Find a Patio Design That Works for You

Creating an outdoor living space often begins with patio design. No matter how large or small, a patio acts as the foundation for your entire outdoor living area, tying multiple areas of the property together and establishing an area for you to relax and gather with loved ones.

This means that you need to put a lot of careful thought and consideration into your patio design plans. How can you make sure that you come up with design plans that will suit your needs and wants both now and in the future? The following guide will help you throughout the patio design process.

Begin with Patio Function

Before anything else, you need to make some decisions about how you would like your patio to function within the scope of your property. Will the space be used primarily as the flooring for your outdoor living room?

Are you looking to establish a floor for your outdoor kitchen or fire pit? Or perhaps you’re planning on installing a gorgeous yet practical deck around your swimming pool or hot tub.

Depending on how you intend to utilize your new patio, you’ll need to keep certain things in mind for patio design. An outdoor living room, for example, will be exposed to high volumes of foot traffic and will also be subject to the movement of patio tables, chairs and other furnishings.

This means that you’ll need to select a paving material that not only looks beautiful and reflects your personal sense of style, but that is also durable and tough. When choosing a material for a patio that will be located in close proximity to a fire pit, outdoor fireplace, pizza oven or other heat-producing appliances, you’ll need to make sure that you select a product that doesn’t retain heat, isn’t harmed by high temperatures and is non-combustible.

You’ll also want to find a material that’s easy to clean and is resistant to stains if you plan on preparing or serving food on your patio. And, of course, if you’re building a patio around your swimming areas, you’ll want to find materials that are slip-resistant and that won’t be negatively impacted by pool chemicals.

Consider Your Options

Now that you know how you intend to use your new patio, it’s time to consider the options that you have in terms of paving materials. Some of the most popular materials used for surfacing home patios include:

Natural Stone

Natural stone has long been a popular option for establishing a beautiful, durable and highly functional patio space. Natural stone is perceived as classically elegant, sophisticated and valuable.

There are many different types of natural stone that you could choose for surfacing your patio, depending on your desires.

Flagstone with an irregular cut can help you create a romantic and charming space that is one with nature, whereas thermal cut Bluestone or materials with a dimensional cut can help you create a more modern chic style. Be sure to visit the showroom of a natural stone manufacturer and supplier to get a better idea about your options.

Concrete and Porcelain Pavers

For those who don’t want to spend as much money on their patio design, but who also don’t want to sacrifice beauty and quality, concrete and porcelain pavers are an excellent alternative.

These manufactured, faux “stone” pavers offer the same coloring, texturing, cut and feel of natural stone, but are much more affordable and consistent in their quality.

Local stone and hardscaping manufacturers will have partnerships with concrete and porcelain paver manufacturers and will help you choose the best materials for your design.

Loose Fill

You don’t have to use solid stone or faux stone pavers in order to create a beautiful patio. In fact, many homeowners enjoy surfacing their patio areas with loose fill materials like pea gravel. This is an affordable solution that offers a great deal of patio design flexibility and beauty.

Consider Edging Materials

Numerous homeowners make the decision to mark the perimeters of their patios with attractive edging materials. This can help to draw even more attention to the area and allow the materials you’ve used to surface your patio to really “pop”.

You might consider working with flagstone, smaller stone pavers, concrete pavers, beautiful brick edging pieces, etc. Consult a professional for advice.

Plan Your Patio’s Layout

Now it’s time to start thinking about how the patio should be installed and laid out throughout your property. Ultimately, the design layout of your patio will depend on several different factors.

First, you’ll need to consider any limitations that your property might have. This means having a professional (such as a utility provider) visit your property and determine where any underground power lines, pipes and other utilities might be located.

This will help you work around any areas that might cause problems during the installation. Next, you’ll need to consider the overall size and layout of your property.

If you’ve got a massive back yard, a small patio might look strange, whereas a small yard can quickly become dominated by an oversized patio. Properties that feature curves, sharp angles or irregular shaping might look weird with the straight edges of a square patio, and could benefit from a rounded patio area instead.

Finally, it’s important to consider your own personal tastes and style interests. Have fun with your patio design plans! After all, you’re going to enjoy your finished project for a long time.

Utilize Patio Design Software

Thinking about your patio design plans in your head is one thing, but actually bringing your vision to life is a completely different story. Sometimes what you imagine will work beautifully will come up short of your expectations and leave you disappointed.

In other cases, plans that you wouldn’t have thought would work for your property make for a spectacular design. Making use of a good patio design software tool will help you determine what works (and what doesn’t) for your property before you execute the job.

This means that you have the ability to play around with all of your options before locking in your final plans. You’ll be able to see how your patio would look in different areas of your backyard, test different types of stone and even get a 3D look at how the patio would work within the scope of other landscaping and architectural features.

You’ll have a lot of fun while establishing the peace of mind that your completed patio installation will meet your every need.

Designing and Installing Patios in NJ

NJ homeowners choose to come to Braen Supply with all of their patio design and installation needs. As industry experts, our team is more than happy to work with people like you to discuss your needs, wants and plans for installing your dream patio.

We offer a massive inventory of patio construction materials, including natural stone, manufactured “stone” and loose fill gravel. All of our materials are of the highest quality and are available at fair and competitive prices.

Our patio materials can be picked up or bulk delivered to project sites throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and PA.

Restore Your Home with These 10 Hardscape Design Tips

Your home’s hardscape plays a significant role. It adds a great deal of beauty to your entire landscape, and helps to marry your landscaping features to your architectural features, creating a sense of uniformity and coherency.

Next, it adds to the overall value of your property. Finally, a hardscape sets the tone for your outdoor living style and needs.

So how can you design an incredible hardscape that will improve your overall property? Here are 10 tips for creating the hardscape design of your dreams.

1. Evaluate Your Space

The first step in hardscape design is evaluating the space that you actually have to work with. You may think that you can just plop a patio down anywhere you please, but if there are underground utilities, difficult soil or slopes standing in your way, you could be facing a lot of challenges.

It’s a good idea to have a professional take a look at your property in order to help you find the best space for updating your hardscape and to assist you with the process of maximizing that space.

2. Consider the Function

Design is about more than just esthetics. Yes, you want your hardscape to be breathtaking and beautiful, but you also want it to be practical and functional.

