with your own unique design, the Belgard experts have put together a ton of outstanding and utterly wow-worthy outdoor living design concepts to inspire your creativity. Here’s a closer look at eight of our favorite ideas:

1. The Entertainer (Concept #42)

It’s clear that Belgard came up with this spectacular concept by carefully considering the needs of its customers who absolutely live to entertain their friends, family and neighbors. This ideal space really has it all. We love the look of an outdoor kitchen featuring a full bar where guests can sit and talk to the chef as they whip up a meal on the grill, or chat with the “bartender” as they pour a round of freshly blended margaritas. A cozy living and sitting area is located just off the bar and grill island. Here, guests can warm themselves around the fire while still staying close to those in the kitchen space. A formal dining area is also included for large family meals and big events. There’s nothing you can’t do in this wonderful space.

2. Geometric Modern (Concept #5)

If you are interested in creating a dramatic and modern yet simplistic and practical outdoor living space, we suggest turning your eyes to Belgard’s Concept #5. This outdoor living room plays off of sleek and simple geometric shapes with sharp edges that are marked by clear boundaries. This pattern extends not only to the patio floor itself, but also in the arrangement of the furnishing selected. Interesting angles are created with the dining set, and richly contrasting shades of black and white add to the bold appeal. The sharpness of the patio design is contrasted nicely against the rounded curves of a beautifully landscaped area for seasonal plants and vegetation along the perimeter of the seating area.

3. A Space for All Seasons (Concept #38)

Who says you can’t enjoy your Belgard outdoor living space even when the temperatures drop or when it’s raining outside? Concept #38 makes it possible for you to stay connected to the great outdoors no matter what. A posh swimming pool and relaxing hot tub are enclosed by glass, greenhouse walls and roofing to keep the elements out while still allowing you to see all of the beauty surrounding you. An adjacent seating and dining area allows you to wine and dine within the seasonally-friendly space. When you’re craving more fresh air, simply step outside onto the patio to sing songs and trade stories around the fire pit.

4. A Whole World Outdoors (Concept #34)

When the weather is beautiful, there should be nothing stopping you from living your whole life outdoors. Many NJ homeowners are making it a priority to establish outdoor living spaces that allow for all of the comforts and luxuries of indoor living – all while surrounded by nature. In this concept, Belgard demonstrates how cooking, dining and lounging are all a part of outdoor living here in the northeast. A simple yet versatile grill island makes it easy to prep a meal while staying connected with guests, and a covered dining area means that you and your loved ones can enjoy something delicious while being protected from the sun. A corner is carved out for relaxing and unwinding on a sleek outdoor couch surrounding an inviting fire pit – perfect for making memories.

5. Sheer Simplicity (Concept #33)

Sometimes the best ideas are the simplest ideas. If you’re the type of NJ homeowner that likes to get back to the basics and keep the focus of your outdoor living space on the nature surrounding you, take a look at Belgard Design Concept #33. The naturalistic flagstone-style Belgard pavers allow you to create interesting shapes and layouts within your space without being overly flashy or distracting. The curving edges and various shapes create natural boundaries for situating a grill island, a seating area and a fire pit. Surrounding the entire patio with a simplistic edging material will put the finishing touches on this “back to basics” idea.

6. Backyard Paradise (Concept #29)

Step into your own personal paradise with Concept #29. This breathtaking Belgard design creates the perfect environment for a daily “staycation” throughout the summer months. The centerpiece of this particular landscape design is a brilliant swimming pool, surrounded by two contrasting (yet complimentary) edging materials to create a magnificent border. The patio features large, bold pavers that add to the upscale, lush feel of the environment. Here, poolside hungers and soak up some rays before sipping on a cocktail at the patio table, or gathering around the fireplace.

7. Well-Rounded Lifestyle (Concept #23)

If you’re tired of the same old rectangular front driveways, you might be quick to fall in love with the curvaceous and circular patterns found in Design Concept #23. Belgard shows off the versatility of various types of its exciting pavers as they are arranged into bold circles and semi-circles, perfect for welcoming guests to your home, allowing for parking and creating natural places for turning around.

