How to Lay Brick Pavers For a Patio

The classic beauty and elegance of a brick paver patio is unmatched.

Each year, numerous NJ homeowners make the decision to upgrade their home’s property by installing such a patio of their very own and reap the benefits.

Even a simple brick paver outdoor living space can boost property value and provide a warm, cozy place for loved ones to gather for generations – with very little maintenance required.

Before you can take advantage of your patio, though, you first need to install it.

Whether you’ll be handling the task on your own or hiring a professional to do the work, it’s in your best interest to know how to lay brick pavers properly. Read on to brush up on your knowledge.

How to Lay Brick Pavers 101: Your Complete Guide

Required Materials and Tools:

Brick Pavers
Sand
Crushed Stone/Gravel
Landscaping Spikes
Plastic Edging
Rake
Shovel/Spade
Tamping Tool
Mallet
Push Broom

Step 1: Select the Right Brick Pavers

Brick pavers are quite popular throughout the northeast. Because these types of paving stones were used back in the earliest colonial days, many homeowners enjoy their rich heritage and the timeless sophistication they can bring to any property. This doesn’t mean that all brick pavers are equal in their quality, though.

It’s important that you take steps to ensure that you choose your materials wisely. First, start with a reputable supplier that is known for manufacturing and selling the best and most long-lasting pavers. Never hesitate to ask about the manufacturing processes used, or to request reviews from satisfied customers.

Make sure that the pavers are engineered to withstand the elements and will not chip or fade easily. Finally, take care when selecting the right colors and shapes to suit your design and layout requirements.

Step 2: Mark Off the Perimeter

Now that your materials have been selected, we can really get into how to lay brick pavers. The very first part of this process will involve determining where the patio will be installed, and how you wish it to be designed and laid out. Be sure to work with a partner to very carefully mark off the perimeter of the project area in order to make sure that the lines remain straight and equidistant from one another.

Use stakes or similar landscaping materials in order to clearly define the boundaries of your new brick paver patio. You might take a day or two to “sit” on the layout and make sure that it really works for you and your property before moving forward with the installation process.

Step 3: Prep the Base

Next, it’s time to start the excavation process. Although it’s certainly possible to do this through using a shovel or space and some good ol’ fashioned elbow grease, some of our customers prefer to rent special tools and equipment. In either case, you’ll need to excavate the area within the stakes to a depth of 8″.

Be sure to remove any roots, sticks, rocks or other debris that may create an uneven base, and compact the dirt. Once the base is prepared, pour 2″ of gravel and tamp it down for an extremely compact and reliable base. Repeat this process once. Use a level to check the trench bottom before proceeding.

Step 4: Install Edging

Once the base is prepared, you’ll need to apply an edging material that will serve the purpose of holding the brick pavers in place. Take care to cut the landscaping edging with precision so that it fits the perimeter of the patio area. You can keep the edging materials in place by hammering them down with landscaping spikes and a rubber mallet.

Step 5: Apply Sand

Now that you have a stable and reliable base in place for your new brick paver patio, you’re ready to pour some sand over the area. The purpose of the sand is to keep the pavers in place after they are laid down. Granular sand offers a great deal of traction and is perfect for this.

You’ll only require about a 1″ layer of either concrete or mason sand. You should rake over the surface in order to ensure that it’s evenly distributed throughout the project area.

Step 6: Lay Pavers

Finally, we’re ready to take a closer look at how to lay brick pavers. When doing so, you’ll want to start working at the edging border of the patio area and work your way inward. You will need to lay the pavers down in the sand and use a rubber mallet in order to tap the pavers into place.

This will help the brick to bind to the sand beneath and hold its place. You’ll need to take care to follow any plans that you had for layouts and designs that require specific patterns and lay down the bricks accordingly. In the event that certain bricks need to be cut to fit a specific shape, you may wish to seek the assistance of a professional.

Step 7: Fill the Joints

Apply a thin layer of sand across the entire surface of the patio. Using a broom, work the sand into the gaps between the brick pavers. You might consider using polymeric sand for this purpose, as it is designed with this type of application in mind. Add water in order to help the sand to settle between the joints. Repeat until the joints are entirely filled.

Step 8: Clean Up and Enjoy

Take a broom and dust off the surface of your newly installed brick paver patio. Once all of the excess sand and material has been removed, you are free to start enjoying your outdoor living space!

Care & Maintenance

If you hope to get the most use and enjoyment out of your patio, you’ll need to know more than simply how to lay brick pavers – you’ll need to be able to properly care for them. Fortunately, brick pavers don’t require a whole lot of maintenance in order to look spectacular and perform as expected.

We strongly recommend that homeowners seal coat their pavers after the initial installation, and continue to re-seal the patio every 2-3 years. Beyond this, you should sweep the surface of your patio regularly to remove any dirt, leaves, grass or other debris.

You might also hose down the surface of the patio, but avoid using high pressure streams of water or directing water between the joints, as this can disrupt the sand. In the event that one or more of your brick pavers become stained, you should promptly address the issue. Using a mild detergent diluted in water, gently scrub the affected area with a soft bristled brush.

For more expert tips on how to lay brick pavers or further landscaping advice, be sure to reach out to the experts at Braen Supply. Our team is knowledgeable and passionate about helping customers, like yourself, to complete successful projects that will last for a lifetime. We always recommend speaking and consulting with a contractor before laying pavers, since you may need help acquiring or using the heavy machinery, base material and other necessary elements that are involved with installation.

We’re happy to help you select the right materials, determine how much you’ll need for the job and provide you with installation and maintenance tips. Our brick pavers are available at competitive wholesale prices and can be picked up or bulk delivered to locations throughout NJ, NY, PA and CT.

How to Install Concrete Pavers in Northern NJ

Interlocking concrete pavers are one of the most sought-after landscaping materials throughout northern NJ. Homeowners love the fact that they can work with these manufactured paving stones in order to create unique outdoor living spaces.

Whether you prefer the look of straight edges and linear shapes or curves, arcs and other irregular designs, you’ll have the freedom to create the concrete paver patio of your dreams.

The key to getting the most out of your patio, though, comes from understanding the installation process. Follow the steps and tips outlined below for best results. We strongly recommend speaking with a contractor before installation if you have any questions or doubt. It’s better to have a picture perfect installation for your project done by a professional than a small but problematic mistake or skipped step in the process trying to do the job yourself.

Required Materials and Tools

Concrete Pavers
Gravel
Sand
Edging Blocks (if desired)
Landscape Edging
Landscaping Stakes
Shovel
Tamping Tool

Step 1: Choose and Purchase Quality Materials

Since a patio is such a major part of your landscape and plays such a significant role in property value, it’s very important that you take the time to carefully select your concrete pavers. You’ll find that there are several manufacturing companies that design and engineer high quality, interlocking pavers. Be sure to stick with brands that offer a lot in the way of color, style and shape.

