How A Techo-Bloc Graphix Wall can Modernize Your Home

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

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

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

Techo-Bloc Graphix Walls At-A-Glance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ideas for a Techo-Bloc Graphix Wall

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

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

Simple Retaining Wall

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

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

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

Raised Planter Boxes

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

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

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

Multi-Tiered Landscaping

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

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

Blade Wall

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

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

Water Features

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

Outdoor Kitchen Features

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

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

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

Installing a Techo-Bloc Graphix Wall in NJ

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Techo-Bloc Grill Islands At-A-Glance

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

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

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

Benefits of Owning a Techo-Bloc Grill Island

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

1. Everything You Need Rolled Into One Unit

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

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

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

2. Versatile Entertaining Space

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

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

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

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

3. Increased Property Value

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

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

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

4. Safer, Simpler Cooking

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

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

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

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

5. Healthy Eating

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

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

Installing a Techo-Bloc Grill Island in NJ

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8 Things to Look for at a Techo-Bloc Showcase

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

1. Check Out Unmatched Product Variety and Versatility

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

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

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

2. View Demos and Get Your Hands Dirty

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

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

3. Learn Time-Saving Tips

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

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

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

4. Learn To Overcome Installation Challenges and Obstacles

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

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

5. Boost Efficiency

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

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

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

6. Get Design Inspiration

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

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

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

7. See The Latest and Greatest Stuff

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

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

8. Networking Opportunities

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

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

Attending a Local Techo-Bloc Showcase

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

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

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

3 Techo-Bloc Patio Shapes That Will Compliment Your Backyard

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

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

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

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

The Importance of Choosing the Right Patio Shape

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

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

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

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

Things to Consider

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

Available Space

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

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

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

Utilities

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

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

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

Intended Use

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

Materials

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

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

Personal Preferences

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

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

3 Common Techo-Bloc Patio Shapes

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

Square/Rectangular

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

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

Circular/Oblong

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

Hybrid

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

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

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

Installing a Techo-Bloc Patio in NJ

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

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

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

The Top 5 Landscaping Lighting Fixtures For Your Home

You’ve got a beautiful landscape and you want the world to see it – whether it’s daylight or nighttime! Landscaping lighting is an important part of your home for a few different reasons.

First, it works to highlight all of the gorgeous crushed stone, pavers and plants that you have strategically placed throughout your property. Secondly, it creates a more inviting and comfortable atmosphere for gathering with your friends and family after dark.

Finally, landscaping lighting improves the safety factor throughout your landscape when darkness falls. Because this type of lighting plays such a vital role, it’s critical that you select the right fixtures for your home.

This handy guide will take a look at 5 of the best landscaping lighting solutions and how they can best be incorporated throughout your property.

1. Entrance Lighting

Approaching a dark home at nighttime can be very off-putting. Whether you’ve got guests arriving at your house or are coming home after a long, hard day at the office, the last thing you want is dark conditions that will create a feeling of unease, fear or compromised safety.

Installing landscaping lighting fixtures that illuminate the front of your home and its entryway will create a warm and inviting atmosphere that will greet you and your guests with delight. Here, we’ve found that many NJ homeowners love the look of wall-mounted lighting fixtures or sconces that can brighten up your home’s exterior while also beautifying your front door and the house’s entryway.

The lights can cast interesting designs and shadows along your home’s stone or brick facade, establishing a truly romantic and enchanting environment. Flood lights or motion detectors are another great option for those that are more concerned with outdoor safety and full lighting than esthetics.

2. Path Lighting

Many NJ homeowners take pride in the beautiful walking paths that they’ve created to connect various parts of their properties. Whether you’ve got a stunning, crushed stone path leading from the sidewalk to your front door or a gravel path connecting your patio and swimming pool deck, you need to make sure that these areas are safe to traverse once the sun sets for the evening.

One of the most popular ways to illuminate paths like these is to utilize stake lights. These lights are available in a number of different shapes, sizes and designs. They will all be placed directly into the ground and will cast a spectacular yet subtle glow across the ground and its nearby surrounding areas.

These lights will add an air of mystery and delight to your property while also ensuring that those walking across paths will be safe. In many cases, path lighting takes advantage of solar power so you don’t have to worry about paying for the lighting on your monthly energy bill.

3. Patio Lighting

For a lot of homeowners, the patio really is the heart and soul of the entire landscape. This is where friends, neighbors and family can come together on a beautiful evening to grill out, trade stories and enjoy a meal with one another.

This space wouldn’t be so warm and inviting, though, if it were completely dark. Darkness makes it difficult to see the expressions on the face of the people with whom you are speaking to.

