How to Build the Perfect Outdoor Kitchen in NJ

Who says kitchens are only good for indoor use? Outdoor kitchens are the latest trend in NJ landscaping, and it isn’t difficult to see why.

Outdoor kitchens instantly provide you with more usable outdoor living space. They make it easy to whip up healthy dinners for your family or to host large parties and get together with your friends and neighbors.

They’re beautiful. They’re fun. Best of all – outdoor kitchens can seriously increase your home’s value. With incentives like that, you almost can’t afford not to move forward with your plans to install a dream outdoor kitchen of your own.

If you’ve been thinking about taking the plunge, we’re here to help. This comprehensive guide will introduce you to the basics of building your perfect outdoor kitchen.

Plan for Intended Usage

Every homeowner’s idea of the “perfect” outdoor kitchen is different. That’s because different people have different needs!

It’s important, then, that you begin by brainstorming how you envision yourself actually making use of your outdoor kitchen. Figure out what you’d like to accomplish with the space and what you’d like to be able to do in it.

For example, you might ask yourself if you prefer an area that’s designed strictly for cooking. Maybe instead, you’d like a fully functional kitchen that will make it easy for you to prepare, cook and clean up after a meal for you and your loved ones.

Next, consider the types of foods you’d like to be able to serve here. Will you only prepare food on a grill, or do you like the idea of having a superb pizza oven for preparing pizzas, roasting vegetables, etc.? What about cold dishes?

Are you okay with running back and forth between your outdoor cooking space and your indoor kitchen to grab salads, drinks and desserts? Would you enjoy the simplicity and convenience of an outdoor, stainless steel refrigerator?

Would an outdoor sink be useful in the food prep and cleanup process? These questions will determine what your outdoor kitchen will need to include in order to satisfy your every need.

Create a Budget

Now that you have a better idea about the types of outdoor kitchen appliances that you’d like to own, it’s time to sit down and establish a budget for your project. At this point, it’s a good idea to start talking to a trusted professional.

A reputable outdoor kitchen appliance supplier can help you meet your goals without breaking the bank. An expert will be able to provide you with advice on which appliances are best for use in an outdoor kitchen.

They’ll be able to advise you against going with cheap, sub-par products that won’t last long or hold up well in the outdoors. They can also prevent you from overspending.

Select a Style

Another important aspect of building a kitchen is designing and creating your own unique style and personality within the space. You’ve got the opportunity to have fun and be creative.

While outdoor kitchen appliances may be somewhat standard in appearance on their own, homeowners can choose concrete wall stone, pavers and countertops that can be uniquely customized. Most homeowners will play off of the look and style of their existing landscape, hardscape or the architectural style of their home.

This means that you’ll need to find a brand of concrete masonry units that offer a wide range of styles and colors. Whether you’re in the market for something very traditional, very modern, or somewhere in-between, you should have your pick of materials – and then some!

Make sure that you select colors and textures that will look beautiful within the scope of the remainder of your property. Also make sure that they can contrast with and compliment any stainless steel outdoor kitchen appliances that you may have selected for your cooking and entertaining space.

Design with Intention

Don’t let the placement or layout of your outdoor kitchen and its appliances be an afterthought. The exact location of your outdoor kitchen in respect to the remainder of your property makes a huge difference in how it can be used and enjoyed.

If you’ve already got outdoor living features, like patio dining areas, swimming pools, fire pits, etc., you’ll need to consider where your kitchen should be situated in relation to these. Many homeowners strive to construct outdoor kitchens that are adjacent to patio and dining spaces so that it’s easy for the cook to interact with guests and serve up food once it’s ready.

Other’s like the idea of sectioning off their outdoor living spaces in order to create the illusion of different “rooms”. Here, you might consider installing a thin wall or even a fire place to act as a divider between two distinct spaces.

We’ve also seen homeowners that want to include a swim-up bar for their swimming pools. The bar may be included with the outdoor kitchen, and therefore the kitchen and its appliances will need to be located next to the pool.

Make sure that you discuss your plans and ideas with a professional to ensure maximum efficiency. Also, always make sure to have the area assessed by a local utility provider to ensure that the kitchen’s location is practical when underground utilities and cables are taken into consideration.

Choose a Single Supplier

One of the smartest things you can do is to find a single, reliable, local supplier that can handle all of your outdoor kitchen masonry and appliance needs. Going to multiple suppliers will make it much more difficult, if not impossible, to find appliances and building materials that actually coordinate with one another for a uniform and cohesive appearance.

You’re also likely to end up spending more money by going this route. Look for a NJ supplier that offers a wide range of products from different brands so that you have plenty of options.

We suggest that you take advantage of the supplier’s knowledge and expertise in order to get the best advice on which appliances and materials work best together in an outdoor kitchen setting.

Contractor vs DIY

If you love handling Do-It-Yourself type projects, you may feel confident in your ability to build your outdoor kitchen. This may even include assembling any pre-packaged appliance kits.

If you have any doubts, though, we strongly recommend that you seek out a professional contractor. This will ensure that your kitchen is as beautiful, functional and valuable as possible.

Building Outdoor Kitchens in NJ

Braen Supply is your one-stop shop for all things outdoor kitchen in NJ. We carry a wide range of outdoor kitchen appliances and building materials from leading brands.

We also offer the lowest prices on all of our products. Talk to us today about picking up your materials or having them bulk delivered to locations throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC, CT and PA.
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Top 10 Aglime Questions Answered

Healthy crops and vegetation begin with healthy soil. This is a fundamental truth that anyone with a green thumb can tell you.

No matter how hard you work to protect your soil, though, you can count on the fact that, over time, its nutrient supply will begin to deplete and its pH levels will begin to change. Both of these occurrences can create less-than ideal growing conditions.

This doesn’t mean you have to dig up all of your old soil and replace it with new stuff, though. The simplest and most affordable way to correct common problems associated with frequently used soil is to introduce agricultural lime (or aglime, for short).

But while aglime is highly effective and frequently used throughout NJ, we’ve found that many people don’t really know that much about it. To clear the air, we’ve dedicated this post to providing answers to 10 of the most frequently asked questions about aglime.

Aglime At-A-Glance

First of all, what is aglime anyway? Agricultural lime is made up of limestone that has been pulverized and crushed down to an extremely small particle size.

Once reduced to this size, the particles are able to be tilled into any soil that’s in poor health in order to raise the soil’s pH levels for ideal growing conditions, to supply the soil with important minerals like calcium and magnesium, to encourage soil microbe activity and to improve a plant’s root system’s ability to absorb nutrients.

1. How do I know if I need to use aglime?

One of the first signs that you might benefit from the use of agricultural lime is a crop that appears less healthy or vibrant than in other growing seasons. The only way to know, without a doubt, however, is to have your soil’s pH levels tested.

