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.

Porcelain Pavers Style Guide: Transform Your Backyard

Want to make a bold statement with your hardscape? Homeowners throughout NJ have embraced concrete pavers and slabs for decades, but it’s only been in recent years that people have discovered the value of porcelain pavers.

Porcelain makes an excellent option for surfacing any outdoor living space, whether it’s a place to wine and dine your dinner guests or an area for lounging beside the swimming pool. This is because porcelain is one of the strongest, most durable and most weatherproof hardscaping materials available on the market.

Of course, strength and longevity aren’t all that these unique pavers have to offer. NJ homeowners are absolutely smitten with the stunning styles, colors and textures that they have to choose from.

There are so many different ways to completely transform the entire look of your backyard with porcelain pavers, thus increasing your home’s value. This style guide will offer a glimpse into the world of hardscaping with porcelain, offering several inspirational ideas to get you started.

Swimming Pools

No swimming pool is complete without an attractive and reliable pool deck. Porcelain has become a top pick for constructing pool deck areas for several reasons. First of all, they’re absolutely stunning when contrasted against the shimmering, aqua waters of the swimming area.

Secondly, porcelain offers comfort and safety for swimmers. The texturing associated with porcelain makes it virtually slip-resistant, and the material will not absorb heat – even on the hottest NJ days.

In addition to all this, porcelain doesn’t allow water to accumulate or pool, thus eliminating issues with mold or mildew. Some of our favorite styles for around the swimming pool include:

Desert Oasis

Creating a desert-like setting around your swimming pool is a fabulous way to turn the water into a true focal point for your entire backyard. The welcoming sight of the waters will appeal to you and your guests each and every day.

The best way to establish a desert-type setting is to select porcelain pavers that are manufactured in shades of yellow, gold, or beige. It’s generally best to stick with pavers that feature only one or two tones, keeping things as simple as possible. Add drama to the space with the appropriate placement of desert-style boulders and crushed, decorative stone.

Greek Chic

Take your backyard swimming pool to the sophisticated and elegant Mediterranean. Greek style is based upon simplicity – neutral tones with small pops of color.

It’s easy to establish a strong base for this theme by selecting elegant, simplistic porcelain pavers in the white, eggshell, or cream color families. The blue waters will look magnificent against the porcelain, and you’ll find that the stone speaks for itself and only needs a few small accents to look truly incredible.

Spa Day

What’s more luxurious than lounging beside the pool or hot tub while enjoying a glamorous and relaxing spa day? The look of natural wood can really evoke this same sense of luxury, but the upkeep is simply ridiculous.

Who has the time or money to maintain a wooden deck that will warp or become rotted from rain over time? Fortunately, you can have your cake and eat it, too.

Porcelain pavers not only emulate the look of natural stone, but also of wood. This makes it easy for you to create the posh environment you crave without any of the hassle.

Outdoor Kitchens

Outdoor kitchens are all the rave in NJ and its neighboring states. Instead of running back and forth between the indoor kitchen and the outdoor living space, homeowners are taking advantage of their ability to prep meals from start to finish from the comfort of their fully stocked, gorgeous and affordable outdoor kitchens.

Keep in mind, selecting the finest stone countertops and the most beautiful stainless steel appliances will only take you so far. You need a stunning kitchen floor to tie the space together. That’s where porcelain tile comes into play.

Porcelain doesn’t easily scratch or stain, and because it doesn’t retain heat, it makes for an ideal cooking environment. On top of that, porcelain is absolutely beautiful and can be used to achieve different looks and styles:

Smooth and Sleek

Modern homeowners love the elegance of clean lines and simple colors. This chic look keeps the focus on the beautiful dishes being prepared by the cook, rather than becoming a distraction.

We recommend soft, subtle tones in the gray and white family, although other colors may be appropriate in cases where they would blend with natural stone and other materials used throughout the kitchen. Stick to one basic tone for simplicity.

Checker boarding

The “checkerboard” look has long been associated with kitchen flooring, and the classic style still remains popular with NJ homeowners. You can achieve this look by selecting porcelain tiles that are available in multiple colors and then creating an elegant checkerboard pattern by alternating between darker and lighter shades.

Have fun and be creative here. You don’t necessarily have to stick with the classic black and white. Instead, you could mimic the style in a more subtle manner by working with a dark gray and light gray, or with brown/tan and white.