8. Hello/Goodbye (Concept #57)

We love the unique look of the front walkway and front patio area featured in Belgard’s Concept #57. As visitors approach your home from the sidewalk, they will be naturally inclined to enter into this fabulous, semi-circular pathway from the right. The cobbled appearance of the pavers gives a traditional New England feel to the walkways as it rounds a beautifully landscaped space and connects to the main path to the front door. A small patio before the threshold of your front porch will create a welcoming appeal. As guests leave your property, they can round the arced front center on the opposite side to which they entered, thus completing the path.

Choosing a Design Concept

Here at Braen Supply, we love the wow factor offered by these unique and vibrant Belgard design concepts, but these 8 ideas are only the tip of the iceberg. We strongly encourage you to visit the Belgard website to review all of the brilliant design concepts available for outdoor living rooms, pool decks, driveways, walkways and more. Be sure to also speak with a Belgard Authorized Contractor to make use of even more online design tools and to get a better idea about which concept is right for your NJ home.

Working With Belgard Products in NJ

Reading to create a wow-worthy Belgard outdoor living space of your own? Braen Supply is a Belgard Authorized Dealer and can provide you with all of the information and materials you need to complete the project of your dreams on a budget you can afford. Visit our local showroom to speak with our team of experts and to get started on the process today. We offer bulk delivery to areas throughout most of NJ, and parts of NY, NYC, CT and PA.

How A Belgard Belair Retaining Wall Can Modernize Your Home In NJ

As a homeowner, you want to do everything in your power to ensure that your property continues to look fresh and modern throughout the years. Not only is maintaining excellent curb appeal important for your own happiness and well being, but doing so also ensures that you can get the maximum value out of your home. If you’ve been feeling like your home’s landscape is a bit lackluster and dated, it’s time for an upgrade. The Belair Wall collection by Belgard offers a simple, affordable and highly effective means of modernizing your home’s exterior.

Characteristics of a Modern Landscape

When we talk about modern landscaping, what do we actually mean? Lush green lawns and sprawling vegetation have been the hallmarks of traditional landscaping, and while green is still chic, modern homeowners are favoring less of it. According to HGTV, today’s most stylish landscapes feature a good balance of plant life and stone or concrete walls, stairs, patios and walkways – often with metal or wood accents. In addition to this, a modern landscape should be simple, sophisticated and free of clutter. A modern landscape is obviously a great fit for modern style homes, but they are also fabulous when juxtaposed against more traditional architecture. Ultimately, this can make even the most classic homes appear more modern and exciting.

Belgard Belair Wall Collection At-A-Glance

The Belgard Belair Wall collection is a perfect fit for any homeowner who is interested in updating their landscape. Belgard is a top designer and manufacturer of excellent hardscaping materials, including wall blocks. These faux “stones” are carefully engineered to look and feel just like natural stone while being manufactured from modern, durable and affordable concrete. Because the blocks are produced from concrete as opposed to natural stone, there is a much higher degree of control over the quality, consistency and uniformity of each block that is sold to homeowners like yourself. Consequently, it’s simple to achieve a clean, sophisticated and clutter-free wall design for your property. The Belair Wall collection, specifically, features soft, neutral colors blended together for beauty, clean lines and rugged texturing. The combination of the geometrically shaped blocks and the ridged and rippling textures make for a truly modern and upscale contrast that will intrigue and delight you and your guests. The Belair collection can be used in designs featuring straight lines, sharp edges, or even curves. This versatility makes it a great option for all landscapes.