Although it’s easy to fall in love with a specific hardscaping material and be tempted to employ it you have to consider whether it’s the best material to work with.

Choosing a type of paver or slab that can’t handle exposure to chemicals, for example, will mean a lot of expensive headaches for those who have installed these products around a swimming pool. Know how you intend to use your materials and make sure that they not only match your style, but that they also will meet your day-to-day needs.

3. Evaluate Existing Themes/Styles

What types of landscaping and architectural features already exist throughout your property? Considering what you already have and making an effort to add onto that with your hardscaping upgrades will help you to get the most out of your budget and will also ensure that your property remains cohesive and beautiful.

4. Be True to Your Budget

Only you know what you can and cannot afford. When it comes to making the decisions during your hardscaping process, your budget should always be in mind.

When deciding whether to work with natural stone or manufactured materials, or whether you should install the materials on your own or hire a professional, it’s important to have a thorough understanding of your budgetary needs and stick to them.

5. Visit a Showroom

Looking at various hardscaping materials online is one thing, but having the ability to check them out in person is completely different. Make a plan to visit a local showroom that features an array of natural and manufactured hardscaping materials so that you can see them with your own eyes.

6. Use Online Hardscape Design Tools

You don’t just have to cross your fingers and hope that your hardscaping materials end up looking okay within the scope of your landscape. Numerous online hardscape design software tools exist that allow you to get a comprehensive, multi-dimensional look at what your finished project will look like.

7. Consider the Future

What’s in style this year may be completely out-of-date next year. Make sure that you consider the future when working on your hardscape design plans today.

There’s nothing wrong with having a modern sense of style or wanting to incorporate specific trends into your outdoor living space, but you need to be prepared to live with your decisions for a long time. Hardscapes are built to last, and when the proper materials are utilized and are correctly cared for, they can remain beautiful and functional for generations.

The best thing to do is to settle on timeless materials that can be versatile in their styling. From here, you can use outdoor furnishings and vegetation to create whatever type of theme you wish to establish. The latter are much easier to change and update as hardscaping and landscaping styles evolve.

8. Prioritize

In many cases, hardscape designs starts out relatively simple. Perhaps you are only planning on constructing a simple patio, or a single garden path.

From here, though, you may start to dream of more. Wouldn’t an outdoor kitchen be smart? And wouldn’t you love to have a kitchen with all of the features, including new appliances, granite countertops, a stone pizza oven and an outdoor fireplace?

You may have the funds to take care of everything in one fell swoop. In many instances, though, all of your dream hardscaping plans may be out of you current price range.

That’s okay. Sitting down and prioritizing your plans will help you settle on the best place to start, and to create a roadmap for your future plans so that you can achieve your goals.

9. Think About Maintenance

It’s easy to get extremely swept up in your daydreams about your sprawling and elegant new hardscape design and forget to keep your feet firmly planted on the ground. An elaborate hardscape design with all sorts of nooks and crannies might sound exciting and unique on paper, but you also need to make sure that your design plans are practical and sustainable.

For the most part, hardscaping materials are generally quite simple to maintain and care for, but you do need to take the time to be absolutely certain that you’re selecting materials that you can handle the upkeep for, and that mesh with your lifestyle. If you’ve got kids who frequently spill their food and drinks, for instance, you’ll want to avoid porous materials that are more challenging for stain removal.

If you are installing a walkway or driveway in NJ, you need to make sure that you choose materials that are compatible with ice melting products and extremely cold weather. Planning ahead will make your life a lot easier in the long run.

10. Get a Professional Opinion

Many homeowners end up making the decision to either hire a hardscape design professional, or to run their own hardscape design plans by an expert before moving forward with the construction process.

Professional input can help you to maximize your space, keep you focused and on track with your primary goals and ensure that you end up with an outdoor living space that you’ll be in love with – both now and in the many years ahead.

Hardscape Design Made Simple in NJ

The experts at Braen Supply are happy to help you create your perfect hardscape design for your home. As the leading landscaping and hardscaping supplier in NJ, we offer a massive inventory of 100% natural and high quality manufactured hardscaping materials to suit your every need.

We can connect you with industry experts who can assist you with the design process, or we can point you in the direction of excellent hardscape design software tools that are available online. Once you’re ready to get your plans underway, we’ll set you up with the very best materials at the lowest and most competitive prices.

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

5 Expert Tips for Compacting Native Soil

Braen Supply believes in providing customers with valuable information that will aid in their hardscaping experiences in NJ. It’s important to remember that before any project, understanding the base material compaction process is crucial. This blog post by Alliance offers 5 expert tips for compacting native soil.

The following post is an article by Alliance. The writer that wrote the article below is not affiliated with Braen Supply in any way.

Proper compaction of the subgrade and base material is key to a successful hardscape design. In this blog post our Technical Support Manager, Mike Huber, will lend 5 expert tips for compacting your subgrade or native soil.

1. Get to know your native soil.

Before beginning your project, identify the type of native soil you’re working with. Make sure that it’s suitable for supporting the expected load, whether pedestrian or vehicular. Highly organic soils need to be removed and clay soils may need to be removed or amended.

2. Amend (if needed).

Amending clay soils can be done with:

Portland cement
Larger clean stone compacted into the clay
A combination of the above

3. Check moisture content.

Granular soils should have a certain moisture content for proper compaction. Moisture will lubricate the particles and help them slide into place.

4. Use the right compaction equipment.

First, make sure your compactor is large enough for the job … then make sure you use the right type of compactor. Vibratory plate compactors are appropriate for granular soil types, but jumping jacks or sheepsfoot rollers are necessary for clay soils. Native soils should be compacted to 98% Proctor Density.

5. Don’t reuse excavated materials.

It’s important to never put excavated materials from a site back into the hole. Once soils are excavated they “fluff” by 20-30% and are usually unsuitable for compaction back to their original density.

Follow these five pieces of advice and you’ll be in good shape for the remaining phases of your project.

One last tip! If you find your soil is substandard or questionable, consider using a geotextile fabric to add an additional layer of strength.

Top 5 Benefits of Using a Hardscape Design Software to Design Your Dream Backyard

If you’ve been giving any thought to upgrading your hardscape, you’ve probably been tossing various ideas around, trying to come up with the perfect plan for your designs. Perhaps you love the way that certain pavers and outdoor fire features look in the scope of a supplier’s showroom, but you’re not positive they’ll work for your specific property.

