Top 5 Perks of Choosing Belgard Pavers to Transform Your Home

What is your outdoor living space doing for you? If you haven’t upgraded your patio, driveways, pool deck or other areas of your home’s exterior recently, you could be dealing with a bit of an eyesore that’s not nearly as functional as you’d like while creating a lot more trouble to maintain that what it’s actually worth.

If this plight sounds familiar, it’s time to give your hardscape a makeover, and we strongly suggest that you start with Belgard pavers. As a leading designer and manufacturer of permeable pavers, Belgard has established itself as a reliable mastermind within the industry.

Belgard is constantly working to engineer new, more beautiful (yet highly functional) pavers that will mesh well with current landscaping and hardscaping trends while still being able to withstand the tests of time, offering lifelong beauty and satisfaction.

Available in a wide range of styles, colors and patterns, Belgard appeals to every demographic, and because the materials are so affordable, anyone can work these incredible pavers into their budget.

1. Beauty Like No Other

Belgard is known for employing the best and brightest designers and engineers to manufacture truly breathtaking concrete pavers that you’ll immediately fall in love with and will continue to adore throughout the many years ahead.

Each paving stone is crafted with careful attention to detail, with the coloring, patterns, cuts and texturing all designed to emulate naturally occurring stone, but at a fraction of the cost. Color is applied all the way through so that you won’t have to worry about fading or discoloration over time.

Instead, the brilliant hues that you select will look just as incredible ten years from now as they do today. No matter what type of upgrades you make to your hardscape, you’ll be the envy of your friends and neighbors when you choose gorgeous Belgard pavers.

2. Project Versatility

Belgard pavers are appropriate for a wide range of different projects and styles. Because there are so many different style families and color options available, you’ll find that you have nearly limitless options when it comes to creating a paradise of your very own – regardless of how you intend to use your pavers.

Many NJ homeowners have fallen in love with the idea of establishing a warm and inviting outdoor living space where they can gather with friends and loved ones. This might mean using Belgard pavers to establish a stunning and functional patio dining area, to serve as a kitchen floor or even to act as a cool, comfortable and slip-resistant decking around your swimming pool.

Of course, Belgard pavers are also fabulous when used to establish unique front driveways and walkways. No matter how you choose to upgrade your hardscape with Belgard, you’ll find that it’s easy to bring your dreams to life with the incredible versatility of its pavers.

3. Improved Drainage – In All Seasons

Here in NJ, we’re no stranger to precipitation. Whether it’s spring, summer, fall, or winter, we’re frequently barraged with rain, snow, sleet and even hail. This can lead to significant problems with drainage.

Homeowners often find themselves dealing with flooding on their properties – especially when driveways are sloped. During downpours, excess water can also pour down driveways and paths and off into streets where it creates excess storm runoff, thus compromising our underground water supply and even leading to the possibility of unsanitary conditions or unhealthy drinking water.

The great thing about Belgard permeable pavers is that they’re actually designed to fully prevent these types of problems from occurring. As the system of beautiful, concrete blocks are laid on top of an aggregate bed, water is able to immediately start percolating back into the groundwater supply – naturally and at a healthy rate.

This will not only do wonders for your own property, but will also help you to give back to your community by doing your part to protect its water supplies. What’s more, Belgard permeable pavers can work especially well when paired up with heating cables.

Underground heating cables are becoming increasingly popular throughout NJ and the northeast, as they help to rapidly melt snow and ice without the use of rock salt or other ice melting compounds.

Because any melted ice will be able to immediately drain into the ground, you won’t have to worry about the water refreezing and creating more problems. It’s the easiest way to maintain your driveway and other paved surfaces throughout the winter.

4. More Space for Living

There’s an old adage that goes, “Use it or lose it!” This sentiment applies to the space that is included within your property. If you’re not maximizing the value of every bit of space throughout your land, you’re going to lose out on the opportunity to get the most out of your home’s potential for outdoor living!

Working with Belgard pavers can help you to create more clearly defined, usable spaces throughout your home’s exterior. The pavers are easy to install in a variety of shapes and patterns, allowing you to squeeze usage and get functionality out of every inch of your property for entertaining and enjoying your life in the great outdoors.

5. Low Maintenance, High Yields

Another fantastic thing about Belgard pavers is that they require very little maintenance whatsoever. Whether you select concrete or porcelain pavers, you can count on incredible strength and durability, ensuring that your finished project will hold up well throughout the decades ahead.

Belgard pavers aren’t prone to staining, scratching, or fading. Should something spill onto your pavers, all you’ll need to do is to treat the area with a diluted solution of water and mild detergent in order to remove the blemish.