You’ll then need to compare the pH of your existing soil against the required pH levels for growing the specific type or types of crops that you’re planning to grow there. This will tell you whether or not you need to add a liming agent in order to restore balance to the soil’s pH.

2. How does aglime work?

When lime is pulverized into extremely fine pieces, its alkaline properties have the ability to actually raise the pH of soil that has grown overly acidic throughout the years. This is important because specific pH levels must exist in order for specific plants to grow and thrive.

The pH level of your soil can impact the way in which it absorbs moisture, the amount of microbe activity it enjoys, the minerals and nutrients available and can even affect the uptake of nutrients through a plant’s root system.

3. What should I know about correct aglime application?

For starters, it’s important to know that the smaller your aglime particles are, the more effective it will be. Next, know that agricultural lime tends to be most effective when it is tilled into the soil.

Finally, be aware that agricultural lime won’t activate unless it’s exposed to water, so when spreading dry lime, you’ll need to also spray water evenly and deliberately across the soil that’s being treated.

4. What’s the difference between dolomitic and calcitic lime?

The primary difference between these two liming materials is the type of limestone from which they are derived. As the name suggests, calcitic lime tends to have higher levels of calcium.

Dolomitic lime, on the other hand, features high volumes of magnesium. Both are very effective in restoring balance to acidic soil.

Unless your soil is unusually deprived of the mineral magnesium, though, it isn’t usually necessary to specifically seek out dolomitic lime. Calcitic lime will do the trick, is very easy to find in your locale and is extremely affordable.

5. What about liquid lime?

Liquid lime is a carefully formulated blend of both dry lime and water that can be sprayed directly across the surface of your soil. It’s much easier to control the even distribution of liming materials, but be aware of the fact that liquid lime tends to be more expensive and generally will need to be applied more often.

6. What can I expect in terms of results?

Those who have soil with pH levels that are extremely low (acidic) and in very poor health may begin to notice positive results within several weeks. For the most part, though, you should expect that you won’t realize the full effect of what agricultural lime can do for at least a year, or one growing season.

7. Can aglime be used for residential properties?

Yes. While agricultural lime is most frequently used for larger commercial growing operations, many homeowners have found that its use on residential lawns can help to create more hospitable growing conditions for grass, freshly laid sod or vegetable gardens.

Be sure to talk with a trusted professional about the best type of lime for your lawn and how much of it should be used to restore pH levels to balance.

8. How frequently will I need to apply aglime?

Different people experience different rates at which their soil becomes overly acidic and needs to be treated with agricultural lime.

Areas that are prone to high volumes of acidic rain or fields that are frequently treated with certain types of acidic fertilizers and pesticides, for example, may demand more frequent treatments of aglime.

Keep an eye on the virility of your crops and be vigilant about having your soil’s pH levels tested in order to know, for sure, when you should re-apply aglime.

9.  How much should I expect aglime to cost?

The cost of agricultural lime can vary based upon several factors. First, you’ll need to consider the type of aglime that you’re planning on using.

Liquid lime, for example, tends to be slightly more expensive than dry lime. Secondly, you’ll need to think about the source.

Was the liming agent produced locally, or is it coming from a remote location? If the materials must be shipped and transported across the country, you should plan on spending more money.

It’s for this reason that we encourage our customers to buy their agricultural lime locally. Of course, it’s always important to evaluate the quality of the liming materials prior to purchase. Just because lime is very cheap doesn’t mean that you’re getting a good deal.

Remember that the smaller the aglime is, the faster acting it will be. Knowing what to look for from your lime will help you get the best price for your materials.

10. Where can I go to get the best aglime in NJ?

Residents of NJ and its surrounding areas know that they can count on Braen Stone to handle all of their liming needs. We own and operate quarries throughout the state.

Here, we take pride in harvesting the highest quality lime and then carefully pulverizing and screening the lime down to the ideal particle sizes for improving soil health. Because we manufacture our agricultural lime on our own, we’re able to maintain control over both quality and pricing.

Our customers get the lowest, wholesale prices on our materials. Our aglime can be picked up or bulk delivered to locations throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and PA.

Create the Perfect Outdoor Living Area With These Products

If you’re like most NJ homeowners, you dream of having an outdoor living space to relax, unwind and spend time with your loved ones.

Whether you like the idea of curling up with a good book and a glass of wine next to the swimming pool, toasting marshmallows with your kids over an open fire or throwing a huge neighborhood barbecue, taking the time to plan out your ideal space can make it possible for you to turn your dreams into reality – without draining your savings account.

Ready to get started? Take a look at some of our expert suggestions for selecting outdoor living features and products that will dazzle and delight both you and your guests.

Grill Island

What’s better than grilling? Working on a quality grill allows you to enjoy the outdoors while staying connected with your outdoor dining guests. Not only that, but cooking out delivers a more flavorful and healthy meal for everyone.

And if that’s not enough to motivate you to ditch your conventional oven for a grill, consider the fact that the cleanup process is a whole lot simpler. But why settle for “just” a grill? Why not install a grill island in or around your patio dining space?

Grill islands are becoming increasingly popular throughout NJ because a standard grill is turned into a stunning outdoor living feature that completes the look of your patio and hardscape. The grill is built into a beautiful counter that can be constructed from natural stone or concrete that has been manufactured to emulate the look and feel of natural stone at a lower cost.

In either case, you’re left with an attractive island that will contrast beautifully with the stainless steel grill while still complimenting the more natural elements of your backyard. Both types of materials are noncombustible, heat resistant and easy to clean, making them the perfect cooking companions.

Grill islands can also be built to feature mini fridges, storage spaces and even sinks to fully complete your outdoor cooking experience.

Pizza Oven

Pizza ovens are another top pick for NJ homeowners. Those who really enjoy spending time cooking and entertaining outdoors might go the whole hog and feature both a grill island and a pizza oven in their outdoor living space.

Others might be able to have all of their cooking needs met with the pizza oven alone. Regardless of what you choose for your outdoor living space, though, we’re sure that you’ll fall in love with your pizza oven.

There is no description that can fully convey the rich flavors and perfect degree of crispiness that is delivered by cooking with an outdoor pizza oven. You really have to taste the food to believe it, and once you do, you’ll never want to prepare your food any other way.

As the name suggests, outdoor pizza ovens are the perfect match for whipping up Italian delights like piping hot cheese and three meat pizzas, but you can really cook up just about anything inside of your oven. We always suggest that our customers try roasting vegetables in this method – they’re to die for.

Everyone will want to come to your house for dinner! Like grill islands, pizza ovens are not only fully functional, but also improve the overall esthetic value of your property.

You can choose from several different pizza oven kits from multiple brands in order to find the unit that will look and function best in your outdoor living space. They’re fast and easy to install and will last for a lifetime. Get ready to make some beautiful memories.