That can seriously detract from the pleasure of conversation and social connection. Here, landscaping lighting plays a vital role in keeping the party going once daylight hours come to an end.

With the right lighting, you can set the right tone for your event – whether that be romantic, whimsical or fun. Some homeowners like to use wall lighting here, or light fixtures installed on pillars. Others enjoy stringing up part lights or Chinese lantern.

We suggest looking for lighting that matches the theme you’ve tried to create with your patio pavers, outdoor kitchen and other hardscaping elements. This will create a cohesive vibe that will speak to the hearts of you and your guests, thereby making for an even more wonderful outdoor living experience.

4. Pool Lighting

Swimming pools are a major asset for any property, and when well maintained and cared for, can increase home value. One of the best ways to improve the overall look and feel of your home’s swimming area is to take advantage of landscaping lighting fixtures that are intended for use around the water.

For starters, we recommend that you have some underwater lights installed. The lighting casts a spectacular glow beneath the blue waters that will cast enchanting shadows as swimmers pass by, both improving safety and esthetics.

Beyond this, we suggest highlighting the beautiful plants and other features that may be surrounding your swimming pool with illuminating stake lights placed near the ground. Imagine such a light creating a dazzling shine over the cascading waters of the poolside waterfall that you constructed from boulders and other crushed stone.

Absolutely stunning. Finally, you might plan on installing large lighting poles around the perimeter of the swimming pool in order to light up the entire area for outdoor parties and for the safest nighttime swimming conditions possible.

5. Accent Lighting

Finally, we come to accent lighting. These are the types of landscaping lighting fixtures that aren’t so much necessary as they are desirable.

Accent lights are frequently used in areas where the property owner wishes to draw positive attention to beautiful landscaping features like a patio, fire pit, or fountain. Maybe they wish to create visual interest in an otherwise uninteresting space, such as a blank wall.

Accent lights work best when placed directly below the desired area or directly above. In the case of the former, the lights should be placed flush to the ground or in a “spotlight” fashion in order to establish strong, beautiful lighting and shadows.

In the case of the latter, your end goal is for the lights to emulate a moon beam. Because accent lighting is all about personal preferences and senses of style, our only real suggestion is that you avoid overdoing it.

Pick one or two areas maximum that you wish to highlight. Placing accent lights all over will defeat their purpose and will create a cluttered feeling throughout the landscape.

Choosing Landscaping Lighting for your NJ Home

The experts at Braen Supply are more than happy to help you choose the right landscaping lighting for your home. As landscaping experts, we’re familiar with all of the materials that are involved with creating a spectacular landscape or hardscape.

From fill dirt to crushed stone to paving stones to steps and everything in-between! Because of this, we’re prepared to offer incredible advice on which types of lighting fixtures will best compliment specific landscaping materials.

This will ensure that you are able to enjoy the full beauty of your property no matter what time of day or night it is. Are you excited about improving your property with landscape light?

Do you have questions? Feel free to visit one of our convenient locations in either Haledon or Wanaque or give us a call to get started on your landscaping lighting project today!

4 Appearances the Techo-Bloc Aberdeen Tones Could Give Your Pool

Without a spectacular pool deck, your swimming pool is just another face in the crowd. The material you choose to pave your deck will play a significant role in setting the tone or theme for your swimming area, and will enhance the appearance of your entire landscape.

Because Techo-Bloc’s Aberdeen slabs offer so much variety and sophistication, many NJ homeowners love to work with the concrete slabs in order to establish a unique pool deck of their very own.

Users enjoy the freedom to choose from 4 different styles of Aberdeen slabs, each featuring their own color palette and range of textures. This means that you’ll have the ability to be very creative when determining the tone you’d like to establish for your swimming area.

While we encourage you to use your imagination, we’re also here to offer ideas and inspiration. Read on to learn more about Aberdeen slabs and to see how the 4 different Aberdeen tones could create 4 completely different swimming experiences for you and your loved ones.

Techo-Bloc Aberdeen Slabs At-A-Glance

While many homeowners choose to work with concrete pavers for pool deck installations, those who wish to make a big statement and truly express their individuality look to the massive and luxurious slabs available through Techo-Bloc’s Aberdeen line.

Techo-Bloc Aberdeen slabs are available in 4 different tone families: Azzuro, Baja Beige, Olive and Rock Garden Brown. Each tone is capable of transporting the mind and soul through space and time, creating a unique environment of its very own.

