The Benefits of a Stone Age Fireplace Kit

Stone Age Fireplace Kit For many people, the outdoor living season only lasts as long as the late spring and summertime weather holds up. For those that own an outdoor fireplace, though, it’s a whole different story.

These beautiful pieces not only improve the overall look of your home’s landscape, but also create a unique place to host gatherings with family and friends. They also allow you to stay comfortable outside when the temperatures start to drop.

It’s for these and many other reasons that outdoor fireplaces have become so popular in recent years.

While there are numerous options available on the market, many contractors and homeowners prefer to select a Stone Age fireplace kit.

Take a look at the highlights of some of the many benefits that a Stone Age fireplace kit has to offer:

Ease of Installation

Each and every Stone Age fireplace kit is specifically engineered to promote a fast and easy installation. After specifying your order, your fireplace kit will come ready to assemble with detailed instructions. This makes it possible for your new outdoor fireplace to be constructed quickly.

For those who choose to hire a contractor, the job can be completed in as little as 2-6 hours. Seasoned do-it-yourselfers may opt to handle the project on their own. Depending on your skill level, you may complete the work within 2-3 days. In either case, minimal tools are required to handle the installation.

Variety of Sizes and Styles

One of the things that customers love most about Stone Age fireplaces is that they offer a variety of different options in terms of size and style. Depending on the size of the installation space, a homeowner might require a unit of either 24″, 36″, or 48″ size designations.

You’ll also have the choice of a Stone Age fireplace kit with a flat top or with an arched top based on your aesthetic preferences. For a more elegant and unique look, you may opt for a 36″ fireplace unit that is completely see-through.

Customizable Appearance

The majority of homeowners who are planning to install an outdoor fireplace have already established a landscape and outdoor living space design that they love. Because of this, they want to find a fireplace unit that will match and compliment their current style, while still bringing something special and new to the table.

This is very easy to handle because the exterior of each Stone Age fireplace kit is designed to be outfitted with a number of different types of thin or full stone veneers, fabricated stone, brick, stucco, and other types of concrete adherents. No matter what type of look you’re going for, you’ll be able to achieve it.

Versatility

A fireplace can have many uses. Although it’s wonderful to be able to sit around the warm, crackling fire with your friends and family, you may also want to have the ability to utilize your Stone Age fireplace for other purposes.

The good news is that these units are very versatile, as Stone Age Manufacturing offers a full line of accessories. You can look into purchasing cooking implements and cooking grates so that you can fire up something delicious and an attractive chimney cap will help to protect your food from debris or curious critters.

Durability

After investing in your Stone Age fireplace kit, you want to be able to enjoy the peace of mind that you’ll be able to make use of it for warmth, entertaining, and cooking in the many years ahead. Stone Age Manufacturing takes a great deal of pride in engineering high quality fireplace kits that are designed to endure the elements and years of use without needing repairs. Best of all, these beautiful and functional outdoor fireplaces require very little maintenance while still remaining highly durable.

If you’ve been giving any thought to installing an outdoor fireplace as a means of improving your property, you’ll definitely want to consider going with a Stone Age fireplace kit.

For more information, or to discuss which options would be best for your specific needs and desires, be sure to get in touch with one of our experts today.

Where Can I Buy a Stone Age Fireplace?

Buy Stone Age Fireplace Is this the year that you’ve finally decided to take the plunge and install an outdoor fireplace? These architecturally beautiful and highly practical units have become extremely popular with homeowners because of all that they have to offer.

If you’ve been doing your research, you’ve probably come across information about the Stone Age fireplace brand.

These particular outdoor fireplace kits are creating a lot of buzz right now and many people are looking for more information on why they should purchase these units and where they are available.

Fortunately, we have all the answers that you need. Take a look at all that a Stone Age fireplace can offer you, and where to go to get the best deal on your own.

Why Should I Choose a Stone Age Fireplace?

There are a number of different types of fireplace kits on the market, but Stone Age fireplaces have made a name for themselves because of the many advantages that they offer to homeowners.

For starters, these kits come pre-packaged with basic instructions and are fast and easy to install. It’s even possible for you to turn its construction into a do-it-yourself project.

