The 10 Do’s and Don’ts of Installing Pavers

Ready to install your new natural, concrete, porcelain or brick pavers? Before you dive in headfirst, you should take a few moments to regroup and make sure that you know exactly what you’re doing.

After all, you want the finished project to look beautiful and to last for many years to come. Because we’re so invested in helping our customers find success with their paver jobs, we’ve come up with a list of 10 “Dos and Don’ts” that will guide you through the process, from start to finish.

1 – DO map out your project area

Prior to anything else, it’s wise to use some sort of design software in order to create a map or drawing of your project area. A scaled design will help you in a couple ways.

First, it will assist with the process of calculating all of your required materials. Secondly, a mock-up of this sort will help you to determine how your completed project will look in relation to other landscaping and architectural features throughout your property. This will help you end up with a space that you’ll be happy.

2 – DON’T try to ‘guesstimate’

One of the biggest customer complaints that we’ve heard throughout the years is that they wish they had made their project areas larger.

This happens because people try to make guesses or to “eyeball” their project areas instead of taking the time to really map them out and see how large the space will be.

It’s important to really know how much room will be left to walk around and “live” once the outdoor fireplace, barbecue, patio furniture, etc. has been installed.

3- DO work with a reputable supplier

An otherwise fabulous project can be brought down by a sub-par materials supplier. It’s very important to make sure that you’re working with a company that has your best interests at heart, providing only the highest quality paving materials at the fairest prices.

When looking to purchase pavers from brands like Belgard, Cambridge or Techo-Bloc, the simplest way to find a reputable supplier is to visit the brand’s website and seek out the locations of their authorized dealers.

Authorized dealers are those who will have the most accurate product information, the most complete product inventory and the most reasonable product prices.

4- DON’T cut corners

Once you have settled on the dimensions of your project area and have ordered your materials, you’re ready to begin the excavation process. It’s wise to make sure that all underground utilities (i.e.: phone and gas lines) are clearly marked so that you don’t accidentally disturb these spots.

You will also need to over-excavate the total perimeter of the project area – you can’t cut corners! For example, if your patio is going to be 20’x10’, you’ll need to extend your base preparation out further than this.

A good rule to follow is that the base material should extend past any paved edges in a distance equal to the base depth. If your 20’x10’ patio is to have a 6” base, then you should excavate a total area of 21’ (20’ +6” +6”) by 11’ (10’ +6” +6”).

5 – DO compact base layers at 3” intervals

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that you can simply excavate the project area, dump in all of your base materials and then compact them down all at once. This simply won’t work.

Most plate compactors can only compact 3″-4″ of material at a time. This means to you’ll need to pour about 3″ of material at a time, compact it down and then move on to the next layer. This will prevent settling and problems with structural integrity over time.

6 – DON’T compact bedding sand

Speaking of compaction, you absolutely don’t want to compact your bedding sand down once it has been poured on top of the base materials. Why? You need the sand to be loose in order to keep your pavers in place.

Once you put your pavers down and complete the final compaction, any loose sand will end up being forced up into the spaces between the pavers, which will help to set and secure them. In addition to this, loose sand is helpful in creating a smooth and more even surface for your pavers.

7 – DO use precision when laying and spacing your pavers

You need to make sure to lay out your pavers with absolute precision right from the very start. It’s a good idea to use string or landscaping paint/tape in order to maintain a straight edge, but you should continue to use measuring tape to ensure that the edge is perfect every few feet or so.

Remember, making a mistake on the outside edge will only make things worse as you work inward, so be sure to be on the ball from the get-go.

8 – DON’T hammer pavers together

You may feel the temptation to take a hammer and mallet in order to hammer the different pavers together for a tight, sleek look – but we urge you to reconsider. Having your pavers placed too tightly together can actually create problems over time.

As a general rule of thumb, it’s recommended that pavers are spaced apart at 3mm, or 1/8″. You certainly don’t need to use a tape measure to measure this small gap between each and every paver, but familiarize yourself with the distance and leave room between the units.

9 – DO use an edge restraint

Over time, it’s natural for the ground to shift and move, and with it, you can expect that your pavers may shift or move out of place a little. The best way to make sure that your pavers stay in line and don’t need to be dug-up and re-installed, is to make use of a good edge restraint.