It’s also wise to find out what the pavers are comprised of and what processes are used during manufacturing. Make sure that you are purchasing these stones from a supplier that is actually authorized to sell materials on behalf of the manufacturer. This will ensure that you’re getting the real thing as opposed to a cheap knockoff, and will also guarantee that you receive the most accurate product information from your supplier.

Step 2: Mark off the Perimeter

Next, you’ll need to create a layout for your patio. Take a look at the area that you have to work with throughout your property and determine how large or small the patio should be, as well as which shape would best suit your yard. Work with a partner to hammer stakes into the ground as a means of marking the dimensions for the desired patio design.

Make sure that you work around any existing fixtures or obstacles so that no complications or problems arise during the installation process. Wrap string around the stakes to get a better visual image of the project area and look it over to make sure that you’re happy with the layout.

Step 3: Excavate

Use a shovel (or other desired equipment) to excavate the area within the string to a depth of 3″- 4″. It’s best to employ a flat-bladed shovel which makes it possible to make clean edges and a smooth bottom surface. This will ease the process of leveling the area. Make sure that the base of the excavated area is sloped slightly away from the foundation of your home in order to prevent flooding.

Step 4: Clear and Tamp the Soil

Be sure to remove any rocks, sticks, roots or other debris which may be at the bottom of the cavity or lodged in the walls of the excavated area. This will prevent shifting and similar issues down the road. After the area has been cleared, be sure to tamp down the area to keep it as compact and firm as possible. This is the time, too, to make sure that the excavated depth is even throughout.

Step 5: Pour Sand

You’ll need to pour sand into the base of the cavity to a depth of approximately 1″ for proper leveling. Its a good idea to rake over the sand after pouring to ensure that it’s completely level and uniformly distributed.

Step 6: Lay Down Pavers

Now we come to the fun part – laying down the concrete pavers. We strongly recommend that you begin with the four stones that will sit at the outermost boundaries of the patio area. Getting these first pavers aligned is a critical part of keeping the bond for filling in the remaining stone pavers. From the corners, work across the space working your way from one side to the other.

This will help to keep the pattern consistent and any pavers that may need to be cut will be cut along the edge as opposed to somewhere in the middle. You’ll need to be careful to stick with any plans and designs that require specific patterning so that your patio looks as you dreamed it would.

You may also need to use a circular saw or work with a professional to cut some of your pavers to fit for irregular shapes or patterns. After laying down each paver into the sand, we recommend pressing it firmly or tapping it with a rubber mallet to help it bond with the sand and remain in place.

Step 7: Fill in the Joints

Once all of the concrete pavers have been laid down, pour a layer of sand over the top of the patio. Use a broom to gently work the sand into the joints between each individual stone. Spray water over the sand to help it settle into place and continue this process until the entire crevasse is filled.

Many homeowners choose to use polymeric sand which is specifically designed to fill joints in masonry projects, but regular mason sand will also suffice.

Step 8: Install a Border

Pre-caste matching edge stones will help to create an attractive border for your patio that will tie everything together and make your project truly look complete.

Step 9: Backfill Any Irregular Edges (as needed)

If the layout of your patio is irregular, it’s wise to backfill the empty spaces for support. You can do this by applying landscaping fabric and filling in the space between the ground and the patio’s edging material with pea gravel or other decorative stone. This not only adds to the visual appeal of the patio, but also creates more structural integrity and reduces the risk of shifting and settling.

Step 10: Sweep Off the Surface

Using your broom, carefully sweep over the surface of your newly installed patio in order to remove any remaining sand or other materials. From here, you’re free to enjoy your outdoor living space and all of your hard work!

Caring For Your Patio

After you’ve installed your new concrete paver patio, you’ll need to take certain steps to ensure that it remains in tip-top shape. Interlocking concrete pavers are engineered to last for many years, and when properly cared for, they are generally covered by a lifetime warranty.

To preserve this warranty, you should sealcoat the pavers upon initial installation and once every 2-3 years thereafter. Be sure to sweep the patio regularly to prevent leaves, sticks, grass, dirt and other debris from building up and creating issues with mold or mildew. Remove stains promptly by scrubbing affected areas with a diluted solution of mild soap and water with a soft brush.

Ready to get started on your new concrete paver patio? Reach out to the pros at Braen Supply today. As the leading supplier of concrete pavers in northern NJ, we offer the best products on the market at the fairest prices.

We are partnered with many of the leading manufacturers of concrete pavers, ensuring that we always have the latest product offering and most accurate information on the materials you desire most. We’re happy to provide you with useful tips and advice and can answer any questions that you may have. Our concrete patio pavers can be picked up or bulk delivered to locations throughout NJ, NY, PA, and CT.

How Long Will Thin Stone Veneer Last in NJ?

Home and business owners from all walks of life absolutely love the look of natural stone.

Not everyone has the means to afford working with full stone, nor is it always practical. It’s for this reason that so many people turn to thin stone veneers.

Made from either natural or manufactured stone (depending on the manufacturer), thin stone veneers make it simple for property owners to upgrade the appearances of their structures and landscapes in a way that is fast, effective and affordable.

The end product is a stunning work of art that centers around beautiful stones that work to please the senses. But how long can you expect the thin stone veneer to actually last? Will it continue to look stunning in the decades ahead, or will it fall short of your expectations when faced with the tests of time?

This post will cover the life expectancy of thin stone veneer and proper care and maintenance for an extended life.

Life Expectancy of Natural and Manufactured Thin Stone Veneer

Depending on what works best for your property and budget, you might select a natural or man-made veneer. Here’s what you can expect in terms of longevity:

Natural Thin Stone Veneer – Stone has been one of the most reliable materials since the dawn of man. It only goes to follow, then, that you can count on natural thin stone veneers to last for a long time. When properly installed, sealed, maintained and cared for, you’ll find that your stone materials will endure for generations.
Manufactured Thin Stone Veneer – Manmade, faux thin stone veneers are also reliable and, when the correct installation and maintenance procedures are followed it can last.

Maintenance for Thin Stone Veneer

The expected lifespan of your veneer is contingent upon how well the stone is cared for. The more TLC and regular maintenance that the veneer is subjected to, the longer it will last and the more you will be able to count on the fact that it will continue to look and function beautifully throughout the years.

