5 Tricks Landscapers Use for Belgard Paver Installation

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

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

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

Tip #1: Think Ahead

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

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

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

Tip #2: Use the Right Tools

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

Tip #3: Place Pavers With Precision

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

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

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

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

Tip #4: Use PermaSand

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

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

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

Tip #5: Make Sure Pavers are Set Evenly

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

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

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

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

Contractor vs DIY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Working With Belgard Pavers in NJ

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

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

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

A Style Guide to Belgard Paver Patterns in NJ

Belgard pavers are well known throughout NJ for being extremely beautiful and highly versatile. Whether you’re planning on installing a stunning, paved floor for your outdoor kitchen or living spaces, would like to construct a new front driveway or walkway, or are making plans for a stunning and practical swimming pool deck, Belgard pavers are the perfect solution.

What makes these manufactured pavers so special? In addition to being carefully crafted to emulate natural stone, NJ homeowners love how much design freedom they’re able to enjoy while working with Belgard pavers.

Beyond simply selecting the colors and styles that suit your needs, you’ll have the ability to choose from different paver patterns in order to create a gorgeous paved layout that will look fabulous while increasing your property’s value.

This guide will introduce the most popular Belgard paver patterns and help you to select the right design layout for your home.

Patterns Matter

There are several factors that go into creating a beautiful hardscape. The materials that you choose need to be of a high quality and feature lovely cuts and texturing.

In addition to this, you’ll need to make sure that you choose materials that feature colors that will align with your personal sense of style while complementing other landscaping and architectural features throughout the property.

Of course, it doesn’t matter what types of pavers or colors you choose if your pavers aren’t laid out and installed with style and elegance. This is where choosing Belgard paver patterns comes into play.

The pattern that you choose for your pavers can make or break your hardscape. Certain themes are best achieved through the use of specific patterns.

Homeowners who are interested in old world style and architecture, for example, should look for more complex patterns, whereas those who desire a modern chic hardscape would be better off sticking with simple, modular designs.

Selecting the wrong pattern for your pavers could confuse the eye and leave you feeling dissatisfied with the overall project. Because of this, we urge you to consider all of your options and consult with an expert before making final decisions.

Popular Belgard Paver Patterns

Which Belgard paver patterns are most appropriate for your unique style needs and desires? Here’s a closer look at a few of our favorite layouts:

Running Bond

A running bond pattern is one that you’re probably very familiar with already. This type of pattern is extremely common in brickwork, but it is appropriate and beloved for a wide range of masonry purposes – including Belgard paver patterns.

Here, each unique paver is butted end to end. When moving on to the next row of pavers, the units are situated so that the joints “above” and “below” it fall in its center.

This, of course, means that some minimal cutting is required at the end of certain rows, however, it is considered to be one of the simplest and fastest patterns.

It is known for its classic elegance and simplicity without ever being boring. It allows each individual paver to stand out and shine on its own while also working as a part of a collective whole.

Herringbone

The herringbone pattern is another popular choice for homeowners who are working with Belgard pavers. It’s very versatile because it’s classic arrangement is suitable for traditional elegance, but it’s also interesting and diverse enough to add a touch of whimsy or modern design to landscapes that feature other styles and themes.

The herringbone pattern actually derives its name from the herring fish, as the layout of the pavers used actually resembles the bones of a fish. In this type of pattern, the pavers are generally rectangular or parallelograms, and a zig-zag pattern is achieved as the end of a horizontal unit is bonded to the end of a vertical unit and so forth.

This dazzling look can become even more complex and interesting when it is completed at different angles. For instance, Belgard offers patterns to users in both 90 and 40 degree angles, depending on your interests and preferences.

Basket Weave

Basket weave patterns are very popular with the use of Belgard pavers. This unique pattern adds a great deal of depth and dimension as well as visual interest to the entire paved area.

The simple, alternating pattern plays on the alternating orientations of each grouping of pavers to intrigue the senses and cater to the imagination. The end result is pleasing imagery that makes the Belgard pavers actually appear to be woven together.

The look is easy to achieve, as the installer lays out pairs of two matching pavers horizontally, side by side and then borders the pair with a second pair of pavers that are vertical. This pattern continues down the row and is picked up on the following row by ensuring that horizontal pairs are bordered by vertical pairs on all sides, and vice-versa.