Don’t want to line the perimeter of your pavers with a stone or concrete edging material? No problem. Invisible edge restraints can be used that are spiked into the base materials. They’re very reliable and are easy and flexible to work with.

10 – DON’T activate polymeric sand without thoroughly sweeping your pavers

Polymeric sand is powerful stuff. Once the pavers have been installed, the polymeric sand should be swept between each of your pavers to level with the top of the unit.

Spraying water on the sand will activate the polymers, causing it to harden, so make sure there’s no excess sand on top of the pavers or else you’ll have a mess on your hands.

Enjoy Simple Paver Installations with Braen Supply

Following these 10 “Do” and “Don’t” tips will make your life a heck of a lot easier as you improve your landscape with pavers. Braen Supply can make your work even simpler.

As the leading supplier of concrete, porcelain and brick pavers, Braen Supply offers a massive inventory of products that will suit your every need. We’re happy to help you select the right materials for your project, and can provide you with advice for getting the job done right.

We can also connect you with local contractors who are familiar with the pavers you intend to use. Our pavers can be picked up at your convenience or can be bulk delivered to areas throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and PA.

How to Give Your Backyard a Distinct Look with Lafitt Series Pavers in NJ

What does your backyard say about you? Whether you realize it or not, your landscape is an extension of your unique personality, and it makes a bold statement that can significantly impact the curb appeal and overall value of your home.

It’s important, then, that you select landscaping and hardscaping materials that speak to your specific tastes while offering the functionality you need in order to maximize your outdoor living space.

If you’re looking to create an original motif for your backyard that will allow you to do all of the things you enjoy most, we suggest taking a look at the Lafitt series of pavers from Belgard.

Lafitt Series Pavers At-A-Glance

Imagine being surrounded by the peaceful elegance of nature at all times – without ever having to leave your own backyard. Belgard’s Lafitt series provides the most naturalistic look possible to modular, concrete pavers.

You’ll be immediately entranced by the detailed texturing of these one-of-a-kind pavers. The interesting ridges and recesses, and the rich, inviting patterns will leave you convinced that your pavers were manufactured and chiseled from natural stone, taken directly out of an enchanted, forest.

What’s more, the Lafitt series makes it possible for you to enjoy both the natural and the modern, as the gorgeous pavers are available in modular shapes for sophisticated, contemporary and pleasing geometrical designs.

Lafitt pavers are available in nine different colors, ranging from warm shades of chestnut, brown and tan, to cooler hues like charcoal and silvery-gray. This makes it easy for you to find the Lafitt pavers that are best for your specific hardscaping needs.

Uses for Lafitt Series Pavers

After falling in love with the stunning beauty of Lafitt series pavers, you’re eager to figure out how you can incorporate them into your own backyard. For some inspiration, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most common uses for Belgard Lafitt Pavers here in NJ:

Patios

Every NJ homeowner needs a serene and relaxing patio of their very own. This is the place where you can go to unwind after a long day at work, sipping on a hot cup of tea or a soothing glass of wine as you enjoy a gentle, summer breeze.

This is where you can gather with your friends and family, to share a meal and entertain. Lafitt pavers make the perfect foundation for your patio and outdoor living space, as they create a calm and inviting environment that evokes a sense of being in harmony with nature.

The pavers are extremely tough and durable, too, so you won’t have to worry about them becoming scuffed or scratched up due to foot traffic and moving patio furniture. The pavers are designed to resist stains, so you won’t have to stress out during mealtime.

Outdoor Kitchens

Outdoor kitchens are the latest trend in outdoor living here in NJ. Homeowners love having the ability to spend time with their loved ones while they whip up a meal in the great outdoors from a fully equipped, outdoor kitchen.

While these kitchens are home to a number of features, including stone countertops, pizza ovens, and stainless steel appliances, it’s the kitchen “floor” that sets the tone for the entire space and ties everything together. It’s important, then, to pick the right paver for your floor.

Lafitt series pavers are a great choice because they pair the natural and traditional with the modern and contemporary, allowing you to create a cohesive and gorgeous cooking environment. The pavers are non-combustible and heat-resistant, so you’ll be able to stay cool, safe and comfortable while making dinner.

Swimming Pool Decks

Who doesn’t love to take a swim during the hot, humid, NJ summer days? Many NJ homeowners have swimming pools, but not everyone can boast a Lafitt swimming pool deck.