Here are a few tips for taking good care of your veneer:

Washing and Cleaning – It’s very important that you make cleaning your thin stone veneers a part of your regular spring cleaning regimen – and you may want to put in a little elbow grease during the fall season as well. Annual or semi-annual cleaning can help to keep your veneers looking and performing their very best. All you’ll need is a simple solution of very mild detergent and water. Brush over the surface of the stone with a soft bristle brush in order to remove dirt and debris.
Sealing – Although there’s no requirement for sealing natural stone veneers,A good sealant will offer a higher degree of protection and can also make it a lot simpler to maintain the stone. Talk to your supplier about the right sealant for your type of veneer.
Removing Efflorescence – Efflorescence occurs with a natural thin stone veneer. Efflorescence most frequently occurs as the result of moisture migrating through masonry substrate. The water then evaporates and deposits dissolve which can create an unsightly film on the surface of the veneer that detracts from the natural beauty of the stone. Although it will go away over time, many people want to get rid of the film right away. A soft bristle brush should be used to rub away the efflorescence before the veneer is rinsed with plain water. If that does not work try using an efflorescence remover from mason supply store.
Repairing Chips/Damages – It is possible that, with the passage of time, your thin stone veneer will experience some minder chips, cracks, scrapes or other damages. Depending on the style of veneer and the extent of the damage, you may find that the chips aren’t all that noticeable to the naked eye and decide that no repairs need to be made.

Choosing Quality Veneer

Of course, you can’t expect your thin stone veneer to last very long unless you know how to determine whether it is of the highest quality. Here are a few things to look for in the best thin stone veneers:

Trusted Brand – The most important thing you can do before installing a thin stone veneer is to ensure that you’re selecting materials from a trusted manufacturer. There are numerous companies out there that will sell you what they claim to be high quality veneers, but it’s important that you do a little research rather than taking everything that a sales person tells you at face value.
Avoid Knockoffs – You may actually find that there are some thin stone veneer suppliers which don’t actually sell products made by the brand that you have researched and come to trust. Although it may look like they carry the same products, it’s important to look closely to ensure that you’re getting what you paid for. Don’t be fooled by cheap knockoffs. Always look for a supplier that is an authorized dealer of the manufacturer so that you can enjoy the peace of mind that you’ll be buying the highest quality veneers possible.

Interested in learning more about choosing and caring for thin stone veneers? The experts at Braen Supply are happy to address all of your questions and concerns and will assist you with the process of planning your next project.

We work with many leading thin stone veneer manufacturers to ensure that you are able to find the right fit for your needs. Our veneers are priced competitively and can be picked up or bulk delivered to locations throughout NJ, NY, PA and CT.

How Can I Use Thin Stone Veneer in NJ?

Looking for ways to incorporate the beauty and sophistication of natural stone into your home, business or landscape?

One of the simplest and most affordable ways of accomplishing this is through the use of thin stone veneers.

These stunning veneers are fast and simple to install, cost less then full stone and require only a little maintenance to provide you with a lifetime of joy.

Best of all, there are many different ways to purpose thin stone veneer throughout your property so that it suits your individual needs and sense of style. While the following ideas are by no means a comprehensive list of the uses for thin stone veneer, they’re sure to get your creative juices flowing so that you can get started on your project right away.

Outdoor Uses for Thin Stone Veneer

Most people are familiar with the use of thin stone veneer in outdoor applications such as:

Exterior Facades

Of course, one of the most common uses for thin stone veneer is in the creation of an attractive exterior facade for a home, place of business, institution or other structure. While it may not be possible for an individual to have a building constructed entirely of stone, there’s no reason why the structure should not benefit from the all natural, stately, timeless and elegant appearance of stone.

Thin stone veneers are very affordable and can be affixed to nearly any material – whether during the process of initial construction or when giving a building a face lift. The lightweight materials can be installed quickly and efficiently so that you are able to immediately reap the benefits of a natural stone beauty.

Because there are so many different types of veneer to choose from, you can create a facade to meet any style of decor, from old world European to a rustic mountain lodge and everything in-between.

Columns

Outdoor columns are prevalent in a number of NJ landscapes. Because they make such an impression on visitors and passersby, it’s extremely important that your columns represent the theme of your landscape and work to add to – rather than detract from – the esthetic value of your property.

One of the best ways to upgrade the look of pillars and columns is to install thin stone veneers. This simple move can take your entire home or place of business to the next level in sophistication.

Outdoor Fireplaces

There’s nothing quite like gathering with family and friends around the warm glow of an outdoor fireplace on a crisp New England evening. Outdoor fireplaces are growing in popularity as they are capable of truly completing the look and feel of a residential outdoor living space.

The fireplace acts as the centerpiece of the entire landscape and hardscape. As a result, it’s crucial to choose the right materials for construction. With the correct thin stone veneer you can express your unique sense of style while adding a cozy and inviting element to your home.

Outdoor Kitchens

The installation of outdoor kitchens is another exciting trend that’s catching on here in NJ and its surrounding areas. Instead of being cooped up prepping dinner indoors while guests gather outdoors, folks are realizing the value of creating a spot where everyone can come together to enjoy a meal and spend time outdoors.

Thin stone veneers are a great option for creating attractive stone walls, back splashes and other interesting accents to give the kitchen an authentic, “at-one-with-nature” feel while still remaining stately and elegant.

Window and Door Arches

Arches above window frames and doorways can create a lot of positive space and improve the look of any property. When accented with the right thin stone veneer you can really tie the look of your entire property and landscape together on a budget you can afford.

Mailbox Pillars

Homes and businesses with a natural stone exterior and a lot of hardscaping may find that a standard mailbox tends to stick out like a sore thumb. Fortunately, it’s easy to create spectacular mailbox pillars that are veneered with natural stone so that it corresponds perfectly with the remainder of the property.

Indoor Uses for Thin Stone Veneer

Thin stone veneer is just as beautiful and practical indoors as outdoors. Some common uses include:

Kitchen Backsplash

It’s becoming increasingly common to find a backsplash fixed on the wall directly behind a kitchen sink or stove. This area helps to protect the wall from any spatter generated throughout the cooking and dish washing process while also offering a visually interesting accent piece to add warmth to the kitchen.

Thin stone veneers are ideal because they are so warm and attractive while also being very easy to install over any existing material. In addition to this, thin veneers are easy to clean and maintain.

Bathroom Backsplash

Add a touch of warmth and natural elegance to your home’s baths by installing a stone veneer backsplash behind your sinks. The coloration of the stone can compliment bathroom hardware and cabinetry beautifully.

Shower Panels

Instead of making use of traditional bathroom tile, many homeowners make the decision to utilize natural stone veneers for their shower paneling. This creates a unique look that is harmonious with nature. You’ll find that it’s very easy to care for the veneers and that it won’t create problems with mold and mildew.