You’ll also find that some Belgard pavers can be arranged into a modified basket weave that features the same pairs of pavers in one direction, with only a single paver of a different orientation bordering each set. The result is a more unique take on the the classic look of the basket weave pattern.

Basket weave patterns are simplest to lay out and install on straight paths or rectangular areas, however, they can certainly be achieved on a curve. Doing so just means that some of the units will need to be trimmed with a chisel or saw.

Tessellated

Tessellated patterns are a lot of fun, and can be done with just about any type of Belgard paver. Even so, you’ll find that it’s most common to use this particular style of patterning with irregularly cut pavers that were designed to emulate natural cut flagstone.

A tessellated pattern is one of a mosaic styling, and simply involves the repeated use of a flat shapes across the entire patio area, without gaps or overlaps. This creates a truly stunning and interesting surface for your outdoor patio, pool deck, or paths throughout your property.

Imagine a stunning kaleidoscope bringing life and originality to your backyard, and that’s exactly what you’ll achieve when you choose to go this route with your design plans.

This is especially fun when you’re working with pavers that feature a smattering of different blends of colors and shades. You’ll never grow bored with this particular style.

Buying Belgard Pavers in NJ

Once you’ve reviewed all of the best Belgard paver patterns and have selected the right fit for your home, you’re ready to order your materials. Braen Supply is the leading supplier of Belgard pavers in NJ and its surrounding areas.

We are officially partnered with Belgard, being recognized as an Belgard Authorized Dealer. This means that we’re able to offer the broadest and most up-to-date inventory of Belgard pavers and other hardscaping materials.

We are also able to sell materials at the lowest and most competitive rates on the market. We can even connect you with reputable, Belgard Authorized Contractors to ensure that your Belgard paver patterns are installed properly.

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

The 6 Uses of Lafitt Pavers for Your NJ Home

If you love the look of natural stone but don’t want to sacrifice the modular appeal of traditional, concrete pavers, you’ll fall in love with the Lafitt collection by Belgard pavers. Lafitt pavers offer homeowners the best of both worlds.

Each carefully crafted paver is designed with intricate detailing, featuring ridges and depressions that create stunning textures that mimic the look of naturally split flagstone. At the same time, the pavers are cut into geometrically pleasing shapes, including squares and rectangles of varying sizes which can be arranged into modular patterns that will stun you and your home’s visitors.

To top it all off, you’ll have your pick of stunning colors from warm browns and tans to cool grays and charcoals. Creating your dream hardscape has never been easier or more affordable.

So how can you start taking advantage of Lafitt pavers and incorporate the look into your property? The following six ideas are intended to inspire you to get creative in giving your landscape an overhaul with Lafitt pavers.

1. Outdoor Living Rooms

There’s no better way to relax and unwind that in the great outdoors, and when you have your own outdoor living room, it’s easy to take in the sights, scents and sounds of NJ from the comfort of your backyard.

Lafitt pavers are a great option for creating a beautiful and functional floor for your outdoor living room. The stunning texturing and warm colors are inviting and promote relaxation, and the natural appearance of the surface of each paver will blend wonderfully with the nature around it.

Lafitt pavers are designed to resist scraping and scratching, so you won’t have to worry about damage being done by your patio furniture.

2. Garden Paths and Terraces

The peace and tranquility offered by a flower garden is unmatched. Those with a green thumb should be able to enjoy easy access to their garden rows in order to tend to plant life while enjoying the beauty of their flowers and other vegetation.

Lafitt pavers are beautiful when installed as a walking path, and can be arranged in different patterns and shapes, depending on your desires. You’ll be able to quickly get to your flower beds and vegetable gardens in order to prune and water from a convenient yet naturalistic-looking path.

You might also consider constructing a small garden terrace or patio at the terminus of your path so that you can relax and enjoy a cup of iced tea after taking care of your beloved garden.

3. Outdoor Kitchens and Fire Pits

Nowadays, people are going crazy about having the ability to cook outdoors. Lafitt pavers are ideal for outdoor kitchen flooring as they are classic yet modern.

This works well with any natural and traditional elements of your landscape while still making sense within the scope of stainless steel appliances. These pavers don’t stain easily, so you won’t have to stress out if you drop or spill some ingredients on the ground during the cooking process.