The versatile and lovely pavers create a unique swimming area for you and your guests. The rich textures are given even more depth and dimension when they reflect the moving, shimmering waters of the swimming pool.

You’ll feel like you’ve discovered your own, natural oasis when surrounded by a Lafitt pool deck – all the the privacy of your own backyard. The texturing of Lafitt pavers make them the perfect fit for poolside areas as they won’t become slippery when wet, and will offer excellent traction.

Paths and Walkways

Paved paths and walkways throughout the backyard create a beautiful and practical means of connecting different areas of your property to one another.

Whether it’s a path from the patio to the poolside bar, or a calming walkway through your flower gardens, you’ll love the look that Lafitt series pavers have to offer.

Fire Pit Seating

There’s no better way to spend your evenings than gathered around a crackling fire with the people you love most. Fire pits make it possible for you to bask in the warm glow of the dancing flames whenever you please, allowing you to share stories and create lasting memories with your nearest and dearest.

Surrounding your fire pit with Lafitt pavers creates a uniquely attractive and functional space for seating, so that everyone can remain cool, comfortable and safe while enjoying the fire.

Lafitt Series Patterns

Regardless of how you decide to use Lafitt series pavers throughout your backyard, you’ll be able to choose from exciting designs and patterns that will delight you and your guests in the many years to come.

Although the pavers come in modular shapes and designs, you won’t have to worry about their layout being boring or lackluster. Belgard has come up with three unique, multi-piece patterns that make use of pavers of differing shapes and sizes that will create dazzling patterns to capture your imagination and interest.

Talk to an expert about utilizing Belgard design tools to see how the different patterns look, or to determine which pattern would be the best fit for your project’s specific needs.

Buying Lafitt Series Pavers in NJ

If you’ve decided that Lafitt Pavers are the right choice for your backyard, Braen Supply has you covered. We are Belgard Authorized Dealers, and we carry a full inventory of Lafitt Series pavers in all available shapes, sizes and colors.

Our team of experts know the ins and outs of these incredible pavers and can answer any questions you may have. We can also connect you with Belgard Authorized Contractors to help you complete your installation.

Our Lafitt pavers can be picked up at your convenience or can be bulk delivered to areas throughout NJ, NY, NYC and PA. We offer fair and competitive pricing every day.

Designing a Hardscape Design with Concrete Pavers

If you’re feeling bored and dissatisfied with your current landscape and would like to give it a makeover without spending too much money, concrete pavers are the perfect solution.

Concrete pavers are designed and manufactured to look just like natural stone, featuring interesting cuts, textures, shapes and colors – all at an affordable price. They’re simple to work with, are extremely strong and durable and they provide users with a wide number of design possibilities.

So how can you come up with the perfect design for your dream hardscape using concrete pavers? This post features some of our top hardscape design tips so that you can get the most out of your upcoming project.

Pinpoint Your Motives

Why are you planning on using concrete pavers in your hardscape design to begin with? Are you looking for a way to create an attractive and clear path from your backyard to your swimming pool?

Or do you need a space large enough to accommodate your barbecue, your patio furniture and your closest family and friends? It’s important to sit down and really think about what’s motivating you to give your landscape a makeover.

This will make it easier for you to begin visualizing the overall design and lay the groundwork for all of your other hardscape design plans.

Research Leading Products

Not all concrete pavers are created equally. In order to ensure that you end up working with the highest quality materials, it’s important that you spend some time doing a little bit of investigative work.

Find out who the biggest brand names are in the concrete paver manufacturing business. During this research phase, you’re very likely to come across brand names like Techo-Bloc, Belgard and Cambridge Pavingstones.

These three industry giants have cornered the market on designing and engineering gorgeous concrete pavers that look and feel exactly like natural stone, and they all offer affordable prices. Each of these brands have earned solid reputations for using care and precision throughout the manufacturing process, as well as guaranteeing quality and consistency.

Visit a Local Showroom

Now that you have a better idea about which brands you might be interested in, you’ve probably begun looking through their website portfolios to discover what styles of concrete pavers they have for sale. Seeing an image online is one thing, but being able to see the pavers in person is so much better.

This is why it’s such a good idea to find a local showroom that displays samples of outdoor living spaces and completed projects featuring the concrete pavers from the brands that you have expressed interest in.