Interior Walls and Columns

Homeowners love the look of thin stone veneers within the interiors of their living spaces. Indoor walls and columns can be taken to a whole new level of beauty when the correct veneers are applied to them. Some of the most popular areas of the home for veneers to be applied include wine cellars, bars, living rooms and studies.

Fireplaces

A home’s fireplace really acts as the centerpiece of a room and is the space where family and friends are naturally inclined to gather with one another in order to create warm memories that will last for a lifetime. Because of this, it’s imperative that you design your fireplace with materials that will look fabulous and will last for generations.

Thin stone veneers provide homeowners with a multitude of options in terms of style so that it’s easy to find a stone that compliments individual personalities and needs.

Accents

You may not want to cover an entire wall or portion of your home with thin stone veneer, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the look of natural stone. There are plenty of ways to add intriguing and visual interest to shelves, ledges, counters, bars and more by applying a nice thin stone veneer to them.

Buying Thin Stone Veneer in NJ

Once you’ve decided how you’d like to use thin stone veneer within the scope of your property, it’s important that you find the right supplier. Braen Supply works with all of the top thin stone veneer manufacturers and carries a massive inventory of products to suit your every whim.

Our team of experts is happy to help you select the right materials for your project and to answer any questions that you may have about installation or maintenance. Our thin stone veneer products are competitively priced and can be picked up or bulk delivered to locations throughout NJ, NY, PA and CT.

What are the Safest & Most Affordable Ice Melts for Asphalt Driveways in NJ?

If you’ve got an asphalt driveway, you take pride in the way that it looks. Asphalt, after all, is known for its smooth, sleek appearance and you want to make sure that it stays that way no matter what’s going on with the weather.

It’s because of this that we receive so many inquiries throughout the winter months regarding whether or not home and business owners should use rock salt, and which ice melting materials are the safest for asphalt while still being effective and affordable.

In order to better address these questions we have put together an entire post that is dedicated to discussing how to choose and use ice melt on an asphalt driveway and how to best care for your drive throughout the coldest months of the year.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Ice Melt for Asphalt

Why does selecting the right ice melt for your asphalt driveway matter so much? Here are a few of the consequences that come from choosing the wrong product:

Cracking – Moisture really is the Number One enemy of any asphalt driveway or surface. When moisture is able to seep into tiny fissures in the surface of the asphalt, it is able to wreak havoc beneath – especially if it freezes. When you don’t use an ice melt that is designed to be effective even in the frigid temperatures that are so common to NJ, you could face issues with ice forming within these seemingly insignificant cracks. Soon even the smallest of fissures has expanded out into a major crevice or pot hole that will require a lot of repair work come spring. It’s important, then, to consider your local climate and to take a look at the products which are compatible in terms of how they hold up in specific temperature ranges.
Corrosion – There are certain types of rock salt and ice melt which are known to be somewhat corrosive upon certain surfaces. This can detract from the physical integrity of your driveway’s surface. In time, this may make it difficult or unsafe for you to walk and drive upon the asphalt, so be sure to avoid ice melting materials with corrosive properties.
Discoloration – Asphalt is frequently selected because home and business owners like the look and color of the material. The last thing you want, then is for your rock salt to cause the coloring to fade or become patchy. Taking the time to research your options will help you to prevent discoloration that will detract from property value and your overall level of satisfaction with your driveway’s appearance.

A Closer Look at Asphalt Strengths and Vulnerabilities

A great thing about asphalt is that it isn’t as rigid as concrete or other paving options. This means that it is able to expand and contract as the weather changes and will be less likely to crack. At the same time, it absorbs heat more than other surfacing materials which means that less rock salt and ice melt is required in order to keep snow and ice at bay.

Finally, asphalt is generally less vulnerable to damages from the use of salt, such as corrosion. Even so, it’s important to understand that asphalt isn’t immune to problems with ice melt. Ineffective or inefficient materials can cause ice to continuously freeze and thaw which will enable moisture to penetrate the driveway and create huge cracks and scars.

The brine can also seep through into the groundwater supply and contaminate it if dangerous chemicals are selected. It is extremely important, therefore, that you take the time to research your options and select a material that is safe and ideally suited for use on asphalt driveways and similar surfaces.

Safest Types of Ice Melt for Asphalt

Although asphalt is quite resilient, we still tend to recommend that you use certain products over others. Here’s a breakdown of the ice melting materials that we generally suggest to our customers with asphalt driveways and surfaces:

Calcium Chloride Crystals or Pellets – Calcium chloride is known for its ability to quickly and efficiently melt existing snow and ice and prevent new formations. It is exothermic which speeds up the process even further. The material is able to continue working even when the temperatures outdoors dip well below 0 degrees Fahrenheit which means that you won’t have to worry about water freezing again in the event of a drop in temperature.
EnvironMelt – Those who have any concerns about vegetation or the environment should take a closer look at EnvironMelt. This highly effective ice melting product is chemically engineered to be safer for use around plants and less toxic to the groundwater supply. In the event that any melted water should seep into fissures within your driveway and find its way back into the earth, you can rest assured that you’re doing your part to protect the ground supply from chemical damages.
Safer Than Salt (Commercial or Breeder’s Preferred) – Like calcium chloride crystals and pellets, Safer Than Salt also makes use of the same chemically-engineered ice melting materials in order to exothermically boost the process of melting snow and ice while also creating a brine that will stay in liquid form even when it’s very cold outside. The added benefit here is that the ice melt is not only safe for asphalt surfaces but that it’s also safe for use around children and pets. You’ll find that in the commercial blend, Safer Than Salt features colored pellets to make it easier to see how much ice melt has been spread and where it is located. The materials are less toxic and won’t cause irritation and burning in the paws of your precious pets.
DowFlake Xtra – DowFlake Xtra is a great option for asphalt surfaces where there will be a great deal of foot traffic – especially from elderly populations or persons who are prone to trip-and-fall accidents. Because the flakes lay flush to the ground, they make it easier to tread upon without the danger of slipping and falling. The flakes are comprised of fast-acting and highly effective calcium chloride for maximum melting power.
Magnesium Chloride Pellets – Magnesium chloride is another extremely popular option for those who are interested in sheer melting power – even in the most frigid of winter conditions. Keep in mind, though, that magnesium chloride is on strict allocation for suppliers throughout the country. It’s important, then, to buy your materials in advance to be sure that supplies don’t run out of stock.

The Largest Asphalt-Friendly Ice Melt Supplier in NJ

NJ residents with asphalt driveways and parking lots know that Braen Supply is the largest supplier of asphalt-friendly ice melt throughout NJ and its many surrounding areas. We carry a wide variety of different ice melting products, all of which can be used safely and effectively on and around asphalt.