In addition, people appreciate the fact that they can customize the look of their Stone Age fireplace to fit their personal style and needs. Several different sizing options are available, including 24″, 36″, and 48″. You’ll be able to decide if you’d like a fireplace with an arched top or flat top, or if you’d like a transparent, see-through unit.

The finish of the fireplace will also need to be matched up with your unique personal tastes. Fortunately, Stone Age fireplaces are designed to allow for the use of nearly any concrete adherent material, including thin and full stone veneers, fabricated stone, brick, stucco and more.

What Should I Look for in a Stone Age Fireplace Vendor?

In order for you to get the most out of your new outdoor fireplace, you’ll need to select the right vendor. Although these particular fireplace kits are engineered by Stone Age Manufacturing, they can not be purchased directly from the manufacturer. You’ll need a vendor that is:

A Certified Dealer – Stone Age Manufacturing works through a dealer network. If you want to make sure that you’re getting a genuine Stone Age fireplace at a fair price, you’ll need to first verify that the vendor you’re considering is certified to sell these types of fireplace kits. Without this validation, you could end up purchasing a knock-off fireplace kit that is not safety certified or as durable as the real thing, or you could end up purchasing from an illegitimate vendor who is re-selling kits for more than they are worth.
Knowledgeable – Because there are so many size, style, and exterior finish options for Stone Age fireplaces, it’s smart to seek out a vendor that’s very familiar with the products and can provide you with valuable advice and input. You should be able to have a dialogue with your supplier about which options will best suit your needs and any considerations that you might need to make prior to installation.
Well-Connected – For those homeowners who don’t feel confident in their own ability to install a Stone Age fireplace kit, you’ll need a reliable contractor to assist you. Finding a contractor on your own can be a bit of a challenge, but if you can find a well-connected vendor, they will be able to point you in the right direction and recommend a reliable and competent contracting company.
Honest & Fair – It’s very important that you take the time to find a vendor that you can trust to offer fair and competitive pricing on your fireplace kit.

Where Can I Buy a Stone Age Fireplace in NJ?

If you’re wondering where you can find a Stone Age fireplace vendor in your local area, you’ve come to the right place. Braen Supply is an industry leader in landscaping and masonry products throughout the Tri-State area. We’re a registered dealer with Stone Age Manufacturing and are extremely familiar with all of the different types of fireplace kits on offer.

Our expert staff is knowledgeable and passionate about helping customers like yourself to install the outdoor fireplace of their dreams. We’re ready and able to answer any questions that you may have about purchasing one of your own, and after more than a decade of working in the business, we can set you up with an excellent contractor to help you with the installation, if need be.

Buying a Stone Age Fireplace Kit

Buying a Stone Age Fireplace Kit Offering a sense of warmth and invitation, fireplaces have a tendency to draw people in as a primary gathering place for get-togethers with family and friends.

Although many people enjoy the appeal of an indoor fireplace, it has become popular for homeowners to express interest in the installation of an outdoor unit. After all, what’s cozier and more appealing than a crackling fire after the sun goes down?

With an outdoor fireplace, you don’t have to head out to a campground to enjoy this comforting effect – you can bring it right to your own backyard.

A Stone Age fireplace kit makes it even easier for you to take advantage of the benefits that outdoor units have to offer.

The Benefits of an Outdoor Fireplace

Outdoor living gets taken to a whole new level with the installation of an outdoor fireplace. The beautiful appearance of the unit on your patio or other area of your property makes a significant difference on its own.

These spectacular fireplace are very visually impressive and create a unique focal point for your outdoor gathering areas. This will not only increase the value that you get from your home, but will also increase your property value.

Having the ability to light a fire outdoors will also extend the use that you get out of your outdoor living space. Even after the sun goes down, you’ll have the ability to take advantage of a well-lit area so that your gatherings with family and friends can continue well into the night.

While other homeowners will need to head indoors earlier into the fall season, those with an outdoor fireplace can continue to spend time in the fresh air as the seasons change with the warmth of the fire to keep them comfortable.

Finally, an outdoor fireplace can help you and your loved ones to create lasting and special memories. While gathered around this spot, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to trade stories and jokes, and even to roast marshmallows and construct s’mores. Your outdoor fireplace will quickly become your favorite part of your yard.

Why Choose a Stone Age Fireplace Kit?