Aberdeen slabs are also characterized by their deep, rich texturing. The slabs are available in varying shapes and sizes that can be laid out into one-of-a-kind patterns that suit your every whim. Techo-Bloc Aberdeen slabs inspire users to build and create the pool deck of their dreams.

4 Techo-Bloc Aberdeen Tones, 4 Different Swimming Experiences

Depending on the Techo-Bloc Aberdeen slab tone you choose for your poolside, you could create an entirely different swimming and outdoor living experience for you and your loved ones. Here’s a look at 4 different ways that the Aberdeen tones could inspire your landscape:

1. Desert Oasis

The warm, rich colors associated with the desert simply cannot be matched elsewhere in nature. While NJ doesn’t have any desert landscapes of its own, many homeowners enjoy the freedom to replicate the topography by establishing their very own desert oasis.

For this purpose, we recommend working with Techo-Bloc Aberdeen slabs in the Baja Beige tone. The sandy, yellow-brown tones evoke a sense of dipping your toes into the hot sand before plunging into the cold, inviting waters.

Desert landscaping works beautifully around this particular Aberdeen tone, allowing you to make use of desert rocks and plants as you please.

2. Tropical Paradise

Everyone loves the idea of getting away and escaping to a tropical location. The luxurious greenery, the rich and inviting blue waters and the colorful plant-life are all a part of the tropics, but they could also be a part of your swimming pool experience.

Aberdeen slabs in the Olive tone family are a great choice for creating a tropical paradise of your very own. Characterized by its subtle gray-green hues, these olive slabs are beautifully textured to offer cool radiance.

The concrete slabs will highlight the beauty of your tropical plants and features while marking a distinct perimeter around the swimming area, making the water truly catch the eye and “pop”.

3. Resort Living

Nothing is more relaxing and peaceful than the green, lush landscaping of a country club or resort. Who says you have to pay a membership fee or leave home in order to enjoy these types of creature comforts, though?

If you just love the look of a sprawling, green golf course surrounding your swimming pool and outdoor living areas, we encourage you to take a look at what can be done with Techo-Bloc Aberdeen slabs in the Azzuro family. These massive, square slabs contrast beautifully with grassy patches, and are often used to create a combination pool deck or living space of both concrete and grass.

This provides users with a spectacular checkerboard or lattice of both greenery and stunning concrete slabs in a soft, blue-gray tone. You’ll never see anything else like it, and your pool will definitely stand out as you find that it IS possible to have your cake and eat it, too.

4. Never-Ending Spa Day

Everyone loves a spa day, so why not bring that experience to your backyard? Techo-Bloc Aberdeen slabs in the Rock Garden Brown tone family are available in the rich, dark brown, wooden tones that are so often featured in the most upscale spas. Long strips of the concrete slabs can be laid laterally in order to create the feeling that your pool is actually surrounded by a wooden deck, further encapsulating the vibe.

Techo-Bloc Aberdeen Slab Prices

When compared to natural stone and other materials used in pool deck construction, Aberdeen slab is one of the most affordable. Although it offers all of the spectacular beauty and durability of natural stone, Aberdeen concrete slabs are available at a fraction of the cost of the real thing.

This doesn’t mean that you’ll have to pay more in the long run for repairs and replacements, though. Techo-Bloc backs its products up with a lifetime guarantee so that you can enjoy the peace of mind that your investment is well protected.

Installing Techo-Bloc Aberdeen Slabs

Techo-Bloc Aberdeen Slabs are extremely easy to install. Techo-Bloc offers user-friendly instructional guides to walk you through the process.

If you’re not a fan of do-it-yourself type projects or don’t feel up to the task, be sure to talk to a trusted Techo-Bloc dealer like Braen Supply.

We are well acquainted with local contractors who have experience in working with Aberdeen slabs and will connect you with a contractor who will respect your pool deck vision and complete the work quickly and affordably.

Aberdeen Slab Maintenance

Techo-Bloc’s Aberdeen slabs are very easy to care for and maintain throughout the years. Because Techo-Bloc works so hard to craft a durable and reliable concrete paver, Aberdeen pavers won’t tend to fade, stain, scratch, or chip over time.

In the event that something is spilled onto the surface of the stone, we recommend that you quickly remove it with a mixture of water and mild dish soap and a soft cloth. It’s also smart to sweep your pool deck regularly to remove and dust, grass, or debris that could build up and create mold or stains.

Buying Techo-Bloc Aberdeen Slabs in NJ

Braen Stone is proud to offer Techo-Bloc Abdeen concrete slabs to homeowners throughout NJ. We have been authorized by Techo-Bloc to sell its incredible products to customers like you.

