Installing a Prescott Wall in NJ: Your Free Guide

Prescott Wall “stones” by Techo-Bloc make a bold, lasting impression. These stunning, concrete blocks feature a chiseled facing that looks 100% natural.

When paired with the rich texturing and fabulous coloring, you’ll find that it’s extremely challenging – if not altogether impossible – to distinguish the Prescott “stones” from the real thing. Because they are so versatile, Prescott Wall units can be used in a number of ways throughout the landscape and hardscape.

Many NJ homeowners enjoy establishing strong, reliable and breathtaking retaining walls, whereas others incorporate Prescott products into the construction of stairs, pillars, raised planters and other freestanding features.

No matter how you choose to purpose Prescott Wall blocks throughout your property, though, you’ll find that the installation process is quite simple.

By following this guide, experienced Do-It-Yourselfers will have all the information required to build a Prescott Wall, and other homeowners will have a more accurate idea about what they should expect from their professional contractors.

Before You Start

There are a few things that you should take care of before you even begin the actual process of constructing a Prescott Wall:

Design Carefully

Before breaking ground and beginning construction on your Prescott Wall, you first need to feel entirely confident in your design choices. After all, you’re going to be living with the completed project for a long time!

We suggest drawing inspiration from the different design ideas available on the Techo-Bloc website, as well as from a visit to a showroom from a local Techo-Bloc supplier.

You might also consider partnering up with a landscape design professional or making use of an online software design tool to get a better sense for what the completed work will look like.

Assess Your Property

Never begin work on any hardscaping or landscaping project without assessing your property and having it evaluated by your local utility providers.

Underground pipes, wires and cables may exist that you are unaware of, and excavating these areas can create problems for you, sometimes immediately, and sometimes down the road.

Having a utility professional evaluate your property will give you the peace of mind you need to move forward with your plans.

Gather Your Materials

Finally, you’re ready to assemble your materials, tools and equipment. In addition to the Prescott Wall blocks, you’ll need to make use of crushed stone or gravel, and sand for a foundation and bedding.

Depending on how large of an area you’ll be excavating, you may be able to use a shovel, or you may need to rent special excavation equipment and machinery.

It’s also wise to have geotextile fabric on hand to prevent the growth of weeds, and it’s smart to have tools on hand to allow for adequate drainage behind or beneath the completed wall.

Step 1: Excavation

When excavating the project area for your Prescott Wall, you need to be careful to dig to the appropriate depth. This will ensure the ongoing stability and structural integrity of your completed work. As a general rule, at least 10% of the height of the wall should be buried below the ground.

Because most walls are approximately 5’ tall, this means that the area should be excavated to a minimum depth of 6”. The length of the excavated area will obviously depend on how large of an area you plan to cover with the blocks.

In terms of width, it’s wise to plan on at least 6” for the leveling pad, but be aware, too, that some space will need to be left at the front and back of the wall for backfill and drainage.

Once the area is excavated to the correct dimensions, be sure to remove any thick roots, large rocks or clumps and anything else that may become an obstruction throughout the rest of the installation process.

Step 2: Foundation

As you prepare the foundation, you’ll need to take care of any drainage piping or systems that you plan on installing here. You will also need to take the time to put down a layer of geotextile fabric to prevent roots, weeds and other vegetation from growing up from beneath the completed wall system.

Spread the crushed stone throughout the excavated trench and compact firmly. Some contractors chose to fill in the voids with sand or stone dust for maximum stability.

Step 3: Building the First Course

Blocks of the same height must be used for the first course. Be sure to follow the predetermined layout of the pattern you have selected, and check at regular intervals to ensure that the blocks are level and aligned correctly.

A perforated pipe drain can be connected to an existing drainage system and situated behind the wall to improve drainage.

Step 4: Backfilling

Backfill both at the wall’s rear and the space between the back of the blocks. You should also fill any cavities in the blocks with clean stone at this time.

Step 5: Building Subsequent Courses

Before subsequent courses are applied, make sure that the tops of the blocks in the row beneath are clean and ready. Stop and backfill every 8” and keep an eye on seam alignment as you go.

Step 6: Finishing the Job

The Prescott Wall system should be finished off with either a final course of blocks, or with the capping material of your choice. In order to affix coping stones or the final course of stones, you’ll need to make use of a concrete adhesive.

Aftercare and Maintenance

After investing your time and energy into the installation of a fabulous Techo-Bloc Prescott Wall, you want to make sure that it continues to look incredible and function perfectly in the many years ahead. The good news is that maintaining and caring for your Prescott Wall will require very little elbow grease on your part.

Because the wall blocks are crafted with such care and feature color treatments that resist fading and staining, you won’t have to worry about your completed project becoming damaged from the elements or exposure to sunlight, and you won’t have to stress about the hardscape becoming stained easily.

Simply hosing down your wall with a soft stream of water (not power washing) from time to time will help remove dust and debris, preventing them from accumulating and detracting from the beauty of your property.

Building With Prescott Wall “Stones” in NJ

When you’re ready to start building with the incredible Prescott Wall “stones” by Techo-Bloc, be sure to visit one of Braen Supply’s two convenient NJ locations.

We are authorized Techo-Bloc dealers, and after years in the industry, we’ve build up a strong reputation for offering the highest quality materials at the fairest and most reasonable rates.

Our team of experts is passionate about what they do and will take the time to answer any of your Techo Bloc-related questions or to provide you with inspiration and advice on your upcoming project.

Feel free to pick up your Techo-Bloc Prescott Wall materials from our location, or talk to us about having them delivered to job sites throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and PA.

Mini Creta Installation Guide: The Foolproof Process

Everybody loves Mini Creta. In fact, these wall “stones” are so popular that we’ve dedicated multiple posts to discussing what makes them so special and how they can be purposed throughout NJ landscapes and hardscape.

If you’re one of the many homeowners who have fallen in love with the beauty, versatility, durability and functionality of Techo-Bloc’s Mini Creta collection, you’re probably feeling very eager to get started on your project.