So why should you be interested in purchasing and installing a Stone Age fireplace kit? What makes these units stand apart from the crowd? Stone Age Manufacturing is known far and wide for its high quality materials and engineering.

The company takes pride in putting together superior outdoor living products so that homeowners can enjoy them for many years without being required to spend much of their valuable time on maintenance.

Stone Age fireplaces provide homeowners with plenty of options. When purchasing a fireplace kit engineered by Stone Age Manufacturing, you’ll be able to select from three different sizes: 24″, 26″ and 48″.

You can also make the decision to go with a customized straight top or arched opening. Regardless of whether you prefer gas logs or a more traditional wood burning method, you’ll have your needs and wants fulfilled.

Last but not least, the appearance of your fireplace can be customized to match the rest of your landscape and hardscape.

Many homeowners worry that a fireplace kit will look “off” or not fit their style. In the case of a Stone Age fireplace kit, though, you can select from a wide range of veneers, stones, bricks, and other materials to ensure that your outdoor fireplace has a look that you’ll love.

Where to Buy a Stone Age Fireplace Kit in NJ

Because Stone Age Manufacturing works through a dealer network, you can’t just pick up your Stone Age fireplace kit anywhere. Fortunately, there’s an authorized dealer right in your backyard.

Braen Supply has worked extensively with Stone Age Manufacturing, which means that we’re very familiar with the fireplace kits that they sell. As a result, we’re able to walk our customers through the process of deciding which particular option will be the best fit for their specific wants and needs.

Although each Stone Age fireplace kit is designed for an easy installation, some homeowners feel more comfortable having the unit installed by a professional contractor. After years in the business, our team at Braen Supply has developed relationships with a number of contractors, allowing us to connect you with the very best.

We also offer low, competitive pricing on fireplace kits and other products available from Stone Age Manufacturing so that you can get the most value from your new outdoor fireplace. Our Stone Age fireplace kits are available for pickup or bulk delivery throughout NJ, NY, PA, and CT.

Five Reasons You Need to Find Rock Salt for Sale in the Fall

Rock Salt for Sale Fall is upon us and winter is just around the corner – have you started making your preparations? Even if you’re not quite ready to pack away your warm weather clothes in favor of sweaters and earmuffs, it’s never too early to start getting ready for the season ahead.

You may believe that you have all the time in the world to purchase the seasonal items that you need to care for your home and property throughout the cold winter months, but if you put it off, you may regret it down the line. After all, the early bird gets the worm – especially when it comes to finding rock salt for sale.

Rock salt is a necessity for all homeowners who live in areas prone to freezing temperatures, and it’s important that you have access to the material when you need it.

We’ve been assisting homeowners and businesses with their rock salt and winter weather needs for more than a decade and we’ve developed several tips to help you survive the rock salt rush. Here are 5 reasons we believe demonstrate why you should start looking for rock salt for sale sooner rather than later.

1. Avoid the Winter Storm Rush

We’ve all seen it on the news: the local weatherman reports an impending winter storm, and suddenly the whole city has rushed out to stock up on food, water and supplies like rock salt in order to survive the snowy and icy weather. Getting caught in this sort of mess is never fun, and it’s certainly not in your best interest.

Waiting until the last minute rush can force you to endure dangerous winter driving conditions and can create a great deal of stress as store after store begins to sell out of rock salt and other ice melting products. By taking the time to purchase rock salt for sale before the crowds converge upon the stores, you’ll be able to weather the storm from the safety and comfort of your own home.

2. Steer Clear of Price Markups

The greater the demand is for rock salt for sale, the more expensive the product will actually be. Purchasing de-icing products pre-season may result in a lower price than you would pay after the weather begins to turn cold. In addition to this, you’ll find that once temperatures start to drop, so will your local retailer’s inventory of rock salt.

As the bags fly off the shelves, stores will be forced to order more supplies in order to keep up with the demand. When every store in the area is doing this all at once, orders may be backed up, and prices may be increased. Buying in advance will ensure that you don’t have to worry about supply-and-demand fluctuations.