Outdoor Living Rooms

Every NJ homeowner needs a peaceful, relaxing and beautiful space where they can gather with friends and family to enjoy their outdoor living areas.

After all, what’s better than coming together with the people you love most and lounging on your luxurious patio furniture and enjoy a crackling fire, compliments of your stunning, outdoor fireplace.

It’s the porcelain tile flooring, though, that’s acting as the foundation of the space, establishing warmth for all to enjoy. Porcelain can be used to establish specific themes:

Soft and Warm

Selecting porcelain tile that features the marbling or blending of two or more tones in the same color family can actually evoke the same sense of warmth and comfort as indoor carpet. This can really help you feel as though you’re gathered in a cozy living space.

Hardwood Delight

Porcelain pavers with a wood finish are among the most commonly selected flooring materials for outdoor living rooms. The hardwood look is one that has long withstood the tests of time, thus ensuring that your space will give off a sense of elegance and charm both now and in the many years to come.

The warm, rich brown tones look spectacular with nearly all types of outdoor patio furnishings and give the warm feeling of being safe at home when paired with the dancing flames of your spectacular natural stone or concrete outdoor fireplace.

Buying Porcelain Tile in NJ

Braen Supply is the leading supplier of high quality and affordable porcelain pavers throughout NJ and its surrounding areas. We work closely with the largest and most trusted hardscaping manufacturers in order to connect our customers with the perfect pavers for their home projects.

Our team is happy to listen to your needs and desires and help you select the right materials for creating the outdoor living space of your dreams.

You’ll always enjoy the lowest and most competitive prices on our hardscaping materials. Our porcelain pavers can be picked up or can be bulk delivered to job sites throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and PA.

What Are the Best Landscaping Lighting Units to Have For Your Home?

Are you proud of your stunning landscape? Here’s a bright idea: illuminate your home’s exterior and outdoor living spaces with beautiful landscaping lighting fixtures.

With landscaping lighting you can increase the overall level of safety throughout your property while also making it possible to get more use out of your patio, outdoor kitchen and swimming areas – even after dark.

No matter what landscaping style you prefer or what your personal tastes involve, you’ll quickly discover that lighting solutions exist to meet a wide range of homeowner needs and desires on a budget you can afford.

Ready to spruce up your home? Check out some of our expert tips for choosing the right landscaping lighting for your unique demands.

Landscaping Lighting for Security Purposes

One of the primary reasons why homeowners invest in landscaping lighting is to increase home safety and provide peace of mind. Security lights are often installed on garages, along the outside walls of a home or on sheds and other structures that are situated in otherwise dark spaces.

Some homeowners prefer lights that constantly remain on, whereas others are most interested in lights that are motion-sensored and will only be triggered when someone is approaching the home. Either fixture is effective in boosting safety.

Another smart place to install lights is along front or back entryways to the home. Finally, those with larger properties might also want to consider flood lighting to keep potential intruders at bay.

Illuminating Pathways with Landscaping Lighting

Navigating pathways and driveways after dark can be tricky and even dangerous. Whether you’ve got a smooth, concrete path or a textured, gravel walkway, there’s still the same chance that you or a visitor to your home could trip and fall, leading to injury.

The best way to eliminate safety risks like these is to illuminate these areas with beautiful landscape lights. Yard stakes are among the most popular fixtures for this purpose, are extremely affordable and are very easy to install along both edges of the trail.

Modern, outdoor recessed lights which are flush with the ground have also become very popular in NJ throughout recent years and will add a touch of sophistication to your property.

Landscaping Lighting for Entertaining

You can’t entertain your friends and family once the sun goes down if you don’t have lights! Lighting not only makes it possible for guests to mingle and communicate, but it also sets the mood for the entire event.

Dimmer lights are a great choice because they can be adjusted to alter the tone of your affair. For a more unique, fun or funky approach to lighting for entertaining purposes, we suggest that you consider stringing party lights or even Christmas lights across and throughout your patio space.

Chinese lanterns or antique lanterns can also offer a romantic and one-of-a-kind feel to your party. During summer parties and barbecues, many homeowners like to use Tiki Torch lights which are fun and also keep insects away.

Highlighting Features with Landscaping Lighting

If you’ve got areas of your landscape that you’re especially fond of, you might want to consider installing accent lights that will highlight these features even after the sun goes down. Accent lighting can be installed in a couple of different ways.