Having the ability to see the full-dimensional appearance of these pavers within the context of an outdoor living space, patio furnishings and other hardscaping features will allow you to get the best idea about which pavers would be best for your own hardscape design.

Request Samples

Whether looking online or visiting a showroom, you might find that you fall in love with a specific color of a concrete paver. While the color might look fabulous in the model, or within the scope of someone else’s landscape, it still may be difficult for you to tell whether or not the shade is a good match for your property.

The best way to make up your mind about color is to request samples from the manufacturer. Most concrete paver manufacturers will mail samples to you for free so that you can compare various shades and hues and settle on the perfect fit for your home.

Look Through Design Books

When visiting the websites of leading concrete paver manufacturers, you’ll find that many of them offer tools for inspiring your hardscape design, including design books. These books will feature some of the many projects that specific types of concrete pavers have been used for and featured in.

Browsing through these collections of photos will give you ideas about how other homeowners have incorporated concrete pavers into their hardscape design, and will get your creative juices flowing so that you can come up with a brilliant and exciting hardscape design plan of your own.

Use Hardscape Design Software

We also strongly suggest that you consider making use of helpful hardscape design software tools. These can often be found online, and can be used to help simplify the design process and help you make better decisions.

One of the best things about a design software is that it can take all of the measurements of your yard into consideration and help you create a design that is sized to scale. You’ll have a much better understanding of exactly how your finished project will look in proportion to the remainder of your landscape and its different features, so that you can size things appropriately.

You can use software tools to place other outdoor features like fireplaces on your concrete paver patio and see what it will look like before actually beginning the project. This will also help you make sure that you have enough room to accommodate everything you want to include into your design, while also having plenty of room to move around.

With some design software tools, you’ll find that you can even upload images or drawings for a more accurate or realistic representation of the finished work, while others give you a 3D look and allow you to “fly through” the design and see how it looks from all angles.

Hire a Professional

Some homeowners prefer to hire a professional to join them and help them make smart decisions about their hardscape design plan. Professional landscapers can be very valuable in providing input on how certain concrete pavers may work together or how they can complement other landscaping and architectural features throughout a property.

You don’t just have to hire landscapers, though. Contractors that have been authorized to work with specific concrete paver manufacturers can provide valuable insight when it comes to the design process, and can even provide you with exclusive access to software design tools that might further influence your hardscape design.

Creating Your Perfect Hardscape Design in NJ

When you’re ready to get going with your upcoming hardscape project, Braen Supply is ready to help. As experts in the landscaping and hardscaping industry, our team is perfectly positioned to answer any questions you may have about hardscape design.

We are authorized as dealers for the top brands in concrete paver manufacturing, ensuring that we always have access to the latest product offerings and information.

Feel free to visit our showroom for inspiration. Our concrete paving materials are available at competitive prices and can be picked up or bulk delivered to locations throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and PA.

5 Patio Pavers for Every Home Style

Could a paver patio be just the thing that your home needs? If you’ve been looking for a way to upgrade your landscape and get more use out of your outdoor living space, we strongly urge you to consider selecting a beautiful paving material in order to establish a gorgeous and functional patio of your very own.

Paver patios are extremely affordable and increase the overall value of your home. Best of all, with so many different options available, it’s easy to find paving materials that match your unique sense of style while meeting your every need.

Here’s a look at five different types of patio pavers that are great to work with and information on how to pick the right one for your home.

1. Irregular Natural Flagstone Pavers

Natural stone is one of the most coveted types of hardscaping materials and homeowners fall in love with the concept of creating a fabulous patio area with incredible, natural flagstone. For those who are interested in creating a unique, visually appealing and extremely naturalistic outdoor living space, natural flagstone pavers with an irregular cut are the way to go.

As the name indicates, this type of stone is broken down into paver-sized pieces in a manner that results in irregular cuts, shapes and sizes. When installed as a patio, the flooring is given an exciting “mosaic” appearance, with jagged and irregular edges that will catch the attention of anyone.

There are many options available for those who have fallen in love with the irregular style of this type of natural flagstone paver. Stone manufacturers and suppliers like Braen Supply offer a full inventory of irregular flagstone pavers in an array of colors and styles.