Fireplace

There’s nothing that brings people together quite like the warm glow of a fireplace. Who says that fireplaces can only be built indoors, though?

If you’re someone who enjoys spending a great deal of time in your outdoor living areas, you should definitely consider installing an outdoor fireplace. For starters, the fireplace will quickly become the focal point of the area, creating an inviting atmosphere where people want to gather and linger as the night goes on.

Secondly, a fireplace will make it possible for you to enjoy spending time outdoors well into the crisp autumn months, thus enabling you to get even more value from your outdoor living space. Finally, outdoor fireplaces have been known to increase home value, making your home worth more in the event that you decide to sell down the line.

Outdoor fireplaces can be used to enhance outdoor “living rooms” and other spaces where you and your loved ones may gather. The flickering lights of the dancing flames will add a hint of magic to the night air, creating the ideal environment for talking, laughing and creating beautiful memories.

Take the time to consider your many options for building an outdoor fireplace. Whether you prefer a pre-fabricated fireplace kit, a fireplace with a natural stone facade, or a brick fireplace, you’ll have the freedom to find a style that works for you.

Fire Pit

Fire pits are a staple for NJ homeowners who love to spend time with their loved ones throughout the spring, summer and fall months. Adding a fire pit to your outdoor living space will give you a place to gather in a more casual atmosphere.

You might migrate over to the fire pit after sharing a delicious meal with one another, or you might just go straight to the fire pit without having to worry about cooking or cleanup at all. It’s an “anytime” outdoor living feature and can be used however you please.

Many of our customers like to establish seating areas around the fire pit so that they can comfortably toast up their marshmallows, enjoy a cold drink and chat with their loved ones at a safe distance from the beautiful flames. Fire pits can be constructed from natural stone, or you might consider purchasing a pre-fabricated kit that will likely be constructed from concrete and designed to look just like the real thing.

Both materials are non-combustile and won’t retain heat, thereby creating a safe and comfortable environment. Fire glass can also be used to add more visual interest and color to the fire pit itself and to the flames, creating a magical and enchanting atmosphere for you and your guests.

Buying Outdoor Living Products in NJ

When you’re ready to take your outdoor living space to the next level, be sure to visit Braen Supply at one of our convenient NJ locations. We’re the largest and most trusted outdoor living feature and product supplier in the Tri-State area.

We carry a massive inventory of products from a variety of popular brands and in an array of different styles and colors. This makes it easy for you to find the features that will work best for your existing landscape and hardscape and that will speak to your unique personality.

All of our products are competitively priced and can be picked up at your convenience or bulk delivered to locations throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and PA.
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Ice Melt by the Pallet: Determine the Right Amount of Material You Need

Every NJ resident finds themselves in need of ice melt throughout the winter months. Despite knowing that they’re going to rely on these types of materials throughout the season, though, many people fail to plan ahead correctly.

You’d be amazed by the number of NJ home and business owners that have no idea how much ice melt or rock salt to purchase and are therefore unable to properly stock up or take advantage of bulk savings by purchasing ice melt by the pallet.

Don’t become another startling statistic! Our aim with this post is to educate readers like you on how to accurately calculate your property’s rock salt needs, how to determine whether you’d benefit from buying ice melt by the pallet and how to store your winter stockpile.

The Importance of Planning Ahead

You may think that you have all the time in the world to get ready for winter, but the fact is that it’s just around the corner. Being ready to protect your property against the threat of snow and ice before the first storm of the season hits, will make your life a lot simpler.

After all, do you really want to go out and fight the crowds for rock salt and ice melt on a frigidly cold day when the snow is falling heavily? And what if you brave those conditions only to find that all of the local stores are sold out of ice melting materials?

It’s safer and more convenient to know what you need in advance and have it on hand during your hour of need. This doesn’t mean that you should just go out and purchase a random quantity of ice melt, based off of what you “think” you might need.

Buying too much or too little ice melt could create even bigger headaches. Obviously, having too much rock salt on hand will cause you to overspend on materials and may even create problems with inadequate storage.

Purchasing too little material, on the other hand, will leave you skimping on the amount of ice melt that you spread across your property, thus decreasing effectiveness. You will end up running out of material before the season is through and will either have to order an additional supply, or deal with the consequences of the stores having run out of ice melt.

You could even end up overspending by missing out on the opportunity to get everything you need all at once, thus taking advantage of bulk prices by purchasing ice melt by the pallet. Knowing what you need ahead of time, then, is the key to having the most positive experience with ice melt this winter.

Calculating Your Ice Melt Needs

Figuring out exactly how much rock salt or ice melt to purchase for your property is not as complicated as you may think. You’ll need to start off by measuring the length and width of your driveway, sidewalk, patio, or other coverage area in feet.

By multiplying the length and width of the coverage area, you’ll see how many square feet of ground will need to be covered with an ice melting product. Although you’ll find that the numbers may vary by manufacturer and brand, the average amount of ice melt that should be applied to a surface per square foot is 3.1 pounds.

Therefore, you’ll need to multiply the square feet of your coverage area by 3.1 in order to reveal the total number of pounds of ice melt needed for your property. Because most bags of rock salt contain 50 pounds, you’ll then need to divide the total number of pounds required by 50. This will tell you how many bags of ice melt to buy.

As an example, let’s say you have a 200 square foot driveway. 200 x 3.1 pounds of ice melt = 620 pounds of rock salt required. 620 pounds / 50 pound bags = 12.4 bags of ice melt needed.

Keep in mind that this equation is set to determine how much ice melt you’ll need per snowfall or winter storm. You’ll need to look at the average days of precipitation that occur in your area throughout the winter months in previous years, as well as consult the forecast for the coming season in order to determine how this will affect your total purchase order.

If, for example, your area typically experiences 10 days of precipitation during the winter, you’ll need to multiply the number of bags required by 10. In the case of our previous example, you’d take 12.4 bags x 10 = 124 bags of ice melt needed for the season.

Should You Buy Ice Melt by the Pallet?

Once you know how many bags of ice melt you’ll need, you should be able to accurately determine whether or not buying ice melt by the pallet is the right move for you. Although the numbers may vary based upon the brand or the supplier, you’ll find that, as a rule, a pallet of ice melt is comprised of 49 individual bags.

Obviously, if you require fewer bags than this in order to accommodate your needs, there’s no need to make a pallet order. If you’re pretty close to the cusp, though, you might want to give some thought to talking with your neighbors.

By making the decision to go in on a bulk order together, you’ll both be able to take advantage of significantly reduced prices. Depending on the brand, you could end up saving a few dollars per bag which can really add up.

Properly Storing Ice Melt by the Pallet

Buying ice melt by the pallet and stocking up in advance won’t do you any good if you don’t store the materials properly. When exposed to extreme cold, the ice melt will tend to clump together and become ineffective.