Other than that, simply taking the time to sweep dust, grass, leaves and debris away from your pavers on occasion will keep them in tip-top shape. And while you’re investing very little time and effort into caring for your pavers, they will be increasing the overall value of your property, thus enabling you to get the most bang for your buck.

Buying Belgard Pavers in NJ

If you’re ready to join the ranks of savvy NJ homeowners who have opted to work with Belgard pavers, look no further than Braen Supply. As the leading, authorized dealer of Belgard pavers in the Tri-State area, you can count on the fact that we always carry a full inventory of Belgard products.

Regardless of your personal tastes and needs, we’ll connect you with the perfect pavers for your home’s exterior. We offer all of Belgard’s famously styled pavers in a variety of colors and textures for your choosing.

Because we are well-connected with Belgard, you can also rest assured that we will always be on top of the latest product offerings and style trends, as well as the latest tips and information on project installations and maintenance.

Our Belgard pavers are the most competitively priced in the region and are available for pickup or bulk delivery in areas throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and PA.

5 Expert Tips for Compacting Base Material

Here at Braen Supply, we pride ourselves on providing our customers with valuable information that can aid with their hardscaping experiences in NJ. Before beginning any hardscape project, it’s crucial to understand the importance of the compaction process. This blog post by Alliance offers 5 expert tips for compacting base material.

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

We recently shared 5 Expert Tips For Compacting Native Soil. Now we’re moving along to Phase II … compacting the base material. Mike Huber, Technical Support Manager, provides five expert insights for successfully completing this step of your hardscape project.

1. Make sure you plan for enough base.

ICPI guidelines recommend a minimum of 4″ of base for walkways and patios and 6″ for driveways. It’s important to note that these recommendations are for ideal circumstances in non-freeze-thaw climates. Many site conditions can require 6″ for walkways and 10-12″ for driveways or even more!

2. Buy suitable base material.

Base material should contain a variety of sizes of pieces and particles (but not too many fine pieces). Too much fine material (passing 200 sieve) can lead to compaction issues and cause your base to fail over time. Ask your supplier for a sieve analysis and make sure that less than 3% passes the 200 sieve.

3. Mind your lifts.

A lift refers to the thickness of a layer of base material installed at one time. The amount of compaction force varies widely between different sizes and types of compactors.

A small forward plate compactor might only be able to handle 2″ lifts while a large reversible compactor may handle 6″ lifts or even more. Be sure to install the appropriate thickness according to the equipment you’re using.

4. Check the moisture content.

Base material needs to have sufficient moisture content in order to obtain maximum compaction. Water lubricates particles and helps them slide into place when the vibratory plate passes to obtain maximum compaction.

5. Consider a nuclear density test.

Industry guidelines recommend obtaining 98% Proctor Density. On your next project, consider hiring an engineer to test and see just how close you are getting to optimum compaction!

Compaction is a key determinant of the ultimate success of your hardscape project. Follow these expert tips when working with your base material and your project will be that much more resilient and far less prone to future failures.

Keep Your Home Ice-Free This Season with the Right Rock Salt

The beginning of February means Groundhog Day, and everyone is eager to know how much longer of a winter we can expect. Regardless of whether or not that little guy sees his shadow, though, NJ residents can generally count on the fact that winter is going to be long and cold.

That’s especially true this year! We’ve seen a fair bit of cold weather and heavy precipitation this 2016-2017 season, and more is on the way! How will you protect your property until Spring arrives?

Choosing the right rock salt will make a big difference in how you survive the season. This guide will walk you through the process of picking the best rock salt or ice melt for the job.

Understand Your Needs

First things first. In order to select the right rock salt for your property, you need to consider your property and household’s unique needs. Here are a few important things to think about:

Surface Type

What type of surface will you be trying to protect this winter? Those with concrete driveways and walkways may have some concerns about the corrosive effects that certain types of rock salt can have on concrete.

If this is true for you, you’ll need to look specifically for ice melting products that have been designed to be compatible with concrete, and that will still be extremely effective in cold temperatures without causing any damage to your property.

Children

Households, schools, daycare centers, churches and other related facilities will need to think about the safety of children who may come into contact with rock salt. Children love to play in the snow and because of this, kid’s skin might come into contact with rock salt or any other ice melting material.

In order to make sure that your children are secure and protected, you’ll need to select an ice melting product that is safe for use around children. This means finding a brand with materials that have a low toxicity level.

It’s also a good idea to find a blend that has been tinted with a different color so that it is easy to spot. This will enable you to keep an eye on areas with a high concentration of ice melting products so that you can direct children to play in other areas and ensure that they don’t come in contact with it.

Pets

Pets like cats and dogs are another concern when spreading rock salt or other ice melting materials. First, you don’t want your pets to potentially consume or come in contact with high volumes of snow that have been treated with an ice melting product.

