Agricultural Limestone vs. Hydrated Limestone

Here in the northeast, we’re not unfamiliar with periods of heavy rain – especially throughout the summer months.

Unfortunately, this type of weather can actually raise the acidity in our soil, creating less-than ideal growing conditions for crops, and even for residential lawns.

In order to combat these conditions, many farmers and homeowners look to agricultural limestone. Sometimes referred to as “aglime”, this valuable material is a soil additive that’s comprised of crushed, or pulverized limestone.

Due to its high composition of calcium carbonate, the material is able to neutralize the soils pH levels. When applied correctly and regularly, agricultural lime can prevent the soil from becoming too acidic, while also improving the uptake of important plant nutrients.

Understanding how agricultural lime works and what it can accomplish is the easy part. Where people find themselves confused is when they’re faced with the decision to choose between traditional aglime and hydrated (liquid) lime. Some of the most common questions we’ve seen are:

Are both materials essentially able to accomplish the same objectives?
Is one of the materials better suited for certain applications?
Which is the right solution for your particular needs?

In order to help you make the smartest and most effective choice for your soil, we’ve decided to compare agricultural limestone vs hydrated lime.

Agricultural Limestone

Agricultural lime is the most commonly utilized additive for improving the health of the soil. It is simply limestone that has been crushed down to an aggregate size. The material is worked into the soil, and reacts when introduced to water.

Pros of Agricultural Limestone

Agricultural lime has been in use as far back as ancient Roman times, and has proven time and again to be an extremely effective and efficient method for achieving balance in soil pH.

The material is easy to work with and, when thoroughly mixed into the soil, can begin to work relatively quickly. As the material dissolves, it will begin to raise the pH levels of the soil directly surrounding it. Noticeable results can be detected within a few weeks of the agricultural lime’s introduction.

Considerations of Agricultural Limestone

In order for agricultural lime to be effective over the long run, ongoing tillage and mixing is necessary. Due to the fact that limestone dissolves very slowly, it’s only able to neutralize soil acidity in the earth directly surrounding each particle of lime. Regular tillage operations allow the particles to be redistributed, thus bringing them into contact with more acidic soil. In fact, when regularly maintained, aglime is capable of continuing to raise the soil’s pH for as many as four years after the original application.

Hydrated (Liquid) Lime

Hydrated, or liquid, lime is a mix of 50% agricultural lime and 50% water. The liquid lime can then be sprayed upon the surface of the soil.

Pros of Hydrate Lime

One of the key advantages of hydrated lime is that the liquid state of the material makes it easier to provide increased uniformity of spread over the field or yard than with traditional agricultural lime. Another benefit to utilizing liquid lime is that, due to the high water content, the material is actually able to react faster, yielding quicker positive results on the soil.

Considerations of Hydrated Lime

Although hydrated lime is able to work more quickly than agricultural lime, more frequent lime applications are actually required in order to maintain the positive effects. In addition to this, liquid lime often comes with higher operational costs since both water and lime must be toted across the field.

Agricultural Limestone vs Hydrated Lime – Which is Right for You?

While it’s true that both agricultural limestone and hydrated lime both have their merits, it’s important that you carefully calculate your needs and preferences before making a final decision.

Typically, agricultural limestone is a great long-term solution, and when properly maintained, will keep your soil healthy and vibrant for years at a time. Because of the higher costs, hydrated lime may not be a practical, sustainable solution for very large fields. Instead, it can be used in conjunction with agricultural lime in order to quickly raise the pH, with the aglime providing lasting results.

Liquid lime is also great for smaller areas of land, such as residential lawns, that need a temporary boost in pH levels for improved health. In order to make your investment in lime as cost-effective as possible, you should compare the total neutralizing power/unit weight of each, as well as the cost/unit weight of each.

Be sure to talk to a local agricultural lime expert for further advice on which material is best for your purposes, and which is most economical.

After more than a century in the business, the team here at Braen Stone is equipped with the knowledge to answer all of your questions. Our team would be excited to work with you on your upcoming agricultural lime project.

Our core delivery areas for agricultural limestone include NJ, NY and Eastern PA.

Norwegian Buff Stone: Reviews and Suppliers

Norwegian Buff Stone Reviewed When you’re planning to upgrade your landscape or outdoor living area, you have many options with regards to the materials that you would like to use.

Although all types of stone come with their own set of benefits, few are as versatile or unique as Norwegian Buff Stone.

If you’ve been considering this stone for your next project, you may be looking for some helpful Norwegian Buff Stone reviews, tips and professional advice.

By spending a few moments reading up on the many advantages of this hardscaping material and where it can be purchased, you’ll feel more confident about your decision to use it.