Because of our official affiliation with Techo-Bloc, we’re able to connect you with the latest product offerings, provide you with the most accurate product information and give you the best deal possible.

Our Techo-Bloc Aberdeen slabs are available at low and competitive prices and can be picked up or bulk delivered to areas throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and PA.

The 6 Stepping Stones to Installing Techo-Bloc Steps in Bergen County

A stone staircase can make a bold statement about you and your property. Unfortunately, natural stone is expensive, and some homeowners find themselves unable to work a project like this into their landscaping budgets. In cases like these, we recommend working with Techo-Bloc products – and you’ll quickly see why!

Techo-Bloc Steps are Perfect for All Properties

Unless you already know that the manufactured Techo-Bloc stairs you’re looking at are engineered from concrete, you’d have no idea that they weren’t comprised of the real thing. The Techo-Bloc designers take pride in creating a product that looks exactly like natural stone, including color, shape and texture.

In other words, you get to grace your property with spectacular stone staircases at a fraction of the cost of natural stone. It gets even better than that, though. Because Techo-Bloc products are manufactured to the highest standard, you can expect that each and every stair riser and tread will be of the same, uniform quality.

While natural stone may feature some chips, cracks or nature-made blemishes, Techo-Bloc stairs will not. And since Techo-Bloc stairs are full color, you can expect the beauty of your steps to last as long as stone – and beyond!

Installing Techo-Bloc Steps: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you’re sold on the idea of using Techo-Bloc stairs throughout your Bergen County property, you’re probably wondering what’s next. Where do you go to find Techo-Bloc products, which are right for your specific needs, and how is a staircase constructed? We’ve got answers to each of your questions in this simple “stepping stone” guide to installing Techo-Bloc steps.

Step 1 – Assess the Project Area

Before you do anything else, you need to think about what you’d like to accomplish with your new Techo-Bloc steps, and how much your property can actually accommodate. For example, will your steps be used to connect multiple levels of a patio, and how many steps will be required?

Or are the steps necessary to make it easier for guests to climb a hill to your front door? This information will play a key role in determining which steps are most desirable and practical for your landscape. Next, you’ll need to figure out how much material will be required, how steep the stairs will be, and how deep the stair treads will be.

Again, this will depend on the elevation change of your property and the size of the area with which you have to work with. Lastly, it’s important that you take the time to evaluate your project area before cutting into the land and installing stairs. Call your local utility provider to make sure that you won’t run into any underground wires, cables, or pipes.

Step 2 – Find a Techo-Bloc Dealer

When it comes to buying Techo-Bloc steps in Bergen County, you’ll find that your options are a bit more limited than if you were buying natural stone. This is because only authorized dealers are able to sell Techo-Bloc products.

Make sure that you take the time to research your options and choose a supplier that has specifically been approved to sell Techo-Bloc materials before making a decision. This will ensure that you don’t end up buying a cheap knockoff or buying from an unauthorized dealer at an inflated cost to you.

If you’re not sure about a supplier, you can check the Techo-Bloc website to confirm whether or not they are an authorized dealer. In addition to finding a company affiliated with Techo-Bloc, it’s also important to narrow your search to your local area. This will eliminate any issues with shipping, transportation or delivery.

Step 3 – Choose Your Perfect Stair Materials

When you visit the dealer of your choice, you’ll be presented with a number of Techo-Bloc products. Which stairs are best for you? York or Venetian? Rocka or Maya?

While part of your decision will be based on aesthetics and personal preferences, you’ll also need to refer back to Step 1. The more flexible your project area is in terms of elevation and depth allowances, the more choices you’ll have.

Step 4 – Riser Installation

Follow product-specific instructions on installing each of your risers. Depending on the block model that you choose for your steps, you may have to install two rows when constructing a riser.

If this is the case, you’ll need to take special care to ensure that connectors are used in the correct position. In either case, make sure that you take the time to thoroughly fill in the spaces behind the riser with stone aggregate and compact before proceeding.

Step 5 – Step Installation

Step modules are only to be installed after the riser row has been secured into place. The joints between the riser and step will need to be staggered. A manufacturer-approved adhesive or mortar will need to be used to secure the steps to the risers.

Step 6 – Seal and Maintain

We recommend that our customers consider completing their Techo-Bloc step installations by applying a coat of sealant to each stair and stair tread. When a seal coat is applied correctly, it can help to add further protection to the covered steps.

This means that your steps will be even more resilient against the howling winds, extreme temperature fluctuations, heavy levels of precipitation, and other acts of Mother Nature that occur so commonly in Bergen County and its surrounding areas. Sealant can also prevent stains from forming as easily and can make it easier to clean your steps.

