Why Bluestone Treads Are Perfect for Your Landscape

Bluestone Treads NJ Natural stone stairways can add a touch of romance, elegance and sophistication to any landscape. While your steps can add these elements they need an additional piece to complete the property.

In order for the steps to truly compliment the property and add value to the home, it’s important that the treads are able to tie the theme of the landscape together while also remaining safe and functional.

Bluestone treads are an extremely popular and smart option as there are various sizes available and it is a durable material.

Whether you’re looking to construct front steps leading up to your home, or would like to build a grand staircase leading from your patio to a flower garden, you’ll find the right bluestone treads to match.

Benefits of Bluestone Treads

Some of the key advantages to utilizing bluestone as the material for your stair treads is that it is extremely tough and durable.

These characteristics make it possible for the treads to withstand heavy foot traffic, and to resist the negative effects of the elements.

The texture of the stone also provides it with a natural traction that helps to promote safety in wet conditions. As a result, the stone treads make the stairs functional during periods of rain, or in areas around swimming pools.

Of course, the attractive coloration of bluestone is another major draw. Depending on the quarry, bluestone may be more of a dark or light blue-gray tone.

These variations make it easier to find a color scheme that will fit with your existing landscape.

As bluestone is available in various sizes, you can customize a staircase to your exact specifications. Bluestone is also an excellent option for stair treads because it can so easily be worked into most landscaping themes and styles.

Bluestone Tread Sizes

Depending on the size of your property, or the intended function for your steps, you’ll need to be able to work with the properly sized bluestone treads.

Fortunately, these stones are cut to meet various sizing needs. Some of the more popular bluestone treads are available in lengths ranging from 4ft-8ft long, 12″ and 14″ wide and 2″ thick.

The Cost of Bluestone Treads

The cost to install bluestone treads will vary based upon several different factors. First, you’ll need to determine how large your project will be. Longer, wider treads will require more of an investment than purchasing the same number of shorter, narrower treads.

The amount of steps involved will also impact price. It’s also important to purchase directly from a stone supplier, as larger retailers who do not produce their own product will need to charge more.

Despite the fact that bluestone tends to be more expensive than concrete cast treads, many homeowners believe that the beauty and versatility of the material makes it worth the cost.

Where to Buy Bluestone Treads

Homeowners throughout NJ have come to recognize Braen Supply as a leading supplier of superior bluestone treads. We’ve been in the industry for more than a decade, giving us the knowledge and experience to provide the finest materials to our customers.

We have a wide range of industry experts on staff that can provide you with a variety of advice on your upcoming projects. We offer our bluestone treads for pickup or bulk delivery across NJ, NY, PA and CT.

If you’d prefer to see some of our bluestone treads in person, we encourage you to visit our Wanaque location. Here we offer the largest showroom in NJ, which will allow you to see all of the different options we offer.

Best Retaining Wall Materials – A Comparison Guide

retaining-wall-materials Retaining walls can be a landscape necessity, or a decorative addition designed to add visual interest to a landscape design. Either way, a sound hardscape design, solid craftsmanship and high-quality retaining wall materials are the key to building attractive walls that will last for decades.

Here is a comparison guide, discussing some of the most popular choices for retaining wall materials, in addition to their pros and cons.

Concrete Block Retaining Walls

Concrete blocks are becoming one of the most popular choices for retaining walls because they come in a wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes, making it easy to create a free-standing wall that blends with any architectural design. Because it does not use footings, concrete blocks are recommended for retaining wall applications that are less than 4-feet high.

Pros:

Help to control moisture runoff and drainage
Can be used for curved and sculpted wall designs
They are made to be stacked, eliminating the need for mortar

Cons:

Cannot be used for walls higher than 4-feet tall
Do not provide the look of natural stone

Natural Stone Retaining Walls

Natural stones provided man’s first retaining wall materials. In fact, remnants of ancient, natural stone retaining walls dot rural landscapes across the globe.