Before diving in, though, it’s important that you take a step back and evaluate what work actually needs to be done. By taking a look at this user-friendly Mini Creta installation guide, you’ll be able to determine whether you should handle the work on your own or hire a contractor, and formulate a plan for upgrading your hardscape with these fabulous concrete “stones.”

Installation is Everything

It doesn’t matter how much you love a specific Techo-Bloc product or how perfect the texturing and color palette of the materials are for your property if you don’t install them correctly. Poorly executed or sloppy wall block installation can significantly detract from the beauty of your hardscape while creating stressful and costly problems for you down the line.

What’s more, without following proper installation techniques, you will essentially void any warranty on your Techo-Bloc materials and will be required to pay a lot of money to make any necessary repairs down the line.

Throughout the years we’ve seen too many homeowners rush through the task of working with concrete wall blocks without adhering to instructions and then regretting it down the line. For this reason, we urge you to carefully consider all that is required of a Techo-Bloc Mini Creta installation so you can get things right the first time and enjoy your completed wall system for life.

The Mini Creta Installation Process

There are several important steps that go into the Mini Creta Installation process:

1. Gather Your Tools

If you’re planning on handling the installation process on your own, you’ll need to assemble all of the right tools and materials. In addition to the Mini Creta Blocks, you will need crushed stone and sand for a base/foundation. You’ll need a shovel and wheelbarrow, or a heavy duty excavation machinery, depending on the size and scope of the project.

A rake and tamping tool will also be helpful. If you’re planning on installing a light on top of a Mini Creta column, make sure to purchase and wire the correct electrical materials and fixtures prior to installing the blocks.

2. Excavation

Before excavating, make sure to call your local utility providers in order to make sure that no underground cables or wires will be disrupted by the process. Using a shovel or heavy duty machinery, excavate an area to a depth of approximately 6” deep and with the desired length and width of your wall.

Be sure to smooth out the bottom of the excavated area by removing large roots, clumps, or rocks and by raking over the compacted soil. You may also want to lay down geotextile fabric to prevent the growth of weeds.

3. Foundation

Once excavated, it’s time to introduce your crushed stone base to the area. Fill to a depth of 4” compacting the gravel once poured. A setting bed of 1″ of concrete sand should be poured and properly graded on top of the gravel.

4. First Course

The first course of your Mini Creta wall, column, or other hardscaping feature should be constructed by using blocks of the same height. The blocks should be placed directly on the compacted setting bed in a way that follows the predetermined layout (see Techo-Bloc layout guides for detailed instruction, based on the selected pattern.) Make sure that no spaces are left between the exposed faces of adjacent blocks as this will compromise structural integrity. Behind the wall, a 4” diameter perforated drain should be laid down and connected to an existing drainage system.

5. Backfill

Backfill the rear of the wall as well as in the spaces between the backs of blocks. A good backfill material is ¾” clean stone. Make sure than any cavities are filled.

6. Subsequent Courses

Make sure to clean off the top of each Mini Creta block before laying the next course on top of it. Connectors should generally be installed on the extremity of each individual unit. Make sure to backfill at the rear of the wall at approximately every 8”. Take care to align the seams of each block with that of those below it.

7. Finishing

If desired, position your cap (coping) stones at the top of the wall and adhere them to the Mini Creta blocks below by making use of a specific concrete adhesive.

8. Maintenance

Once your Mini Creta wall installation is complete, you will be able to enjoy it for many years to come. The high quality manufactured “stone” requires extremely little maintenance, so you won’t need to invest a lot of time and energy into making sure that the wall looks and functions perfectly.

We simply suggest that you take the time to hose off the wall from time to time in order to remove the buildup of any dust or debris. In the rare event that the blocks become stained, you can remove the discoloration with a solution of water and mild detergent. Use a soft bristled brush to scrub away the blemish.

DIY Mini Creta Installation vs Contractor

Now that you understand what a Mini Creta installation entails, it’s time to ask yourself whether you feel up to the task of handling the installation on your own, or if you should enlist the help of a professional. This decision is entirely up to you, but unless you have some experience in working with Techo-Bloc products or similar hardscaping materials, we generally recommend hiring a contractor.

You need to have all of the right tools and total confidence in your ability to complete the wall with absolute precision in order to take this on as a DIY project. Mistakes could cost you your warranty and could create headaches for you down the road. If you decide to hire a contractor, it’s important to research your options and find a local business that has experience with working with Techo-Bloc products, and specifically, with Mini Creta wall blocks. This will ensure that your installation is handled with speed, care and precision.

Working with Mini Creta Wall Blocks in NJ

Braen Supply is the leading supplier of Mini Creta wall blocks by Techo-Bloc in NJ and its surrounding areas. We have been partnered with Techo-Bloc for many years. As authorized dealers of Techo-Bloc products we are able to offer a full inventory of Mini Creta wall blocks and similar Techo-Bloc hardscaping products.

We’re also able to offer the lowest and most competitive prices for these materials on the market. Our Techo-Bloc Mini Creta products can be purchased and picked up at your convenience, or can be bulk delivered to areas throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and PA.

Belgard Open House

How To Be Efficient With Belgard!

Location:

Braen Supply Wanaque
1434 Ringwood Avenue
Wanaque, NJ 07420
(973)835-1419

Dates & Times:

Friday, May 5th – 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday, May 6th – 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM

*There will be a special presentation from Joe Raboine at 10AM & 2PM on Friday*

Special presentation topics to include:
– What is driving outdoor living
– Current outdoor living trends
– How companies can utilize Belgard Design Studio
– Elements and Tandem Wall to help close sales
– How to install Belgard products more efficiently

Come learn about new products, have a chance to win our $500 giveaway, enjoy a Cinco de Mayo lunch and more!

Print, fill out and submit the sheet below on the day of the event to be entered to win a $500 gift card to be used at Braen Supply on Belgard products:

5 Tricks Landscapers Use for Belgard Paver Installation

Upgrading your hardscape with Belgard pavers is a big deal. When properly installed, your new Belgard pavers have the potential to completely transform the look of your entire property, add to your usable living space and increase your property’s value.

This means that you must demand expertise and precisions throughout the entire installation process. Whether you’re planning on completing the work on you own or would prefer to hire a professional to handle the work, it’s up to you to know how Belgard pavers should be installed so that you can take measures to ensure that the job gets done right.