Finally, a seal coat will lock in the color of your stairs, preventing fading and discoloration. Make sure that you choose a sealant that has been approved for use with Techo-Bloc products. Sealant typically needs to be reapplied every 2-3 years.

DIY vs Contractor

After considering steps required to install Techo-Bloc steps in a Bergen County landscape, it’s important to consider whether you feel as though you’re capable of handling the project on your own or if you’ll need to hire a professional to do the work on your behalf.

We advise that you only consider tackling the job as a do-it-yourself gig if you have experience in landscaping or hardscaping and have completed a similar project in the past. Otherwise, you’ll need to take the time to find a reliable contractor.

After years of selling Techo-Bloc products, we’ve developed relationships with a number of local contractors who have completed spectacular Techo-Bloc installations. We are happy to help you find a company that you can trust and afford.

Buy Techo-Bloc Steps in Bergen County

Ready to install Techo-Bloc steps in your Bergen County property? Braen Supply has all of your needs covered. Feel free to stop by and check out our complete inventory of Techo-Bloc products and to ask any questions you may have.

We’re more than happy to provide you with tips and advice for choosing and installing your stairs. We keep our Techo-Bloc prices low and competitive at all times. Our Techo-Bloc steps can be picked up or bulk delivered to locations throughout Bergen County, all of NJ, NY, NYC and PA.

What Grout Do I Use for Techo-Bloc Porcelain in Northern NJ?

It used to be that northern NJ homeowners really had only one option for beautifying their hardscapes with an alternative to natural stone: concrete. While concrete pavers and slabs are stunning, reliable, affordable and extremely popular, though, some people prefer having the choice to work with porcelain slabs instead.

Porcelain slabs are heavy load bearing, durable and are extremely long-lasting – not to mention sleek, elegant and budget-friendly. What’s not to love? If you’ve been thinking about introducing Techo-Bloc porcelain pavers to your northern NJ property, this is the post for you.

After all, knowing that you like the look and characteristics of a specific type of slab is only half the battle. From here, you’ve got to know how you’d like to arrange the slabs and have a means of keeping the individual units in place.

Which type of grout is right for working with porcelain slabs? Are there differences in how the grout should be applied to porcelain vs concrete? Read on for the answers to these and other important questions.

Porcelain Slabs and Grout: What You Need to Know

Choosing the right grout for your hardscaping project is a pretty big deal. After you’ve worked so hard to plan the design, layout and specific patterning of your Techo-Bloc porcelain slabs, the last thing you want is for the units to shift out of place.

Not only will this detract from the aesthetic value of your property, but it also has the potential to significantly decrease functionality and create safety hazards. Slabs that have settled or moved out of place, for example, could increase the trip-and-fall potential throughout your hardscape.

Making sure that you install the slabs with the use of a reliable, long-lasting grout will help to prevent problems like these from happening. This will ensure that you’re able to get the most use and enjoyment out of your outdoor living space in the many years ahead.

The task of selecting the right grout for your Techo-Bloc porcelain slabs, then, should not be taken lightly. After years of acting as an authorized Techo-Bloc dealer, we’ve seen numerous homeowners and contractors make the mistake of choosing the wrong material for the task at hand.

Trying to get by with an unsanded grout, for example, will almost always yield disastrous results. This is because non-sanded grout is only designed to work in extremely small joints. As a general rule, you want to make use of this type of joint adhesive strictly in cases where the joints will be smaller than 1/8″ in width.

In the majority of cases, Techo-Bloc slabs will be spaced further apart, and this will demand a stronger type of grout. An epoxy, on the other hand, is quite strong and reliable, but still might not be the best choice for porcelain slabs.

This is the most expensive joint filling option, and unless you’re able to match the coloring of your porcelain slabs to a T, you could seriously detract from the overall look and beauty of your completed project area. So what do we recommend? When it comes to working with Techo-Bloc porcelain slabs, we offer two recommendations: polymeric stabilizer sand or no grout at all (where applicable).

Polymeric Sand

Polymeric sand is, by far, the most commonly used grout for Techo-Bloc porcelain slabs throughout northern NJ. This is a specific blend of sand and polymers that, when activated by water, work to harden and hold the porcelain slabs in place.

The polymeric sand is gentle enough that it won’t scratch or damage the surface of the porcelain, and its natural tones and textures will look stunning when contrasted with the colors available from Techo-Bloc’s many lines of porcelain slabs.

Polymeric sand remains efficient and functional for long periods of time, and is very affordable and simple to install and maintain.