Some people purchase and install spotlight-type fixtures which can be directed at landscaping features like fountains, from a distance.

Other people might install accent lights that are built flush with an attractive natural stone or facade wall in order to cast light and shadow either upwards or downwards along the wall for a truly stunning effect. We suggest working with a landscaping expert to determine which accents would be best for your property.

Landscaping Lighting for Swimming Areas

Have you ever felt the urge to take a nighttime dip in your swimming pool? Unless you’ve got lighting features in and around your swimming pool, you probably had to wait until daylight in order to ensure that you and your loved ones would be safe in the water.

Swimming pool lighting fixtures help to illuminate the pool deck and alert people of wet or slick spots, as well as highlight where the pool deck ends and the pool begins. At the same time, the water is covered in light so you can see what’s going on in the pool and keep an eye on all swimmers.

For best results, we recommend that you make use of a combination of larger spotlights or floodlights surrounding the pool and underwater lights that will enable you to see beneath the water. This not only helps to make the area safer, but it also adds a hint of serenity and magic as the shadows of swimmers will be illuminated in the blue glow of the waters.

Landscaping Lighting for Warmth

NJ homeowners are no strangers to the colder months of the year. As soon as autumn tools around, the temperatures start to drop and the nights get very chilly.

Without a source of warmth within your landscape, you’re forced to head indoors instead of taking advantage of your outdoor living spaces. Fortunately, you’ve got several options when it comes to finding landscaping lighting solutions that will not only bring light to the night, but will also help to keep you and your loved ones warm and comfortable on the crispest of fall evenings.

Outdoor fireplaces are the most popular features. These become the focal point of your outdoor living space and create a natural place for friends and family to gather together while enjoying the dancing flames and the crackling embers.

Fire pits are a second runner-up, offering a cozy and warm place to toast marshmallows and trade stories with one another. Some homeowners also like the idea of using features like heat lamps which can be used to toast up the areas around patio tables and other furniture.

Low-Cost Landscaping Lighting

Regardless of how big or small your lighting budget is, you can still afford to light up your property and enhance its overall look. Low-cost lighting solutions like outdoor solar lights are the perfect fit for homes of all styles.

These versatile lights come in a variety of different styles and colors to match your individual tastes and preferences. Solar lights require a minimal up-front investment and will pay you back and then some.

This is because the lights run on power from the sunlight rather than relying on your electricity supply. The end result is a brighter and lovelier landscape without increasing your monthly utility bill.

Learn More About Landscaping Lighting

Interested in learning more about selecting the right landscaping lighting for your property? The pros at Braen Supply are ready, capable and willing to help.

Because we work with an array of different landscaping and hardscaping materials and features, we’re familiar with the lighting fixtures and units that are best able to complement your home’s unique style of decor.

We can provide you with advice on which types of lighting would most improve the look and safety of your property while also making recommendations about the types of fixtures that can work well together. Give us a call or stop by to talk to one of our experts today.

How A Techo-Bloc Graphix Wall can Modernize Your Home

Tired of looking at the same old thing throughout your property every day? Feel like there’s just something missing from your landscape or hardscape?

If so, we’d urge you to give some thought to installing an ultra-modern Techo-Bloc Graphix wall. These incredibly versatile and eye-catching walls have the ability to completely makeover your entire home, giving it that current, chic appearance that you’ve been longing for.

Instead of being just another house on the block, your property will attract the interest of friends and neighbors, adding to the value of you home. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!

Techo-Bloc Graphix Walls At-A-Glance

Like all other Techo-Bloc products, Graphix wall stones are designed with quality and integrity in mind. These concrete wall stones are engineered with the highest degree of precision and are put together with the very best materials.

While many other Techo-Bloc wall stones feature more rugged edges, textures and colors that evoke a sense of Mother Nature, however, Graphix wall stones achieve a much more modern, sleek and sophisticated vibe. The most prominent feature of a Techo-Bloc Graphix wall is that it is assembled in varying depths. While some pieces protrude outward, others are set back into the wall.

The end result is a dazzling wall that creates a 3-Dimensional effect that will captivate viewers throughout the many years ahead. In addition to the staggered placement of each individual wall stone, you’ll also notice that the texturing varies from unit to unit.

Some blocks are completely smooth and sleek while others feature the rough and rugged texturing that is associated with many other Techo-Bloc wall stones and hardscaping features. Not only does this add even more visual interest to the wall, but it also makes it easy to incorporate the wall stones into any existing style of landscape.