Secondly, when a dog or cat’s paws become exposed to rock salt or ice melt, it can cause heat-related pain and chemical burning or irritation. Certain brands of ice melt are actually designed to accommodate the special needs of pet owners, to ensure that their furry friends will be out of harm’s way while their properties remain fully protected against the hazards of snow and ice.

Trip Hazards

Many types of rock salt come in pellet form. This is fine for use around most people, but those who have difficulty walking may need special consideration.

The people who are most at risk are those with disabilities that impair their ability to walk, as well as the elderly.

For this reason, households with elderly residents, nursing homes, hospitals, churches and similar facilities will need to look for ice melting products that are available in flake form. Because these lay flush against the ground, they will create less of a tripping hazard.

Environmental Concerns

Whether you’re extremely proud of your perfectly manicured lawn and garden or you simply have major concerns about the safety of our environment, you may find yourself wondering what type of effect rock salt will have on grass, plant life and even the groundwater supply.

Whenever this is the case, you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled for ice melting brands that are formulated to be safer for use around vegetation and better for the environment.

Know Your Options

Although most people are familiar with traditional rock salt, there are many who have no idea that they have other options for melting snow and ice.

Is traditional rock salt the right option for your home, or should you be working with a different type of material? To help you make the best choice, here’s a list of your ice melting options:

Sodium Chloride

Sodium Chloride is what most people think of when they hear the words “rock salt”. This traditional product has been used for centuries as a means of lowering the freezing temperature of water.

It is the most affordable and easily accessible type of ice melt throughout the country. Although it generally loses its effectiveness at about 10 degrees Fahrenheit, it is still a great option for temperatures below freezing. It is the lowest-frill ice melting solution.

Calcium Chloride

Calcium chloride is another extremely popular option for melting snow and ice. It’s a great choice for NJ residents, as it works in even the most frigid temperatures.

It is able to quickly penetrate snow and ice, and remains effective down to -25 degrees Fahrenheit. Depending on the brand, calcium chloride can be very safe for use on concrete and for use around plants. It is also available in both pellet and flake form.

Magnesium Chloride

Like calcium chloride, magnesium chloride is able to manage snow and ice in temperatures as low as -25 degrees Fahrenheit.

This makes it safe for use on delicate surfaces. Certain brands of magnesium chloride are designed to be safe around plants, animals and children.

Calcium Magnesium Acetate

Calcium magnesium acetate is a great choice that lets you have the best of both worlds. It combines the melting power and safety factor of both calcium chloride and magnesium chloride. Many brands that formulate CMA work to create blends that are safe for use around children and animals.

Non-Chemical Solutions

Looking to avoid the use of chemicals altogether? While non-chemical snow and ice solutions aren’t able to actually melt these frozen surfaces, they are able to improve safety by boosting traction.

Many NJ residents choose to spread sand, stone grits or a combination of the two across the surfaces of their driveways, parking lots and walkways to reduce slips and falls.

Buying the Right Rock Salt/Ice Melt in NJ

Braen Supply is the perfect place to go to for all of your rock salt and ice melting needs in NJ. We are passionate about helping home and business owners to find the ideal ice melting solution for their unique needs.

Our massive inventory of ice melting products feature materials that are safe for use around children, pets, the elderly, plants and more – all while offering incredible melting power. All of our rock salt and ice melt is available for purchase at competitive, wholesale prices.

Talk to one of our friendly professionals about ordering ice melt for pickup or bulk delivery to areas throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and PA.

How to De-Ice Your Home This Winter with Rock Salt

Got ice? If you’re like most other NJ homeowners, you’re constantly facing the battle of slippery, slick conditions right outside your front door.

Sidewalks, front paths and driveways are all susceptible to becoming iced over after periods of precipitation and very cold temperatures. This, of course, can create dangerous conditions for foot and vehicular traffic.

Fortunately, rock salt makes it easy to protect your property and your loved ones all winter long. Here’s a look at everything you need to know about Rock Salt.

Rock Salt At-A-Glance

Sodium Chloride (most frequently referred to as “rock salt”) has been used as a means of lowering the freezing point of water for centuries. When rock salt is mixed with water, it creates a brine that will not freeze at the normal temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

This is great news for people who live in climates where the temperatures regularly dip below freezing, because it means that paved surfaces that have been exposed to snow, rain, sleet or other sources of water will not be prone to freezing over as the temperatures drop. Instead, the water will remain in liquid form, which is much safer.

Rock salt is so effective that even large corporations and municipalities make use of it in order to protect big campuses and major road networks. It’s truly the best way to keep icy patches from developing on your property that could potentially cause bodily harm and injury.

Determining Your Needs

Once you’ve recognized the value of sodium chloride, it’s time to figure out how much material you’ll need to get you through the winter. This, of course, will depend on the overall size of your coverage area, as well as the projected precipitation in your area.