Our staff is familiar with each of the products that we sell and can answer all of your questions and point you in the right direction when selecting your materials. You’ll find that our ice melt is competitively priced and can be purchased by the bag, pallet or truckload. Our ice melting products can be picked up or bulk delivered to locations in NJ, NY, PA and CT.

How To Choose a Thin Stone Veneer Supplier

Everyone loves the look and feel of natural stone. Whether it’s being used to face an entire home, creating a warm and inviting fireplace or enhancing the appearance of a small indoor or outdoor wall, stone masonry offers a timeless elegance that appeals to people from all walks of life.

Unfortunately, the construction of a natural stone wall can sometimes be very expensive or impractical.

The good news is that a natural stone veneer is just as stylish and sophisticated while also being capable of being installed quickly into areas where larger natural stone could not.

Let’s not forget its affordable price either. If this sounds at all appealing to you, you’re probably ready to dive in and get started with your project. Before making any hasty decisions, though, it’s very important that you take the time to do your research first.

The supplier that you choose to work with can truly make or break the quality of the project. This post will walk you through the process of narrowing down your options and selecting the very best thin stone veneer supplier for your needs.

Hallmarks of a Quality Thin Stone Veneer Supplier

Sure, there are plenty of suppliers out there who offer some type of thin stone veneer, but that doesn’t mean that they’re all worthy of your business. In fact, there can be major variations in the quality of one supplier to another, so it’s important to know what to look for. Here are a some of the characteristics of the best veneer suppliers:

1) Well-Established:

It’s always in your best interest to look for a supplier that has been in the industry for an established period of time. Although you may find that newer companies are very eager for your business – so much so that they may offer you a special deal – these are the suppliers that are less likely to be connected with the major veneer manufacturers and contractors.

As a result, you won’t have as much selection or the level of expertise that you need to make the right decision about a thin veneer for your home or business.

2) Industry-Experienced Staff:

You can tell a lot about a business by simply looking at the people that it employs. Companies that aren’t passionate about what they do will hire anybody to run their locations, regardless of whether or not these individuals know anything about the products they’re selling.

A supplier that truly cares about its customers and helping them to complete a satisfying project will take care throughout the hiring and training process to ensure that their staff and sales team are familiar with all of the different types of veneers for sale. These employees will be qualified to address any questions or concerns that you may have, can provide valuable insights and tips, and will be more than happy to work with you.

3) Large, Versatile Inventory:

Variety is the spice of life, and of the thin stone veneer market. After all, you don’t want your property to look like every other home or business on the block. It’s imperative that you seek out a supplier that will give you plenty of options in terms of the veneers that it has available.

You should have your pick of different color schemes and styles so that you can select a veneer that suits your property while matching your unique sense of style. The best suppliers will offer a selection of veneers that come form a range of manufacturers and brands so that all of its customers needs and desires are met.

4) Authorized Dealer:

Simply carrying products that are manufactured by multiple brands isn’t enough; your supplier also needs to be an authorized dealer for that particular manufacturer. This means that they will have the most accurate and up-to-date information on the veneers that they carry and will have access to the latest updates and product offerings.

They will also have the ability to provide customers like yourself with the lowest and most competitive rates. Also, make sure that your supplier isn’t carrying a cheap knock off or look alike. The real thing will give you the highest value and level of quality.

5) Fair Pricing:

Don’t get ripped off by a supplier that’s trying to sell you a product for much more than what it’s worth. If you go online, you may find that individual sellers try to resell a product for prices significantly higher than wholesale value. Major chain stores are also known for frequently inflating customers’ costs in order to turn over a larger profit. They are required to do this in order to maintain the size of their companies.

Local suppliers are typically those which are able to keep their prices as low and reasonable as possible. Be sure to shop around for quotes on thin stone veneers to ensure that your supplier is on-target and competitive with their rates.

6) Local:

These days, many people choose to do their shopping online but that’s not always the best idea when purchasing a thin stone veneer. It’s important that you have the ability to actually see the physical product before you make a decision about which veneer to purchase.

Consequently, it’s smart to choose a local supplier where you can check out the different veneers in a showroom. In addition to helping you make the best decision for your home, you’ll also be supporting your local economy.

7) Customer Service:

You can’t put a price on excellent customer service. Choosing a veneer for your home or business is a big deal, and you need to feel confident that your supplier actually cares about working with you as you make a decision.

The last thing you want is to feel rushed or as though the company only wants to push the most expensive material on you – regardless of whether it’s right for your needs. You might also consider checking out customer reviews on the level of care and service that was received by previous shoppers.

8) Connected With Contractors:

Make sure that your thin stone veneer supplier has connections with veneer contractors. When the company has worked with contracting businesses they will be able to point you in the right direction and provide you with advice on which contractor works best with which brands and what you can expect in terms of quality and cost.

9) Delivery Services:

It’s smart to find a supplier that will be able to work with you to deliver your thin stone veneer directly to your property at an affordable cost and at a time that is convenient for you.

The Best Thin Stone Veneer Supplier in NJ

When you’re ready to get started on your thin stone veneer project, Braen Supply will be ready and able to help. We’ve earned our reputation as the leading supplier of thin stone veneers in the tri-state area.

Our massive inventory includes a number of top veneer brands so that you have your pick of high-quality products on a budget you can afford. We’ll work with you to ensure that you walk away with the right product for your needs. Our thin stone veneers can be picked up or bulk delivered to locations throughout NJ, NY, PA and CT.

When is the Best Time to Buy Rock Salt in NJ?

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas …and that means snow and ice!

Any savvy NJ homeowner, business owner, or contractor knows just how important it is to have rock salt on hand for the winter season, and this is especially true during an El Nino year.

In order to ensure that you have plenty of ice melt on hand in your hour of need, you need to know when to buy up the materials and in what quantity, as well as how to store it properly until it gets used.

Having a game plan for this is the key to surviving the season without stressing out or breaking your budget. The following tips will help you to put your plan together before it’s too late.