While a Techo-Bloc Graphix wall has the ability to give a modern feel to your home, it will also look good with the more rustic and natural elements of the landscape. It’s the best of both worlds! Another great thing about Techo-Bloc Graphix walls is that the stones are double-sided.

This means that users are able to enjoy the beauty of these unique and completely “outside-of-the-box” wall stones regardless of which side of the wall they are on. Stair walls and vertical features, then, are a great match for Graphix wall blocks.

Those who want to install a Techo-Bloc Graphix wall will have the freedom to choose from three distinct colors. Beige Cream offers the softest, most natural-feeling color palette which works well with other earthy tones throughout the landscape.

Next, Greyed Nickel creates a subtly soothing and sophisticated vibe that will make you feel truly relaxed and at home in your modern hardscape. Finally, Onyx Black creates a truly dramatic effect that will take your modern Graphix wall to the next level. Talk to a professional about which is the best fit for you.

Ideas for a Techo-Bloc Graphix Wall

Perhaps you’re interested in Graphix wall stones, but aren’t quite sure how they could be used throughout your property.

While we encourage you to speak with a trusted professional to discuss your specific landscaping and hardscaping desires, this list of inspirational ideas for incorporating a Techo-Bloc Graphix wall into the home should get you started:

Simple Retaining Wall

Many NJ homeowners have properties that feature hills or slopes. This can be a big problem when you consider how much precipitation our area gets throughout a given year.

When exposed to rainwater over time, hilly areas can tend to erode and wash away. This creates a huge mess. For this reason, most people in this position opt to construct gravity retaining walls.

Instead of a boring, run-of-the-mill retaining wall, though, why not make a statement with yours? A Graphix wall is more than capable of withstanding the lateral loads of the earth behind it, all while looking absolutely stunning. The wall will look incredible on both sides and will bring new value to your landscape.

Raised Planter Boxes

Raised planters and planter boxers are becoming increasingly popular throughout NJ and the northeastern states. Graphix wall blocks are a perfect fit for constructing these boxes.

The modern appearance paired with the natural beauty of flowers and other plants creates a wonderful visual contrast that is sure to delight you and your guests.

The strength and durability of the wall blocks will ensure that even large volumes of topsoil can be safely contained within the box, and that the planter will continue to look and function beautifully in the many years ahead.

Multi-Tiered Landscaping

Some homeowners like to go beyond the simple, functional need for a retaining wall. Instead of creating lateral support for the hill, these folks like to actually cut into the hill and use walls to break up the space into multiple levels or tiers that can be used for building patios, gardens and other outdoor living spaces.

This adds to the value of your property not only because it looks great, but also because it gives you more room to live and breathe throughout your landscape. Techo-Bloc’s Graphix wall blocks will give spaces like these an exciting and unique feel that can’t be replicated elsewhere.

Blade Wall

Blade walls are popping up all over the place. These ultra thin walls can be used to improve the aesthetics of a property or can be used as a clever means of deflecting sound.

In either case, a Techo-Bloc Graphix wall is the perfect solution for anyone thinking about incorporating this type of wall into their properties. The multi-dimensional layout will create so much more depth and visual appeal to an otherwise very narrow and uninteresting feature.

Water Features

The modern and chic yet chiseled look of Graphix wall blocks make them a perfect match for water features. Vertical waterfalls are a top pick for NJ homeowners.

Outdoor Kitchen Features

Outdoor kitchens are a shining example of how beautiful the combination of naturalistic hardscaping elements and modern, stainless steel kitchen features can work together.

A Techo-Bloc Graphix wall or a feature incorporating the look of Graphix wall blocks is a great way to really tie this entire theme and vibe together.

Consider using Graphix wall blocks as a backsplash wall behind the sink or oven, or in the construction of the facing of a grill island. There are many different options to choose from, all of which can really bring an up-to-date and modern feel to your kitchen.

Installing a Techo-Bloc Graphix Wall in NJ

Ready to move forward with plans to construct a Techo-Bloc Graphix wall of your very own? Braen Supply has everything you need to help you complete a successful and affordable project.

As authorized Techo-Bloc dealers, we’re able to show you examples of Graphix walls in various colors via our showroom. We can provide you with inside advice on choosing the right materials for your job, and can offer tips for installation and maintenance.