Because we get so much winter weather in our area, it’s safe to assume that you’ll need to prepare for several days of precipitation per month. Typically, ice melting manufacturers will base their product’s usage upon the total square footage of your driveway, sidewalk, walkway or other paved surface.

This will require you to measure the length and the width of your total coverage area (in inches). Multiplying these two numbers together will give you the square footage. As a general rule, rock salt is sold by the 50-pound bag.

Each of these bags will typically hold about 80 cups of sodium chloride. Because a single cup of the material holds the melting power to take care of 20 square feet of ice, you can estimate that one 50-pound bag of rock salt will be effective for 1600 square feet of property.

Those with smaller properties will find that they can usually get through the winter with several bags of rock salt, and will therefore get the best deal when they simply buy their ice melting materials by the bag. If you’ve got a lot of ground to cover, however, you may want to consider buying in bulk.

Pallets (containing 49 bags each) and truckload orders (18 pallets each) will help you to get a lower cost per bag and will allow you to save money this winter. You may even consider going in on your order with one or more of your neighbors in order to take advantage of bulk savings.

When and Where to Buy

Too many homeowners are in the habit of waiting until last minute to rush out and pick up their ice melting materials. Staying at home until the weatherman (or weather woman) announces that a big storm is about to roll in, though, is a very bad idea.

First, you run the risk of being caught outdoors when the winter weather starts up, or being stuck in stores that are being mobbed by frenzied shoppers who also waited until the last minute to prepare! And secondly, you may find that suppliers quickly start to run out of sodium chloride, as their ice melting products fly off the shelves.

This could mean that you aren’t able to get any rock salt, or that you end up paying a premium price for a limited quantity of material. You’ll save time, money and stress when you plan ahead and stock up in advance.

Having the ability to calculate your needs will help you figure out what quantity of sodium chloride to purchase so that you can have plenty of material on hand whenever Mother Nature strikes. For the best deals, we recommend that you buy rock salt from a direct supplier.

Although some grocery stores and even roadside stands might offer bags of sodium chloride throughout the winter months, these products are often being resold at inflated prices so that the supplier can make a profit. Cutting out the middleman and going straight to the source will keep some extra spending money in your pocket.

Applying Rock Salt

It’s always important to carefully read manufacturer instructions before applying sodium chloride or any other ice melting product to the paved areas throughout your property. Failing to spread enough material will result in a waste of product while promoting unsafe conditions throughout your driveway and sidewalk.

Over-spreading, on the other hand, will cause you to waste a lot of your materials without any added benefit. Make sure that you understand exactly how much ice melt should be applied per square foot, and employ the right measuring tools to ensure accuracy. Be sure to also check for any safety specifications, such as wearing gloves during the application process.

Storing Rock Salt

What about all of the extra rock salt that you’ve purchased in advance but haven’t had the chance to use yet? Knowing how to properly store your ice melting materials is a very important part of protecting your initial investment and making sure that you’ve got enough ice melting product on hand in the weeks and months ahead.

Keep in mind that sodium chloride is activated when it comes in contact with water. Because of this, it’s important to make sure that the salt is stored up off of the floor and in an area where it won’t be exposed to any moisture.

Ice melting products are also prone to clumping when they become too cold. This will make the materials much less effective when spread on paved surfaces.

To avoid these problems, we recommend that you keep your stored rock salt in a facility that will not be exposed to temperatures below freezing. For best results, consider keeping your bags of sodium chloride in a sealed container like a clean, empty trash can, and stored inside of an insulated garage or shed.

Buying Rock Salt in NJ

Braen Supply is the most trusted supplier of rock salt throughout NJ and the Tri-State area. We offer the highest quality ice melting materials, including sodium chloride, at the lowest and most competitive wholesale rates around.

We strive to offer a wide variety of materials, and keep our stores well-stocked so that you can protect your property during your hour of need. Depending on the desired quantity, we can sell rock salt by the bag, pallet or truckload. Our ice melting products can be picked up or bulk delivered to areas throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and PA.

5 Installation Tips for Mirage Porcelain Pavers in NJ

Outdoor living might not be at the front of your mind during the cold, winter months, but this is the perfect time to start planning for your next hardscaping project. For those who are interested in adding a touch of classic elegance with a splash of European flavor to their home’s exteriors, we strongly recommend Mirage porcelain pavers by Belgard.

Belgard, one of the leading hardscaping manufacturers in North America, recently partnered with a major Italian porcelain paving enterprise in order to create this exciting new line of porcelain tiles.

Mirage porcelain pavers offer a subtle beauty that speaks to the heart while establishing a warm and inviting outdoor living space that you’ll fall in love with time and again. It’s no wonder that NJ homeowners are growing so excited about the possibilities tied to hardscaping with Mirage porcelain pavers.