3. Beat Municipalities and Businesses to the Punch

Guess who’s buying the most rock salt in your area? Cities and counties have a responsibility to their citizens to plow the roads and spread rock salt as a means of keeping them free and clear of ice. Businesses and organizations like schools and churches also require a great deal of the product in order to prevent ice from forming on parking lots, drives and walkways.

Because these entities require such a bulk amount of rock salt, they may end up buying out your local retailers – especially if the winter drags out and they run low on their reserve supplies. Purchase your rock salt before it’s already spoken for.

4. Survive the Rock Salt Shortage

The length and severity of the weather last winter resulted in an rock salt shortage. As homeowners, municipalities, businesses, and other organizations throughout the nation were in constant need of the material, suppliers were unable to keep up with the demand.

This made it extremely difficult for people to find ice melting products, and when they did, they were quite expensive. In order to prepare for the continued rock salt shortage, it’s in your best interest to be prepared with your own stockpile of rock salt.

5. Never Be Forced to Skimp

One of the consequences of not having enough rock salt during a shortage is that you may not have enough to get you through the rest of the winter. As a result, some homeowners result to rationing their rock salt to the point where they skip over patches of driveways, or decide not to salt front walkways. This can lead to dangerous conditions and injuries. When you have an ample supply, you can apply the proper amount and ensure your safety.

Finding Rock Salt for Sale

When it comes to stocking up on winter supplies, it’s never too early to get started. There may be no sure-fire way of telling what this upcoming winter has in store for us, but it’s best to be prepared now rather than scrambling later. By taking the time to purchase rock salt for sale in the fall, you can rest assured that you, your family and your property will be well taken care of throughout the upcoming winter season.

Photo courtesy of Highway Agency – Winter Operations 2 via Flickr.

Will There Be a Rock Salt Shortage in 2015?

Rock Salt Shortage 2015 As a relatively moderate summer comes to a close, people from all across the United States are wondering what this winter has in store. Although we’re still months away, a number of sources have already begun to make predictions about the likelihood of certain weather patterns throughout the 2014-2015 season.

For the most part, experts are in agreement – the majority of the U.S. (and especially regions throughout the Northeast and Midwest) will experience colder-than-average temperatures and above-average precipitation.

Those who remember the rock salt shortage in early 2014 may be worried that a similar shortage will occur again this winter. If you’re concerned about running out of rock salt and other materials when you need them most, we recommend reviewing the factors that are causing the 2015 rock salt shortage, and how to avoid being caught in a bind.

What Causes a Rock Salt Shortage?

A rock salt shortage can occur as the result of a number of different factors, but one of the leading causes has to do with unexpected weather patterns. When a major winter storm is predicted, homeowners tend to rush out to local stores in order to stock up on rock salt. When this happens, store inventories are quickly depleted. This, however, is only a temporary problem.

The real issues begins when frigid weather continues to drag out much longer than is typical for a region. In these cases, both individual homeowners and large organizations (ie: cities, counties, schools, churches and businesses) may require more rock salt than they had originally anticipated.

The consistent, ongoing need to purchase more and more rock salt across numerous counties and states can make it difficult for suppliers to keep up with the orders that local supplier place. This results in either a drastic spike in the prices of rock salt, or worse yet, empty shelves.

How Can I Prepare for the Rock Salt Shortage?

Preparing for the rock salt shortage in late 2014 and early 2015 requires only a little time and effort on your part. Here are a few tips for surviving this winter regardless of whether or not there is a rock salt shortage:

Buy Early – The most obvious way to avoid the stress associated with a shortage of rock salt and other ice melting products is to stock up in advance. Instead of waiting until the weather forecast calls for precipitation and freezing conditions, anticipate your need ahead of time and purchase several bags of rock salt while the weather is still nice. Not only will this ensure that you won’t have to deal with retailers that have run out of their inventory of rock salt, but you won’t be forced to drive in dangerous conditions to purchase it either. As a bonus, when the material has less of a demand due to fair weather, you may find that rock salt prices are actually lower than they would be in the middle of the winter.
Store Properly – In order for rock salt to be effective and ready for use at a moment’s notice, you need to ensure that you store it in a place where it will remain clean and dry. You might consider storing bags of rocks salt inside of an unused trash can, or inside of plastic bins with a sealable lid. Keep in mind that rock salt will tend to clump into a solid mass at temperatures below 20 degrees or if it is in a moist area, so if the temperature inside of your garage or shed frequently dips below that point or tends to be humid, you might want to keep the material in your home’s basement or a storage closet.
Develop Supplier Relationships – It’s always in your best interest to have a good relationship with the supplier that sells you your landscaping materials. When you’re able to trust your supply company, you can ask for valuable advice on matters pertaining to what type of rock salt you should purchase and how much you’ll need to survive the winter. When you know your supplier, you’ll also be able to discuss when new shipments of rock salt may come in should you need to purchase more material later in the winter season.