Our Graphix wall blocks are competitively priced and can be picked up or bulk delivered to areas throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and PA.

5 Perks of Having a Techo-Bloc Grill Island in Your Backyard

Having an outdoor kitchen is a luxury that most northern NJ homeowners fantasize about. For those who enjoy spending time outdoors and entertaining, what could be better than having the ability to whip up entire meals without ever having to step inside and miss out on the action and conversation going on from friends and family gathered on your patio?

Putting together an entire outdoor kitchen piecemeal, though, can be time consuming, costly and even frustrating as you try to find components that work well together and compliment one another.

Fortunately, Techo-Bloc’s grill island makes it possible to install an all-in-one outdoor cooking and entertainment center that’s beautiful, fully functional and affordable. Need a little extra encouragement before taking the plunge and purchasing a spectacular grill island of your own?

Today we’ll highlight 5 incredible benefits to owning a Techo-Bloc grill island that will get you motivated to pursue your dream outdoor kitchen today.

Techo-Bloc Grill Islands At-A-Glance

A Techo-Bloc grill island is not your grandpa’s outdoor grill or barbecue. These incredible units feature every tool you need to prep food, cook meals and create beautiful memories with friends and family.

Crafted from high quality materials and designed with class and elegance in mind, a Techo-Bloc grill island truly is a primary part of your hardscape. It will complement other outdoor features and will last for a lifetime.

These grill islands don’t chip, scratch, or stain easily, hold up perfectly when exposed to the elements and are always simple to clean and maintain.

Benefits of Owning a Techo-Bloc Grill Island

So what, exactly, do you stand to gain from an investment in an outdoor kitchen area? NJ homeowners who have invested in a Techo-Bloc grill island of their own make note of 5 distinct user benefits:

1. Everything You Need Rolled Into One Unit

Maybe you have an outdoor grill or barbecue, but if you’re really being honest with yourself, it’s probably a pain in the neck to use. Part of your meal has to be prepared indoors while the remainder is cooked up outside.

You’ve got to run back indoors each time you need to fetch some meat from the fridge or freezer, or whenever you need a fresh cooking tool or seasoning. Dishes need to be taken back inside to be washed after the cooking process has been completed.

The list goes on and on. A Techo-Bloc grill island offers you a much better, all-in-one outdoor cooking experience. Featuring a grill, oven, cooking prep space, a fridge, a sink and so much more, you’ll find that you’ve got virtually everything you need to whip up and serve an incredible meal from start to finish.

2. Versatile Entertaining Space

Many people avoid entertaining in their homes because they either don’t feel that they have ample space, or the idea of having a group of friends and family crowded inside of their homes just seems too stressful.

Equipping your backyard with a spectacular Techo-Bloc grill island will make it so much easier and more enjoyable for you to host fun gatherings with your loved ones at your place. The grill island is designed to actually serve as an integral part of your hardscape and entertaining space, so it works beautifully within the scope of your patio and other outdoor living space.

This gives your guests the freedom to gather wherever they feel most comfortable – whether that be by the grill or by the swimming pool – while still being in close enough proximity to converse with other guests. In other words, it keeps everyone connected.

This makes it so much easier to create positive experiences and lasting memories. Techo-Bloc grill islands and their surrounding hardscaping materials are very easy to clean and maintain, making for a fast and stress-free clean-up once the party is over. It’s just a better way of entertaining!

3. Increased Property Value

Introducing a luxurious, Techo-Bloc grill island to your home will certainly increase the perceived value of your outdoor living space for you and your family, but what about monetary value?

Techo-Bloc grill islands are regarded as upscale and sophisticated outdoor hardscaping features that increase the functionality and desirability of a given property. This means that as soon as the Manchester grill island has been installed, you can expect the overall value of your entire property to go up.

Should you choose to move in the future, you’ll find that it’s much easier to sell your property and fetch a higher price for it because buyers will be so excited about the outdoor kitchen space. These grill islands are durable and long-lasting, so they will continue to positively impact your property value even in the many years ahead.

4. Safer, Simpler Cooking

Summer seems to be one of the primary times throughout the year that friends, family and neighbors have plenty of time to get together and share a meal. Unfortunately, cooking meals indoors during the summer month can be pretty miserable.

All of the heat generated from the oven and the stove’s burners (not to mention all of the bodies pressed together around the kitchen) can send the temperature through the roof, leading to an uncomfortable experience and higher utility bills.