Mirage Porcelain Pavers At-A-Glance

Before we move any further into this post, it’s important that we clear the air about what porcelain pavers actually are, and why you should be interested in Mirage pavers. Porcelain pavers have a very similar look to indoor tile, but are actually thicker and much more durable.

Porcelain is known for being very resistant to breakage, even when subject to regular wear and tear. This makes for a very long-lasting and reliable paver for your frequently used patio and other outdoor entertaining areas.

Porcelain is also slip-resistant while remaining non-porous, which means that you can expect excellent traction when the pavers are exposed to water, while also not having to worry about the units becoming stained or damaged by exposure to spills and/or chemicals like swimming pool chlorine.

Of course, Mirage pavers are also known for their incomparable beauty. These versatile units are available in a wide range of styles and colors, making it simple for you to pull off the look of your dreams.

Whether you prefer soft, earthy tones that evoke a sense of being in a desert oasis, bold modern contrasts, or even pavers that look just like actual wood decking, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for.

Best of all, Mirage porcelain pavers are very affordable, and because they will increase the value of your property, you’ll get an immediate return on your initial investment. What’s not to love?

5 Tips for Installing Mirage Porcelain Pavers

Once you’ve made the determination that Mirage porcelain pavers are the perfect fit for your outdoor living space, it’s time to start making plans for the installation process. Fortunately, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process.

In order to make your life simpler, we’ve assembled five expert tips for working with these gorgeous porcelain pavers. Please be sure to give us a call or visit one of our locations for further tips, tricks, advice and information on Belgard pavers.

1. Decide on a Method

Just like there’s more than one way to skin a cat, there’s more than one way to install your porcelain pavers. Your method of installation will depend on how you intend to use the pavers (i.e.: for pedestrian traffic or for light vehicular traffic), as well as the existing conditions throughout your property.

Talk to a professional about assessing your property and your project plans to determine which course of action you should take. The six most common installation options include 1) Sand set over a compacted road base, 2) Sand set over concrete overlay, 3) Cementitious adhesive overlay with a concrete base, 4) Permeable over open graded aggregate, 5) Stepping stone sand on top of a compacted road base and 6) 20mm fixed pedestal on a concrete floor.

2. Assemble Your Tools

You can’t pull off a job if you don’t have the right tools, materials and equipment on hand. One of the most important tools that you’ll need to acquire is a wet cut tile saw.

This saw should be equipped with a diamond blade that is perfectly suited for the wet cutting of porcelain. Next, you should pick up a paver clamp.

This will allow for easy handling in the installation of your pavers. We recommend that you always work with gloves in order to protect your hands during the installation process.

Lastly, any time that you’ll be performing cementitious adhesive and proud installations, you should employ appropriate notched tools and grout float tools.

3. Pick a Joint Filler

You’ve to a few options when it comes to filling your paver joints. Some homeowners are happy to work with traditional, dry sand that is swept carefully into the open joints until they are entirely filled.

Because high winds and rain can cause erosion, you may need to re-fill the joints on occasion. Cement blended sand, which is comprised of 3 parts sand and 1 part cement, is another solid option.

The cement is activated by a misting of water. All excess cement must be swept away from the porcelain pavers before wetting in order to avoid creating a sticky, unsightly mess.

A final option would be to work with polymeric sand. This sand is blended with polymers that act similarly to cement, in that they Harden when exposed with water. Again, any excess polymer must be removed from the pavers prior to curing in order to prevent blemishes.

4. Give ’em Some Space

Remember that porcelain pavers should never be installed without a minimum of 4 mm spacing between each unit. Porcelain to porcelain contact can create problems with scratching and cracking, and can diminish the overall structural integrity of your project.

5. Handle With Care

Although porcelain is extremely tough and durable, it’s still prone to some scratching, chipping, cracking, or other blemishes when they are rubbed against one another. It’s for this reason that you’ll notice that your Mirage porcelain pavers come packaged with a very strong plastic covering, with individual units being packaged within cardboard boxes for added protection.

Don’t remove packaged pavers from their boxes until they’re ready to be installed, as handling multiple loose stones together increases the chances for chipping. You should also remember that porcelain pavers should never be compacted with a plate compactor, and should only be wet cut making use of the appropriate saw.

Buying Mirage Porcelain Pavers in NJ

Braen Supply is known throughout NJ for being the largest and most reliable supplier of Belgard products, including Mirage porcelain pavers. We are authorized dealers for Belgard Pavers, ensuring that we always have access to the latest Belgard products and information regarding their installation and maintenance.

We’re more than happy to pass that knowledge along to customers like yourself in order to guarantee that you have the best possible experience with your new porcelain pavers.