Benefits of the Belgard Belair Wall Collection

The Belair collection from Belgard has grown very popular throughout NJ and the northeast, and it’s easy to see why. There are numerous benefits associated with working with these attractive and agile blocks. For starters, the blocks are designed with aesthetics in mind. These are not your grandma’s cinder block retaining wall materials; they’re crafted and engineered with intention, and their look is very “now.” It’s easy to create a modern look for your landscape with these Belgard blocks, pairing green space with “stone.” Whether the blocks are used to construct a retaining wall or a planter, you’ll enjoy the look of contemporary balance. Beyond this, Belgard Belair materials are weather-resistant, durable and long-lasting. This means that your wall or other landscaping features won’t become weathered and worn down over time, thus detracting from the modern vibe you worked so hard to achieve. Instead, your Belair Wall blocks will continue to look fresh and vibrant at all times.

Top Uses for Belgard Belair Wall Blocks

So, how can Belgard Belair Wall blocks be incorporated into your landscape in a way that allows for truly modern design? Here are a few of our favorite ways to improve the look of your home with this stunning wall collection:

Retaining Walls – One of the most common ways that Belgard wall blocks (especially those from the Belair collection) are used is in the construction of functional and aesthetically pleasing retaining walls. In addition to preventing erosion and preserving the integrity of your landscape, these gorgeous blocks will create a more modern and appealing look for your entire property, giving your home a much-needed facelift.
Raised Planters – Just because your modern landscape features hardscaping elements like Belair Wall blocks doesn’t mean that it can’t also boast a beautiful garden. These wall “stones” are perfect for building raised planters and flower beds.
Tiered Landscaping – Get more out of your outdoor living space by leveling off areas of your property and creating tiered landscaping with the Belair collection. The sleek, clean look of each tier will add a modern a appeal to your landscape as a whole, and you and your loved ones will be able to get a whole lot more use out of ALL of your land instead of just small sections.
Stairs – Belgard wall blocks can also be used to construct beautiful and upscale staircases. Whether the steps are leading from one tier of your landscape to another or are welcoming your guests to your front door, the Belair collection will provide the modern flavor that you crave.

Achieving Your Perfect Look With Belgard Belair Wall Blocks

Because Belgard wants homeowners to be fully confident in their landscaping decisions, the company has developed two unique project design tools. As you begin considering your options for upgrading your landscape, we recommend that you check out Belgard’s Project Visualizer. Here, you’ll be able to upload a picture of your space and start playing around with different Belgard materials, like Belair Wall blocks in order to see how they’d look within the scope of your property. This will immediately give you a sense for how modern and sophisticated your home can begin to look with these unique blocks, and you’ll be able to easily figure out which colors and shapes will look best within your space.

Beyond the Project Visualizer, Belgard also offers Authorized Contractors and their clients access to Belgard Design Studio. This interactive 3D design tool allows you and your contractor to enjoy full renderings of your landscape upgrade before you ever start breaking ground on your project. This will give you the freedom to play around with the design and layout to make sure that things are “just right” before you begin work. After working with these spectacular tools, you’ll feel confident in your design choices and ready to turn your dreams into a reality.

Working with Belgard Belair Wall Blocks in NJ

Could the Belair Wall collection from Belgard be your ticket to creating a more modern and beautiful landscape of your own? As a Belgard Authorized Dealer, Braen Supply is more than qualified to help you make the right decision for your landscaping upgrade. Our team of experts is happy to answer any questions you may have about Belgard products, and you’ll have the freedom to take a look at how the blocks look and function in our large showroom. You’ll find that our Belgard materials are always available at the lowest and most competitive market rates. Our materials can be picked up at your convenience, or we can bulk deliver your order to locations throughout most of NJ and parts of NY, NYC, CT and PA.

The 5 Tools You Will Need Before Installing Garden Stones

There are many different ways in which a homeowner can enhance the appearance of his or her property, but there are few that are more attractive than the use of garden stones. In fact, garden stones are so versatile that they can be used in a wide variety of landscaping projects, both large and small, and they’re easy on the budget.

That being said, it’s not like the garden stones are going to spread themselves throughout your yard for you. So, you need to know what type of tools will be required for the installation. Let’s first discuss the primary tools that you’ll need prior to laying down the stones and then we’ll provide you with a quick list of steps to follow for the process.