A Techo-Bloc grill island can completely eliminate these issues by taking the cooking process outdoors. Not only will you be preventing heat from building up indoors, but you can also prevent smoke from accumulating and detracting from air quality, and you’ll decrease steam generation and the likelihood of mold and mildew growth.

As an added bonus, cooking outdoors on a Techo-Bloc grill island will allow cooking odors to disperse into the outside air instead of lingering inside of your home. This is especially great news for those who love seafood but don’t enjoy the lasting smell.

5. Healthy Eating

These days, we’re all trying to put an emphasis on healthier eating and lifestyle choices. Although grilling has been proven to be a much healthier way of cooking than other methods, many people choose not to grill out because bulky, outdoor barbecues may just seem very inconvenient to use.

The fact that a Techo-Bloc grill island offers you the total outdoor cooking experience and is very easy to clean will motivate you to get much more use out of your grill, thus bringing healthier, tastier, more flavorful meals to your loved ones.

Installing a Techo-Bloc Grill Island in NJ

Visit Braen Supply to start talking to a professional about installing a Techo-Bloc grill island of your very own today.

As authorized Techo-Bloc dealers, we have all of the most accurate and up-to-date information about versatile grill islands that can completely transform the appearance and vibe of your outdoor living space. Our team of experts has the answers to all of your questions and can provide you with tips and information to get you through the installation process.

We sell Techo-Bloc grill islands at low, competitive prices. Give us a call or stop by to learn about picking up a unit on your own or having it delivered to locations throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and PA.

What Should I Be Looking for at a Techo-Bloc Showcase?

Since it first opened its doors in 1989, Techo-Bloc has grown into a leading, All-American hardscape manufacturer.

Although it entered into a highly competitive market, Techo-Bloc quickly gained notice and has continued to build a strong customer base by offering some of the highest quality materials at the most affordable rates around.

Techo-Bloc is known for designing and engineering concrete products ranging from pavers to wall blocks and even fireplaces – all that offer users the same, stunningly beautiful appearance of 100% natural stone.

After almost 30 years in business, Techo-Bloc is still creating a great deal of buzz in the hardscaping industry. Contractors, landscapers and homeowners are continuously excited about the opportunity to see new products and learn more about working with Techo-Bloc.

Because of this, many people choose to attend a Techo-Bloc showcase. Here, attendees are able to get up close and personal with the array of magnificent products available through Techo-Bloc and can even learn useful tips and information on installing materials.

Each Techo-Bloc showcase is a fun, inspirational and educational experience. Of course, knowing what to look for and what to expect from a showcase is an essential part of having such a positive experience. This post will highlight these points so that you can get the most out of visiting a Techo-Bloc showcase in the near future.

8 Things to Look for at a Techo-Bloc Showcase

There’s no doubt about the fact that there’s a lot to do, see and experience at a Techo-Bloc showcase. In order to get the full Techo-Bloc experience, though, we’d like to draw your attention to the following 8 areas:

1. Check Out Unmatched Product Variety and Versatility

When compared to other hardscaping manufacturers, Techo-Bloc offers incredible style variety and versatility that you just won’t find elsewhere.

Whether you desire the storybook charm of Maya slabs, the sophisticated look of Tux pavers, the modern appeal of Graphix wall stones, or the old world beauty of Venitian steps, you’ll find a style of masonry that suits your individual tastes and works within the scope of your property.

Each product line features an array of different colors, cuts, shapes, sizes and textures, all which enable you to create a project with a custom look – without the hassle of actually having to do custom work.

2. View Demos and Get Your Hands Dirty

One of the perks to attending a Techo-Bloc showcase is that you have the opportunity to get up-close and personal with the various product offerings and see firsthand how the materials come together in the installation process.

Often, showcases feature live demonstrations that will show you, step-by-step how to construct unique patios, stunning swimming pool decks, inviting fireplaces and everything in between. You’ll also have the chance to physically touch the products and gain confidence in their strength and structural integrity.

3. Learn Time-Saving Tips

Techo-Bloc strives to make the installation process as simple as possible for contractors and do-it-yourselfers alike.

While it offers user-friendly instructional guides for installation, though, these guides can’t show you in real-time how to avoid commonly made mistakes or how to cut down on the time it takes to complete your work without sacrificing quality.