When exposed to water or moisture, the ice melt will activate, rendering it useless for future events. It’s important, then, that you take measures to ensure that your ice melting materials will be stored in a space that will remain at or above freezing temperatures.

Make sure that the materials are kept off of the floors. We also recommend that you consider keeping the ice melt in sealed containers, or covered with a water-resistant tarp for added protection.

Buying Ice Melt by the Pallet in NJ

If you’ve got big ice melting needs, Braen Supply has you covered. As the leading supplier of ice melting products throughout NJ and surrounding areas, we sell a wide variety of ice melt by the pallet.

You’ll find products that are designed to melt snow and ice extremely fast, be safer for pets, children, the environment and prevent damage to concrete. Our team of experts is happy to discuss your specific needs and help you find the ice melt that’s right for you.

We offer fair and competitive pricing on ice melt by the pallet so that you can get through the winter on a budget you can afford. We also sell multiple pallets by the truckload. Talk to an expert about picking up a pallet of ice melt or having a bulk order delivered to locations throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and PA.

Rock Salt Buying Guide

Top 5 Benefits of Buying Rock Salt in Bulk

You buy dog food in bulk. You buy toilet paper in bulk. You even buy your cleaning products in bulk! The questions is: why aren’t you buying rock salt in bulk? Sure, winter only rolls around once a year, but when it does, it hits us hard – especially here in NJ and other Northeastern state.

We see anywhere between 30-50 days with precipitation each winter season and that occurs during times when the temperatures are dipping precariously close to freezing, and often below that point.

This means that many days go by when our driveways and walkways are covered in slippery snow and ice. Unless you’ve got plenty of rock salt on hand, things could turn ugly for you very quickly.

5 Benefits to Buying Rock Salt in Bulk

Still not sold on buying bulk rock salt? Maybe this post will change your mind. Here’s a look at 5 compelling reasons you should consider investing in bulk rock salt this year:

1. Save Money

Obviously, the biggest perk associated with buying rock salt in bulk quantities is that you’ll end up saving quite a bit of money. Just how much money you can save will depend on your supplier and the specific brand or type of material that you choose to work with.

You can typically expect to save several dollars on the bag when purchasing by the pallet over by the individual bag, though, and when you add up the total number of bags, this turns out to be a very significant savings!

Put that money towards your holiday shopping or a fun excursion with your kids during their winter break!

2. Beat the Crowds

When the first storm of the year hits, people go crazy. Suddenly there are news reports about the masses scurrying out to the stores to stock up on supplies at the last minute, hoping to beat the snow before the storm clouds come rolling in.

Do you really want to get caught up in that mess? Savvy NJ residents make the decision to buy up their entire stock of bulk rock salt well in advance so that they don’t have to worry about fighting off the crowds in order to get the ice melting materials that they need.

When people panic, bags of rock salt, and other deicing products, fly off the shelves like hot cakes, and you run the risk of stores temporarily running out of stock. This will send you on a wild goose chase around town looking for a store that has a large enough inventory to cover your needs.

Save yourself the trouble and order up your bulk supply now instead of later. You won’t regret it.

3. Avoid Going Out in Inclement Weather

When it’s cold, snowing or sleeting, the last thing you want to do is go outside. Why would you leave your warm, cozy home if you really didn’t have to?

Unfortunately, that’s what a lot of NJ homeowners find themselves doing on the coldest of days when they have run out of rock salt or ice melt. In order to prevent their driveways and sidewalks from becoming giant ice skating rinks, these folks find themselves forced to brave the elements in order to get some more ice for their homes.

Not only is this inconvenient, but it’s also a safety risk. Buying everything in bulk at once will make sure you don’t have to make any unexpected or dangerous trips this winter.

4. Prevent the Need to Skimp

Is there anything worse than scraping the bottom of your barrel of your rock salt supply, just crossing your fingers and hoping you’re not going to have to make yet another trip to the store before the winter finally decides to come to an end?

If you had made the decision to buy your rock salt in bulk this year, you wouldn’t have to worry about trying to cut corners and skimp on your rock salt in order to make your supply last.

5. Remain Unaffected By Rock Salt Shortages

In recent years, we’ve seen winters drag on unexpectedly long, and as a result, many local stores have run out of rock salt before the winter came to an end. This left numerous homeowners without any rock salt to protect their properties.

Don’t set yourself for this type of disaster. Purchasing a bulk supply well in advance will have you well situated to make it through the longest of winters.

Tips for Buying Rock Salt in Bulk

Sure, you know that buying rock salt in bulk can save you money and make your life a whole lot easier, but do you really need bulk quantities of the stuff? Will you really use that much deicer this year?

Before deciding that you can get by on a bag-to-bag basis, we suggest that you do the math. First, measure the square footage of your driveway, sidewalk, patio and any other surfaces where you plan to apply rock salt or other ice melting products.

You will then need to multiply the square footage of your coverage area by 3.1. This will tell you exactly how many pounds of rock salt you’ll need to apply per snowfall or rainfall during freezing periods.

Next, divide that number by 50 in order to determine how many bags you must buy. Because 49 bags are included on a pallet, anyone who needs more than 48 bags would be best served by purchasing in bulk.

Even if your home doesn’t quite qualify, you might consider getting together with a neighbor or group of neighbors. By combing your rock salt needs, you can take advantage of bulk rock salt rates and split the cost amongst yourselves. Everyone wins!

Storing Bulk Quantities of Rock Salt

Once you’ve purchased your bulk order of rock salt, you need to know how to store it so that it doesn’t go to waste. In addition to ensuring that your rock salt is stored in a place where the temperatures don’t drop below freezing (which could cause clumping and reduced effectiveness), you need to remember two words: high and dry.

Do not ever store your rock salt in a location that would cause it to become exposed to and compromised by moisture. Keep the product up off of the floor and preferably in a sealed container in order to achieve the best results. Only pull rock salt out of storage on an as-needed bass in order to avoid accidentally ruining a bag.

Where to Buy Bulk Rock Salt in NJ

If you’re looking for bulk rock salt in NJ, you needn’t look any further than Braen Supply. As the leading supplier of rock salt, ice melting products, and other winter safety materials throughout the region, Braen Supply has all of your needs covered this 2016-2017 season.

We offer a massive inventory of materials for you to choose from, and are happy to fill bulk orders. Whether you’re buying by the pallet or by the truckload, we’ll set you up with exactly what you need.

Our rock salt is available at the lowest, wholesale prices around. Bulk deliveries of rock salt can be made to areas throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and PA.

Rock Salt Buying Guide

What is the Best Ice Melt to Use on Concrete Pavers?

There’s nothing quite like the spectacular beauty of a concrete paver driveway or walkway. The vibrant colors, the rich textures and the unique patterns made available through pavers like these are what cause homeowners throughout NJ to fall in love with them time and time again.