That’s exactly what this post is all about. After reading through the following five expert tips and tricks for installing Belgard pavers, you’ll be equipped to make the right decisions for your hardscape makeover.

Tip #1: Think Ahead

Just because you want your Belgard paver project to be located in a specific area of your property doesn’t mean that area is ideally suited for your purposes.

Underground utilities and cables might need to be re-routed first, or you might need to level an uneven parcel of land before commencing work.

Taking the time to evaluate your property before breaking ground will save you a lot of time, grief and even money in the long run.

Tip #2: Use the Right Tools

Don’t try to cut corners by working with what you have rather than with what you need. Make sure that you have the right equipment for excavation, compaction, establishing a foundation and setting your pavers.

Tip #3: Place Pavers With Precision

Trying to “eyeball” the design layout of your pavers is a big mistake. It doesn’t matter if you or your contractor has installed hundreds of patios and driveways with Belgard pavers – you should still rely on more than your best guesswork to apply your pavers evenly and with precision.

In this case, following the patterns isn’t enough. You also need to be able to ensure that each paver is spaced evenly and that all units are assembled in a way that is geometrically pleasing, and in the case of some designs, with symmetry.

We recommend that you utilize measuring tape and 2 pieces of 1-inch PVC pipe in order to accomplish this level of precision. The PVC pipes should be laid parallel to one another and the leveling sand should be poured between the pipes until level with the PVC.

This ensure that the depth of the pavers will be the same throughout. Once you begin laying out the pavers, you’ll simply need to refer back to the edges of your work space with measuring tape or string to ensure that you are staying on track.

Tip #4: Use PermaSand

While regular mason sand can be used to fill in the joints of your pavers, those who are serious about keeping their pavers in place should give some serious thought to working with a polymeric sand like PermaSand.

As the name suggests, polymeric sand features polymers that are activated when they become wet. This causes the sand mixture to actually harden, allowing your newly installed pavers to become fixed in place so that you won’t have to worry about shifting, sliding, or settling over time.

PermaSand is also a great choice because it helps to keep weeds and other pests at bay, thus increasing the structural integrity and improving the longevity of your paved surface.

Tip #5: Make Sure Pavers are Set Evenly

After spending a good deal of time on carefully arranging pavers so that they are evenly spaced and placed while following the pattern of your desire, the last thing you want is for the units to become dislodged or jostled and then set irregularly.

To avoid problems like this, you or your professional landscaper will need to be meticulous and smart when setting the stones into place. The best way to do this is to fill in the joints with your PermaSand from the outside corner of your project area, inward.

The sand should then be swept across the surface of the Belgard pavers and into the joints diagonally. As you go, a rubber mallet should be used to gently tap each paver into place evenly.

For best results, this process should be repeated twice before a final layer of sand is swept over the surface, thus ensuring that every joint is completely filled. Make sure that all excess sand is removed from the surface of the pavers prior to applying water to activate the polymers.

Contractor vs DIY

Now that you know what’s involved with the Belgard paver installation process, it’s time to ask yourself whether you believe that you’re up to the task, or if you’d be better served by seeking the help of a reliable professional.

One of the great things about Belgard as a brand is that they design hardscaping materials that are intended to be quite simple to install. Even so, we generally recommend that those who have little to no DIY experience consider hiring a Belgard Authorized Contractor (BAC) to do the work.

Belgard offers incredible warranties and guarantees on its products, but those warranties are only valid when the materials are properly installed. What’s more, Belgard products are designed to be extremely tough, durable and long-lasting.

As such, you want to make sure that, once installed, your pavers look absolutely perfect. After all, you’re going to be looking at them for a very long time.

Before making a choice between handling the job as a DIY gig or hiring a pro, ask yourself the following questions:

Do I have the ability to accurately assess my workspace?
Do I have the proper tools and equipment to get the job done? If not, can I affordably access these tools?
Do I fully understand how to follow the design patterns and installation techniques?
Do I feel entirely confident in my ability to complete the work?

If you answer “no” to one or more of these questions, it’s in your best interest to seek out a Belgard Authorized Contractor. It’s absolutely imperative that you hire a BAC as opposed to “just any” contractor or landscaper on the market.

These are the contractors that are most familiar with Belgard products, specifically, and have been given the Belgard stamp of approval for their installation techniques. You’ll be able to count on the fact that the job gets done properly and that the completed work will be backed up by warranty.

Working With Belgard Pavers in NJ

If you’re interested in moving forward with plans to introduce Belgard pavers to your landscape or hardscape, be sure to visit Braen Supply. As a Belgard Authorized Dealer, we are the largest and most trusted Belgard supplier in NJ and its surrounding areas.

We can help you select the right materials for your project and provide you with useful tips and information on the installation process. We’re also able to help you find a Belgard Authorized Contractor who can help you to complete the hardscaping upgrade of your dreams.

Our Belgard pavers are competitively priced and can be picked up from our location or can be bulk delivered to job sites throughout NJ, NY, NYC and PA.

Your Guide to Topsoil Prices in 2017

If you’ve got a green thumb, chances are that you’re itching for all the snow to melt so that you can start your next gardening or landscaping project. In order to make sure that your grass is green and your plants are vibrant, you’re going to need topsoil – and lots of it.

Making sure that you get the highest quality topsoil is the key to ensuring that your garden and lawn are vibrant and beautiful, but that doesn’t mean that you have to spend an arm and a leg. In order to help you prepare your gardening and landscaping budget for 2017, we’ve put together this handy guide for assessing the quality of soil and finding the best price.

What Does Premium Topsoil Look Like?

It’s impossible to get the most bang for your buck if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Buying a cheap bag of topsoil won’t do you much good, after all, if it’s of poor quality.

Premium topsoil is comprised of several different ingredients, all of which are key to the soil’s ability to produce healthy vegetation. When looking for quality topsoil, you should take the time to learn about the soil’s composition. Be sure to ask your supplier about:

Minerals

Healthy topsoil will contain three key minerals: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. You may notice that these minerals all come from bedrock.