Attending a showcase could empower you with incredible time-saving tips that will make a huge difference in the project experience.

4. Learn To Overcome Installation Challenges and Obstacles

No matter how detailed or thorough an instructional guide or manual is, there’s no match for a face-to-face encounter with a Techo-Bloc expert – especially when you’re talking about the most commonly faced challenges and obstacles throughout the installation process.

Having the chance to listen to a professional tell you how to nip these problems in the bud and overcome them quickly will make the entire project smoother, faster and more enjoyable for everyone.

5. Boost Efficiency

When attending a Techo-Bloc showcase, we urge you to constantly keep your ears open for an and all tips on how to increase the overall level of efficiency throughout both the design and installation processes.

Experts should be able to offer suggestions on how to go about laying out specific patterns for pavers and slabs, or how to best arrange blocks for walls so that you can get started on the work faster and enjoy a higher rate of success.

They should also be able to help you work more efficiently through the installation process so that you don’t expend any more time, effort, or money than is absolutely necessary.

6. Get Design Inspiration

You would be truly amazed at what can be accomplished with Techo-Bloc hardscaping materials and outdoor features. From the installation of a small fire pit to a full-blown landscaping overhaul, Techo-Bloc is perfectly suited to a number of different projects of all sizes and scopes.

Attending a Techo-Bloc showcase will give you the chance to take a look at what others have done with Techo-Bloc products and will provide you with inspiration for designing new and exciting landscapes and hardscapes that will dazzle your friends, family, neighbors and/or clients.

You’ll be able to see how different styles of Techo-Bloc products can be integrated together in order to determine which compliment one another best. The sky truly is the limit, and after viewing some of the many inspirational ways in which Techo-Bloc can be used, there will be nothing holding you back from creating something truly unique and special.

7. See The Latest and Greatest Stuff

Techo-Bloc is always working to design and engineer new product lines to be enjoyed by property owners throughout the nation.

A Techo-Bloc showcase is the perfect place to go and see what has recently been developed and what’s coming down the pipeline. This will make sure that you have the latest and most up-to-date information on what can be accomplished with Techo-Bloc products.

8. Networking Opportunities

Last, but certainly not least, a Techo-Bloc showcase is a great way to practice networking with industry professionals.

Whether you’re a contractor looking to make connections with those in similar industries or are a customer that is hoping to meet a reliable contractor that has experience in working with Techo-Bloc products, you’ll find that there’s no better place to meet up with like-minded individuals than at an annual Techo-Bloc showcase.

Attending a Local Techo-Bloc Showcase

Techo-Bloc showcases take place each year, in and around NJ. We urge you to check out the Techo-Bloc website’s event page for specific dates and locations.

In the meantime, feel free to visit the Braen Supply showroom. We are a locally owned and operated landscaping supplier that acts as an authorized dealer of Techo-Bloc products. You’ll have the opportunity to take a close-up look at all of Techo-Bloc’s materials and speak to experts about which products are best for your unique needs.

We’re happy to provide you with more project information and to answer any questions you may have. Our Techo-Bloc products can be picked up at your convenience or can be bulk delivered to areas throughout NJ, NY, NYC and PA.

3 Techo-Bloc Patio Shapes That Will Compliment Your Backyard

Would you love to spend more time outdoors? One of the best ways to get more use out of your backyard is to construct an attractive, Techo-Bloc patio.

Techo-Bloc is known for providing homeowners with affordable, reliable concrete pavers and slabs that come in an array of shapes, sizes, colors, textures and styles. It’s easy to find the perfect materials to match your unique personality while creating an inviting and functional area to gather with your friends and family.

Now the only question is how to arrange the concrete pavers. How should your patio pavers be laid out, and what shape should they form?

Are some shapes better suited to specific functions than others? Would one shape or layout look better on your property than another? These and other questions will be addressed in this Techo-Bloc patio shaping guide.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Patio Shape

If you’re like most homeowners, you’re planning on installing a Techo-Bloc patio for two primary reasons. First, you want to have an attractive and relaxing, outdoor oasis of your very own.

Secondly, you want to see your property value go up. In either case, you need to pay careful attention to the shape of your patio in order to achieve the desired outcome.

A poorly designed and laid out patio will not offer the visual appeal and charm that you hoped and dreamed of for so long, and it can even detract from the space’s ability to accommodate your outdoor living needs.