No Grout

Many northern NJ homeowners have fallen in love with the idea of creating paths, walkways, and even patio areas that feature a blend of both Techo-Bloc porcelain slabs and vibrant, green grass.

Instead of installing a solidly paved area, these folks space out the slabs in patterns throughout the grass, creating the look of “blocks” of both grass and porcelain. This is an excellent way to enjoy both a landscape and a hardscape without being required to fill in joints with any type of grout.

Tips for Introducing Grout to Techo-Bloc Porcelain Slabs

When installing your Techo-Bloc porcelain slabs, you’ll need to fill in the joints as you go. As you lay each slab down, you’ll need to walk on top of them to press them into the sand, and introduce a polymeric stabilizer between units.

After the installation has been completed, you’ll also need to pour polymeric sand on top of the slabs and then work the grout material into the joints with a broom. Be sure to strictly adhere to any manufacturer specifications for working with the polymeric sand.

Finally, avoid the use of a vibrating plate to install the slabs and set them into the polymeric sand. While projects with concrete pavers and slabs often require the use of a vibrating plate, this can actually be damaging to porcelain, so you should never go this route.

Installing Techo-Bloc Porcelain Slabs in Northern NJ

Ready to get started on your project with Techo-Bloc porcelain slabs? Braen Supply is the leading Techo-Bloc supplier in all of northern NJ and its surrounding areas. We carry a full inventory of Techo-Bloc 20mm porcelain products, including those from the Brave, Etic Pro, Block, Seastone, Sunrock and Trust style families.

Our team of experts will work with you to make sure that you select the right type of porcelain slabs for your home, and will make sure that you walk away with the right type of grout for the installation process.

Our Techo-Bloc slabs and polymeric sand are available at the lowest prices around and can be picked up or bulk delivered to areas throughout NJ, NY, NYC and PA.

4 Unexpected Designs of Techo-Bloc Stone in NJ

There’s no question about the fact that people love the look of natural stone. One of the main reasons why Techo-Bloc has grown into one of the largest and most beloved hardscaping manufacturers is that it offers high quality products that emulate the look and feel of true stone at a fraction of the cost.

While the traditional styles of design made possible by Techo-Bloc products are extremely popular, though, Techo-Bloc has so much more to offer. Homeowners who enjoy having the freedom to be creative and think outside of the box will truly appreciate the many unique styles and designs available through Techo-Bloc.

These designs may be less common than others, but that doesn’t mean that they’re any less stylish, elegant and appealing. In fact, the originality of these designs can add to the “wow factor” of your home and increase property value further.

We encourage our customers to explore all of their options before settling on Techo-Bloc products and designs. Taking the time to really evaluate what’s available and what could work within the scope of your landscape will ensure that you get the most out of your newly constructed or upgraded outdoor living space.

To get you started, we’ve put together a list of 4 intriguing, unique and beautiful Techo-Bloc designs that you may not have come upon or considered before.

1. Graphix Walls

Graphix walls are, by far, one of our most popular Techo-Bloc designs. Although much less popular than the simple, traditional and smooth lines and shapes associated with other concrete wall blocks and masonry units, Graphix is an incredible choice for any homeowner who is interested in creating visual intrigue and sparking the imagination with its wall design.

The hallmark of a Graphix wall is its multi-dimensional layout. With some blocks inset and others protruding further outwards, you’re able to create a fascinating, 3-dimensional effect with an otherwise ordinary retaining wall, raised garden box, etc.

The ultra modern style is perfect for anyone who wants to stand out from the crowd and grab up a lot of positive attention. Graphix wall stones are available in 3 colors: onyx black, beige cream and greyed nickel.

2. Borealis Slabs and Walls

Prepare to have your mind blown with Borealis slabs and walls. Although Techo-Bloc has been known for emulating the look and feel of natural stone, this product line is extremely unique in that it takes tough, durable (and extremely affordable) concrete and makes it look exactly like natural wood!

Until now, you may have never dreamed that it would be possible for you to have a stunning hardwood floor surfacing your outdoor living space – after all, exposure to the elements would destroy it nearly instantly.

With Borealis slabs, you can lay out an incredibly warm, inviting and magnificently beautiful faux wooden floor that will hold up against sun, rain, wind, snow and so much more, all without the “cold” feel of standard concrete slabs.

Techo-Bloc takes things even further with its Borealis wall stone collection. Here, you can build up stunning flower boxes and raised gardens that appear to be constructed from wood. Instead of rotting, decaying, or attracting pests, though, the concrete “wood” will last for a lifetime.