In addition to outdoor kitchens, some NJ homeowners are finding joy in fire pits, where they can gather with friends and roast hot dogs or marshmallows while sharing stories. The Lafitt pavers are great for forming a seating area for everyone to enjoy.

Whether it’s a kitchen or a fire pit that you desire, Lafitt pavers will keep you safe and comfortable as they don’t retain heat and are non-combustible.

4. Driveways

One of the best ways to make a positive first impression on friends, family and neighbors is to construct a stunningly attractive paver driveway. Lafitt Pavers are a wonderful option for creating a front drive that offers both the timeless sophistication of natural stone and the in-vogue allure of modern design.

These pavers are designed to withstand high volumes of foot and vehicular traffic, so they won’t succumb to cracking with regular usage. They feature color throughout so they won’t fade when exposed to sunlight, and they are very easy to maintain.

5. Front Walkways

A Lafitt paver front walkway can be a charming companion to a Lafitt driveway, or it can stand on its own. Front paths enhance the visual appeal and curbside value of your home while also helping to direct traffic to your front door.

Lafitt pavers are extremely warm and welcoming, and they are safe and comfortable to walk upon. The grooves and texturing provide excellent traction, even when it’s raining outside.

6. Swimming Pool Decks

We absolutely love the look of Lafitt pavers when used to construct a gorgeous swimming pool deck. Regardless of which color paver you select, you’ll adore the way that the texturing and shading looks when contrasted against the blue waters inside the pool.

Because the pavers offer so much traction, you can rest assured that your loved ones will be safe when walking along the pool deck, even after your kids have splashed water everywhere!

Lafitt Paver Projects in NJ

NJ homeowners who love Lafitt pavers know that they can come to Braen Supply with all their needs. We are Belgard Authorized Dealers and have access to a full inventory of Lafitt pavers in various styles, shapes, sizes and colors.

As experts on the brand, we can provide you with valuable advice regarding how to select the right pavers for your home, calculating your materials needs and how to best go about installing your new pavers. We are more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

You’ll find that we always offer the most competitive prices on our Belgard Lafitt Pavers. Stop by our showroom to see the pavers in action today, or give us a call to learn more about how you can pick up your pavers or have them bulk delivered to locations throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and PA.

The Perfect NJ Projects for Borealis Slabs

If you haven’t yet seen Techo-Bloc’s Borealis Slab, it’s about time that you did. For years, Techo-Bloc has built a solid reputation for itself around constructing high quality and affordable concrete pavers and slabs that look exactly like natural stone.

Now they’re shaking things up by offering a line of stunning slabs that will have you fully convinced that you’re looking at natural hardwood: the Borealis Slab Collection.

A Closer Look at Borealis Slabs in NJ

Everyone loves the look of a hardwood flooring. It’s simplistic, sleek, naturalistic and absolutely beautiful.

The only problem is that working with real wood is simply not affordable or practical for everyone. Hardwood can be quite pricey, and when it comes to outdoor living spaces, it can create serious headaches for homeowners.

This is especially true in NJ and the northeast where we are subject to snow and ice during the winter, rain during the warmer months, humidity throughout the spring and summer and the salty ocean air all year long. All of these factors can cause natural hardwood to become discolored, rotted, or warped, resulting in the need for costly repairs.

Before you give up on the idea of creating a “hardwood floor” for your outdoor living space, though, we urge you to take a look at Borealis Slabs. Techo-Bloc has outdone themselves again by developing a fabulous line of concrete slabs that are identical to the real thing.

Each slab features the lines, “knots” and texturing that are hallmarks of hardwood flooring, and the slabs are available in three different shades of brown to resemble the type of wood you would find in nature.

It’s next to impossible to visually detect the difference between the concrete slabs and a piece of wood chopped down from the forest. It’s truly amazing! Of course, because the slabs are made from concrete, they’re much more affordable than naturally produced and treated hardwood.

They’re also a heck of alot easier to take care of, and they won’t have any problem holding their own when subject to a beating from the elements. The end result is a hardwood floor for your outdoor living areas that you can count on in the many years ahead.

Uses for Borealis Slabs in NJ

Knowing how beautiful and fantastic Borealis Slabs actually are, you’re probably feeling excited about the prospect of working with these incredible concrete slabs.