Maybe you’re struggling to figure out how to create interesting hatch patterns that you’ll love in the many years to come. Or it could be that you’re just not sure about how everything will fit and flow together. How can you possibly move forward with your plans with so much uncertainty?

The savviest homeowners know that they can’t go it alone when making plans for hardscape design and installation. And while you certainly might consider hiring a professional landscape designer to assist with your plans, this step isn’t necessary when you make use of the right hardscape design software tools.

In this highly technological era, it’s very possible to get all of the valuable information you’d receive from a pro, right from a set of incredible software tools. Hardscape design software is specifically designed with homeowners in mind.

The intuitive programs make it easy for you to visualize and plan how to move forward with your upcoming project so that you can enjoy the peace of mind that you’ll love the finished product – both now and well into the future. Here’s a closer look at a few of the key benefits you can enjoy from making use of reliable hardscaping design software tools:

1. Visualize It in Your Own Back (or Front) Yard

One of the biggest problems that people have when planning out the design of their hardscape is that they struggle to be able to “see” or visualize the finished project within the scope of their own property.

Sure, that outdoor kitchen looks amazing in someone else’s backyard, but how will it look when it’s sitting next to your house and your other landscaping features? Will it be too big? Will the color scheme and style match up? How can you be sure?

A good hardscape design software program will actually allow you to upload photos of your own property and get a firsthand look at how certain hardscaping elements will look within the flow of your space.

This will make it much easier for you to make decisions about your project and relax throughout the installation process so that you can enjoy the work being done, rather than stress about it.

2. See It in 3D

Most people have played around with 2 Dimensional drawings of layouts for the design of interior and exterior design elements.

This can be helpful in determining how much space you actually have to work with in terms of square footage, but it’s also very limited in terms of how much information can truly be revealed about how your design elements will really work within the scope of your space.

Yes, these designs will tell you that you’ve got the “floor” or ground space to accommodate a fireplace or outdoor pizza oven between your outdoor kitchen and your outdoor living room, but how will it look in scale? Will it be too bulky, or will it tie things together perfectly?

The only way to know for sure is to go beyond 2D and into the world of 3D. Many hardscape design software programs make it possible for you to assemble 3D, scale models of your dream hardscape so that you can be sure that everything will fit together perfectly and create a space that you absolutely adore.

3. Be Inspired

So you want your hardscape to look absolutely fabulous, but you’re not a design professional yourself. Not a problem! You don’t have to have the intuitive ability to come up with unique and visually interesting patterns, layouts, designs or mosaics inside your own head (although, if you do possess this ability, kudos to you!

We encourage you to employ your creativity and make a design that’s truly your own!) With the right software design software, you can take a look at countless different plans and mosaics to see how different patterns, shapes, designs, and styles can be arranged to complement one another and create a truly dazzling hardscape that you and your guests will be enamored of.

Other software tools will provide you with inspirational design concepts that will help to get your creative juices flowing in terms of how to lay things out and proceed with your plans in a way that makes sense.

4. See What Works (And What Doesn’t)

Mixing and matching different styles, colors and textures can be a lot of fun – but it can also be difficult.

Making use of a good hardscaping design software tool will let you play around with different concepts before you make a final decisions so that you can see what does and doesn’t work.

5. Get Valuable Input

While you’re certainly your own person and you enjoy making decisions for yourself, you probably still enjoy gathering feedback from people that you know and trust, as well as from other interested parties. As the old adage goes, “Two Heads are Better Than One.”

While you might be so sold on one idea that you can’t see any considerations that you may need to make or any flaws in your plans, a friend or family member might be able to offer a fresh perspective and help you come up with better ideas and solutions that will cater to your design needs for a smoother installation process and years of enjoyment.

One of the great things about hardscape design software is that it enables you to take the plans that you’ve made for your hardscape and share them with others. Some programs allow you to print or email your designs so that you can take them with you to show your family and friends, or to email to those that you trust for feedback.

Other programs make it easy to assemble information, testimonials and feedback from other homeowners/customers who have already gone through the design and installation process so that you can get tips from their experience.

Designing and Upgrading Your Hardscape in NJ

When you’re ready to move forward with plans to design and install the hardscape of your dreams, Braen Supply is ready and able to help.

As industry experts, we’re familiar with all of the very best hardscape design software tools that are available to homeowners like yourself, including those that have been developed by leading hardscape manufacturers like Techo-Bloc, Belgard and Cambridge.

We are happy to provide you with tips and tricks for making use of these tools while also adding our own professional advice on how to get the most out of your project. As soon as your designs are complete, we can connect you with all of the materials and tools required to get the job done right.

We offer a massive inventory of Belgard hardscaping materials, all of which are available at low and competitive, wholesale prices. Our materials can be picked up at your convenience or can be bulk delivered to areas throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and PA.

Porcelain Pavers vs. Concrete Pavers: Pick the Right Material for Your Outdoor Oasis

A beautiful hardscape is the hallmark of any home with curb appeal. Those who want to make their properties stand out while getting the most out of their outdoor living spaces know that the best way to go about improving their hardscape is to make use of faux-stone pavers.

Both concrete and porcelain pavers are extremely popular throughout the northeast, each offering their own unique advantages and each being equipped with their own merits. While either option is excellent, though, one might be more “right” for your property than other.

How do you choose between the two? This guide is here to highlight the benefits and considerations associated with both concrete and porcelain pavers, as well as tips for choosing the right material for your hardscaping upgrade.

Concrete Pavers At-A-Glance

As the name indicates, concrete pavers are made from concrete. This isn’t just your ordinary, standard, gray slab of concrete cement, though. Instead, skillful engineers work to design and manufacture pavers that look and feel just like real stone.

The concrete is cast in molds with specific cuts and shaping that resemble that which could be found in nature, and a natural texturing is also applied to all sides of the “stone”. The concrete is also dyed all the way through in order to give the material a beautiful, natural stone appearance that won’t fade or diminish over time.

In addition to manufacturing pavers that look like stone, some concrete paver manufacturers have also experimented with generating pavers that emulate wood.

Porcelain Pavers At-A-Glance

Not all faux stone pavers are made with concrete. In recent years, it has become popular to create beautiful pavers from tough and durable porcelain.