Buy Now and Rest Easy

We’ve had customers ask us in the past about whether or not it was really necessary for them to stock up on rock salt in advance. We strongly suggest that you do so for the following reasons:

Avoid Stress – There are a surprising number of people who wait until the last minute to buy deicers and other supplies during the winter season. When the news channel announces that a storm is on the way, thousands of NJ and NY residents rush out to get ice melt, food, flashlights, etc. This means that streets are packed and the lines at the stores are very long – both of which cause a great deal of stress. Conversely, those who buy in advance can kick up their feet, relax and wait the storm out from the comfort of home.
Stay Safe – Waiting until the weather gets nasty to head out and buy materials is a very bad idea as it can put you life at risk. When the snow starts to fall, streets become very slick and dangerous to drive upon. Getting out and buying your ice melting products when the weather is fair will keep you and your family out of harm’s way.
Get the Best Deals – Pricing generally depends on supply and demand. The time before the temperatures drop and become too extreme is when ice melting materials will be at their lowest and most competitive rates. When the first major storms of the season start to hit, you can expect to see a spike in prices that can significantly impact your budget.
Find What You’re Looking For – The early bird gets the worm (and his pick of the type of ice melt that he wants to use for his property). Each different type of rock salt is designed to suit different needs and the only way to ensure that yours are met is to buy up your supply before it sells out and becomes unavailable. This is especially true of materials that are on allocation. Magnesium chloride pellets, for example, are only available in limited quantities throughout the 2015-2016 season, so buying your materials earlier on will save you from the grief of having to settle for a different product at the last minute.
Obtain an Ample Supply – As the season drags on, suppliers tend to start running out of rock salt and other ice melting materials. We’ve seen this happen in previous winters where the harsh winter lasted a lot longer than originally anticipated. The result was a shortage in rock salt that caused prices to go up and store shelves to empty out. When this happens, you are often forced to purchase less material than you actually need to adequately cover your property, causing you to skimp and subject yourself to hazardous conditions.

Choosing the Right Rock Salt

As mentioned previously, one of the key advantages to buying rock salt early in the season enables you to have your pick of the different types of ice melting materials on the market. This won’t mean a lot to you, though, unless you actually take the time to learn which product is best for your specific needs.

While we urge you to talk with your supplier about your requirements and desires, this breakdown will highlight the materials that are best suited for various customer needs:

Budget Friendly – If sticking to a low-cost budget is your primary concern, you’ll find that it’s best to stick with the basic rock salts like Ice Patrol and Halite rock salt. These materials are extremely effective and affordable.
Child Friendly – The safety of children is a major issue for families, schools and daycares. Safer Than Salt is a great ice melt that works at low temperatures while being less hazardous and safer for children to be around. The flakes are also colored so you can keep an eye on where rock salt has been applied.
Pet Friendly – If you’ve got four-legged friends in your life, it’s smart to choose an ice melt like Safer Than Salt Breeder’s Preferred, which is formulated to protect your pets from becoming poisoned by deicers or dealing with any chemical burning and related issues.
Eco Friendly – No one wants to see their prize lawn or their beautiful landscape destroyed by the chemicals found in ice melting materials. We suggest that those concerned about vegetation and protecting the environment make use of products like EnvironMelt. You’ll enjoy the same degree of ice coverage while knowing that you’re doing your part to care for our plants and earth.
Sheer Melting Power – There are those, too, who are mainly focused upon the sheer power behind their rock salt or other ice melting product. This is especially true in frigid climates where the temperatures may plummet well below freezing. We highly recommend using products with calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, or calcium magnesium acetate which are exothermic, fast and effective even on the coldest of days.

Calculating Your Need

Buying rock salt early means that you need to know how much material to invest in. As in the case of selecting the correct ice melt for your property, we recommend that you work with a professional for precise calculations.

In the meantime, however, you can get an accurate estimate of your demands by measuring the square footage (length x width) of your driveway, sidewalk or other coverage area and following these steps:

Multiply the coverage area’s square footage by 3.1 (the recommended number of pounds of salt to be spread per square foot) to get the total pounds of rock salt you’ll require.
Divide the total pounds of rock salt required by 50 (the standard pounds of rock salt per bag) to get the number of bags you should purchase.

Storing Rock Salt

After stocking up on your ice melting materials, you’ll need to store them until they’re needed. Remember that rock salt becomes activated when wet, so keep your materials up off of the ground and away from areas where they will be exposed to moisture.

It’s best to keep bags inside of sealed containers. Be sure to also store ice melt in an area that will stay above freezing temperatures to avoid problems with clumping. Braen Supply carries a wide range of rock salt to suit your every need. Stop by or give us a call today to discuss your ice melting needs for winter 2015-2016.

Beginner’s Guide To Bulk Rock Salt Suppliers

Whether you’re a first-time homeowner who is planning to purchase rock salt for the first time this winter, or are simply looking to up your rock salt game this year, it’s extremely important that you know where to go to make your purchases.

Although there are certainly plenty of retail locations that sell rock salt and other ice melting materials, not all of these options are wise for your budget or your well-being.

So how do you begin to sort through your prospects and narrow them down to just one superior bulk rock salt supplier? This tell-all guide will reveal all of the characteristics of the best supply companies so that you can make the best possible decision.

8 Traits of a Superior Bulk Rock Salt Supplier

1. Well-Established

It’s always in your best interest to seek out a bulk rock salt supplier that has been in operations for an established length of time. You’ll find that, throughout the winter, there may be certain vendors that seem to pop up “overnight”, setting up shop to sell seasonal items.

Because these are only temporary businesses, there’s no way for you to have any guarantee whatsoever regarding their quality or reliability as a vendor. In addition to being a well established business, you should also be sure that the company is established within the industry.

Although your local grocer might offer the convenience of selling bags of rock salt, these businesses aren’t familiar with which products are best for specific property types. You’ll get the best results when you go to a landscaping supplier that has built a solid reputation for offering high quality ice melting materials at reasonable prices.

2. Locally Owned and Operated

Staying local with your rock salt purchases is ideal. Although it’s possible to find and purchase rock salt and other ice melting materials online, this isn’t the best option. First, it will take longer for the materials to get to you which could leave you in a bind, should the weather pick up before you’re ready for it.

Secondly, you’ll end up spending extra money on shipping or transportation. Major chain suppliers are another no-no for buying rock salt. The large, nationally recognized vendors like Home Depot and Lowes are often stocked up for the winter, but because they are such major brands, you are likely to find that they inflate their prices in order to maximize their profits.

3. Large Inventory

A good bulk rock salt supplier will carry a wide range of products so that you have plenty of ice melting materials to choose from. Different property owners and contractors have different needs for the winter.

Whereas some are more concerned about the safety of pets and children, others will need to think about sheer melting power or the amount of residue that could get left behind by the deicer.

Numerous products have been formulated to cater to very specific demands, and your rock salt supplier should be able to address your unique requirements by selling a material that is designed with you in mind.

4. Knowledgeable Staff

We cannot stress enough the importance of seeking out a bulk rock salt supplier that employees knowledgeable and professional staff members. When you walk into your supplier’s store, you may initially feel overwhelmed by the many different types of ice melting materials that are available.