We make it our mission to always offer a full inventory of Mirage pavers by Belgard, and to keep our prices as low and competitive as possible. Our Belgard porcelain pavers can be picked up at your convenience, or can be delivered to areas throughout parts of NJ, NY, PA and CT.

How Failing To Compact Will Screw Up Your Project

Here at Braen Supply, we love great information that adds value to our client’s hardscaping experience in NJ. A major step that sometimes goes unnoticed during the paver installation process is the compaction stage. In order to have a successful and long lasting end result, it’s important to make proper compaction a priority. Alliance offers a great blog post about the importance of compaction during the paver installation process and discusses the problems that could arise if ignored.

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

Ahhhh, compaction. The process in hardscaping that’s about as much fun as watching paint dry. And while it’s easy to want to rush through this monotonous work, improper compaction can lead to a variety of problems down the road. Safety hazards. Settling. Joint failure. The list goes on. In this blog post, we’re going to discuss how failing to properly compact will … in layman’s terms … completely screw up your project!

Since an interlocking pavement system is flexible, the pavers that make up the finished surface will eventually mold and mimic any settling or shifts in the soil or base. So if they’re installed on top of an improperly compacted sub-base or base material, it’s safe to assume they will not stand the test of time. Add in variables such as weather or vehicular traffic and the issue of pavers settling and moving has just gotten much worse. The resulting compression and shifting of the pavers will quickly lead to problems … many of which are quite costly to repair.

Displacement by Freeze/Thaw

Freeze/thaw cycles can wreak havoc on a paver installation that was improperly compacted. Each void within the sub-base serves as a place for water to potentially settle. When this water freezes it will expand and cause the pavers to heave; when it thaws, the pavers will settle (but likely not evenly), eventually creating an uneven surface.

Compression by Vehicular Traffic

Driveway pavers that sit on top of poorly compacted areas will shift and compress over time. The weight of a vehicle will depress pavers into the weak spots, resulting in unattractive (and potentially dangerous) ruts and grooves on the surface.

Joint Failure

Another nasty side effect of bad compaction is joint failure. While polymeric sand is designed to be self-healing and flexible, it will not perform as intended if it’s installed on an improperly compacted job. Radical shifting and movement of the pavers will eventually cause paver joints to crack and fail over time.

Compaction. It’s a necessary evil and a job that should not be taken lightly. Do it right the first time and avoid call-backs and costly repairs after-the-fact.

5 Ways Cultured Stone Can Enhance Your Backyard

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

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

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

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

5 Benefits of Cultured Stone

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ways to Enhance Your Backyard with Cultured Stone

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

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

Walls and Fireplaces

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

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

Outdoor Kitchens

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

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

Stunning Steps

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

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

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

Where to Buy Cultured Stone in NJ

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

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

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

The 5 Best Types of Decorative Gravel for Your Flower Beds

Looking for a new way to spruce up your flower beds? While traditional, organic mulch like wood chips are popular in these types of applications, gravel is becoming the “go-to” option for upgrading flower boxes, gardens and other growing areas throughout NJ properties.

Could gravel be the right choice for your landscape? We think yes! If you’ve been giving any thought to sprucing things up, this guide will walk you through the decision-making process.

Read on to learn more about why gravel is a great choice for flower beds, and which types of decorative gravel are best suited for planting projects.

Benefits of Decorative Gravel in Planting Areas

To start off, why would you choose to work with decorative gravel? For years, people have relied on wood-chip and bark to highlight their flowers and plants while also serving as mulch – so why change things now?

Many people are now discovering that crushed stone aggregate is actually a perfect fit for planting and gardening. Here are a few of the perks:

Beauty

There’s no doubt that natural stone is stunningly beautiful. Decorative gravel comes in a variety of different shapes, sizes and colors, all of which contrast beautifully against the different hues and textures associated with flowers, vegetables and other plants. The stone won’t fade or become discolored over time, making for long-lasting and timeless elegance.

Drainage

Another great thing about decorative gravel is that it allows for healthy drainage. After periods of rain or watering your plants, you need the moisture to percolate at a good speed in order to make sure that the plants don’t either dry out or become inundated with too much moisture all at once. Gravel regulates the drainage and moisture levels for optimum growing conditions.

Temperature Control

In addition to controlling the flow of moisture into the plant’s root system, decorative stone aggregate is also able to regulate soil temperatures.

The gravel acts as a barrier between the earth and the sun, ensuring that the ground doesn’t overheat. At the same time, the barrier prevents too much water from evaporating and causing the plants to dry up.

Permanence

Unlike organic mulching materials, gravel will not decay or deteriorate over time. This is advantageous because it means that you won’t need to regularly replace the stone year after year. As an added bonus, the lack of decay will keep critters and pests like insects and rodents at bay.