Pros:

Provide a completely natural look
One of the most traditional aesthetics for retaining walls
Can be used for curved designs

Cons:

More expensive than concrete blocks
Time consuming to build
Material is not recommended for walls exceeding 3-feet in height
Is not as effective at controlling water flow

Concrete Retaining Walls

An attractive alternative for modern homes is a solid concrete retaining wall. In addition to providing clean lines that complement contemporary home design, concrete retaining walls are very strong, and can be built to accommodate higher retaining walls on properties with steep slopes. The material can also be dyed in virtually any color to create an artistic and colorful design.

Pros:

One of the strongest and most durable retaining wall options
Can be molded and formed to any shape or style
Footings allow the walls to be constructed higher than 4-feet

Cons:

Require a considerable amount of skill to provide a flaw-free form
Can crack
Create a very modern aesthetic, which may not work with older architectural designs

Brick Retaining Walls

Similar to natural stone, retaining walls from oven-fired clay bricks have been used for centuries. Brick creates a beautiful aesthetic, and although it isn’t completely natural, brick begins to become absorbed by its natural surroundings over time.

Pros:

Brick is very attractive
Brick walls are strong and durable and can last for decades without much maintenance
Complement both traditional and some modern architectural designs

Cons:

Installing brick retaining walls is labor intensive
Not as cost effective as other options
Drainage must be accounted for in the design

A professional masonry supply store can help you select the best retaining wall materials for your landscape.

Should I Use Pea Gravel for Playgrounds?

pea-gravel-playgrounds Should you use pea gravel for playgrounds? Yes, as a matter of fact, you should. Pea gravel is an ideal foundation material for your children’s playground, whether it is at your home, school or community playground.

Among many other benefits, it’s easy to maintain, is unable to be used as kitty litter by neighborhood cats and drains well after a storm which keeps your playground functional year round.

What is Pea Gravel?

Pea gravel is a mixture of small, rounded, smooth stones that typically range in size from 1/8-inch to about 1/4-inches in diameter. It gets its name because, on average, the stones are roughly the size of a green pea.

Pea gravel is a popular choice for landscape architects and DIY landscapers for pathways, garden bed drainage and driveways. It can also be used as an aggregate for concrete applications. Its efficient drainage and rounded texture make it an ideal surface for playgrounds.

Because it is made from a variety of different rocks, it is available in a wide range of colors, which makes it an attractive as well as functional option for outdoor use.

The Benefits of Using Pea Gravel for Playgrounds

There are several benefits of using pea gravel for playground applications.

Absorbs a fall. Soil, and even sand, becomes compacted over time. This makes for a hard landing surface as children run around and play on equipment of varying heights. Pea gravel’s atypical structures keep it from becoming compacted, providing a more cushioned landing for falls and tumbles.

Superior drainage. Pea gravel is often incorporated into garden beds to encourage water percolation and prevent root rot. It’s ability to facilitate drainage is a bonus for playgrounds. Your playground remains functional year-round, so your children can go outside and play and you don’t have to worry about the mud.

No cat waste. Everyone loves to play in the sand, and unfortunately the same is true for wildlife as well. Both public and private playground sand is susceptible to becoming a waste receptacle for neighborhood pets and wildlife. Cats are the most notorious for using sand boxes and playground sand as their litter box. In addition to being unappealing, animal waste is a health hazard.

Splinter free. Many homeowners and city planners debate between pea gravel and wood chips when deciding on their playground’s foundation. While wood chips are attractive, they can also cause splinters. This can be dangerous for small, soft hands, feet, and knees, and can also be a hazard if children put the pieces in their mouths and chew.

Fewer replacements needed. Because sand tends to become compacted over time, and wood disintegrates, both of these materials need to be replaced on a regular basis. In high traffic parks and playgrounds, they may require replacement on an annual basis. Pea gravel for playgrounds will need to be touched up from time to time, but it won’t need to be replaced as frequently as other playground options.

Cost effective. Pea gravel is one of the most cost effective products on the market. The more you order, the more cost effective it will be. Most Braen Supply customers choose to order pea gravel for playgrounds by the ton, which gives them a remarkably low price.

Buy Pea Gravel for Playgrounds

Have questions about whether or not pea gravel for playgrounds is the right option for your needs? Give us a call or fill out our contact form. We will be happy to answer all of your questions about pea gravel and other playground surface options. Braen Supply is dedicated to ensuring our customers get the materials they need at a competitive price.