It’s the supplier’s staff’s job to narrow down this selection to one or two products that would best suit your individual needs. This can only happen when every team member is familiar with the specifications of the various ice melting materials on offer. Never hesitate to ask questions of the sales representatives who are walking the floor.

Make note of how confident they appear as they address your questions and how much information they are able to provide you with. This is a strong indicator of whether or not you can trust your supplier.

5. Excellent Customer Service

Knowing it all really only goes so far. In fact, having information doesn’t mean that much if the supplier’s staff are rude and difficult to work with. Customer service is everything, and you should expect the very best from your bulk rock salt supplier. One of the best ways to learn about your prospective supplier’s service reputation is to do a quick online search for references, or even to ask the company for a list of references from satisfied customers.

Other key indicators of quality customer care and service are an honest desire to answer all of your questions and work with you to ensure that your needs are met, a commitment to helping you accurately calculate how much ice melt to purchase and helpfulness throughout the process of scheduling any bulk order deliveries.

6. Purchasing Options

Every different individual, company or contractor will require different volumes of rock salt based upon the size of their properties, the type of ice melt selected and the weather conditions associated with their locales. This means that your bulk rock salt supplier should offer various means of purchasing ice melt.

Typically, you’ll find that the best suppliers will offer materials by the bag, by the pallet and by the truckload. Your supplier should help you to calculate how much rock salt you’re likely to need to get through the winter months, and then help you to determine whether you’d be better served to buy by the bag or to order a bulk quantity.

Keep in mind that the majority of suppliers will offer discounted pricing for bulk quantities, which can add up to big savings.

7. Fair, Competitive Pricing

The last thing you want is to find out that you’ve overspent on your ice melting materials. If you take the time to select a fair and honest bulk rock salt supplier, you will never need to worry about this. Be on the lookout for customer reviews about your prospect’s pricing.

Do a little research of your own to see how upfront and open the supplier is about its rock salt prices. Lastly, shop around and see how much competitors are charging for similar materials. Suppliers with prices much higher or lower than average should send up a red flag that something isn’t quite right.

8. Bulk Delivery Services

If you’re purchasing your rock salt materials in bulk, you obviously need to have a bulk delivery service available to get your order to your property or storage facility. Look for an ice melt supplier that offers low-cost bulk delivery services. Make sure that the company is fully licensed and insured to make deliveries and is flexible in coordinating drop-offs.

For years, Braen Supply has been recognized as NJ’s leading bulk rock salt supplier. We carry a massive inventory of rock salt and ice melting products which are formulated to suit the needs of all of our customers. Our team of experts is happy to point you in the direction of the right deicer for your property’s unique demands.

We offer the lowest, most competitive prices around. Our rock salt can be purchased by the bag, and in most instances, can be purchased in bulk quantities for pickup or bulk delivery to areas throughout NJ, NY, PA and CT.

6 Rules for Pet Friendly Rock Salt

We all know that we need rock salt in order to keep our driveways and sidewalks safe and cleared of ice and snow, but did you know that ice melting materials could actually cause discomfort and health complications for your four-legged friends?

As a pet owner, the last thing you want is to cause harm to your furry family members as the result of spreading rock salt throughout your property.

It’s because of this that animal- conscientious homeowners choose to select trustworthy, pet friendly rock salt to get them through the winter season.

Before picking up just any product, though, it’s important to learn more about what you should expect. Here are 6 general rules for selecting pet friendly rock salt:

1. It Should Be Visible

One of the first thing that you should look for in a pet friendly rock salt product is a material that is easy to see as it is spread, and as it lays on your property’s surfaces. The best types of rock salt will have colored or tinted crystals. The benefit here is twofold.

First, you’ll find that it’s a lot easier to spread the material evenly for maximum melting efficiency. Second, it’s simple for you to keep an eye on the areas where your pets are walking and direct them away from the ice melt so that they don’t eat snow in these spots.

2. It Should Be Less Toxic

A top concern for homeowners with cats and dogs is that their pets could become very ill should they lick snow or ice in areas where rock salt has been applied. This poisoning could lead to upset tummies and sickness.

A good pet friendly ice melting product will be specifically formulated to be less toxic, so that pets will not become dangerously ill in the event that they do accidentally ingest the material.

3. It Should Be Safe for Paws

Another major priority for pet owners is the safety of their furry friends’ paws after they have walked over the surface of areas with rock salt. The crystals from ice melt have a tendency to get stuck in the padding of a dog or cat’s paws.

With some types of ice melt, this can create chemical burning and irritation, which causes a lot of stress and discomfort for the animal. Pet friendly rock salts are designed to not create these problems or hazards.

4. It Should Be Easy to Use

The last thing you want is for your rock salt to create challenges for you throughout the application process. A good pet friendly rock salt will be simple and easy to apply. Manufacturer instructions should be clear on how much material to use, and you should have the ability to keep an eye on how much product you’ve used.

5. It Should Be Specifically Designed for Use With Pets

You may find that some retailers, family members or friends will tell you that “Product X” is perfectly safe to use around pets. While their advice may be harmless, the last thing you want is to select a product that isn’t actually designed for use around animals. Unless the product is specifically labeled as being pet friendly, steer clear and look for something else.

6. It Should Be Fast-Acting and Effective

Just because your rock salt is safe to use around pets doesn’t mean that you should sacrifice the melting power, efficiency or effectiveness of the product. The best material will be formulated not only for pet safety, but also to quickly create a brine with snow or ice and lower the melting temperature of water to melt existing ice and prevent future formations – even in the coldest of temperatures.

Tips for Using Pet Friendly Rock Salt

Now that you’re aware of what you should expect from your pet friendly rock salt, there are a few other things that you should know about working with this type of material. The following tips will answer any other questions you may have about choosing and using pet friendly rock salt:

Calculating Your Need

Knowing what type of rock salt to buy is only half the battle! Now you need to know how much to purchase – and stock up in advance. Waiting to purchase pet friendly rock salt on an as-needed basis or as the inclement winter weather rolls in is a mistake.

As the season progresses, you’ll find that stores become more likely to run out of pet friendly ice melting materials and that prices go up on the remaining inventory. Calculating how much to buy in advance is the way to go. Although you should always check the manufacturer’s instructions before calculating, the following formula is a good base guideline.

First, measure the square footage (length x width) of your driveway or sidewalk. This number should be multiplied by 3.1, which is the average number of pounds of rock salt that should be applied per square foot.

Take the amount of pounds that should be applied to your driveway and divide it by 50 to figure out how many bags of rock salt will be required for each winter storm. Ask your supplier if you’d be better served to buy by the bag or to purchase in bulk.

Choosing a Brand

When selecting a brand of pet friendly rock, it’s important to select a product that you know you can trust. This means looking for an established brand that is known for producing high-quality ice melt at an affordable price.