5 Best Types of Decorative Gravel for Flower Beds

Now that we understand the benefits associated with working with decorative gravel, we’re ready to explore the best types of stone aggregate to pair up with flower beds. Our top 5 favorites are:

1. Pea Gravel

Pea gravel is, by far, the most popular choice for gardening applications in NJ. Pea gravel is characterized by its small, round, “pea-like” shape and texturing. The surface of the stones are equally smooth, creating a soft and inviting appearance.

Pea gravel is also well known for its rich and beautiful coloring, featuring an array of different shades and hues. You’ll notice colors from gray, black and white, to tan, brown and even red and green. These shades all look fabulous next to the array of bright and bold flowers in your garden.

Pea gravel is very common throughout the greater NJ area, and is therefore very easy to find and extremely affordable. This makes it possible to work with pea gravel on any budget.

You might even consider using pea gravel in other nearby landscaping applications in order to bring a sense of uniformity to the entire property. Many property owners enjoy creating pea gravel patios, paths and walkways adjacent to their pea gravel flower beds.

2. Mexican Beach Pebbles

Next, we will explore Mexican Beach Pebbles. As the name suggests, these magnificent, decorative stones come from the sandy shores of the Mexican coast.

Although Mexican Beach Pebbles tend to be blue or gray in color, you’ll quickly notice that the stones turn a deep black or onyx color when exposed to water. This creates exciting visuals whenever it rains or you visit your garden with your watering can in hand.

After years of exposure to the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean, Mexican Beach Pebbles are very smooth and round, which creates a fantastic juxtaposition to any pointed flower petals or plant leaves.

While Mexican Beach Pebbles are available in a wide range of different sizes, you’ll find that the smaller stones, typically those that are 1/2″ in diameter, are the best suited for use in and around garden planters and flower beds.

At this size, the stones create a nice mulching alternative and help to regulate soil temperatures and moisture levels without being so large that they overpower the plantings themselves. Talk to an expert about the right sized decorative gravel for your needs.

3. White Marble Chips

White marble chips are yet another great option for those looking to fill their gardens with decorative gravel. These lovely stones are typically white in color with one or more streaks of gray.

The truly defining quality of white marble chips, though, is that they offer a shimmering, almost glittery surfacing. This is not only beautiful and alluring, but also very practical in terms of keeping excessive heat away from your plants.

4. Yellow “Jersey Shore” Gravel

For NJ residents, the quintessential type of gravel for decorative landscaping has to be round, yellow “Jersey Shore” gravel. You probably see this particular type of stone everywhere you turn your head.

The yellow, tan and golden color quality of the aggregate evokes a sense of being at the beach, or along the Jersey Shore. In addition, the colors work nicely with plants of all shades and styles, making it easy to create a beautiful flower bed that will make your property stand out from others on the block.

You’ll be happy to discover that “Jersey Shore” gravel is one the most affordable types of stone aggregate on the market in our area.

5. River Rock

River rock is the perfect compromise between pea gravel and Mexican Beach Pebbles. While it features the water-washed smoothness of Mexican Beach Pebbles, river rock is known for offering a smattering of lovely, intriguing colors that will add a great deal of character to your flower bed and property as a whole.

As an added bonus, river rock is very easy to obtain, making it possible to introduce the stone not only to your flower bed, but to your entire landscape – for cheap!

Buying Decorative Gravel in NJ

Braen Supply is the #1 place to go for all of your decorative gravel needs. As the leading supplier of decorative, natural stone aggregate in NJ, we’re proud to offer a massive inventory of attractive and functional stones to suit your planting and gardening needs.

Our team of skilled professionals is here to assist you with the process of selecting the right materials for the job, and is more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

Our crushed gravel is available at competitive wholesale prices, and can be picked up at your convenience or bulk delivered to locations throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and PA.

The Do’s & Don’ts of Landscaping with Gravel

Gravel makes the world go ’round – the world of landscaping, anyway! It’s such a beautiful, versatile and affordable aggregate material.

This is why home and business owners from all walks of life have fallen in love with it’s ability to completely transform the look and feel of their landscapes.

If you’ve been giving any thought to landscaping with gravel, you’re in for a treat, but there are some things you should know first. This inside look at the dos and don’ts of landscaping with gravel will help you to complete your project successfully.

DO Your Research on Gravel Types

Contrary to popular belief, there’s more than just one type of gravel! While you may have come to think of gravel as just small, grayish rocks, there are actually numerous types of crushed aggregate that can be used for both decorative and functional purposes throughout your property.

Take the time to check out all of the benefits and uses of popular materials like pea gravel, yellow “Jersey Shore” gravel, washed clean stone, white marble chips, quarry process and others.

The more you know about the types of gravel that are out there, the better suited to your needs and tastes your completed gravel project will be.