High tech manufacturing processes make it possible to generate a ceramic material that is much thicker than the ceramic tile used indoors, making it very suitable for use throughout a home’s exterior.

Porcelain pavers, like their concrete counterparts, are often designed to emulate natural stone, or even other elements like natural wood, both in coloring and in texture. The result is a very affordable, practical and beautiful alternative to natural products.

Concrete Pavers: Benefits and Considerations

There’s a lot to love about concrete pavers. Some of the many perks include:

Beauty – There can be no mistake about the fact that concrete pavers are absolutely gorgeous. They are designed to look and feel just like the real thing, and even the most well trained eye often can’t tell the difference.
Style – Concrete pavers are made with many different styles in mind. Whether you’re into an old world European style, prefer a touch of whimsy, or are looking for something very modern and stylish, you’ll find the perfect fit.
Affordable – Although concrete pavers look just like the real deal, they are available at a fraction of the price. This means that you can work with concrete pavers on any budget.
Versatility – Concrete paving materials are the perfect fit for an array of different hardscaping projects. Some of the most common uses for concrete pavers include patios, driveways, paths and walkways, swimming pool decks, etc.
Consistency – Unlike natural stone, concrete pavers are manufactured with care, precision and attention to detail. You’ll enjoy the same consistent quality from unit to unit.
Longevity – Concrete is able to withstand the tests of time. Once you install your concrete pavers, you’ll be able to enjoy their beauty for many years to come.
Weather Resistant – Concrete pavers are resistant to the effects of the elements. They are able to hold up nicely in heat and cold, and aren’t impacted by the sun’s UV rays or rain.
Low Maintenance – You won’t have to invest a lot of your precious time and energy into taking care of your concrete pavers.

Of course, there are some things to consider when working with concrete. It’s important to make sure that you use the appropriate chemicals for melting snow and ice during the winter month so as to avoid corrosion. In addition, keep an eye out for cracks and address them quickly to avoid problems with freeze and thaw cycles.

Porcelain Pavers: Benefits and Considerations

Porcelain pavers also have a lot to offer. Here’s a look at some of the key perks to working porcelain into your hardscape:

Gorgeous – With a single glance, you’re sure to fall in love with the rich yet subtle beauty offered by porcelain. The ceramic material lends itself to being manufactured into a product that is nearly identical to natural stone and wood.
Budget-Friendly – Porcelain is an extremely low-cost alternative to working with natural materials.
Traction – Porcelain offers fantastic traction and is perfect for swimming pool decks or for creating walkways in areas subject to rain or water from irrigation systems.
Tough and Durable – Porcelain is an extremely hard and tough material, and the pavers are even thicker than normal which adds to their strength.
Easy to Clean – Porcelain is relatively stain-resistant and is very easy to clean and maintain.

Although extremely hard and durable, porcelain is fragile during the installation process and should be treated with the utmost care.

Concrete vs Porcelain Pavers: Which Should You Choose?

All things having been considered, it’s easy to see that both porcelain and concrete pavers are excellent options for anyone wanting to take their home’s hardscape to the next level.

Because both materials are very affordable, practical and readily available throughout our area, the decision will really come down to your personal tastes and desires, and the options that are available from each type of paving material.

It’s a good idea to take the time to really envision how you would like your completed project to look so that you can make the right decision about the style of paver you are most interested in, as well as pertaining to the color schemes that you invest in.

This will help to narrow down your options significantly so that as you browse through the different product lines available from leading paver manufacturers, you can make a quick and confident decision.

Should you have any questions about the benefits or drawbacks of either concrete or porcelain paver products, we strongly recommend that you take the time to visit a local supplier and pick the brains of the professionals who are experienced with both types of materials.

You can also request samples of materials from many suppliers so that you can get a better sense for what each has to offer.

Buying Concrete and Porcelain Pavers in NJ

Regardless of whether you’ve elected to work with concrete or porcelain, it’s important that you find an honest and reputable paver supplier in your locale. Braen Supply is the leading supplier of Belgard concrete and porcelain pavers throughout all of NJ and its surrounding areas.

We offer beautiful, high quality products from the top manufacturers of concrete and paving materials in the world so that you can enjoy the peace of mind that you’re working with the best of the best. Our prices are always as low and competitive as possible.

Give us a call or stop by today to pick up your pavers or talk to one of our friendly professionals about having your order bulk delivered to job sites throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and PA.

5 Ways Cultured Stone Can Enhance Your Backyard

If you absolutely love the look of natural stone, you’re not alone. If you’d love to use natural stone throughout your landscape but simply can’t afford it right now, you’re not alone either!

Before you completely abandon your dreams, you should know that you can enjoy the look of natural stone for less. How is this possible? Two words: Cultured Stone.

Cultured stone has completely transformed the way that property owners decorate their landscapes. Here, concrete is poured into carefully crafted and engineered molds, and is colored and finished in such a way that it looks similar to natural stone.

This post will explore the many benefits associated with cultured stone, and how it can enhance your backyard beyond your wildest dreams.

5 Benefits of Cultured Stone

Let’s start with the perks that are tied to using cultured stone for your backyard landscaping endeavors. Here are 5 of the best things about working with cultured stone:

1. Quality Control – One of the greatest things about working with cultured stone is that you’re always going to be able to count on the fact that you’re getting a quality product.

As manufactured stone goes through the design, engineering and production process, it is manufactured to the highest standards possible – every time.

2. Consistency – In addition to quality, you’ll also be able to depend upon a certain degree of uniformity and consistency. Natural stone is spectacular, but there are variances in the coloring, texturing and shape of each stone.

Not so much when it comes to manufactured stone. Here, the stones are all manufactured to be uniform with one another so that you don’t have to worry about one or two stones in your project standing out like sore thumbs or looking especially different from all of the rest.

3. Price – Obviously one of the biggest perks associated with cultured stone is the lower price tag. Manufactured stone makes it possible to enjoy similar beauty to natural materials – with less cost.

4. Customizable – With manufactured stone, designers have the ability to offer customers a more customized look, producing “stones” that feature an array of different colors, shapes, sizes and textures.

5. Long-Lasting – They’re able to withstand these elements, don’t stain easily and are very easy to care for and maintain.