At Braen Supply, we tend to recommend Safer-Than-Salt Breeder’s Preferred. Manufactured by the Kissner Group, which is one of the most trusted names in ice melt. You can count on the fact that the material will act as efficiently, effectively and safely as promised.

Choosing a Supplier

Never overlook the importance of choosing the right supplier for your pet friendly rock salt needs. There are many different stores that sell ice melting products throughout the holiday season, but not all of them will carry materials that are designed to be safe for your pets.

While sales representatives may claim that certain products may be harmless for pets, they may be unfamiliar with the material or simply trying to make a sale. Avoid buying from stores where a rep directs you to a product that isn’t marked as being safe for pets.

You should stay away from large retailers that may inflate their prices throughout the winter season. Lastly, it’s a good idea to stay local with your purchases as this will keep your costs as low and reasonable as possible.

Ready to Purchase Pet Friendly Rock Salt?

If you’re ready to purchase pet friendly rock salt, Braen Supply is the place to go. We carry Safer-Than-Salt Breeder’s Preferred – the most trusted name in pet friendly ice melting materials.

Our professional staff are happy to work with you to calculate how much rock salt to purchase or to address any of your questions or concerns. We offer competitive pricing on our pet friendly products.

You can purchase your rock salt by the bag, pallet, or truckload. Bulk deliveries can be made to areas throughout NJ, NY, PA and CT. Call us today to learn more!

10 Questions You Should Ask Before Buying Bulk Rock Salt

Winter is almost here, and that means that it’s time to start thinking about stocking up on rock salt. While you may realize that ice melt is a staple throughout the colder months of the year, there may be some things that you don’t know about purchasing and using rock salt.

After all, there are a number of different products on the market, each with their own unique capabilities and advantages.

Which is best suited for your climate, property and individual needs? Where should you go to find this ice melt?

Fortunately, finding the answers isn’t as overwhelming as it may initially seem. Here are ten simple questions to ask yourself in order to narrow down your options and purchase the very best rock salt at the fairest prices.

1. How much precipitation is my area likely to get?

Purchasing bulk rock salt and other ice melting materials has a great deal to do with the amount of precipitation that your area can expect during the winter.

Here in NJ and throughout all of the northeastern states it’s not uncommon to see months filled with sleet and snowfall that has the potential to form ice nearly everywhere.

Be aware, too, that this year is an El Nino winter which means that we may see even higher volumes of precipitation than normal.

2. How cold does my area get?

The temperature of your area is another major factor in figuring out how much rock salt to purchase, as well as which type to buy. Certain types of rock salt are formulated to work effectively in much colder temperatures than others.

For example, while Ice Patrol brand ice melt is designed to work in temperatures down to 5 degrees Fahrenheit, deicers that contain calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) may work in temperatures as low as -25 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. How much rock salt will I need for my coverage area?

It’s important to have a good understanding of how much rock salt will be required to cover your property’s surfaces. You’ll need to measure your various coverage areas, such as driveways, sidewalks and parking lots. Multiplying the length by the width of these spaces will tell you how many square feet need to be covered.

Next, take a look at the rock salt that you are thinking about buying. The bag should specify how many pounds of the material should be applied per square foot. Multiply this number by the total square feet of your coverage area to figure out how many pounds you’ll require per snowfall.

4. Will my children be safe?

Because children love to play out in the snow, it’s important that the ice melting materials we use are safe around little ones. If this is a concern for you, be sure to look for a brand that has been formulated to be used around kids.

Safer-Than-Salt Commercial Formula is a product that is less toxic and harmful to children. In addition, its crystals are colored so that it’s easy to spot the areas where the product has been applied.

5. Will my pets be safe?

People with pets will often worry about the safety of their pets when exposed to rock salt and other ice melting materials. Some deicers can get stuck in the pads of a dog or cat’s paws, which can later lead to chemical irritation and burning, as well as accidental ingestion and illness.

To protect your furry friends, we recommend that you look for a product like Safer-Than-Salt Breeder’s Preferred which is designed with pet safety in mind.

6. Is vegetation a concern for me?

Certain types of rock salt have been known to negatively impact the health of grass, trees, shrubs and other vegetation. If you’ve got plants that you work hard to care for and want to preserve – even throughout the winter months – you might want to pick up a bag of EnvironMelt.

Not only does this type of rock salt work well with vegetation, but it also causes far less corrosion to concrete and wood than other ice melting products on the market.

7. How much does rock salt cost?

Rock salt prices tend to vary based upon the specific capabilities of the brand being purchased, its chemical makeup, and the quantity required. You’ll find that in nearly all cases, bulk quantities of rock salt are far less expensive than purchasing by the individual bag. This is why it’s such a good idea to calculate out your seasonal needs in advance and purchase your materials up front, all at once.

8. Where should I go to buy rock salt?

Finding the right bulk rock salt supplier can make or break your efforts to purchase all of your materials on a low and reasonable budget. It’s typically in your best interest to seek out a local supplier that carries a large inventory of materials for you to choose from.

Look for a company that offers fair and competitive prices on its products and offers deals for purchasing in bulk. Your supplier should also employ workers that have the ability to direct you to the right product for your needs – not just the most expensive one.

9. Can my rock salt order be delivered?

If you’re one of the many people that find that you would benefit from purchasing a bulk quantity of rock salt, you’ll need to have a means of transporting your order of materials from the supplier back to your location.

In many cases, this means hiring a delivery service to take care of the job for you. It’s wise, therefore, to look for a supplier that not only sells the materials that you need, but also is willing and able to get the goods from Point A to Point B. This is the most reliable and affordable means of having your rock salt delivered.

10. Do I have the ability to store rock salt?

Once you’ve ordered your bulk rock salt and have had it delivered, you need to have a means of storing it until the time comes when the material actually needs to be used.

In addition to having a large enough area to keep the materials, you need to make sure that your rock salt will always be sealed and kept up off of floors and away from areas where it may come into contact with moisture.

In addition to this, you should keep in mind that rock salt can become clumped and ineffective when stored in too cold an area, so be sure to keep storage temps above freezing.

Contact Expert Rock Salt Suppliers

After carefully answering these questions, you should find that it’s a lot easier to select the ideal rock salt for your unique needs. Do you still have concerns about which material is right for you? Don’t hesitate to reach out to the experts here at Braen Supply.

Our professionals able to provide you with valuable product insights and seasonal advice to help you make the best decisions possible. Our rock salt is available at competitive prices and can be purchased by the bag, pallet or truckload, depending on the material desired. Ask about bulk delivery services throughout NJ, NY, PA and CT.