5 Tools That You Will Need Before Installing Garden Stones

To get you started on your new landscaping project, let’s take a look at five tools that you’ll need to pick up to complete the project:

Steel Rake

You’ll need a steel rake for a couple of reasons. First, you can use it to rake leaves and other debris out of your yard to start prepping the area for garden stones. The second use for the rake is to even out areas of dirt and the garden stones throughout the preparation process.

Weeder

Another handy tool that you should pick up for the job is some type of weed eater that will help you get rid of both grass and weeds from your yard. There are a variety of types of weeders, including ones that allow you to stand up while you’re pulling them out, just in case you have any physical ailments that prevent you from being on your hands and knees or knelling to yank them out of the ground.

Hand Tamper

The next tool you’ll need is a hand tamper, which allows you to firmly press down the soil to pack it down. This will be used a few times throughout the preparation process, so make sure that you don’t neglect to pick one up from a gardening department if you don’t already have one.

Landscape Fabric

This is an item that some homeowners seem to forget about when they’re prepping their yard for garden stones, and that could be a big mistake. Even though you’ve pulled the weeds from your yard and spread down weed killer, you should put down a layer of landscape fabric, which will stop any straggling weeds from coming up.

Wheelbarrow

If you do any kind of landscaping work at your home, it’s probably a good idea to have a wheelbarrow in the event that you need to haul a large amount of materials or other items from one place to another. In this case, if you’re receiving garden stones in bulk, this makes moving them to the correct spot a lot easier.

5 Quick Steps to Install Garden Stones

You can see a more detailed list of steps by clicking here, but we thought it’d be a good idea to provide a truncated version to start you off:

Kill Grass and Weeds

The first thing you need to do to prepare your lawn for the installation of garden stones is to kill all of the grass and weeds in the designated areas where you’ll be spreading them. You can start by pulling out as many of the weeds as you can with your trusty weeder, and then spread down some herbicide to get what you missed.

Dig into the Soil

The next step is to dig into the soil by approximately four inches through the area where the garden stones will be spread so that the rocks aren’t placed on uneven ground. If the ground is uneven, you’ll want to grab your steel rake, smooth it out, and then use the hand tamper to compact the soil.

Apply Crushed Stone Pack and Landscape Fabric

In addition to the tools listed above, you’ll also want to pick up some crushed stone pack. Spread approximately 2 1/2 inches of the pack over the compacted soil, use your steel rake to make it even, spray it with a bit of water, and compact it to two inches thick with the hand tamper. Once the crushed stone pack is in place, it’s time to lay down the landscape fabric to stop any weeds from coming up that you might have missed.

Apply Edging

The good news is that you’re almost finished! With the crushed stone pack and landscape fabric down, you need to lay edging around the yard. Follow the landscape fabric edges and lay down the edging there, which will provide additional protection by enforcing the area where you will be placing the garden stones.

Add the Garden Stones

This is the part you’ve all been waiting for, and it’s actually where you get to have some fun. Move your desired garden stones to the prepared area and simply spread them out evenly in the spot. Leave approximately 1/2 inch from the top so that the rocks don’t spill over during a rain. Then, as you might have guessed, spread the stones evenly with your steel rake.

Purchasing Garden Stones in New Jersey

Prior to picking up the required tools for your landscaping project involving garden stones, you should first hunt down a reputable supplier. Braen Supply has been providing all types of landscaping materials for nearly 20 years and can help you get the most out of your next project. Our knowledgeable staff can assist you with selecting the right type of garden stones for your project, give you advice on its specifications, and answer any questions you have. In fact, we’ve recently added landscape design to our expertise, so feel free to come in and speak with our designer, who will help analyze your project’s needs and send you to a reputable contractor. We can have materials bulk-delivered throughout most of NJ and parts of NY, CT, and PA or you can pick up the materials at our New Jersey location.