Ways to Enhance Your Backyard with Cultured Stone

Now that you’re sold on why cultured stone is so amazing, it’s time to take a look at some of the ways that you can bring these manufactured stones to your own landscape.

We’ll also go into detail on how they can be used to enhance the look of your backyard. These are some of our favorite uses for cultured stone in the backyard:

Walls and Fireplaces

The look of cultured stone when it’s used to construct beautiful walls throughout the landscape or to enhance the look of outdoor fireplaces. Manufactured stone of all types and colors can be a great way to protect your landscape against erosion, as the heavy and reliable materials can establish strong, gravity retaining walls.

They will provide this protection while also looking magnificent and giving you more usable outdoor living space. Manufactured stone can also be used to create decorative or non-load-bearing walls that can divide your outdoor living spaces or “rooms” for a more homey appeal.

Outdoor Kitchens

Manufactured stone has definitely earned its place in the outdoor kitchen. Many homeowners have fallen in love with the carefully crafted concrete.

You’ll also find that manufactured stone can be used for the development of outdoor pizza ovens and fire pits that may be used in and around the kitchen area. The result is a truly natural-looking and stunning place to entertain and dine.

Stunning Steps

Cultured stone can even be designed for usage in the construction of outdoor stairwells. These faux stone slabs create a reliable means of moving foot traffic between areas of the property that are situated at different levels – and they look really amazing while doing it!

Whether you’re in the market for something upscale, modern and sophisticated or prefer rustic elegance, you’ll fall in love with the charm of manufactured stone steps. You can enhance the look of your staircase even further by surrounding the steps with a manufactured stone wall.

Of course, there are numerous other ways that you can upgrade your backyard with manufactured stone. You are only limited by your own imagination. Regardless of which type or types of projects you decide to tackle, you won’t be disappointed.

Where to Buy Cultured Stone in NJ

Braen Supply is the #1 supplier of high quality cultured stone in NJ and its surrounding areas. We work with all of the leading brands to ensure that our customers are able to find the perfect manufactured stone solutions for their unique project needs.

Our knowledgeable team is able to provide you with detailed information about each of the manufactured stone products that we sell and can answer any questions you may have.

We offer low and competitive pricing on our materials every day. Our cultured stone products can be picked up at your convenience or can be bulk delivered to areas throughout NJ, NY, NYC and PA.

Redesign Your Backyard with These 5 Gravel Landscaping Ideas

When it comes to landscaping, there are few materials as versatile and desirable as gravel. Although you may initially think of gravel as nothing more than small, gray rocks, the aggregate materials is actually manufactured from a wide range of different stone types, including limestone, trap rock, granite and gneiss.

This means that the stone is available in numerous colors, and each type has something special to offer its users. In addition to being beautiful, gravel is purposed throughout the landscape in order to meet a variety of practical functions.

On top of everything else, gravel is extremely affordable and budget-friendly. Although you’re excited to dive in and start upgrading your backyard with gravel right away, you can’t do anything until you have some solid gravel landscaping ideas. Here’s a look at five of our favorites:

1. Design a Unique Patio Space

Although natural stone, poured concrete and concrete pavers are frequently selected for the construction of backyard patios, gravel is growing in its acceptance and popularity. Gravel offers a lot in terms of creative freedom and styling.

The material can easily be poured into any shape or design layout, making it fun and easy for you to establish an outdoor living space that suits your every need and desire. With a variety of different aggregate materials to choose from, you’re sure to find gravel that brings out the best in all of your landscaping features.

This can all be done while still establishing a warm, relaxing and inviting place to share a meal outdoors with your family. Your gravel patio will never become flooded because gravel helps water to percolate naturally and steadily back into the groundwater supply rather than pooling. It’s weather-resistant and it will hold up when subject to sunlight, rain, snow and even hail.

2. Help Your Plants to Thrive

While most people know that bark and wood chips can be used as mulch around flower beds, gardens and other vegetation, many fail to realize that gravel can be used just as effectively! We love the look of gravel as an alternative to traditional mulch.

Whether you select a crushed stone that features jagged or irregular edges, or aggregate that is smooth and round, you’ll fall in love with the stunning textures and dimensions that are created around the plants that you love so much. This material will highlight the different colors of your vegetation and will really make your property stand out from others in the neighborhood.

In addition to looking fantastic, gravel is also known for its ability to promote healthy percolation and drainage. When you combine this talent with its ability to block out excess rays of sunlight, you’re left with a material that is fully capable of regulating soil temperatures and moisture levels so that your plants are able to grow and thrive in optimal conditions.

Because gravel doesn’t break down or decompose over time, you won’t need to change it out regularly as you would with other mulching materials. It also won’t attract critters, insects, or other pests to your backyard. What’s not to love?

3. Enhance Water Features

Gravel looks amazing when it’s placed around the different water features that are so prevalent in NJ backyards. The soft and natural colors that are associated with stone aggregate are a spectacularly beautiful contrast to the shades of blue that are found in water.

Take above-ground swimming pools for instance. You can surround the swimming pool with gravel in order to give it a more permanent and sophisticated appearance while also helping to keep the pool stable and in-place so that you and your family can get the most enjoyment out of it.

Gravel can also be very beautiful when it’s used in and around water fountains or water falls. As the water trickles over and through the rocks, you’ll find yourself soothed and entranced. Those who have ponds in their back yards won’t be disappointed by gravel’s ability to act as a substitute for sand when creating a beach.

Not only is the beautiful gravel soft and comfortable to walk on, but it also will help to prevent shoreline erosion from occurring over time so that you can experience the beauty of the pond in the many years to come. You might also consider using gravel in reflection pools or in the construction of dry river beds which are elegant while promoting excellent drainage for your yard.

4. Surround Your Fire Pit

Fire pits are growing in their popularity throughout NJ and the Tri-State area. The great thing about a fire pit is that it can be enjoyed all throughout the year.

It acts as a focal point or a centerpiece in your backyard. It’s also a place where you and your loved ones can gather on a star-filled night in order to enjoy each other’s company and create memories that will last a lifetime.

You can take your fire pit to the next level by choosing to surround the area with attractive and practical gravel. Gravel of all styles and colors can compliment the beauty of the natural stone or manufactured concrete fire pit of your choosing.