That’s because natural topsoil comes from bedrock that has broken down and decomposed over time. It’s important that the soil contain these three minerals, as all are essential to supporting plant life.

Water

Good topsoil won’t be excessively dry, but will be moist to the touch. This is important because minerals are only able to decompose in water, and they need that moisture in order for plants to be able to access nutrients via their root systems.

In addition, water is the sustaining force behind bacterial activity in the soil, another important ingredient in topsoil. Water must be present in topsoil at the time of purchase, and the topsoil should be regularly wetted for ideal growing conditions.

Oxygen

If the topsoil is packed too tightly, look somewhere else for your materials. Quality topsoil will have a loose, airy texture. This is because it contains plenty of oxygen.

Oxygen is an absolute must in supporting the microorganisms that are present in topsoil. This also helps to trap and store water, making it easier for the soil to maintain proper moisture levels.

Microorganisms

As mentioned in the previous two points, bacterial activity and the life of microorganisms is extremely important in maintaining topsoil health.

The activity of these bacteria actually work to convert organic material into valuable nutrients, and make the soil’s nitrogen more digestible by plants. Typically, you want your topsoil to contain a composition of 2%-4% microorganisms.

Silt

Finally, silt is needed in order to help topsoil trap water while also preventing it from becoming too saturated and compromising plant health. You’ll usually find silt combined with materials like clay, loam or sand.

What Factors Can Impact Topsoil Prices in 2017?

As you begin your quest for the perfect topsoil for your project, you may notice that there are variations in pricing from one bag of topsoil to the next. There are several factors which can influence the cost of topsoil, and understanding these factors will help you get the fairest prices:

Quality

We’ve already covered the importance of selecting a premium topsoil for your garden or landscape. Without the proper nutrients and conditions in the topsoil, plants will fail to grow and thrive as you desire them to.

If you come across topsoil that is especially cheap, it’s probably because it is of a substandard quality. It may be overly dry or lacking the right quantity of microorganisms.

Whatever the case may be, don’t waste your money. Remember that if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is!

Quantity

If you’ve got quite a bit of work that needs to be done throughout your property, it’s a good idea to carefully calculate how much topsoil you need in order to determine if it would be smarter for you to buy your materials in bulk.

Bulk prices tend to come much cheaper, and can save you a fair bit of money in the long run. You might even consider going in on an order with one or more of your neighbors in order to take advantage of bulk pricing.

Supplier

Depending on where you buy your topsoil, you could end up paying a different rate. Some retailers charge more for their topsoil than others, and some may sneak in hidden costs by charging you for a bulk delivery to your location.

Be sure to shop around and compare prices. If one supplier is asking a price that’s much higher or much lower than its competitors, be wary of the integrity of the company and its topsoil. Take the time to ask about delivery services and make sure that they are free prior to scheduling a drop off.

The Best Topsoil Prices in NJ in 2017

Braen Supply is the leading supplier of high quality topsoil in northern NJ and its surrounding areas. As the most trusted name in landscaping supplies, we employ a team of skilled professionals who are more than qualified to answer any questions you may have about topsoil.

Our topsoil contains all of the top ingredients to ensure that your plants will grow to be healthy and happy. You’ll find that we always offer the lowest and most competitive rates around.

Our topsoil can be picked up at your convenience or can be bulk delivered to areas throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and PA.

Keep Your Home Ice-Free This Season with the Right Rock Salt

The beginning of February means Groundhog Day, and everyone is eager to know how much longer of a winter we can expect. Regardless of whether or not that little guy sees his shadow, though, NJ residents can generally count on the fact that winter is going to be long and cold.

That’s especially true this year! We’ve seen a fair bit of cold weather and heavy precipitation this 2016-2017 season, and more is on the way! How will you protect your property until Spring arrives?

Choosing the right rock salt will make a big difference in how you survive the season. This guide will walk you through the process of picking the best rock salt or ice melt for the job.

Understand Your Needs

First things first. In order to select the right rock salt for your property, you need to consider your property and household’s unique needs. Here are a few important things to think about:

Surface Type

What type of surface will you be trying to protect this winter? Those with concrete driveways and walkways may have some concerns about the corrosive effects that certain types of rock salt can have on concrete.

If this is true for you, you’ll need to look specifically for ice melting products that have been designed to be compatible with concrete, and that will still be extremely effective in cold temperatures without causing any damage to your property.

Children

Households, schools, daycare centers, churches and other related facilities will need to think about the safety of children who may come into contact with rock salt. Children love to play in the snow and because of this, kid’s skin might come into contact with rock salt or any other ice melting material.

In order to make sure that your children are secure and protected, you’ll need to select an ice melting product that is safe for use around children. This means finding a brand with materials that have a low toxicity level.

It’s also a good idea to find a blend that has been tinted with a different color so that it is easy to spot. This will enable you to keep an eye on areas with a high concentration of ice melting products so that you can direct children to play in other areas and ensure that they don’t come in contact with it.

Pets

Pets like cats and dogs are another concern when spreading rock salt or other ice melting materials. First, you don’t want your pets to potentially consume or come in contact with high volumes of snow that have been treated with an ice melting product.

Secondly, when a dog or cat’s paws become exposed to rock salt or ice melt, it can cause heat-related pain and chemical burning or irritation. Certain brands of ice melt are actually designed to accommodate the special needs of pet owners, to ensure that their furry friends will be out of harm’s way while their properties remain fully protected against the hazards of snow and ice.

Trip Hazards

Many types of rock salt come in pellet form. This is fine for use around most people, but those who have difficulty walking may need special consideration.

The people who are most at risk are those with disabilities that impair their ability to walk, as well as the elderly.

For this reason, households with elderly residents, nursing homes, hospitals, churches and similar facilities will need to look for ice melting products that are available in flake form. Because these lay flush against the ground, they will create less of a tripping hazard.

Environmental Concerns

Whether you’re extremely proud of your perfectly manicured lawn and garden or you simply have major concerns about the safety of our environment, you may find yourself wondering what type of effect rock salt will have on grass, plant life and even the groundwater supply.

Whenever this is the case, you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled for ice melting brands that are formulated to be safer for use around vegetation and better for the environment.