Taking the time to really think through your design options and make a decision that’s practical for your property and planned usage will make a major difference in the perceived and actual value of the completed Techo-Bloc patio.

Things to Consider

You may be wondering what it is that you should be thinking about when weighing out your options for the perfectly shaped Techo-Bloc patio. Here’s a quick checklist for figuring out what shape is right for your landscape:

Available Space

For obvious reasons, the first place to start in determining the right patio shape is in taking a practical look at the space you actually have available in your backyard.

If the area is very narrow, for example, it’s just not going to make sense for you to dream up a design for a large, rounded family dining area.

If you’ve got a sprawling property, on the other hand, it might look a bit silly to construct a tiny, rectangular patio space that will look very out of place when contrasted against a large grassy area, a massive flower garden, or an olympic-sized swimming pool. For best results, make sure that everything is proportioned property.

Utilities

Now that you’ve determined how things are looking above ground, it’s time to start considering what’s going on below the surface.

You may think that you’ve got lots of space to construct a patio on one side of your property only to later find out that there are numerous underground pipes and utilities that will inhibit your ability to excavate the desired area and build up a patio in that space.

Before you get too far into the planning process, then, we recommend that you call your local utility company and schedule a property assessment.

Intended Use

How do you intend on making use of your Techo-Bloc patio? Will you be using it to enjoy your morning coffee near your flower bed, or do you want to be able to prepare and serve meals all on the same space? This could impact the shape and size that will be necessary for your patio.

Materials

Some Techo-Bloc materials will lend themselves better to specific shapes than others. The irregular patterning of Techo-Bloc Flagstone pavers, for instance, don’t always look their best when arranged in a perfectly linear patio layout.

Parisian and Rotunda pavers can look great in square shapes, but are also manufactured to create beautiful circular patterns, so keep that in mind.

Personal Preferences

Finally, the shape of your Techo-Bloc patio will come down to your own personal preferences. Some homeowners, for instance, may feel as though a circular pool or hot tub would look redundant and unappealing when situated near a round patio, instead preferring the contrasting angles of a rectangular or square outdoor living space.

Others may love the geometrical consistency of arranging numerous circular features, like patios, pools and fire pits throughout the property. The bottom line is that you want to be happy with the way your patio looks not only as a standalone feature, but also as a part of the entire landscape.

3 Common Techo-Bloc Patio Shapes

Now that you’ve started working through the layouts that might be best for your property, you’re ready to zero in on a size. The following 3 options are very commonly selected by homeowners throughout NJ and are well-suited for Techo-Bloc patios and products:

Square/Rectangular

A square or rectangular Techo-Bloc patio will look stunning within the scope of nearly any landscape. Clean, parallel and perpendicular lines are visually appealing, and will compliment many other landscaping features.

Small, square spaces are great for setting up an outdoor “cafe”-type area for enjoying drinks with loved ones, while large squares and rectangles allow for ample space for building kitchens, dining areas, living areas and even bars.

Circular/Oblong

Circular or oblong Techo-Bloc patios are very stylish and popular throughout NJ. A round table looks beautiful and fits perfectly into the patio layout, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere for enjoying a peaceful afternoon on your own or gathering with your friends and loved ones.

Hybrid

If you want to have the best of both worlds, we recommend that you consider a hybrid of both rectangular and rounded Techo-Bloc patio areas. Combining the two will help you to maximize your living space, and also makes it easier to work with irregularly shaped landscapes or work around utilities.

You might consider a large, square area for setting up an outdoor kitchen on one end and having it taper off to a round seating area for dining. You might even think about having a second rounded end for installing a beautiful Techo-Bloc fire pit.

Different shapes can act as a visual boundary or barrier between the various “rooms” or functional spaces that comprise your entire outdoor living area. This gives you a lot of creative freedom with your Techo-Bloc pavers.

Installing a Techo-Bloc Patio in NJ

NJ homeowners trust Braen Supply with all of their Techo-Bloc patio installation needs. We are authorized Techo-Bloc dealers, which enables us to offer the largest and most complete inventory of Techo-Bloc pavers and slabs in the entire area.

We keep customer costs as low as possible so that you can construct your dream patio on a reasonable budget. Our team of experts is qualified to answer any questions you may have about working with Techo-Bloc, and can introduce you to reliable, local contractors who can handle the work on your behalf.

Our Techo-Bloc patio materials can be picked up or bulk delivered to areas throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and PA.