Because gravel is non-combustible and non-heat retaining, you’ll be able to rest assured that you and your family will always be able to make use of your fire pit safely and comfortably. Gravel is a loose-fill material which makes it very easy and affordable to create a circular, rectangular, or even irregularly shaped seating area around the dancing flames, so feel free to use your imagination!

5. Keep Everything Connected

When you’ve got more than one area of your backyard that you love, it’s important to keep everything connected. After all, you want it to be as simple as possible to get from your beautiful patio space to the inviting waters of your swimming pool, and you want to be able to hop out of your swimming pool and walk over to your colorful flower gardens where you can meditate in peace.

We love the look of backyards that use gravel when designing and installing beautiful and functional paths or walkways which work to connect all of the different aspects of the landscape.

Gravel is soft and comfortable to walk on and is very easy and affordable to install and maintain. You’ll continue to fall in love with both the look and feel of your paths.

Where to Buy Gravel in NJ

We’re good for a whole lot more than just killer gravel landscaping ideas. As the largest and most trusted gravel supplier in NJ, we’ve helped countless customers throughout the Tri-State area make their landscaping dreams come true.

We carry a massive inventory of gravel in a variety of sizes, colors and styles depending on your unique needs. Our team of experts is more than happy to discuss your plans with you and to help point out the right type of gravel to get the job done.

All of our materials are available at competitive, wholesale prices so that you can stay on track with your budget. Our gravel can be picked up at your convenience or can be bulk delivered to areas throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and PA.

Should You Install an Eva Paver Patio?

For years, Techo-Bloc has been known for designing and manufacturing the most sophisticated and reliable concrete hardscaping materials on the market, and the brand’s Eva collection does not deviate from this standard.

As a growing number of NJ homeowners are taking big steps to improve their outdoor living spaces, Eva pavers have become increasingly popular. If you’ve been researching your options for installing a patio with Techo-Bloc products – even just a little – you’ve probably already seen this stunning collection.

You may still be wondering, though, if this is the right product for you. To help you make the best decision for your property, we’ve drafted an introduction to Eva Pavers and have compiled a list of the top benefits associated with installing an Eva paver patio.

Eva Pavers At-A-Glance

Techo-Bloc’s Eva pavers offer upscale style and elegance with a hint of truly ageless beauty that makes the viewer wonder about the rich and interesting history of your hardscaping materials.

Of course, what your guests don’t know is that the pavers were actually designed and manufactured from quality concrete by skilled engineers who have mastered the craft of emulating the look and feel of natural stone. The spectacular pavers are the perfect fit for nearly any theme, from country traditional to modern eclectic, to elegant luxury and everything in-between.

Play around with the different shapes and textures associated with each paver and find the colors that work best for your individual tastes and needs. The end result will be an affordable Eva paver patio, custom-fitted to your lifestyle.

Top Reasons to Install an Eva Paver Patio

Homeowners who decide to work with Eva pavers can expect to enjoy incredible benefits, such as:

Gorgeous Colors

Homeowners will enjoy no shortage of options when it comes to selecting the right colors for their own Eva paver patio. Eva pavers are available in numerous shades and color families which makes it very simple for you to create a uniform look and vibe across your entire landscape.

This can also help establish contrasting colors that will really make your landscape stand out from the crowd. Take your pick from pavers in shades of gray, brown, beige, gold and even blue, or a combination thereof.

Rich Texturing

You’ll fall in love with the look of your Eva paver patio time and time again because there’s never not something new to notice and enjoy. That’s because Eva pavers are designed with rich and inciting textures that will captivate your guests and spark your imagination at every turn.

The facing of Eva pavers features both a flagstone-type texturing as well as slate texturing for interesting ridges and recesses that add depth and dimension to your entire outdoor living space.

Design/Layout Flexibility

As you take a look at Eva pavers, you’ll quickly notice that there are units available in different shapes and sizes. While some are larger and square, others may be smaller and rectangular.

The variance in dimensions is what makes it possible for homeowners and landscaping designers to enjoy a bit of freedom in terms of how the pavers are actually laid out.

Whether you prefer the look of an interesting and unique modular pattern or desire a traditional, aesthetically pleasing linear pattern, you’ll be able to achieve the look with Eva pavers.

Quick Installation

Eva pavers are designed to be compact and petite, which is not only great news for those who like a little freedom of choice in terms of design, but also for homeowners who want to be able to complete the installation process as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Whether you’re handling the work on your own or are planning to hire a professional, you can expect the pavers to be laid down fast so that you can start enjoying your brand new Eva paver patio right away.

Affordability

When compared to other patio pavers and hardscaping materials, Eva pavers are among the most affordable. That doesn’t mean, though, that you’re sacrificing quality or beauty for price.

Each Eva paver is held to the highest production and manufacturing standards, ensuring that your patio will withstand the tests of time and will give you the best return on your investment.

Weather Resistant

Eva pavers are able to hold their own against Mother Nature. This is especially important here in NJ, where we are regularly exposed to heat, humidity, rain, wind, snow, ice and even hail. The pavers won’t fade or lose their color when subject to regular sunlight and exposure to UV rays, and they are durable enough to withstand the harshest of conditions.

What’s more, you can count on the fact that your Eva pavers will remain safe and beautiful throughout the winter months. These pavers are designed to be safe for use with ice melting materials. This will protect your patio from NJ freeze-and-thaw cycles without the risk of staining or corrosion.

Low Maintenance

Once you’ve installed your Eva paver patio, you won’t have to worry about putting a lot of hard work and elbow grease into maintaining it. Techo-Bloc products like Eva pavers don’t stain, chip, or scuff easily, so you won’t have to stress about the pavers becoming damaged after regular usage.

For the most part, you’ll really only need to sweep and hose down your patio at regular bi-weekly or monthly intervals. This will prevent dirt, grass, leaves and other debris from accumulating and will ensure that mildew and mold don’t have the chance to form and cause damage to the pavers.

In the event that a paver does become dirty or stained, we suggest that you scrub the affected area with a soft cloth and a solution of water and mild detergent. Finally, be sure to fill in any loose joints with a reliable mortar or polymeric sand in order to keep your patio in tip-top condition.

Lifetime Guarantee

Like all Techo-Bloc products, Eva pavers come with a lifetime guarantee. Techo-Bloc is so sure of the overall strength and durability of these incredibly versatile pavers that they’re willing to offer this warranty on materials in order to gain the confidence of its customers and protect their investments.