Know Your Options

Although most people are familiar with traditional rock salt, there are many who have no idea that they have other options for melting snow and ice.

Is traditional rock salt the right option for your home, or should you be working with a different type of material? To help you make the best choice, here’s a list of your ice melting options:

Sodium Chloride

Sodium Chloride is what most people think of when they hear the words “rock salt”. This traditional product has been used for centuries as a means of lowering the freezing temperature of water.

It is the most affordable and easily accessible type of ice melt throughout the country. Although it generally loses its effectiveness at about 10 degrees Fahrenheit, it is still a great option for temperatures below freezing. It is the lowest-frill ice melting solution.

Calcium Chloride

Calcium chloride is another extremely popular option for melting snow and ice. It’s a great choice for NJ residents, as it works in even the most frigid temperatures.

It is able to quickly penetrate snow and ice, and remains effective down to -25 degrees Fahrenheit. Depending on the brand, calcium chloride can be very safe for use on concrete and for use around plants. It is also available in both pellet and flake form.

Magnesium Chloride

Like calcium chloride, magnesium chloride is able to manage snow and ice in temperatures as low as -25 degrees Fahrenheit.

This makes it safe for use on delicate surfaces. Certain brands of magnesium chloride are designed to be safe around plants, animals and children.

Calcium Magnesium Acetate

Calcium magnesium acetate is a great choice that lets you have the best of both worlds. It combines the melting power and safety factor of both calcium chloride and magnesium chloride. Many brands that formulate CMA work to create blends that are safe for use around children and animals.

Non-Chemical Solutions

Looking to avoid the use of chemicals altogether? While non-chemical snow and ice solutions aren’t able to actually melt these frozen surfaces, they are able to improve safety by boosting traction.

Many NJ residents choose to spread sand, stone grits or a combination of the two across the surfaces of their driveways, parking lots and walkways to reduce slips and falls.

Buying the Right Rock Salt/Ice Melt in NJ

Braen Supply is the perfect place to go to for all of your rock salt and ice melting needs in NJ. We are passionate about helping home and business owners to find the ideal ice melting solution for their unique needs.

Our massive inventory of ice melting products feature materials that are safe for use around children, pets, the elderly, plants and more – all while offering incredible melting power. All of our rock salt and ice melt is available for purchase at competitive, wholesale prices.

Talk to one of our friendly professionals about ordering ice melt for pickup or bulk delivery to areas throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and PA.

How to De-Ice Your Home This Winter with Rock Salt

Got ice? If you’re like most other NJ homeowners, you’re constantly facing the battle of slippery, slick conditions right outside your front door.

Sidewalks, front paths and driveways are all susceptible to becoming iced over after periods of precipitation and very cold temperatures. This, of course, can create dangerous conditions for foot and vehicular traffic.

Fortunately, rock salt makes it easy to protect your property and your loved ones all winter long. Here’s a look at everything you need to know about Rock Salt.

Rock Salt At-A-Glance

Sodium Chloride (most frequently referred to as “rock salt”) has been used as a means of lowering the freezing point of water for centuries. When rock salt is mixed with water, it creates a brine that will not freeze at the normal temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

This is great news for people who live in climates where the temperatures regularly dip below freezing, because it means that paved surfaces that have been exposed to snow, rain, sleet or other sources of water will not be prone to freezing over as the temperatures drop. Instead, the water will remain in liquid form, which is much safer.

Rock salt is so effective that even large corporations and municipalities make use of it in order to protect big campuses and major road networks. It’s truly the best way to keep icy patches from developing on your property that could potentially cause bodily harm and injury.

Determining Your Needs

Once you’ve recognized the value of sodium chloride, it’s time to figure out how much material you’ll need to get you through the winter. This, of course, will depend on the overall size of your coverage area, as well as the projected precipitation in your area.

Because we get so much winter weather in our area, it’s safe to assume that you’ll need to prepare for several days of precipitation per month. Typically, ice melting manufacturers will base their product’s usage upon the total square footage of your driveway, sidewalk, walkway or other paved surface.

This will require you to measure the length and the width of your total coverage area (in inches). Multiplying these two numbers together will give you the square footage. As a general rule, rock salt is sold by the 50-pound bag.

Each of these bags will typically hold about 80 cups of sodium chloride. Because a single cup of the material holds the melting power to take care of 20 square feet of ice, you can estimate that one 50-pound bag of rock salt will be effective for 1600 square feet of property.

Those with smaller properties will find that they can usually get through the winter with several bags of rock salt, and will therefore get the best deal when they simply buy their ice melting materials by the bag. If you’ve got a lot of ground to cover, however, you may want to consider buying in bulk.

Pallets (containing 49 bags each) and truckload orders (18 pallets each) will help you to get a lower cost per bag and will allow you to save money this winter. You may even consider going in on your order with one or more of your neighbors in order to take advantage of bulk savings.

When and Where to Buy

Too many homeowners are in the habit of waiting until last minute to rush out and pick up their ice melting materials. Staying at home until the weatherman (or weather woman) announces that a big storm is about to roll in, though, is a very bad idea.

First, you run the risk of being caught outdoors when the winter weather starts up, or being stuck in stores that are being mobbed by frenzied shoppers who also waited until the last minute to prepare! And secondly, you may find that suppliers quickly start to run out of sodium chloride, as their ice melting products fly off the shelves.

This could mean that you aren’t able to get any rock salt, or that you end up paying a premium price for a limited quantity of material. You’ll save time, money and stress when you plan ahead and stock up in advance.

Having the ability to calculate your needs will help you figure out what quantity of sodium chloride to purchase so that you can have plenty of material on hand whenever Mother Nature strikes. For the best deals, we recommend that you buy rock salt from a direct supplier.

Although some grocery stores and even roadside stands might offer bags of sodium chloride throughout the winter months, these products are often being resold at inflated prices so that the supplier can make a profit. Cutting out the middleman and going straight to the source will keep some extra spending money in your pocket.

Applying Rock Salt

It’s always important to carefully read manufacturer instructions before applying sodium chloride or any other ice melting product to the paved areas throughout your property. Failing to spread enough material will result in a waste of product while promoting unsafe conditions throughout your driveway and sidewalk.