It’s only natural, then, that homeowners with concrete pavers would want to take steps to ensure that their surfaces will be protected throughout the winter months. This means understanding the best ways to secure the pavers against the threats of snow and ice.

Do you know which ice melting products are safest to use on concrete surfaces? This post will provide you with everything you need to know on the subject.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Ice Melt

Although you may think that all ice melting products are generally the same thing, this simply isn’t the case. While all serving the purpose of lowering the freezing point of water and preventing ice from forming, some are comprised of different chemical elements than others, and this makes some safe for use on concrete while others could wreak havoc.

Take traditional rock salt for example. A blend of sodium chloride, rock salt is capable of dipping the freezing point of water down to 25 degrees Fahrenheit instead of 32 degrees. This is great in areas where the winter months are somewhat mild and where temperatures don’t regularly plummet into the teens, single-digits and even below zero.

In areas like NJ, though, this could prove to be a problem for concrete surfaces. Let’s say you’ve spread traditional rock salt across your concrete driveway.

This will effectively melt any snow or ice that is present so long as the temperature remains at 25 degrees or higher. As soon as the sun sets and the temperature decreases, though, that water is going to re-freeze.

Because concrete is somewhat porous, water can seep into the concrete through pores as well as through even the most minute cracks and fissures. If that water has the opportunity to freeze within your concrete, it will expand and create very large cracks, gaps and even potholes.

Even small problems can be a pain in the neck to repair, but over time, large issues will develop and create a financial headache. It’s imperative, then, that you know which types of ice melting materials will be safe to use on concrete in your specific area.

An awareness of the average temperatures in your locale as well as the melting point of different deicing products is the key to getting it right. Read on to learn more.

Calcium Chloride

Calcium chloride is well recognized far and wide for being one of the fastest-acting and most effective ice melting formulas available on the market.

While sodium chloride is able to lower the freezing point to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, calcium chloride can actually work in temperatures as low as -25 degrees, which will make sure that you’re covered and protected even during the most frigidly cold winter nights.

When calcium chloride is applied to concrete pavers, it will provide instant heat to the snow and ice surrounding it. The crystals actually attract and absorb moisture which further speeds up the heating and melting process.

Calcium chloride will continue to work effectively for up to 24 hours which makes it one of the most long-lasting ice melting products for sale.

Magnesium Chloride

Magnesium chloride is another extremely popular alternative to traditional rock salt, as its melting power is unmatched. Depending on the conditions and the composition of magnesium chloride available within a specific blend of ice melt, the product could be effective in temperatures ranging from -25 degrees to -32 degrees.

Even a harsh NJ winter isn’t tough enough to stand up against that! Like calcium chloride, magnesium chloride products are able to heat up snow and ice instantly through its exothermic heating properties while simultaneously forming the brine solution that lowers the freezing point of water.

It’s important to note that in previous winters, magnesium chloride has sold out regularly. This has created a shortage of the product which means that only limited quantities of magnesium chloride ice melt will be sold per customer throughout the 2016-2017 winter season.

Truckload quantities of the material will not be sold, so those with massive concrete paver driveways, patios, courtyards or similar bulk needs might want to consider working with a more widely available type of deicer.

Calcium Magnesium Acetate

Calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) is fantastic because it offers users the best of both worlds. Those with concrete paved surfaces can count on the fact that their ice melting product will protect their hardscape against the elements and harsh effects of winter, even in temperatures as low as -25 degrees fahrenheit.

Calcium magnesium acetate instantly starts to melt snow and ice by heating moist areas exothermically upon contact. As soon as this process begins, it starts to form a brine solution that lowers the freezing temperature and ensures that no further snow or ice formations can develop.

You’ll find that many calcium magnesium acetate ice melting products are considered to be safe, not only for use on concrete, but also for use around homes with children or pets. The material is known to be less corrosive and toxic, and it will not cause chemical burning or irritation on the paws of dogs, cats and other animals.

Some CMA-coated products are also tinted a different color so that it’s easy to see exactly where the ice melt has been applied. This helps over-applying and improves the safety factor where children play.

Rock Salt – Use With Care

If you’re a big fan of traditional rock salt, you’re not out of luck. We simply advise that you are smart about your use of this type of ice melt.

Check the forecast in advance to ensure that temperatures won’t be plummeting below the freezing point of sodium chloride. This will let you know whether or not the material can effectively and safely be used on your concrete pavers.

Ice Melting Alternatives

Some homeowners prefer to avoid working with chemical ice melting products altogether. Although natural materials won’t necessarily have the ability to melt snow and ice effectively, they can provide traction.

Spreading sand or stone grits across the surface of your concrete pavers will make it safer for you to walk across the surface without compromising the integrity of the pavers.

Buying Ice Melt in NJ

Braen Supply offers the largest inventory of concrete-friendly ice melting products throughout NJ and its surrounding areas. We stock up on de-icers that are comprised of calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and CMA so that users can feel confident that their concrete pavers will be protected against the elements, even on the coldest of days.

We also carry ice melting alternatives to those who wish to go the natural route for safety and traction. The experts at Braen Supply can provide you with advice on which product is right for your home, and can help you to calculate how much material to purchase.

All of our ice melting products are available at competitive, wholesale prices and can be picked up or bulk delivered to areas throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and PA.

Rock Salt Buying Guide

Rock Salt in Bulk: How Much Do You Need This Year?

Buying rock salt in bulk is the way to go. When you’re able to order bulk quantities of ice melting materials, you’ll be able to save a significant amount of money while enjoying the peace of mind that all of your needs will be taken care of throughout the entire winter season.

That is, of course, if you were careful when calculating your need for rock salt. NJ and its surrounding areas are known for extremely cold winters and regular precipitation. This means you need to be ready for whatever Mother Nature throws your way – no matter how often she strikes.

How confident are you in your ability to calculate how much rock salt you’ll need to order to get you through the entire winter? This post will walk you through the process of buying rock salt in bulk.

The Importance of Stocking Up

Stocking up on bulk quantities of rock salt is a good idea for several reasons. First, it will help you to save a lot of money per bag, and a lot more money over time.

Secondly, it will make sure that your needs are covered no matter what happens this winter or how long the winter drags on.

While others are forced out into the storm to buy rock salt at the last minute or are stuck without rock salt when stores run out, you can remain comfortably at home with the knowledge that your family is totally covered.

Calculating Rock Salt Needs Per Snowfall

Figuring out how much rock salt you’re going to need to get you through each snowfall or period of precipitation can seem confusing and overwhelming – until you know what’s required of you. In reality, determining how much material you’ll need to protect you against snow and ice is really quite basic and will require minimal effort and mathematical skill.

First, you’ll need to work with a partner to measure your different coverage areas. Typically, NJ homeowners will need to use rock salt on their driveways, front sidewalks, in courtyards and around patios.