Avoiding the Rock Salt Shortage

It may be impossible to fully predict the future, but weather experts seem to agree that there’s a good chance that we could be in for another harsh winter. Don’t put your seasonal shopping on the back burner. By planning ahead and purchasing quality rock salt from a trustworthy supplier in advance, you’ll be prepared for whatever Old Man Winter has in store for us in 2014-2015.

Photo courtesy of InsideEdition.

Where are the Best Places to Buy Rock Salt?

Buy Rock Salt It may be hard to believe, but the colder months of the year are just around the corner and it’s time to start getting prepared.

For homeowners who live in areas that are prone to freezing conditions, having a supply of rock salt on hand is an absolute must.

By working to lower the freezing point of water, rock salt is able to effectively melt existing ice on surfaces like driveways, front sidewalks, front porches, etc. and prevent slippery patches from forming in the future.

This is not only important for creating safer conditions for foot and vehicular traffic, but also for protecting your concrete surfaces against damage.

But while you may know that you need this valuable ice-melting material, do you actually know where to buy rock salt? While de-icers are available from numerous sources, you should do your research before rushing off to just any supplier. In order to help you make the most educated decision, our rock salt experts have compiled this guide on buying rock salt.

Buying Rock Salt From Big Box Retailers

If you ask other home or business owners where to buy rock salt, chances are that quite a few of them will say that they purchase it at a chain home improvement store like Home Depot or Lowes.

Because these are household names, a large number of people make the mistake of believing that this is the best source for seasonal products like rock salt and other snow/ice removal tools.

Although you will almost certainly find rock salt products at stores like these, there are a few reasons why you should think twice before purchasing from them.

First, despite the size of the stores themselves, big box retailers tend to carry a smaller variety of rock salt brands and types. Instead, they mass order a few varieties and then sell them for a marked-up price.

You’ll also find that the employees may not be as familiar with the products as you would like, and are thus unable to answer your questions. Because so many people buy from major retailers, supplies are more likely to run out than elsewhere and you won’t be able to count on bulk delivery services.

Snow Removal/De-Icing Services

Some businesses and homeowners choose to hire a professional service for snow removal throughout the winter. De-icing is often included in these types of packages.While this may seem like a convenient option, as you won’t be required to purchase, transport, or apply the rock salt on your own, these services may not be in your best interest.

Because the service company will have control over what type of rock salt or other de-icing product is being utilized, you won’t have any say about the use of a material that meets your concerns for environmental or children and animal safety.

If you choose to use one of these services we recommend speaking with them about their rock salt choices and options to ensure they match your goals.

Buying Rock Salt Online

These days, it’s possible to buy just about anything on the Internet – including some brands of rock salt. Even so, we wouldn’t recommend it.

Although the initial price may seem lower than elsewhere, you’ll end up paying just as much (if not more) on shipping, and in the event that the delivery is held up, you may not have the material in your moment of need.

Buying Rock Salt from Local Suppliers

When thinking about where to buy rock salt, a local supplier is your best option. Instead of bulk ordering one or two varieties of ice melting materials, these stores will offer their customers a variety of options so that their specific needs can be met.

Those employed by more “tight knit” suppliers tend to have more industry knowledge, and are passionate about helping buyers to find the right product. Prices can be kept as low as possible, and the money that you do spend on your rock salt will be fed back into your local economy.

Where to Buy Rock Salt

Although the final decision on where to buy rock salt rests upon you, it’s certainly in your best interest to carefully weigh your options before making your purchase.

While a chain store may be your first thought when going out to buy the product, you’ll likely find more options and better value at a local retailer that you can count on for quality service and advice.