So long as you go about the property techniques for installation and maintenance of your Eva paver patio, you won’t ever have to worry about spending extra money in the event that something should happen to one of your pavers.

Installing an Eva Paver Patio in NJ

When you’ve decided you’re ready to install an Eva paver patio of your own, Braen Supply will be ready and waiting to help. We’re the largest and most trusted Techo-Bloc supplier throughout NJ and the greater Tri-State area.

Because we’re authorized Techo-Bloc dealers, we’re able to offer a full inventory of Eva pavers in all available colors and sizes. Our team is familiar with the ins and outs of these pavers and can provide you with useful ideas and tips for installing the Eva paver patio of your dreams.

Our materials are competitively priced and are available for pickup or can be bulk delivered to areas throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and PA. Give us a call or stop by to learn more about Techo-Bloc products today.

15 Designs to Compliment Your Techo-Bloc Outdoor Kitchen

NJ homeowners cherish their time outdoors. Because our winters can be so harsh, many of us take measures to ensure that we’re able to soak up as much sunshine and fresh air during the milder times of year as possible.

A Techo-Bloc outdoor kitchen creates the perfect opportunity for people to get outside and spend time with loved ones while preparing and enjoying meals. If you want your outdoor kitchen to be a hub of activity and a hot spot for entertaining guests, though, you need to get the design “just right”.

Ultimately, your Techo-Bloc outdoor kitchen should create a warm, comfortable and inviting atmosphere that represents your unique personality and sense of style. Need some inspiration?

Read on for some of our pro tips on finding the right style for your Techo-Bloc outdoor kitchen, as well as some extra features and touches you can add to make your kitchen truly your own.

Style Suggestions

1. Old World European

Old European style is all about cobbled roads, subtle tones and rich textures. When looking at pavers, slabs, or even wall stones, we urge you to consider products from collections including Antika, Victorien, Parisen, Rotundo and allegro.

2. Mediterranean

Mediterranean cultures are known for the clean architecture and cool colors and textures. This can create a great deal of romance and style in your Techo-Bloc outdoor kitchen. Some of our favorite collections which represent Mediterranean design include Travertina and Aberdeen slabs.

3. Desert Chic

Just because we don’t live in the desert doesn’t mean that we can’t appreciate the southwestern sense of style. Techo-Bloc makes it easy to bring the warmth of the desert to your outdoor kitchen.

Stick with shades of gold and yellow, with accents in teal, green, red, rust and orange. We suggest that you consider working with materials like Inca slabs and Prescott or Rocka walls.

4. Romantic Storybook

Imagine life in a storybook cottage, surrounded by your garden and stunning Antika stones, and textured Aberdeen slabs. This will create an old-fashioned warmth around your kitchen and dining areas.

5. Country Cottage

Nothing gives off a more enchanting, country vibe than Borealis slabs, wall blocks and similar features. These units look just like wood, give you that home-made, personally crafted feeling – like you built your entire outdoor kitchen and living spaces from the lumber surrounding your property. It’s a beautiful way to create memories.

6. Rustic

Achieve that mountain-esque and truly rustic style of design by working with Brandon wall stones. The chiseled, detailed textures associated with these wall blocks and the incredible color palette will warm your heart and soul and attract visitors to your Techo-Bloc outdoor kitchen.

7. Contemporary

Current style trends are about neat lines and geometrical symmetry, and you can easily achieve this for your Techo-Bloc outdoor kitchen. We love Seastone porcelain tiles, all Techo-Bloc Blu products and Raffinato walls for establishing this type of vibe.

8. Modern

Have fun playing around with interesting shapes, designs and textures as well as sleek and sophisticated tones like onyx, gray and white for a modern vibe. Tux slabs and Industria pavers are a fabulous pick, but we really love Graphix wall blocks and caps for a truly modern feel.

Unique Touches

9. Banding

One of the simplest and loveliest ways to make your outdoor kitchen stand out is to use pavers that contrast against your kitchen “flooring” as a banding material. Some of our favorite banding products include Antika pavers with their unique patterns and charm, and Victorian with its straight edges and clean lines.

10. Checkerboarding

Shake things up and add a pop of color or texture to your Techo-Bloc outdoor kitchen and dining space by designing a beautiful checkerboard pattern with your pavers or slabs. The Tux collection, for example, comes in black and white shades that make it easy to create a sophisticated, checkered design.

You don’t have to work within the same collection, though. Feel free to play around with the different textures and colors of varying pavers and slabs, or even consider checker boarding your slabs with grass for a truly unique setting.

11. Faux Wood

One trend that’s really taking off throughout NJ is to make use of a Techo-Bloc product that, instead of emulating the look of stone, is designed to look just like wood. The Borealis collection features concrete pavers that are shaped into long planks and are textured and colored to look and feel like hardwood. This adds a degree of warmth and hospitality to your outdoor kitchen or dining area.

12. Porcelain Tile

Techo-Bloc doesn’t just manufacture concrete flooring for outdoor kitchens. Many homeowners are falling in love with the brand’s Porcelain products.

Whether you’re interested in the soft undertones of the Sunrock collection or prefer the faux wood sheen of Etic Pro, porcelain brings a little something extra to any hardscape.

13. Dual-Sided Dividing Walls

Where there’s a Techo-Bloc outdoor kitchen, there’s also an outdoor living or dining room area. While some people enjoy an open floor plan, others like to create boundaries that establish distinct borders between the different living spaces. Techo-Bloc wall blocks are designed to look beautiful on both sides, making it possible for the wall to be enjoyed no matter where you’re situated.

14. Dividing Fireplaces

Not too keen on the idea of a divining wall, but still interested in dividing up your outdoor living spaces? A Techo-Bloc fireplace is the perfect solution. The brand’s stunning fireplaces will bring comfort and beauty to your kitchen and will allow you to continue enjoying the space even on cool evenings.

15. Fire Features

Techo-Bloc engineers fabulous fire features that will take your outdoor cooking experience to the next level. You’ll fall in love with the convenience and versatility of a stunning Techo-Bloc grill island.

In addition to grilling your meat on the barbecue, you’ll also have the ability to roast vegetables or cook a pizza in a stunning pizza oven. And don’t forget fire pits. On a more casual or relaxed evening, you and your loved ones will love to roast hot dogs and marshmallows over the open flames.