DON’T Just Settle for Any Type of Gravel

Don’t make the mistake of settling for the cheapest type of gravel available because you think it will be “good enough”. Sometimes the lowest priced gravel is the best option for your needs, but your final call should be based upon how the material will look and function within the scope of the rest of your project.

After all, you want your work to pay off for the long haul, so it’s important that the gravel you choose be up to the task of facing the tests of time.

DO Measure Your Project Area and Use a Gravel Calculator

It’s very important that you take the time to carefully assess your project area and determine precisely how much material you’ll need when you’re landscaping with gravel.

This is best accomplished by measuring the length and width of your project’s coverage area, talking with an expert to figure out what depth requirements may exist and enter the numbers into a reliable, online materials calculator. This will tell you how many cubic tons or cubic yards of material to order so that you can complete your project efficiently and affordably.

DON’T “Eyeball” or “Guesstimate” Quantities

Don’t be fooled into believing that you can just “guess” how much material you need by taking a good look at your project area, or even by basing your project’s needs off of a friend or neighbor’s.

This could result in you purchasing too much or too little material, thus derailing the entire schedule and budget of your work. Measure twice, order once.

DO Learn the “How Tos” of Landscaping with Gravel

Regardless of whether you plan to handle landscaping with gravel as a DIY project or would like to hire a contractor, it’s always a good idea to take the time to learn about what goes into the type of work you are going to have completed.

This will help you know what to expect throughout the duration of the project and will allow you to keep an eye on things in order to ensure that the best and correct steps are being taken to get the job done.

DON’T Try Completing Work That’s Too Challenging

If, after doing your homework and learning the steps involved in landscaping with gravel, you determine that you may not be completely qualified to handle the work, we strongly urge you to seek out the help of a professional landscaping contractor.

Trying to save a few bucks on labor costs will only create more expensive headaches down the road if you’re not sure that you know what you’re doing or feel that something is beyond your skill level. Talk to a trusted gravel supplier for recommendations on reliable, honest and affordable gravel contractors in your area.

DO Carefully Select a Quality Gravel Supplier

Your project can only be as good as the materials used during the construction process, so choose your gravel supplier wisely. Make sure that you find a company that offers a wide variety of types of gravel to suit your every need.

You should also verify that your supplier is an industry leader that is qualified to answer your questions and provide you with valuable tips on landscaping with gravel. Be sure to look for a company that offers fair and competitive pricing and that is willing to bulk deliver your materials right to your front door.

DON’T Work with Cheap/Free Loose Fill Material

Sometimes an individual may be attempting to clear out a pile of loose gravel from their backyard, or attempting to sell some loose fill material on the side of the road for just a few bucks.

Don’t be tempted by the low or non-existent price tag. There’s no telling where the “gravel” came from, what it is comprised of and if it has been properly screened for safety and integrity for landscaping purposes. The risks far surpass the potential savings, and could create major issues for you in the future.

DO Take Pride in the Upkeep of Your Gravel

One of the best things about landscaping with gravel is that gravel is very easy to maintain, and that maintenance is also extremely affordable. You’ll get the best results when you establish a regular schedule for routinely raking over the surface of your gravel in order to remove any sticks, grass, leaves, or debris.

At the same time, you’ll be making sure that the gravel is evenly distributed throughout the coverage area, and will have the opportunity to rake driveways to a peak for ample drainage. You will also be able to wrangle any loose gravel that may have been displaced, returning it to its proper place.

In addition to this, you should also plan on applying a fresh layer of gravel each year. This will add to structural integrity and beauty.

DON’T Take Shortcuts with Gravel Maintenance

If a low spot or a pothole develops in your gravel driveway, path, or walkway, you may be tempted to simply rake some gravel from another area into the dip. This quick fix isn’t really a fix at all, though, and it will only make your problems a lot worse as it will create more weak spots throughout the gravel space.

The better move is to fill these holes in with fresh gravel. Are you interested in learning more about landscaping with gravel? As an industry expert, Braen Supply is more than happy to answer any and all of your questions about your upcoming gravel projects.

Because we are the leading gravel supplier in NJ, we are also able to connect you with the best and most affordable materials on the market. Our gravel is manufactured from our locally operated quarries and is available at competitive wholesale prices.

Talk to one of our team members about how to pick up gravel at our locations or have it bulk delivered to job sites throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and PA.

Redesign Your Backyard with These 5 Gravel Landscaping Ideas

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

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

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

1. Design a Unique Patio Space

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

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

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

2. Help Your Plants to Thrive

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

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

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

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

3. Enhance Water Features

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

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

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

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

4. Surround Your Fire Pit

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

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

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

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

5. Keep Everything Connected

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

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

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

Where to Buy Gravel in NJ

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

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

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