For NJ residents, Braen Supply is ready and able to meet your every need this winter. Whether you need standard rock salt, an environmentally friendly material, or an ice melter that’s safe for pets and kids, we’ll make sure that you walk away with the perfect product for you on a budget you can afford.

Our rock salt is available for pick up at 2 convenient NJ locations. Talk to one of our professionals about bulk delivery services across all of NJ, NY, PA and CT.

Photo courtesy of NCDOT.

The Best Pet Friendly Rock Salt

The Best Pet Friendly Rock Salt During the winter months when temperatures drop below freezing, ice can form on sidewalks, driveways, front steps and other surfaces, creating dangerous conditions for foot and vehicular traffic. In order to remedy these problems, many homeowners utilize rock salt or other ice melting products.

But while you may be protecting yourself and your loved ones by spreading rock salt, you could actually be endangering your pets. In order to keep every member of your family safe this winter season, it’s important that you learn about the possible harmful effects of rock salt on pets, and how to choose a pet friendly rock salt.

Dangers of Rock Salt on Pets

The materials and chemicals utilized in most ice melting products can cause serious problems for dogs and outdoor cats who are exposed to rock salt. Whether you’re letting your pet out to go the bathroom or are taking them for a walk, bits of rock salt and calcium chloride can easily become trapped in between the pads of his paws.

When this happens, the pet may experience severe dermatitis, inflammation of the paws, irritation and pain. If the animal has a high sensitivity to these products they can even develop infections and other dangerous health conditions.

Finally, consider the fact that many rock salt products can heat up to as high as 175 degrees when removed from the cold. Should your furry friend track that material indoors on his or her paws, it could result in burns to the paws and skin – and these are only exterior problems.

Dogs, cats and even wildlife that are exposed to rock salt will have the natural instinct to lick their paws should they entrap bits of rock salt or become irritated. When the rock salt is ingested, it can lead to burns of the mouth, gastrointestinal issues, digestive problems, vomiting and even death in cases where enough of the material is consumed. Because you don’t want to bring harm to your pet, you’ll need to take measures to find an effective but pet friendly ice melt this year.

Choosing a Pet Friendly Ice Melt

When looking for a pet friendly ice melt, you don’t want to compromise safety for quality and vice-versa. Here’s what you should look for in an ice melting product that’s safe for you and your animals:

Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA) – Calcium Magnesium Acetate is composed of dolomitic lime and acetic acid. In pet friendly ice melt brands like Safer Than Salt – Breeders Preferred, Safer Than Salt – Commercial and Environmelt, CMA is used as a coating for the ice melt in order to protect the paws of pets and other animals. As an added bonus, CMA is biodegradable and environmentally friendly so that you can reduce your carbon footprint while preventing ice from forming around your property.
Melting Capabilities – In addition to being safe for your pet, you need your ice melt to actually work effectively. Safer Than Salt – Breeder’s Preferred, Safer Than Salt – Commercial and Environmelt is specifically engineered with a fast-acting formula so that it quickly begins to melt any existing ice and prevent any further freezing. It should be noted that this ice melt works best at temperatures at or above 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but can be effective at temperatures as low as -25 degrees Fahrenheit.
Coloration – Many ice melt products that are designed to be safe for pets are colored to make the de-icing material distinct from others. Because the material stands out when it is colorized, it’s easier to see if your pet is consuming ice or salt that has been contaminated with ice melting products. It will also be easier for you to see if any pellets have become attached to your pet’s fur or paws so that you can remove them prior to ingestion. Finally, you’ll be able to see how much ice melt has been spread across your driveway or other surfaces to avoid overuse.

Where to Buy Pet Friendly Ice Melt

Braen Supply is proud to offer Safer Than Salt – Breeder’s Preferred, Safer Than Salt – Commercial and Environmelt to its animal loving customers. Because we’re concerned about the safety of your pets, we offer wholesale pricing on jugs, cases, and pallets of pet friendly ice melt for pickup or bulk delivery.

If you ever have any questions about the right ice melt for you and your pets, don’t hesitate to reach out to our rock salt team.