Over-spreading, on the other hand, will cause you to waste a lot of your materials without any added benefit. Make sure that you understand exactly how much ice melt should be applied per square foot, and employ the right measuring tools to ensure accuracy. Be sure to also check for any safety specifications, such as wearing gloves during the application process.

Storing Rock Salt

What about all of the extra rock salt that you’ve purchased in advance but haven’t had the chance to use yet? Knowing how to properly store your ice melting materials is a very important part of protecting your initial investment and making sure that you’ve got enough ice melting product on hand in the weeks and months ahead.

Keep in mind that sodium chloride is activated when it comes in contact with water. Because of this, it’s important to make sure that the salt is stored up off of the floor and in an area where it won’t be exposed to any moisture.

Ice melting products are also prone to clumping when they become too cold. This will make the materials much less effective when spread on paved surfaces.

To avoid these problems, we recommend that you keep your stored rock salt in a facility that will not be exposed to temperatures below freezing. For best results, consider keeping your bags of sodium chloride in a sealed container like a clean, empty trash can, and stored inside of an insulated garage or shed.

Buying Rock Salt in NJ

Braen Supply is the most trusted supplier of rock salt throughout NJ and the Tri-State area. We offer the highest quality ice melting materials, including sodium chloride, at the lowest and most competitive wholesale rates around.

We strive to offer a wide variety of materials, and keep our stores well-stocked so that you can protect your property during your hour of need. Depending on the desired quantity, we can sell rock salt by the bag, pallet or truckload. Our ice melting products can be picked up or bulk delivered to areas throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and PA.

5 Installation Tips for Mirage Porcelain Pavers in NJ

Outdoor living might not be at the front of your mind during the cold, winter months, but this is the perfect time to start planning for your next hardscaping project. For those who are interested in adding a touch of classic elegance with a splash of European flavor to their home’s exteriors, we strongly recommend Mirage porcelain pavers by Belgard.

Belgard, one of the leading hardscaping manufacturers in North America, recently partnered with a major Italian porcelain paving enterprise in order to create this exciting new line of porcelain tiles.

Mirage porcelain pavers offer a subtle beauty that speaks to the heart while establishing a warm and inviting outdoor living space that you’ll fall in love with time and again. It’s no wonder that NJ homeowners are growing so excited about the possibilities tied to hardscaping with Mirage porcelain pavers.

Mirage Porcelain Pavers At-A-Glance

Before we move any further into this post, it’s important that we clear the air about what porcelain pavers actually are, and why you should be interested in Mirage pavers. Porcelain pavers have a very similar look to indoor tile, but are actually thicker and much more durable.

Porcelain is known for being very resistant to breakage, even when subject to regular wear and tear. This makes for a very long-lasting and reliable paver for your frequently used patio and other outdoor entertaining areas.

Porcelain is also slip-resistant while remaining non-porous, which means that you can expect excellent traction when the pavers are exposed to water, while also not having to worry about the units becoming stained or damaged by exposure to spills and/or chemicals like swimming pool chlorine.

Of course, Mirage pavers are also known for their incomparable beauty. These versatile units are available in a wide range of styles and colors, making it simple for you to pull off the look of your dreams.

Whether you prefer soft, earthy tones that evoke a sense of being in a desert oasis, bold modern contrasts, or even pavers that look just like actual wood decking, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for.

Best of all, Mirage porcelain pavers are very affordable, and because they will increase the value of your property, you’ll get an immediate return on your initial investment. What’s not to love?

5 Tips for Installing Mirage Porcelain Pavers

Once you’ve made the determination that Mirage porcelain pavers are the perfect fit for your outdoor living space, it’s time to start making plans for the installation process. Fortunately, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process.

In order to make your life simpler, we’ve assembled five expert tips for working with these gorgeous porcelain pavers. Please be sure to give us a call or visit one of our locations for further tips, tricks, advice and information on Belgard pavers.

1. Decide on a Method

Just like there’s more than one way to skin a cat, there’s more than one way to install your porcelain pavers. Your method of installation will depend on how you intend to use the pavers (i.e.: for pedestrian traffic or for light vehicular traffic), as well as the existing conditions throughout your property.

Talk to a professional about assessing your property and your project plans to determine which course of action you should take. The six most common installation options include 1) Sand set over a compacted road base, 2) Sand set over concrete overlay, 3) Cementitious adhesive overlay with a concrete base, 4) Permeable over open graded aggregate, 5) Stepping stone sand on top of a compacted road base and 6) 20mm fixed pedestal on a concrete floor.

2. Assemble Your Tools

You can’t pull off a job if you don’t have the right tools, materials and equipment on hand. One of the most important tools that you’ll need to acquire is a wet cut tile saw.

This saw should be equipped with a diamond blade that is perfectly suited for the wet cutting of porcelain. Next, you should pick up a paver clamp.

This will allow for easy handling in the installation of your pavers. We recommend that you always work with gloves in order to protect your hands during the installation process.

Lastly, any time that you’ll be performing cementitious adhesive and proud installations, you should employ appropriate notched tools and grout float tools.

3. Pick a Joint Filler

You’ve to a few options when it comes to filling your paver joints. Some homeowners are happy to work with traditional, dry sand that is swept carefully into the open joints until they are entirely filled.

Because high winds and rain can cause erosion, you may need to re-fill the joints on occasion. Cement blended sand, which is comprised of 3 parts sand and 1 part cement, is another solid option.

The cement is activated by a misting of water. All excess cement must be swept away from the porcelain pavers before wetting in order to avoid creating a sticky, unsightly mess.

A final option would be to work with polymeric sand. This sand is blended with polymers that act similarly to cement, in that they Harden when exposed with water. Again, any excess polymer must be removed from the pavers prior to curing in order to prevent blemishes.

4. Give ’em Some Space

Remember that porcelain pavers should never be installed without a minimum of 4 mm spacing between each unit. Porcelain to porcelain contact can create problems with scratching and cracking, and can diminish the overall structural integrity of your project.