Make sure that you measure both the length and the width of your coverage areas to determine the total square footage that will need to be covered with rock salt or other ice melting materials. Here’s where your basic math skills will come into play.

Take the square footage of your coverage areas and multiply it by 3.1. 3.1 is the average amount of pounds of rock salt that a manufacturer will suggest using per square foot of your driveway. In other words, this number (square footage x 3.1) will tell you how many total pounds of rock salt will be needed to take care of your entire property.

This number on its own isn’t good enough for our purposes, though. You need to know how many bags of rock salt you’ll need to invest in. Most bags of rock salt weigh 50 pounds.

This means that you’ll need to divide the total pounds of rock salt required by 50 in order to see how many bags you should order. Take a look at the amount of bags that you’ll need to cover your property.

Keep in mind, first, that this number will only cover you for one or two snowfalls, depending on how closely they fall together. This is because rock salt is generally only effective for 24 hours. You will need to plan on purchasing enough to cover you for multiple storms throughout the winter season.

Keep in mind, too that suppliers generally sell their rock salt by the bag, pallet or truckload. You’ll find that the average is 48 bags to a pallet and 18 pallets to a truckload. If you need more than 48 bags of rock salt to cover your needs, then, you’ll be best served by purchasing your materials in bulk.

Anticipating Local Weather Patterns

As mentioned previously, you’ll need to buy enough rock salt to take care of you throughout multiple weather storms. Typically, an NJ winter experiences 30 or more days of precipitation throughout the winter months.

Be aware of the temperatures to determine when freezing weather will cause this precipitation to freeze and create problems with snow and ice that will need to be addressed by the use of rock salt.

Proper Usage

Throughout the years, we’ve seen it all. Some of our customers come in complaining that their rock salt isn’t working properly and it’s discovered that they weren’t applying enough material to their paved surfaces.

Others will become frustrated that they’re having to buy more rock salt than they originally anticipated and it’s found that they were over-spreading the ice melt throughout their properties. Either case can be very irritating and and detract from your user experience.

It’s important, then, that you take the time to review manufacturer instructions before working with your rock salt or other ice melting product. The manufacturer will tell you exactly how much material should be spread per square foot (or other unit of measurement) across your driveway, sidewalk or other surface.

While we use 3.1 pounds per square foot as a general rule of thumb, this is not an exact science and you will need to make sure that this is the appropriate quality for the type of material you’ve chosen to work with. Remember, too, that calculations like these are based upon the assumption that the paved surface has already been shoveled and cleared of snow.

If you haven’t taken this step, more ice melt will be required. Knowing this will help you to maximize your usage of your bulk supply of rock salt so that there are no surprises after you’ve done your calculations.

Proper Storage

Stocking up on bulk quantities of rock salt won’t do you an ounce of good if you don’t store your materials properly. Each year, homeowners accidentally cause damage to their rock salt and deicing products because of improper storage tactics.

Remember that, in order to remain effective, rock salt needs to be kept in an area where temperatures won’t dip below freezing. In addition to this, they need to be kept free from any exposure to moisture.

This means that you should never store rock salt on the floor of a garage or shed where melting snow or ice from outside could flow through cracks or under doorways.

It’s best to keep the rock salt up off of the floor. You may even consider sealing it inside of containers, like empty garbage cans, wherever possible.

Where to Buy Rock Salt in Bulk in NJ

Braen Supply is the best place to go for all of your rock salt and ice melting needs. We sell rock salt in bulk at low, competitive, wholesale rates in order to accommodate our customers.

Our rock salt can be purchased by the bag, but we encourage you to consider buying bulk quantities by the pallet or by the truckload. If you’re not sure how much to purchase, our team of experts is more than happy to help you perform the necessary calculations.

Our rock salt and other de-icing products can be picked up at your convenience or can be bulk delivered to locations throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and PA.


Rock Salt Buying Guide

8 Questions to Ask Your Local Techo-Bloc Dealers

Techo-Bloc is all the rage in NJ and throughout the northeastern states. These beautifully manufactured stone pavers are designed with nature in mind.

Each Techo-Bloc paver features stunning colors, textures and patterns that give the material the appearance of the types of stone you’d find in a secluded forest or a spectacular mountain ridge – but without all of the imperfections and irregularities.

What’s more, Techo-Bloc manufactured pavers are also much more affordable than natural stone, providing homeowners a means of upgrading their properties without having to break the bank. No wonder this brand is taking the landscaping world by storm!

If you’re at all interested in Techo-Bloc pavers, it’s very important that you take the time to learn more about their products and the dealers who sell them before proceeding. Techo-Bloc materials are not sold directly from the Techo-Bloc company. Instead, Techo-Bloc partners with other businesses, known as authorized dealers, in order to move their products.

Choosing the best local dealer will make a big difference in your overall level of satisfaction with your upcoming project. So how do you find the right dealer? We recommend that you start by asking the following 8 questions:

1. Are you an authorized Techo-Bloc dealer?

If you’re talking to someone who sells Techo-Bloc, this may seem like a silly question to ask, but it’s very important. You may find that some vendors (both small companies and individuals) may be trying to run a scam by purchasing Techo-Bloc products from authorized dealers and then re-selling them at higher rates.

Not only does this require you to spend more money than what the materials are worth, but it also means that the vendor won’t have the most reliable or current information on Techo-Bloc products. Never hesitate to ask your prospective dealer for proof that they are authorized to sell products on behalf of Techo-Bloc.

2. How long have you been working with Techo-Bloc?

It’s always a good idea to get a feel for how long your potential Techo-Bloc dealer has actually been affiliated with Techo-Bloc.

Those companies which have had an ongoing partnership for a long time are the most likely to employ sales professionals who are well-versed with the products that they sell and can, therefore, provide customers like you with the highest quality customer service information possible.

These are the businesses that will be able to offer the best tips and ideas for working with Techo-Bloc products and will be able to answer questions with the highest degree of accuracy.

3. How can Techo-Bloc products be used to enhance my property?

If you’re interested in Techo-Bloc but aren’t sure how you can incorporate the paving stones into your property, you would benefit from talking to an authorized dealer for ideas and suggestions.

A good dealer will take the time to listen to your needs and desires, will take the size and scope of your landscape and existing landscaping/architectural features into consideration, and will help you to make decisions about which types of projects (ie: patio installation, new stair treads, pool deck remodel, etc.) are appropriate for your home.

The best vendors will even take the time to help you figure out how much material you’ll need and how much you should plan to set aside for your budget.

4. Which Techo-Bloc products are right for my project?

Once you’ve got big plans in place for how you plan to use Techo-Bloc paving stones in and around your property, it’s time to start evaluating which product or products will best compliment your home and the work.

An experienced Techo-Bloc dealer will be so familiar with the different types of paving stones and other manufactured stone products that he or she will be able to quickly and accurately point you in the direction of the materials that are not only ideally suited to that kind of job but also that will meet your color, style and design preferences.