Designing Your Dream Techo-Bloc Outdoor Kitchen in NJ

The experts at Braen Supply are ready to help you bring your dream Techo-Bloc outdoor kitchen to life. As an authorized Techo-Bloc dealer, we are very familiar with all of the hardscaping brand’s products and how they can be used to design a kitchen that suits your individual tastes and outdoor living needs.

We can provide you with advice on which products to choose for your design strategy, and can offer useful tips on the installation process. Come see how beautifully Techo-Bloc concrete pavers, slabs, wall blocks and fire features look within the scope of an outdoor kitchen by visiting our showroom today.

All of our Techo-Bloc products are competitively priced and can be picked up or bulk delivered to locations throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and PA.

The Top Benefits of Using Porcelain Pavers Around Your Pool

Want to make a big splash with your swimming pool deck or surrounding patio area? We urge you to consider working with a cultured stone like porcelain pavers.

This versatile material is taking the world of hardscaping by storm, as a growing number of NJ homeowners have begun to recognize the many benefits associated with working with porcelain units. So why have porcelain pavers become so popular in recent years?

What do you stand to gain from working with cultured stone products like these? And what is cultured stone anyway? This post will break down the answers to these questions by highlighting the numerous advantages to using porcelain pavers around your swimming pool.

What is Cultured Stone?

Before we proceed any further, we first need to establish what cultured stone products like porcelain pavers actually are. In the simplest terms, cultured stone refers to hardscaping products that are made from non-stone substances like concrete, or ceramics such as porcelain.

These products are then shaped, colored and textured in a manner that mirrors the exact look and feel of natural stone.

Unlike natural stone, though, porcelain pavers are lighter weight and less expensive. This makes it possible for any homeowner to enjoy natural beauty and elegance on a budget they can afford.

Why Choose Porcelain Pavers for Swimming Areas?

Now the question is, what is cultured stone going to do for you and your property? How do you stand to benefit from working with materials like porcelain pavers, and why should you choose these over alternative solutions like concrete pavers?

Here’s a look at some of the reasons why homeowners prefer to work with porcelain pavers over other hardscaping materials for their swimming pool decks and patios:

Beauty

No homeowner would have any interest in working with porcelain pavers if they weren’t visually appealing. Porcelain is easy to manufacture into a wide range of shapes, cuts, styles, colors, textures and finishes, making it possible to produce pavers that match up with the unique tastes and needs of homeowners throughout the country.

No matter what type of theme or style you’re trying to establish for your swimming area, you’ll find stunning porcelain pavers to complete the look. Porcelain pavers can be produced to emulate natural stone or even hardwood, depending on your preferences.

Slip Resistant

For obvious reasons, you want to take measures to ensure that your swimming pool deck is a safe space for your family and friends. This means finding a paving material that won’t become slippery when exposed to water.

Cultured stone like porcelain pavers have been designed with richly textured surfaces in order to add traction. In addition to this, porcelain pavers have a very low porosity which helps to facilitate faster draining and drying. This means that water won’t pool and remain stagnant on the pavers for extended periods of time.

Tough and Durable

Once installed, you can count on the fact that your porcelain pavers will hold their own and continue to meet your needs for many years. Porcelain is known for being extremely strong and durable, even when exposed to high volumes of foot traffic and regular usage.

Lightweight

The fact that porcelain pavers are so much lighter in weight than their natural stone or concrete counterparts is very beneficial throughout the transportation and installation process.

Lighter weight materials generally cost less to move due to lower fuel consumption, and you’ll also enjoy the ability to maneuver your pavers with increased speed and agility.

Scratch Resistant

Swimming pool decks and patios are frequently subjected to the regular sliding and moving of patio furniture, like lounge chairs and poolside tables. Fortunately, porcelain is an extremely dense and hard material.

As a result, the pavers are naturally able to resist the effects of scratching and marking. This means that you won’t have to worry about frequently replacing your pavers. Instead, they’ll continue to look as flawless as the day they were first installed throughout their lifetime.

Stain Resistant

People love to gather around the swimming pool for cocktails, snacks and other beverages. The last thing you want is for your stunning pool deck to become stained from spills.

Because porcelain pavers aren’t porous, both liquid and chemical spills won’t penetrate the pavers, thus creating a faster and simpler cleanup – with no stains!

Mold/Mildew Resistant

Mold and mildew love water, but they don’t love porcelain pavers. Once again, the low porosity of porcelain keeps excess moisture at bay, making sure that mold and mildew can’t grow or thrive near your swimming pool.

Lasting Color

Most porcelain pavers are colored all the way through, and all have had pigmentation baked into them at temperatures exceeding 1200 degrees Celsius. This means that the color actually becomes a part of the paver’s overall composition and will not fade when exposed to the sun.

Heavy Load Bearing

Remember how we mentioned that porcelain pavers are really dense, strong and tough? Well, that means that these fabulous paving units are able to support a lot of weight.

Frost Proof

What is cultured stone going to do about your wintertime woes? Unlike other materials that may crack when exposed to the freeze-and-thaw cycles of NJ winters, porcelain pavers are actually frost proof.

That’s because water can’t penetrate into the non-porous pavers, thus preventing ice from forming within, expanding and creating excess pressure.

Low Maintenance

Sealant and other protective coatings aren’t necessary for porcelain pavers around swimming pools. Simply sweeping and spraying down the pavers from time to time to remove dirt or debris will suffice to keep them looking beautiful and brilliant.

Affordable

On top of everything else, porcelain pavers remain one of the most affordable and cost-efficient solutions for paving a swimming pool deck or patio. It’s a great option for anyone looking to get the very most out of their investment.

Buying Porcelain Pavers in NJ

Now that we’ve addressed these various questions, it’s time to think about where homeowners like yourself can go to get the best deals on high quality cultured stone, such as porcelain pavers, in NJ and its surrounding regions.

For decades, Braen Supply has been the most trusted name in hardscaping materials throughout the Tri-State area. We carry a large inventory of beautiful porcelain pavers from some of the leading industry brands.

Our experts are familiar with all of our products and can provide you with detailed information and tips for working with each. We always offer the lowest and most competitive rates around. Our porcelain pavers can be picked up or bulk delivered to locations throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and PA.