5. Handle With Care

Although porcelain is extremely tough and durable, it’s still prone to some scratching, chipping, cracking, or other blemishes when they are rubbed against one another. It’s for this reason that you’ll notice that your Mirage porcelain pavers come packaged with a very strong plastic covering, with individual units being packaged within cardboard boxes for added protection.

Don’t remove packaged pavers from their boxes until they’re ready to be installed, as handling multiple loose stones together increases the chances for chipping. You should also remember that porcelain pavers should never be compacted with a plate compactor, and should only be wet cut making use of the appropriate saw.

Buying Mirage Porcelain Pavers in NJ

Braen Supply is known throughout NJ for being the largest and most reliable supplier of Belgard products, including Mirage porcelain pavers. We are authorized dealers for Belgard Pavers, ensuring that we always have access to the latest Belgard products and information regarding their installation and maintenance.

We’re more than happy to pass that knowledge along to customers like yourself in order to guarantee that you have the best possible experience with your new porcelain pavers.

We make it our mission to always offer a full inventory of Mirage pavers by Belgard, and to keep our prices as low and competitive as possible. Our Belgard porcelain pavers can be picked up at your convenience, or can be delivered to areas throughout parts of NJ, NY, PA and CT.

The 5 Best Types of Decorative Gravel for Your Flower Beds

Looking for a new way to spruce up your flower beds? While traditional, organic mulch like wood chips are popular in these types of applications, gravel is becoming the “go-to” option for upgrading flower boxes, gardens and other growing areas throughout NJ properties.

Could gravel be the right choice for your landscape? We think yes! If you’ve been giving any thought to sprucing things up, this guide will walk you through the decision-making process.

Read on to learn more about why gravel is a great choice for flower beds, and which types of decorative gravel are best suited for planting projects.

Benefits of Decorative Gravel in Planting Areas

To start off, why would you choose to work with decorative gravel? For years, people have relied on wood-chip and bark to highlight their flowers and plants while also serving as mulch – so why change things now?

Many people are now discovering that crushed stone aggregate is actually a perfect fit for planting and gardening. Here are a few of the perks:

Beauty

There’s no doubt that natural stone is stunningly beautiful. Decorative gravel comes in a variety of different shapes, sizes and colors, all of which contrast beautifully against the different hues and textures associated with flowers, vegetables and other plants. The stone won’t fade or become discolored over time, making for long-lasting and timeless elegance.

Drainage

Another great thing about decorative gravel is that it allows for healthy drainage. After periods of rain or watering your plants, you need the moisture to percolate at a good speed in order to make sure that the plants don’t either dry out or become inundated with too much moisture all at once. Gravel regulates the drainage and moisture levels for optimum growing conditions.

Temperature Control

In addition to controlling the flow of moisture into the plant’s root system, decorative stone aggregate is also able to regulate soil temperatures.

The gravel acts as a barrier between the earth and the sun, ensuring that the ground doesn’t overheat. At the same time, the barrier prevents too much water from evaporating and causing the plants to dry up.

Permanence

Unlike organic mulching materials, gravel will not decay or deteriorate over time. This is advantageous because it means that you won’t need to regularly replace the stone year after year. As an added bonus, the lack of decay will keep critters and pests like insects and rodents at bay.

5 Best Types of Decorative Gravel for Flower Beds

Now that we understand the benefits associated with working with decorative gravel, we’re ready to explore the best types of stone aggregate to pair up with flower beds. Our top 5 favorites are:

1. Pea Gravel

Pea gravel is, by far, the most popular choice for gardening applications in NJ. Pea gravel is characterized by its small, round, “pea-like” shape and texturing. The surface of the stones are equally smooth, creating a soft and inviting appearance.

Pea gravel is also well known for its rich and beautiful coloring, featuring an array of different shades and hues. You’ll notice colors from gray, black and white, to tan, brown and even red and green. These shades all look fabulous next to the array of bright and bold flowers in your garden.

Pea gravel is very common throughout the greater NJ area, and is therefore very easy to find and extremely affordable. This makes it possible to work with pea gravel on any budget.

You might even consider using pea gravel in other nearby landscaping applications in order to bring a sense of uniformity to the entire property. Many property owners enjoy creating pea gravel patios, paths and walkways adjacent to their pea gravel flower beds.

2. Mexican Beach Pebbles

Next, we will explore Mexican Beach Pebbles. As the name suggests, these magnificent, decorative stones come from the sandy shores of the Mexican coast.

Although Mexican Beach Pebbles tend to be blue or gray in color, you’ll quickly notice that the stones turn a deep black or onyx color when exposed to water. This creates exciting visuals whenever it rains or you visit your garden with your watering can in hand.

After years of exposure to the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean, Mexican Beach Pebbles are very smooth and round, which creates a fantastic juxtaposition to any pointed flower petals or plant leaves.

While Mexican Beach Pebbles are available in a wide range of different sizes, you’ll find that the smaller stones, typically those that are 1/2″ in diameter, are the best suited for use in and around garden planters and flower beds.

At this size, the stones create a nice mulching alternative and help to regulate soil temperatures and moisture levels without being so large that they overpower the plantings themselves. Talk to an expert about the right sized decorative gravel for your needs.

3. White Marble Chips

White marble chips are yet another great option for those looking to fill their gardens with decorative gravel. These lovely stones are typically white in color with one or more streaks of gray.

The truly defining quality of white marble chips, though, is that they offer a shimmering, almost glittery surfacing. This is not only beautiful and alluring, but also very practical in terms of keeping excessive heat away from your plants.

4. Yellow “Jersey Shore” Gravel

For NJ residents, the quintessential type of gravel for decorative landscaping has to be round, yellow “Jersey Shore” gravel. You probably see this particular type of stone everywhere you turn your head.

The yellow, tan and golden color quality of the aggregate evokes a sense of being at the beach, or along the Jersey Shore. In addition, the colors work nicely with plants of all shades and styles, making it easy to create a beautiful flower bed that will make your property stand out from others on the block.

You’ll be happy to discover that “Jersey Shore” gravel is one the most affordable types of stone aggregate on the market in our area.