5. Can I install Techo-Bloc products on my own?

If you’re into saving money and do-it-yourself type projects, you may be wondering if installing Techo-Bloc products is something that you could handle on your own. Before you dive in with both feet, we strongly urge you to consult with your local Techo-Bloc dealer.

A knowledgeable dealer will have your best interests in mind and, after having a conversation with you about what is required from the installation process and your level of skill and experience, he or she will let you know whether or not you’re a suitable candidate for tackling the project.

Fortunately, Techo-Bloc is relatively simple to work with, so those that have done similar projects in the past will find that the process is fast and easy.

6. Which local contractors would you recommend working with?

If, after talking with your trusted Techo-Bloc dealer, you or the dealer have any concerns about your ability to install your materials, it’s wise to ask the vendor for any suggestions on reliable Techo-Bloc contractors available in your area.

A seasoned Techo-Bloc dealer will have established relationships with various regional contractors throughout the years and will know which ones are most familiar with the products you’re interested in working with, and which ones have the best reputation for delivering rock solid work at fair and reasonable prices. This will ensure that you have the best and most affordable experience with a contractor.

7. Are Techo-Bloc products guaranteed?

Techo-Bloc offers a lifetime guarantee on its products, but make sure to ask your dealer about it. They will be able to provide you with all of the care and maintenance requirements for Techo-Bloc pavers and other materials. Properly sealing and maintaining the products may be a stipulation for having the materials backed up by manufacturer warranty.

8. Do you offer bulk delivery services?

After you’ve ordered your Techo-Bloc materials, you need to have a plan for getting the paving stones and other products back to your property for installation. It’s smart, then to ask your dealer if they offer bulk delivery services in your area.

Make sure that they company is actually licensed and insured to provide these types of services, and never hesitate to ask about the dealer’s driver safety record. Finally, insist on working with a dealer that provides stellar customer service and accommodates your scheduling needs.

As the leading supplier of Techo-Bloc products in NJ, Braen Supply is more than happy to answer all of your questions. We are an authorized Techo-Bloc dealer and stay current with all of the brand’s latest product offerings and techniques for installation and care.

We employ skilled professionals who are knowledgeable about Techo-Bloc products and can provide you with helpful tips for installation or can point you in the direction of local contractors who are able to work with these materials effectively and affordably.

You’ll find that all of our Techo-Bloc materials are available at fair and competitive rates and can be picked up or bulk delivered to locations throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and PA.

How to Read a Techo-Bloc Price List With Your Budget in Mind

Everyone loves the idea of creating an outdoor oasis during a landscaping and/or hardscaping overhaul with Techo-Bloc products. On the other hand, no one particularly likes the idea of spending money.

While there’s no getting around the fact that you’ve got to invest some of your hard-earned cash in a Techo-Bloc-style property makeover, though, there are ways to ensure that you make the smartest financial decisions possible and stick to a budget that works for your unique needs and lifestyle.

The key to accomplishing this goal is to plan out your budget before you take a look at the Techo-Bloc product catalog or visit your Techo-Bloc dealer. This will ensure that you choose materials that mesh with both your style preferences and your bank account.

This post will highlight some tips for reviewing a Techo-Bloc price list with your personal budget in mind.

Planning Your Techo-Bloc Budget

You know that you want to give your landscape a facelift, and you know that Techo-Bloc products are among the best of the best, but how do you even begin to start planning for your budget? While the concept may initially seem overwhelming, it’s simple when you break it down into smaller pieces.

When working with our customers, we often urge them to ask themselves specific questions in order to narrow down their financial objectives and budgetary needs. Here are some questions to ponder:

What are my landscaping goals?

The first thing you need to do is determine what type(s) of improvements, exactly, you’d like to see made to your landscape through Techo-Bloc products. Would your swimming pool look a lot more appealing and become much more functional if you had a new, dazzling pool deck?

Are you interested in overhauling your front drive? Or do you prefer the idea of installing an outdoor fireplace, kitchen, pizza oven or fire pit? You might consider browsing through Techo-Bloc’s website for design ideas in order to draw inspiration for your own home.

Knowing what type of work you’d like to have done will give you a better idea of the quantity of materials that will be required. A very large patio, for example, will require more material and will, therefore, be more expensive than a smaller project like a short walkway leading to your front door.

Work that requires less material might mean that you’re able to spend more money on a costlier type of manufactured stone product than if you are looking at a much larger undertaking. This will give you more options as you browse the Techo-Bloc price list.

Am I “married” to certain styles/colors?

In some cases, homeowners find themselves “married” to Techo-Bloc products that are available only in specific collections, styles or color families. This may be due to personal tastes, or it could be that the homeowner is trying to create cohesion between the new Techo-Bloc project and other landscaping or architectural features.

If you feel committed to working within a limited set of Techo-Bloc products, you may find yourself locked into a specific price range. Having more flexibility will provide you with more options and with more wiggle room when it comes to matching your budget up with the Techo-Bloc price list.

Will I be doing all my landscaping at once, or over time?

If you’ve really got big plans for your landscaping makeover, you could be looking at multiple projects to complete. Maybe you’ve got beautiful dreams of installing a new patio, fire pit and upgrading your outdoor stairs and treads.

The question to ask yourself here is whether or not you intend to complete this work all in one go, or if you’d prefer to spread the work out over a longer period of time. Doing everything all at once will increase your initial costs, meaning that you need to pay for everything in a lump sum.

Depending on what you can afford, this could limit your options to working with the least expensive Techo-Bloc products. Of course, you could find that there is a discount for buying in bulk or having the materials bulk delivered.

Those who spread the work over time will also be able to spread their costs out. This means that you may have greater flexibility in choosing your products and materials as you look through the Techo-Bloc price list. You’ll then be able to continue saving money until your next project, thereby keeping your options free and open throughout the duration of the work.

Do I plan on installing Techo-Bloc products on my own?

The majority of Techo-Bloc products come in pre-packaged kits that can be installed by those interested in Do-It-Yourself type projects. The kits come with all of the manufactured materials required to assemble your patio, driveway, fireplace, pizza oven, stairs, etc., and they also feature simple-to-follow instructions.

Making the decision to move forward with the work on your own could allow you to save a significant amount of cash on the installation process. This means that more money will be freed up to spend on the actual materials, allowing you to have your pick of the various materials available on the Techo-Bloc price list.

We urge you, however, to make sure that you’re 100% confident before making this decision. Those who aren’t sure that they are up to the task may end up spending more on labor costs, but it will mean that the job is done correctly for a successful outcome.

Techo-Bloc: Well Worth the Investment

The most important thing to keep in mind when planning your budget and checking out a Techo-Bloc price list is that your completed project will pay you back, and then some. Homeowners who have worked with Techo-Bloc products agree that the materials are well worth the initial investment.