Why You Shouldn’t Buy Rock Salt From Lowes and Home Depot

Buying Rock Salt From Lowes or Home Depot Although it’s unfortunate, many home and business owners wait until after the weather turns inclement to start thinking about purchasing rock salt and ice melt. As a result, these individuals are forced to make a last-minute dash to a big box landscaping and home improvement store like Lowes or Home Depot in order to pick up some rock salt before the weather turns extremely bad.

What these individuals fail to realize is that this is not at all in their best interest. By limiting your options to the small inventory of rock salt from Lowes, for example, you could end up with an inferior product, an ice melt that doesn’t meet your specific needs, or overspending.

The smartest property owners plan ahead and purchase from a business like Braen Supply that can offer a wide range of ice melting products for low, wholesale prices.

We’ve decided to dive into some of the problems associated with buying rock salt from Lowes and Home Depot, and how to make a better decision as you purchase your ice melt this winter.

The Problems With Buying Rock Salt from Lowes & Home Depot

Because chain retailers like Lowes and Home Depot have become household names throughout the nation, many people have come to believe that they are the best sources for their landscaping and home improvement needs.

Upon further inspection, though, it’s obvious that there are some flaws associated with these stores. Some of the larger problems you might experience when buying rock salt from Lowes or Home Depot include:

Minimal Options – In many cases, you’ll find that the larger retail stores may have a large quantity of rock salt to sell, but that the various types of available products are actually quite limited. These stores focus on a few of the leading brands instead of offering customers the option of different brands and product functions.
Lack of Knowledge – Because nationwide chain stores are so large, they often require a large staff. In order to keep labor costs down, you’ll notice that many of these retailers employ people who aren’t very familiar with the products that they’re selling. This means that, should you have a question about the ice melting product that you’re planning to purchase, you may receive incorrect information about the material, or you may not be able to get any information or answers at all.
Higher Prices – Because so many people count on chain stores for rock salt, these stores generally have higher prices than other places.
Increased Likelihood of Shortages – Due to the fact that a number of home and business owners depend on major retailers like Lowes and Home Depot, these stores often see a spike in business whenever the temperatures start to drop. Because so many people are rushing out to purchase rock salt at the same time, these big box retailers are more likely to sell out of ice melting products before smaller, local suppliers. As a result, you may not be able to purchase rock salt in your moment of need.
No Delivery Services – For the most part, you’ll find that when you buy rock salt from Lowes or Home Depot, you won’t be able to request a delivery service to your location. The majority of big box stores don’t offer this type of service. This means that if your property requires a bulk order of ice melting materials, you’ll either need to hire a third party service to transport it from the store to you, or hire a truck to do so on your own. Either way is expensive and inconvenient.

Finding a Better Place to Buy Rock Salt

Fortunately, home and business owners have a better option than giving their business to big box retailers when purchasing rock salt and ice melt. Local suppliers like Braen Supply are focused on and passionate about the industry, and are therefore the most qualified to help customers make a decision about which type of rock salt or ice melt will best suit their needs.

Braen Supply allows consumers to pick up their own rock salt at two NJ locations, or can bulk deliver products throughout NJ, NY, PA and CT. Best of all, when you decide to buy locally, you’re supporting your own regional economy.

Next time you think about picking up rock salt from Lowes or Home Depot, reconsider. Buying from a local store like Braen Supply will offer you a host of benefits that will pay you back tenfold.

Photo courtesy of BU Interactive News.

Where Can I Find Drainage Solutions in NJ?

Drainage Solutions in NJ Although most homeowners are concerned with properly irrigating their lawns, too many fail to give much consideration to a drainage system until it becomes a problem. After periods of heavy rainfall, you may notice that your property becomes saturated and flooded with water – either in its entirety or in specific areas.

In either case, poor drainage can lead to a host of problems, ranging from damage to your homes’ foundation to drowned plants and erosion issues. You may even run into trouble with the city if your home contributes to excessive storm water runoff.

In order to avoid the stress and expense of dealing with such problems, it’s in your best interest to seek out reliable drainage solutions in NJ.

We’ve been in the industry for more than a decade and we’ve seen the things that work and don’t work. We’re here to provide you with information about the various types of drainage issues and solutions that are available, and where to go to get started.

Installing a Drainage System

Regardless of the type of drainage system that you choose for your property, you should contact an experienced storm water management expert. Be sure to to speak with an expert to discuss the necessary steps, tools, and procedures and to obtain their advice and input.