Before diving in, though, you may need a bit of inspiration to determine how the slabs can best be incorporated into your NJ landscape or hardscape. Here are a few of our favorite ways to use Borealis Slabs in NJ:

Outdoor Living Rooms

When the weather is beautiful, there’s no place that you and your loved ones would rather be than outdoors. Having a warm, cozy and inviting outdoor living space is the key to being able to maximize your time in your backyard.

Borealis Slabs create the perfect foundation for an outdoor living room where you and your family can relax and create beautiful memories. The naturalistic appearance of the planks will look fabulous in an outdoor setting while also creating the same welcoming environment as an indoor living space.

Because the slabs are tough and durable, they won’t be scuffed or damaged by high volumes of foot traffic and regular usage.

Swimming Pool Decks

Add a bit of glamour to your backyard swimming pool by constructing a gorgeous and practical pool deck with Borealis Slabs. The hardwood look of the slabs will introduce a country club vibe to your own private swimming pool and will instantly make you feel so much more luxurious and sophisticated when swimming laps on a hot, summer day.

In addition to looking fabulous, the concrete slabs will remain cool and comfortable for bare feet even when exposed to direct sunlight all day. The texturing of the slabs will also help to provide traction when the surface becomes wet, offering an increased level of safety to swimmers walking around the side of the pool.

Hot Tub Surrounds

In the same vein, many NJ homeowners have fallen in love with the idea of creating a spa or resort-like environment right in their own backyard by surrounding their hot tubs, jacuzzis and/or saunas with upscale, sophisticated Borealis Slabs.

The hardwood look will take any hot tub from ordinary to extraordinary, allowing you and your guests to relax better than ever before. And because the “wood” is made from concrete, it won’t become warped or discolored after prolonged exposure to the hot steam. Instead, it will raise property value and meet your needs for many years.

Outdoor Cooking and Dining Areas

If you enjoy preparing and sharing meals outside on a beautiful spring, summer, or fall day, you should absolutely consider creating an outdoor kitchen and/or dining room floor with Borealis Slabs.

The “hardwood” looks spectacular with outdoor cooking appliances, providing a modern and chic appearance while still offering a country kitchen or romantic storybook vibe. The slabs don’t stain easily and will remain cool and comfortable even when your barbecue, pizza oven and fireplace are all going at once.

You’ll also notice that the Borealis Slabs won’t easily become scuffed or scratched with the regular movement of patio furniture, so you can enjoy the beauty of the space both now and with future generations.

Garden Patios

Add a little bit of magic and rustic charm to your garden terrace or patio by establishing a smooth, sleek, naturalistic floor with Borealis Slabs. The gorgeous slabs create a cozy and relaxing place for you to enjoy your gardens, and the soft, neutral tones will allow the vibrate colors from your flowers, vegetables, and other plant life to really “pop.”

This will quickly become your new favorite place in your backyard. Best of all, you won’t have to spend much time at all on maintenance. Simply sweeping dust, dirt and debris away from the surface of the slabs on a regular basis will keep it looking fabulous.

Where to Buy Borealis Slabs in NJ

NJ homeowners know that they can trust Braen Supply with all of their Borealis Slab needs. Because we are authorized Techo-Bloc dealers, we always have access to a full inventory of Borealis Slabs in all available colors, and we are able to offer the lowest and most competitive prices to our customers.

We’re passionate about the Techo-Bloc products that we sell and can provide you with awesome tips and advice on how to install Borealis Slabs and take care of them in the years ahead.

Talk to one of our experts today to learn about how you can pick up Borealis Slabs from our location or have them bulk delivered throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and PA.

Agricultural Lime vs. Dolomite Lime

For centuries, the natural stone product of agricultural lime has been used to improve growing conditions for farm fields, gardens and even residential lawns. While liming is extremely common in the agricultural sector, there are different options to consideration. One of the most common limes compared to aglime is dolomitic lime.

These all-natural stone products have proven themselves to be to be invaluable to the agricultural industry, as well as in residential applications throughout the centuries. Nevertheless, even though both materials have been around for a long time, there is still a lot of confusion about which should be used for what purposes and when.

Discussing the difference between the two is important so that you can figure out which is right for your needs. Utilizing the wrong product could lessen the impact of the lime on your soil. To avoid making any mistakes, take a look at this breakdown of both standard agricultural lime and dolomitic lime.