5. River Rock

River rock is the perfect compromise between pea gravel and Mexican Beach Pebbles. While it features the water-washed smoothness of Mexican Beach Pebbles, river rock is known for offering a smattering of lovely, intriguing colors that will add a great deal of character to your flower bed and property as a whole.

As an added bonus, river rock is very easy to obtain, making it possible to introduce the stone not only to your flower bed, but to your entire landscape – for cheap!

Buying Decorative Gravel in NJ

Braen Supply is the #1 place to go for all of your decorative gravel needs. As the leading supplier of decorative, natural stone aggregate in NJ, we’re proud to offer a massive inventory of attractive and functional stones to suit your planting and gardening needs.

Our team of skilled professionals is here to assist you with the process of selecting the right materials for the job, and is more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

Our crushed gravel is available at competitive wholesale prices, and can be picked up at your convenience or bulk delivered to locations throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and PA.

The Do’s & Don’ts of Landscaping with Gravel

Gravel makes the world go ’round – the world of landscaping, anyway! It’s such a beautiful, versatile and affordable aggregate material.

This is why home and business owners from all walks of life have fallen in love with it’s ability to completely transform the look and feel of their landscapes.

If you’ve been giving any thought to landscaping with gravel, you’re in for a treat, but there are some things you should know first. This inside look at the dos and don’ts of landscaping with gravel will help you to complete your project successfully.

DO Your Research on Gravel Types

Contrary to popular belief, there’s more than just one type of gravel! While you may have come to think of gravel as just small, grayish rocks, there are actually numerous types of crushed aggregate that can be used for both decorative and functional purposes throughout your property.

Take the time to check out all of the benefits and uses of popular materials like pea gravel, yellow “Jersey Shore” gravel, washed clean stone, white marble chips, quarry process and others.

The more you know about the types of gravel that are out there, the better suited to your needs and tastes your completed gravel project will be.

DON’T Just Settle for Any Type of Gravel

Don’t make the mistake of settling for the cheapest type of gravel available because you think it will be “good enough”. Sometimes the lowest priced gravel is the best option for your needs, but your final call should be based upon how the material will look and function within the scope of the rest of your project.

After all, you want your work to pay off for the long haul, so it’s important that the gravel you choose be up to the task of facing the tests of time.

DO Measure Your Project Area and Use a Gravel Calculator

It’s very important that you take the time to carefully assess your project area and determine precisely how much material you’ll need when you’re landscaping with gravel.

This is best accomplished by measuring the length and width of your project’s coverage area, talking with an expert to figure out what depth requirements may exist and enter the numbers into a reliable, online materials calculator. This will tell you how many cubic tons or cubic yards of material to order so that you can complete your project efficiently and affordably.

DON’T “Eyeball” or “Guesstimate” Quantities

Don’t be fooled into believing that you can just “guess” how much material you need by taking a good look at your project area, or even by basing your project’s needs off of a friend or neighbor’s.

This could result in you purchasing too much or too little material, thus derailing the entire schedule and budget of your work. Measure twice, order once.

DO Learn the “How Tos” of Landscaping with Gravel

Regardless of whether you plan to handle landscaping with gravel as a DIY project or would like to hire a contractor, it’s always a good idea to take the time to learn about what goes into the type of work you are going to have completed.

This will help you know what to expect throughout the duration of the project and will allow you to keep an eye on things in order to ensure that the best and correct steps are being taken to get the job done.

DON’T Try Completing Work That’s Too Challenging

If, after doing your homework and learning the steps involved in landscaping with gravel, you determine that you may not be completely qualified to handle the work, we strongly urge you to seek out the help of a professional landscaping contractor.

Trying to save a few bucks on labor costs will only create more expensive headaches down the road if you’re not sure that you know what you’re doing or feel that something is beyond your skill level. Talk to a trusted gravel supplier for recommendations on reliable, honest and affordable gravel contractors in your area.

DO Carefully Select a Quality Gravel Supplier

Your project can only be as good as the materials used during the construction process, so choose your gravel supplier wisely. Make sure that you find a company that offers a wide variety of types of gravel to suit your every need.

You should also verify that your supplier is an industry leader that is qualified to answer your questions and provide you with valuable tips on landscaping with gravel. Be sure to look for a company that offers fair and competitive pricing and that is willing to bulk deliver your materials right to your front door.

DON’T Work with Cheap/Free Loose Fill Material

Sometimes an individual may be attempting to clear out a pile of loose gravel from their backyard, or attempting to sell some loose fill material on the side of the road for just a few bucks.

Don’t be tempted by the low or non-existent price tag. There’s no telling where the “gravel” came from, what it is comprised of and if it has been properly screened for safety and integrity for landscaping purposes. The risks far surpass the potential savings, and could create major issues for you in the future.

DO Take Pride in the Upkeep of Your Gravel

One of the best things about landscaping with gravel is that gravel is very easy to maintain, and that maintenance is also extremely affordable. You’ll get the best results when you establish a regular schedule for routinely raking over the surface of your gravel in order to remove any sticks, grass, leaves, or debris.

At the same time, you’ll be making sure that the gravel is evenly distributed throughout the coverage area, and will have the opportunity to rake driveways to a peak for ample drainage. You will also be able to wrangle any loose gravel that may have been displaced, returning it to its proper place.

In addition to this, you should also plan on applying a fresh layer of gravel each year. This will add to structural integrity and beauty.

DON’T Take Shortcuts with Gravel Maintenance

If a low spot or a pothole develops in your gravel driveway, path, or walkway, you may be tempted to simply rake some gravel from another area into the dip. This quick fix isn’t really a fix at all, though, and it will only make your problems a lot worse as it will create more weak spots throughout the gravel space.

The better move is to fill these holes in with fresh gravel. Are you interested in learning more about landscaping with gravel? As an industry expert, Braen Supply is more than happy to answer any and all of your questions about your upcoming gravel projects.

Because we are the leading gravel supplier in NJ, we are also able to connect you with the best and most affordable materials on the market. Our gravel is manufactured from our locally operated quarries and is available at competitive wholesale prices.

Talk to one of our team members about how to pick up gravel at our locations or have it bulk delivered to job sites throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and PA.