Where to Purchase Your Drainage System

When looking for drainage solutions in NJ, it’s important that you work with a supplier who has a vested interest in you and your landscape.

Your supply company should have the knowledge and experience required to evaluate your current situation and provide you with the information that you need about the types of drainage systems that can remedy your problems.

The supplier you choose should also have a variety of different types of drainage solutions for you to choose from, offering a customized fix for your lawn.

At Braen Supply, we’re passionate about helping our customers improve their landscapes and to protect their property from any damages associated with excessive water retention.

We’re well known for being one of the largest suppliers of drainage solutions in NJ, and we can help you make a decision about which system is the right fit for your specific needs.

After decades in the industry, we are also familiar with numerous installation experts who can accurately handle the process on your behalf.

Aglime: When and How Should I Apply It?

Agriculturists from as far back as the Roman Empire recognized that finely ground lime actually had the effect of improving their crops. What they may not have realized, though, is why this is the case.

Today we know that after years of tilling, crop growth, and exposure to rain, soil can become acidic in nature, and depleted of its nutrients. Aglime helps to counteract these problems.

As it dissolves, the material helps to raise the pH of soil back to normal levels, and it introduces important plant nutrients back into the earth.

While many people are aware of the positive effects of aglime, we often receive questions about this particular material. Growers are confused about when the best time to introduce agricultural lime into their fields actually is. After all, how long will it take for the material to start working?

Individuals are also eager to learn the best methods for applying agricultural lime. Fortunately, after decades of experience in the industry, we’ve got the answers that you’re looking for. We’ll cover the basics of applying aglime so that you and your crops can see the largest benefit.

When to Apply Aglime

In order for you to get the full benefit of agricultural lime, you first need to know when it’s best to apply it to your soil. Lime tends to dissolve quite slowly and requires water to do so. As a result, it will typically take as long as a year for a significant response to be measured (although a response can be observed and detected within weeks in cases where the soil is extremely acidic).

Keeping that in mind, it’s in your best interest to apply aglime immediately following the growing season and crop removal. This will allow ample time for the lime to react and create balance in the soil’s pH levels before the next growing season arrives.

After the initial application, you should be aware of how much time should pass before you introduce agricultural lime into your soil once again. Soil that has a low CEC level won’t need a lot of lime in order to raise the soil’s pH but may need more frequent applications.

Conversely, soil with a higher CEC level will need to have a large amount of aglime introduced to it initially, but may benefit from the application for as many as 2 years. Keep in mind, too that the amount of tillage will impact liming frequency. Fields with frequent till passes will cause the lime to be continuously spread and benefit the soil, whereas low or no-till fields may need to apply small amounts lime more frequently in order to maintain pH levels.

How to Apply Aglime

First, you need to consider the fact that there are different types of liming materials. As a rule, the agricultural lime that has a higher calcium carbonate equivalent (CCE) will neutralize soil acidity more quickly. Additionally, the coarseness of the material makes a difference. The finer the liming material, the faster the reactivity.

Whenever possible, aglime should be tilled into the soil. This allows for a larger portion of its surface area to be exposed into the soil, resulting in faster reactivity. In circumstances when areas like a perennial pasture must be treated, you may require a surface treatment. Stick with the method of applying less agricultural lime more frequently.

Remember, different crops require different amounts of aglime. For wheat and bermudagrass, the soil pH must be raised above 5.5, so a half ton (25% of the soil test deficiency amount needed to bring the soil up to a pH of 6.8) is ideal. In the case of legumes, soil pH must be brought up to 6.8.

For surface liming, up to 2.5 tons can be applied per acre per year, with up to 4 tons for tilled soil. If you’re unsure of how much agricultural lime to utilize, talk to a local professional.

Buying Aglime

Every farmer, gardener, or grower should have the ability to take advantage of all that aglime has to offer. At Braen Stone, we take pride in our ability to work with our customers and to answer any questions that they may have about the material.

We produce aglime from our own limestone quarry in NJ, so we’re familiar with the composition and makeup of the materials that we sell, and are more than happy to keep you informed. We have a large supply of agricultural lime that’s available at wholesale prices for pickup or delivery throughout most NJ, NY and Eastern PA.