3. Tux Slabs

Techo-Bloc’s Tux slabs make for another exciting and unique means of creating a beautiful outdoor living space that actually emulates the flooring of the great indoors.

Tux slabs are available in shades of both black and white, and can be patterned into a checkerboard design that will evoke a sense of sophistication and elegance that is unprecedented in patios, outdoor kitchens and other similar spaces.

A standard patio is instantly transformed into a European conservatory or parlor, ready to dazzle and delight your guests as the most one-of-a-kind entertaining space in the neighborhood.

4. Antika Pavers

Now we take a look at a more natural or rustic approach of design. Antika pavers are a mosaic of concrete “stones” or “pebbles” that come together to create a texture-rich and breathtaking garden path, front walkway, courtyard, patio, or even driveway.

Let your imagination take you where you want to go. For European sophistication and classic looks, fill in the joints with mortar and maintain a fully hardscaped space.

For a more natural, storybook image, consider allowing grass to grow between each individual paver. You’ll find Antika pavers available in several different shades of brown, black, beige and gray.

More Techo-Bloc Design Inspiration

These 4 surprisingly unique Techo-Bloc designs are only the tip of the iceberg; there’s much more to be explored. We encourage you to do several things in order to familiarize yourself with all of your design options:

Check Out Techo-Bloc’s Style Guide

The Techo-Bloc website is a valuable resource for anyone interested in getting ideas and inspiration for creating a stunning and original landscape or hardscape. Techo-Bloc offers an annual catalogue that features fabulous design ideas based upon different senses of style and functional demands.

It highlights an array of different products – both popular and lesser knowns – so that you can get a total sense for what’s on offer and start visualizing how the materials would look on your property.

Visit a Showcase or Show Room

There’s really no better way to get a feel for what Techo-Bloc has to offer and no better means of obtaining a sense of what its most unique products look like and are capable of than by visiting a local show room or show case.

Show rooms are set up with local suppliers who act as authorized Techo-Bloc dealers and will feature a full inventory of Techo-Bloc products, including different setups and layouts for your consideration.

Showcases occur from time to time in order to introduce property owners and contractors to Techo-Bloc products, including new designs and materials that may be available now and in the future. You’ll get ideas for design layouts and learn more about individual product lines.

Talk to a Professional

It’s always a great idea to look for a local, industry professional that’s familiar with Techo-Bloc products in order to draw further inspiration for creating a unique and exciting outdoor living space.

Experts like these will have insider tips for choosing less-known or less-common products that will look absolutely stunning within your landscape, and will be able to advise you on which styles, colors and product lines best compliment one another.

It’s great to be able to get instant feedback on your ideas so that you can get started with your work quickly and more confidently.

As the leading supplier of Techo-Bloc products in NJ, Braen Supply is more than happy to help you through the design and planning phase of your upcoming Techo-Bloc project.

We can help you determine which materials best compliment your personality and property, and will answer any questions you may have about creating a beautiful design layout and/or the installation process.

We offer the lowest and most competitive prices on Techo-Bloc materials throughout the area. Our Techo-Bloc products can be picked up or bulk delivered to job sites in NJ, NY, NYC and PA.

How to Add Traditional Walls with Techo-Bloc Mini Creta in Northern New Jersey

A natural stone wall offers a very simple and basic means of establishing strength, beauty and elegance within any property. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford to build a wall from 100% natural stone, nor is it always practical.

If this sounds familiar, you don’t have to give up on your dream of introducing an upscale, and stately wall to your landscape. Techo-Bloc is renowned for its ability to manufacture concrete wall stones that look and feel exactly like the real thing.

This is especially true of its Mini Creta product lines. Techo-Bloc Mini Creta walls can take your property to the next level on a budget you can afford. There’s nothing standing in the way of you achieving the perfect landscape.

Why Build a Wall?

As a northern NJ homeowner, there are many reasons why you might consider constructing a Techo-Bloc Mini Creta wall somewhere within the scope of your property. Many NJ residents desire outdoor fireplaces and fire features that can be veneered with Mini Creta wall stones, giving the feature a total facelift and offering a sense of natural warmth and beauty to the outdoor living space.

Others live on hilly properties that are significantly impacted by the rainy weather that occurs so frequently here in the northeast. In cases like these, homeowners can use strong, reliable and attractive Mini Creta stones to erect a gravity retaining wall that will prevent problems with erosion.

Still others enjoy having the ability to create walls that will act as dividers or boundaries between various areas or “rooms” throughout their outdoor living spaces. In this way, outdoor walls are able to serve both a decorative and highly functional purpose, thereby maximizing your investment.