When to Use Aglime or Dolomite

Before you can even begin to think about whether agricultural lime or dolomite could benefit your soil, you first need to have an understanding of when these materials are actually necessary.

Aglime and dolomite both become useful when soil becomes too acidic. This typically occurs after exposure to acid rain, after frequent use of fertilizers and other chemicals or even after the soil has simply become deprived of important nutrients from years of planting and harvesting crops.

Additionally, because lime and dolomite are alkaline, they help to raise the soil’s pH back to a level that is conducive to growing plants. Regardless of whether or not you suspect that your soil may be too acidic, it’s always a good idea to have a sample of the dirt tested on an annual basis.

For larger, commercial fields, it’s generally advisable to send a sample off to a professional testing company for a readout. Homeowners however can usually get away with purchasing a home testing kit. Once you’ve concluded that your soil’s pH needs to be elevated, you should start considering the right solution for your needs.

Agricultural Lime

Often referred to as “aglime“, agricultural lime is simply limestone that has been pulverized down to a fine particle size and introduced to acidic soil. Lime is selected because it contains such a high amount of calcium, which works to neutralize the soil’s pH levels.

In addition to this, agricultural lime is also able to increase the ability of vegetation to absorb essential nutrients from the ground. Typically, aglime is spread in its pure, dry “calcitic” form, meaning that the product is comprised mainly of calcium carbonate.

At the same time, you may also find some other variations of agricultural lime. Liquid lime, for example, is applied using a combination of approximately 50% dry aglime and 50% water.

Pros

The first obvious benefit to using agricultural lime is that it has been proven time and again to effectively balance out soil pH levels and improve plant health. Soil that has become to acidic as the result of frequent crop cycles or acid rain makes it difficult for nutrients to be absorbed through a plant’s root system or even for water to fully penetrate the earth.

When soil is neutralized, these problems are eliminated and vegetation can thrive. Lime also stimulates the growth and increases activity of micro-organisms in the soil that can assist with growing conditions. Another great thing about aglime is that, when properly tilled into the soil, additional applications of the material will not need to be spread very frequently.

The effects of the material will be long lasting. And although it does take some time for aglime to completely work its magic, measurable results can be detected quickly in soils that are suffering from excessively low pH levels. Liquid lime does tend to work more quickly than dry lime, but there are some considerations to be made when using this type of product.

Considerations

As mentioned previously, a little bit of patience is required when waiting for agricultural lime to fully correct your soil. Although some positive results may be observed, it will likely take a full year before the desired pH levels have been restored.

Because of this, it’s very important to make plans to spread aglime across affected areas in advance. The best time to till aglime into the soil is at the end of the growing season. This will give the material enough time to be absorbed into the soil and react before the following planting season. Because dry lime is so small in particle size, it can be blown in the wind, so it should be applied in calm weather conditions.

It should also be noted that agricultural lime reacts more quickly with water. If your soil is particularly dry, it may take more time for you to achieve the desired results. It’s for this reason that many people turn to liquid lime.

While liquid lime will react faster and can be more evenly spread, however, it is also more labor intensive and liquid lime will need to be applied more frequently than dry lime.

Dolomitic Lime

As the name suggests, dolomitic lime is manufactured by crushing dolomitic limestone down to very small pieces. As with agricultural lime, dolomitic lime works to increase the pH levels of acidic soil and return the earth to nearly neutral.

The primary difference between the two materials is that, in addition to containing calcium carbonate, dolomitic lime also contains a mixture of magnesium carbonate. Typically, the mineral is comprised of approximately 50% calcium carbonate and 40% magnesium carbonate with the remainder being other materials.

Because both calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate are basic, the idea is that both can work together to improve soil conditions while also introducing valuable nutrients into the earth that are essential to plants.

Pros

Although both agricultural lime and dolomitic lime are able to successfully raise the pH levels of acidic soil, dolomitic lime is generally chosen for pastures that have a history of grass tetany to raise forage magnesium levels or in fields, gardens and lawns where the soil is particularly magnesium deficient.

Soil is considered to be magnesium deficient when there is at least a 6:1 calcium to magnesium ratio, meaning that there is approximately 30%-40% more calcium content. When this is the case, dolomitic lime can quickly restore the mineral balance in the earth. Yet another great thing about dolomitic lime is that it is quite inexpensive and easy to come by.