This is because each Techo-Bloc product is carefully manufactured to meet the most stringent industry standards for strength and durability, all while providing users with the spectacularly unique beauty of natural stone.

You’ll find products that feature colors, textures, shapes, sizes and styles that appeal to your individual tastes so that you stay in love with your landscape or hardscape for a lifetime. And you will be able to enjoy it for a lifetime. Techo-Bloc offers a lifetime guarantee on its products so that your investment is forever protected.

Where to Buy Techo-Bloc in NJ

Braen Supply is the largest authorized dealer of Techo-Bloc products in NJ and its surrounding areas. We have a long-standing relationship with Techo-Bloc which enables us to provide our customers with the latest Techo-Bloc products while guaranteeing the fairest and lowest prices possible.

Our team of experts is more than happy to work with you in order to consider your budget and individual landscaping needs as we walk you through the Techo-Bloc price list. We can even assist you with the process of selecting the right stone for your home and determining how much to buy.

Our Techo-Bloc products can be picked up at your convenience or can be bulk delivered to locations throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and PA.

 

 

What Do I Need to Install Techo-Bloc Pavers in NJ?

Congratulations! You’ve made the decision to move forward with plans to construct your dream hardscape by installing Techo-Bloc pavers.

Techo-Bloc is known for offering high quality, durable and absolutely stunning concrete pavers that look exactly like natural stone at a fraction of the cost. Techo-Bloc pavers are also recognized for being easy to work with and install.

In order to successfully install the pavers on your own, though, you need to know the proper steps to take and to have all of the necessary tools and equipment on hand. The purpose of this post is to make sure that you’re fully prepared for the undertaking.

Everything You Need to Install Techo-Bloc Pavers

Here’s a comprehensive list of the things you’ll need in order to complete a Techo-Bloc paver installation in NJ without a hitch:

Installation Guide

One of the great things about Techo-Bloc is that it provides complete instructional guides on each of its many product offerings. These instructional guides are easy to find and download on the Techo-Bloc site, and further tips, advice and instructions can be found in our blog or by talking to one of our experts.

The Stamp of Approval

Before you can take any further steps to installing your Techo-Bloc pavers, you’ll need to schedule a time for your local utility provider to come out and assess your property. They will let you know if there are any underground pipes, cables or other utilities that will need to be avoided.

The Perfect Pavers

Because Techo-Bloc pavers are so long-lasting and durable, it’s important that you take the time to pick concrete pavers that you will continue to love throughout the years. Visit your local Techo-Bloc dealer to see real-life examples of the types of pavers that are offered or to request samples to see how the manufactured stone will look in comparison to other landscaping and architectural features throughout your property.

Techo-Bloc Kit

Once you’ve settled on your perfect concrete pavers, request an installation kit from your supplier. These comprehensive kits will come with all the pavers and related materials required to easily install the units, as well as instructions for creating specific designs and patterns throughout the installation process. Most customers agree that these kits are very easy to use and work with.

Excavation Equipment

Regardless of whether you’re installing a driveway, a patio, a walkway or other surface, you’ll need to excavate the project area prior to doing any further work. Make sure that you consult with an expert to determine the exact, required depth for the work.

For smaller projects, you may be able to get by with a shovel or spade, but the majority of larger undertakings require the use of heavy-duty excavators. This may mean that you need to budget some extra cash to rent special equipment.

Grading Equipment

As you consult your Techo-Bloc installation guide, you’ll notice that the manufacturer specifies certain grade or slope increments that must be adhered to for successful project completion.

Because most of our customers are unfamiliar with grading, we generally recommend that you consider purchasing or renting equipment that can help you to accurately grade the project area.

Vibrating Plate

Each layer of your base and subbase must be firmly compacted for project success. Doing this by hand can be extremely taxing, so considering renting a vibrating plate.

Crushed Stone

Crushed stone is an essential component to any hardscaping project, and it’s the most reliable and affordable material that can be used as a base for Techo-Bloc concrete pavers. Make sure to consult your installation guide to see whether or not specificly sized stones are necessary. Talk with your supplier or make use of a reliable online materials calculator to determine how much crushed stone to buy.

Spray Hose

Moisture can be very helpful throughout the compaction process. Because of this, we urge our customers to spray down crushed stone and other base materials with a hose prior to compaction. This will make the process much faster and easier.

Bedding Sand

Sand is ideal for creating a bedding for concrete, Techo-Bloc pavers. The pavers will lock into place for a reliable project area. Talk to your supplier about which type of sand to use for bedding.

Concrete Saw

Many homeowners like the look of symmetrical, square or rectangular concrete pavers. There are many others, though, who prefer irregular cuts. Even if you are sticking with squares, you may find that one or more stones don’t quite fit into your pattern.

These are all valid reasons for picking up a concrete saw. These tools make it easy to cut and shape the concrete pavers so that they work within the scope of your project.

Mortar

Obviously, you need reliable mortars to hold the pavers together. We urge you to consult manufacturer specifications to make sure that the mortar is compatible with the stones and will keep your finished project in place, even when exposed to NJ weather.

Broom

You’ll need a broom to sweep off any remaining sand or mortar and clean the pavers.

Sealant

Although it’s not required, both ourselves and Techo-Bloc recommend that users consider finishing their project out by applying a sealcoat to the newly installed pavers. The right sealcoat can help to further protect the concrete pavers against the effects of the elements, scraping, scratching or staining. Make sure that you follow manufacturer instructions when choosing and using a sealant.

Safety Equipment

Because of the high power tools and equipment used throughout the installation, it’s a good idea to invest in safety equipment. Wear gloves when using shovels, and always use safety goggles and a hard hat when using a concrete saw or large, heavy duty excavation equipment.

Need a Contractor?

After considering the different skills and tools required to complete the work, you may decide that you’d rather hire a professional to handle the installation for you. If this is the case, it’s important that you are selective and take the time to find a contractor that’s familiar with Techo-Bloc products.

Throughout the years we’ve worked with numerous local contractors and have developed a sense for “who’s who” in the world of landscaping. We’re more than happy to point you in the direction of a reliable, honest and affordable contractor that will be able to handle the installation quickly and efficiently.

Buying Techo-Bloc Pavers in NJ

As an authorized Techo-Bloc dealer, Braen Supply is the largest, most trusted Techo-Bloc supplier throughout NJ and its surrounding areas. We carry a complete inventory of Techo-Bloc products that can be viewed at our stone yard.

We’re happy to discuss your goals and help you to choose the best concrete pavers for your needs. We can also provide you with detailed advice on the installation process and will make sure that you walk away with all of the tools and equipment required to pull off your project successfully and affordably.

Our Techo-Bloc pavers and related installation tools and equipment can be picked up at your convenience or can be bulk delivered to locations throughout NJ, NY, NYC and PC.