Why Choose Techo-Bloc Mini Creta?

Once you’ve made the decision that building a wall will positively impact your landscape, it’s time to settle on which materials to use. Techo-Bloc’s Mini Creta wall stones are extremely popular throughout northern NJ. This is because Mini Creta wall stones have so much to offer. Some of the many benefits associated with working with these stones include:

Stunning Colors

Those who choose to build a traditional wall with materials from the Techo-Bloc Mini Creta collection will have no shortage of options when it comes to selecting the color that’s right for their home.

The Mini Creta collection features an array of shades in the brown, black, tan, gray and even red families. Some color families offer a more solid finish, featuring smoother and more even shading, whereas others are highlighted with pops of contrasting colors.

This makes it easy for you to find colors that mesh well with your own unique personality as well as with other landscaping and architectural features throughout the property as a whole.

Aged Finish

Mini Creta wall stones feature rich texturing and a remarkable aged finish on both sides of each block. This means that the wall stones can be enjoyed from any angle – no matter what side of the stone you’re standing or sitting on. This is ideal for areas where the wall will divide two different outdoor living spaces from one another.

Versatility

One of the best things about working with Mini Creta wall stones is that they can be used to fulfill a variety of landscaping and hardscaping needs. The product’s versatility makes it simple and practical to incorporate the materials into any landscape.

Ease of Installation

Start enjoying the traditional look of a gorgeous Mini Creta wall right away. Building a reliable and stunning wall won’t take an eternity because Techo-Bloc makes it fast and simple to assemble the materials and install a wall.

Durability

Techo-Bloc’s Mini Creta wall stone collection is built to last. These concrete blocks are capable of holding up against regular exposure to sun, wind, rain, snow and ice and won’t break down or deteriorate over time. The blocks aren’t prone to chipping, cracking, or staining.

Techo-Bloc Mini Creta Architectural Collection

Recently, Techo-Bloc made the decision to expand its Mini Creta style family by introducing the Architectural Collection. This particular collection continues to play on the beauty and versatility of its original counterpart, but with a few key differences that you’ll appreciate.

While you’ll still enjoy the freedom to choose from a number of colors and variations, you’ll also notice that the Architectural Collection’s hues are even brighter for an extra “pop” or spark of the imagination.

Sleeker lines and more angular corners add to the structural intrigue of the blocks, making the collection even more unique and stunning than ever before. Talk to your supplier about whether traditional Techo-Bloc Mini Creta wall stones or Mini Creta Architectural Collection wall stones are the best fit for your landscaping needs.

Ways to Use Techo-Bloc Mini Creta Wall Stones Throughout Your Property

There are so many ways that you can use Techo-Bloc Mini Creta wall stones in order to establish a traditional yet exciting wall within the scope of your landscape. Here are a few great ideas to get you started:

Retaining Walls – One of the most common ways to use Mini Creta wall stones in northern NJ is to build a reliable, gravity retaining wall. These walls can be used to create more functional space throughout the landscape or to prevent land from eroding away during periods of rain.

Veneers – Mini Creta wall stones are the perfect way to give existing walls and features a facelift, acting as a truly stunning veneer.

Dividers – A growing number of northern NJ homeowners are making the decision to expand their outdoor living spaces into multiple “rooms” or living areas. It’s common to find a home that features an area to lounge, a dining area and an outdoor kitchen, all in close proximity. Here, a Mini Creta wall can be used to create dividers between the spaces in order to create distinct boundaries.

Water Features – Techo-Bloc Mini Creta wall stones are the perfect option for creating a stunning outdoor water feature that will delight you and your guests throughout the years. The lovely colors and textures are highlighted by trickling waters and will not break down or erode over time.

Planters – Elevated planters and gardens are a beloved landscaping tradition throughout northern NJ. Many people enjoy using Mini Creta wall stones when building up the walls surrounding these types of gardening areas.

Stairwells – After constructing a gorgeous outdoor staircase or stairwell, why not take it over the top by finishing it with a stunning, Mini Creta wall? This will compliment the materials used for stair treads while further drawing positive attention to the spectacular hardscaping feature.

Buying Techo-Bloc Mini Creta Wall Stones in Northern NJ

When you’re ready to construct a Techo-Bloc Mini Creta traditional wall of your own, be sure to visit Braen Supply. As the largest, authorized dealer of Techo-Bloc products, we carry a complete inventory of Mini Creta wall stone products in our showroom.

Talk to our experts to get tips and advice for your project and to receive answers to all of your questions. Our Techo-Bloc products can be picked up or bulk delivered to locations throughout NJ, NY, NYC and PA.