This makes it easy for you to find the product that suits your individual tastes while still meeting your functional needs. You’ll be able to choose from popular materials like:

All Blue Bluestone
Full Color Bluestone
Tennessee Gray
Tennessee Buff
Idaho Quartz Charcoal
Idaho Quartz Silver
South Bay Quartz
Norwegian Buff

2. Dimensional Natural Flagstone Pavers

Some homeowners are sold on the idea of working with natural stone pavers for their upcoming patio installations, but they aren’t necessarily interested in utilizing stones that feature such irregular cuts and shapes. Here, we suggest taking a look at dimensional natural flagstone pavers.

Instead of chiseling away at a large slab of stone and letting the pieces develop as they may, stone manufacturers work to cut the beautiful stone into square or rectangular shapes that feature clean lines and angles. This makes it possible for homeowners to develop modular designs and geometrically pleasing patterns.

It is even possible to achieve perfect symmetry when installing well-crafted dimensional cut natural flagstone pavers. As in the case of its irregular cut counterpart, dimensional natural flagstone pavers are readily available in a number of colors and styles.

Each different variety of dimensional flagstone features its own uniquely beautiful shades and hues, as well as rich and inviting textures. Be sure to look through all of your options in order to select the right type of flagstone for your patio project. Popular choices include:

Lilac Natural Cleft
Kearney Thermal
Tennessee Buff Honed
Natural Gray Tennessee
Sahara Granite Pattern
Indiana Limestone Pattern

3. Concrete Pavers

Everyone loves the look and feel of natural stone, but not everyone can afford the luxury of building a large outdoor patio or other outdoor living space feature that is completely surfaced with natural stone. Fortunately, you don’t have to compromise your tastes and sense of style for cost.

There are several excellent manufacturers of concrete pavers. These companies employ highly skilled designers and engineers who are able to match the exact look and texture of natural stone, all while using a more affordable concrete material.

The possibilities are limitless, here, because the design of the “stone” is only limited by the designer’s imagination. You’ll find concrete pavers with dimensional cuts, irregular cuts, bold colors, subtle tones, modern style, classic design and everything in-between.

No matter what look you’re trying to establish, you’ll be able to make it into a reality with manufactured stone. The material is always of the same, consistent quality, and is designed to be able to withstand the elements and frequent traffic. It’s easy to maintain and doesn’t scratch or stain easily. The leading brands for concrete pavers are:

Belgard Pavers
Cambridge Pavingstones
Techo-Bloc

4. Porcelain Pavers

Porcelain has been growing increasingly popular as a paving material for patios throughout recent years. Despite the fact that porcelain dolls and china have long been regarded as fragile or delicate, it’s important to understand that porcelain is actually a very strong and durable material.

In fact, in paver form, porcelain is often harder and stronger than concrete. This means that when it’s installed, it will be strong and reliable – even when subject to high volumes of traffic and moving patio furniture.

You also won’t have to worry about scratching or scraping. Porcelain is very beautiful and can be crafted to emulate the look of both natural stone and natural wood. The options for design are limitless.

5. Clay Brick Pavers

Never underestimate the subtle elegance and classic beauty of clay brick pavers. Clay has a rich history of being used in construction and architectural projects throughout the centuries, and it has also made its mark in terms of being a reliable and beloved paving material.

Just because we don’t pave our streets with brick anymore doesn’t mean that it’s not a great option for surfacing your beautiful home patio. The soft yet rich brown and red tones of brick are often very familiar and welcoming to eyes, establishing a sense of ease and comfort.

This makes it the perfect material for creating an outdoor “floor” in areas where you intend to relax and unwind. The timeless appeal of brick ensures that it will continue to look beautiful and maintain its value in the many years ahead.

Another significant advantage to working with brick is that it’s very good about holding its place, even when the ground beneath begins to shift. This means that you won’t have to worry about expensive repairs down the line. Clay brick pavers are very affordable, easy to install and require very little maintenance.

Buying Patio Paver Materials in NJ

Braen Supply is the largest and most comprehensive supplier of paver materials for patio projects in all of NJ and its surrounding areas. Our massive showroom features natural stone, manufactured products and brick all in one location so that you can evaluate all of your options and make the choice that’s best for your backyard.

We are well connected with the leading manufacturers of concrete and porcelain pavers so that you can get the biggest variety of material options at the most affordable prices. We offer the most competitive prices on the market and are always happy to answer any questions you may have.

Our patio paver materials can be picked up at our location or can be delivered to job sites throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and PA.

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.