Considerations

It’s important to keep in mind that, as stated above, dolomitic lime is really intended only for soil that has a magnesium deficiency. As a general rule of thumb, soil should always have a calcium to magnesium ratio of between 7:1 (for sandier soils) and 10:1 (for more clay-based soils).

Beyond this, the introduction of dolomitic soil (which contains a 2:1 magnesium to calcium ratio) can actually cause more problems to the earth than what it’s worth. Excessively high magnesium levels have been known to create issues with soil compaction, the introduction of a high volume of weeds, and increased difficulty in water properly being absorbed into the ground and into the plants.

To avoid disaster, you should always carefully measure your soil’s magnesium levels before selecting dolomitic lime.

Choosing the Right Liming Agent

If both agricultural lime and dolomitic lime are capable of raising the soil’s pH level from acidic to nearly neutral, which option is best for your needs? Fortunately, coming to the right answer is not as difficult as you might imagine. First, you’ll need to know what type of soil you’re working with.

Soil typically has a sandy, loamy or clay texture. If you’re not certain about which category your soil falls under, you should consider consulting with an expert. With this information in mind, you are now equipped to determine what the ideal calcium to magnesium ratio is for your land.

Next, you’ll need to conduct a test to determine both the pH level of your soil, as well as the mineral content. If the magnesium level falls below the ideal ratio, or is less than 75 ppm, you will want to consider choosing dolomitic lime over agricultural lime. It should be noted that this is usually quite a rare occurrence.

In most cases, traditional aglime will suffice to meet your needs. If you’re in need of very fast results and have a small coverage area or don’t mind more frequent liming applications, think about working with liquid lime.

For long term results that will require fewer applications, dry aglime will do the trick. Regardless of what liming materials you choose to use, though, it’s important that you always follow manufacture specifications regarding how much should be spread and how it should be tilled into the soil.

Applying too much or too little lime could create further problems, and failure to work the material into the earth could significantly reduce lime efficiency.

The Best Place to Purchase Liming Materials

Once you’ve decided which type of lime is right for your needs, you’ll want to make sure that you’re buying your materials from a reliable supplier. Braen is one the largest suppliers of aglime throughout NJ and NY. We sell only the highest quality liming agents at competitive wholesale pricing.

Our team of experts is happy to answer any questions that you may have throughout the selection process so that you can rest assured that you’ve made the best purchasing decision. Our liming products are available for pickup or bulk delivery to your location.

Although our primary delivery area includes Bergen County, Morris County, Passaic County, Essex County and Sussex County, we can also work with those who need deliveries throughout all of NJ, NY, NYC and PA.

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.

10 Questions to Ask Your Local NJ Belgard Paver Dealers

Upgrading your hardscape with pavers is exciting – especially when you’ve made the decision to work with Belgard Pavers. These painstakingly crafted concrete paving stones are designed to emulate the look and feel of a wide range of different types of natural stone, from color to texture and everything in-between.

Before you can roll up your sleeves and get busy with the installation process, though, there are a few things that should be considered. To make sure that you’re fully prepared to complete the hardscaping makeover of your dreams, we’ve put together a list of 10 important questions to ask your local Belgard paver dealers.

1. Are you a Belgard Authorized Dealer?

The first question that you should ask your prospective Belgard paver dealer is whether or not they are authorized to actually sell Belgard products. Belgard Authorized Dealers are those who are aligned with the manufacturer, and are passionate about providing customers with accurate, honest information about Belgard paver products.

These are also the dealers that will have access to all product updates and new paver offerings, and will be able to offer the lowest and most competitive pricing.

When you buy from a Belgard Authorized Dealer, you can be sure that you’re getting the real thing – a high quality, durable and beautiful product with a lifetime guarantee. Make sure that you don’t get duped into buying a cheap imitation by an unauthorized supplier.

2. Can I see the pavers before I purchase them?

It’s important that you have the ability to take a look at the Belgard pavers that you may be interested in prior to buying and installing them. Looking at pictures of the materials on a website isn’t enough to make a good decision.

The best Belgard paver dealers will be more than happy to provide you with access to their local showrooms where their Belgard pavers are on display.

Within the showroom, you’ll be able to see firsthand how the pavers interact with different landscaping and hardscaping materials, and how they look and function within the scope of specific functions.

3. What other materials will be needed to complete my project?

Paving projects require more materials than just the pavers themselves. In order to create a firm foundation for your Belgard pavers, you’re going to need crushed stone aggregate for a base, and sand for a bed and filling the paver joints.

It’s most convenient when you’re able to find a regional Belgard paver supplier that sells all of the materials you need in one convenient location.

4. Are any special tools or equipment needed for the installation process?

If you’re planning on handling the installation process on your own, you’ll need to find out what types of tools and equipment you may need to have on hand in order to get the job done right. Superior Belgard paver dealers will know exactly what you’ll need to have on hand in order to complete your paver installation quickly and efficiently.

They will make sure that you’ve got the right excavation equipment, tamping or compacting tools, measuring materials and more. It’s even better if you can find a supplier that makes it easy for you to find everything you need for the project at their local store.

5. Can you deliver my Belgard pavers and other materials to my location?

Once you’ve figured out which Belgard pavers are best for your landscape and have determined how much material to purchase, you need to find a way to have it all delivered to your home.

Unless you’ve got a large truck or other means of moving the pavers, aggregate and other materials to your location, you’ll need to have a professional service deliver it all at your door.

The best Belgard paver dealers will offer bulk delivery services in order to make your life more convenient, and will work with your schedule to make sure that all of your needs are met.

6. How deep should the base and bedding be?

Before excavating the project area, you need to know how deep of a base layer your Belgard pavers will need in order to be stable and secure.

As a general rule of thumb, you’ll want your base layer of crushed aggregate to be between 3-4″ deep, and you’ll want a 1-2″ layer of sand to act as the bedding for the pavers.

Make sure that the stone is carefully compacted before introducing the sand so that the stones don’t shift and settle over time. Do not compact the sand bedding prior to applying your pavers.

7. Are any tools available to help me with the design process?

Sometimes you need a little bit of help envisioning your final project before you can make decisions about the design and layout.

Authorized Belgard Dealers will have the ability to provide you with useful information about Belgard’s online design software tools that help you to create a 3D mockup of how your project will look, and fly-through designs that are to scale.

8. Do my Belgard pavers require a sealcoat?

Although Belgard pavers are extremely strong, durable and long lasting on their own, some homeowners make the decision to add further protection to their finished paver projects by applying a sealcoat.

Smart Belgard paver dealers will know that Belgard pavers should not be sealed more than once every three years. This is because applying too much sealant can actually cause an unsightly film to appear on the surface of the pavers, creating a discolored appearance.

9. How do I care for and maintain my Belgard pavers?

Belgard pavers require very little maintenance, and keeping your pavers in excellent shape will prove to be quite simple.

Your Belgard paver supplier will likely recommend that you sweep debris away from your pavers on a regular basis, and that you avoid using power washers, as they can dislodge your pavers. Belgard pavers can be washed with a soft brush or cloth, and a solution of water and mild detergent.

10. Can you refer me to any Belgard Authorized Contractors?

If you’d rather have a professional handle the work for you, you should ask your prospective supplier if they have information about any local contractors that are affiliated with Belgard.

Belgard Authorized Contractors are trained and educated on exactly how the pavers should be installed, and can handle the work quickly so that you can start enjoy your new hardscape as soon as possible.

The Best Belgard Paver Dealers in NJ

Braen Supply is the leading supplier of Belgard pavers in NJ and its surrounding areas. As Belgard Authorized Dealers, we are proud to maintain a strong relationship with Belgard, ensuring that we’re always able to offer the latest products at the most competitive prices.

Our authorized status also makes us experts on the different pavers manufactured by Belgard, and we’re happy to answer any questions you may have about the products that you’re most interested in.

Give us a call or stop by to check out our showroom for inspiration. Our Belgard pavers can be ordered for pickup or can be bulk delivered to areas throughout NJ, NY, NYC and PA.

Your Guide to Topsoil Prices in 2017

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

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

What Does Premium Topsoil Look Like?

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

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

Minerals

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

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

Water

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

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

Oxygen

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

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

Microorganisms

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

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

Silt

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

What Factors Can Impact Topsoil Prices in 2017?

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

Quality

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

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

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

Quantity

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

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

Supplier

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

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

The Best Topsoil Prices in NJ in 2017

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

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

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

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.