Norwegian Buff Stone is Highly Functional

Countless Norwegian Buff Stone reviews offer the same opinion: the material is extremely durable and very useful in a wide variety of projects.

Because the stone is known to be as strong as granite, it can withstand heavy volumes of traffic. This makes it a great choice for driveways, walkways, terraces, patios and poolsides. Because the natural colors of the stone can work well with any style of decor, it will continue to look great and function beautifully in the many years to come.

Norwegian Buff Stone Offers Numerous Advantages

One of the primary reasons that Norwegian Buff Stone reviews are so favorable is that it offers a plethora of benefits to users, such as:

One-of-a-Kind Beauty – When investing in a stone for your landscaping project, it’s very important that it gives off an attractive and inviting appeal. Not only does Norwegian Buff Stone accomplish this objective, but it also enables your property to stand out. The stone features visually interesting patterns and an interplay of warm, rich colors in the gold and beige family, with some flecks of gray, orange, rust and similar hues. No two batches of the stone are the same, meaning that no one else on the block will have a landscape that looks like yours.

Heat-Resistance – The stone doesn’t retain heat, even when the sun is baring down on a hot summer’s day. Because of this, Norwegian Buff Stone is ideal for pool decks, and for patios that need to be kept cool for entertaining.

Durability – As mentioned previously, Norwegian Buff Stone is extremely strong, and it can hold its own against the forces of nature as well. During strong summer storms, wintertime blizzards and the springtime thaw, you’ll find that your landscape will remain intact, and looking as wonderful as ever.

Affordability – Not to be overlooked is the affordability of Norwegian Buff Stone. In terms of its beauty, quality and longevity, the stone is very competitively priced and is an excellent long-term investment for your landscape and outdoor spaces. The cost of the material is even lower when you are able to find a great supplier.

Finding Suppliers of Norwegian Buff Stone

In order for the material to live up to the stellar Norwegian Buff Stone reviews that have been given by satisfied users, it’s important that you purchase from a Norwegian Buff Stone supplier who offers the highest-quality stone at the best rates. By buying directly from Braen Supply, you can purchase stone that is cut to the exact dimensions that you require for your project and enjoy paying at fair, wholesale rates.

Norwegian Buff Stone can be picked up or bulk delivered throughout the Northeast.

For a landscape that you and your wallet will love, purchase Norwegian Buff Stone directly from a quality manufacturer.

What Are Some of the Best Drainage Solutions for My NJ Home?

Drainage Solutions NJ Drainage solutions are something that homeowners seldom think of, usually not until it is too late.

The recent hectic, snowy winters (along with our introduction to the polar vortex) and torrential rains in the spring can wreak havoc on your property and make it all but impossible to maintain your landscaping.

We suggest addressing these problems before you find out the limitations of your property’s drainage capabilities the hard way.

One heavier than average rainfall can leave all of your hard work under water or even worse, washed away.

There is one, more urgent drainage matter, that should be taken care of immediately. If you are getting water in your basement or crawl space, you should make it a priority to eliminate this problem right away.

Basement Flooding Issues

Many homeowners (especially in low lying areas) have encountered a flooded basement or crawl space at one time or another. There are a couple of things that a lot of these homeowners don’t realize about the water that is collecting in their homes.

First of all, even the smallest amount of water collecting in your basement can cause health issues. A damp basement promotes mildew and the growth of mold spores. Among other things, these mold spores can cause the occupants of the home to develop respiratory ailments. Over an extended period of time this can develop into very serious health problems.

If your home has a finished basement then you may already be all to familiar with some of the drawbacks of not having adequate drainage for your home.

If your finished basement takes on even the smallest amount of water, this can quickly become a big and very expensive problem.

For homeowners who are planning to remodel their basement, you should seriously take into account your home’s drainage system’s ability to keep your basement dry. Before you begin your planned project it is a good idea to consult with a qualified professional who can offer you a solution to your drainage issues.

To manage the flow of exterior water run off, your home is most likely equipped with a sump pump/pit system. This system works by utilizing a pit that is installed at the lowest level of your home (usually in your basement).

This pit is an area for excess ground water and rain water run off to collect. This is necessary because of water’s ability to “find it’s way” into the smallest cracks and crevices in your homes foundation and basement floor.

The second part of this system is the sump pump. This pump is fully automated. Once supplied with electricity, it will operate autonomously. It is also equipped with a built in float that activates the power supply when the water reaches a predetermined level in the sump pit.

Once activated, the sump pump will pump the accumulated water from the pit. Even if your basement doesn’t leak, condensation can accumulate on the interior of your foundation walls.

Some older home’s sump pits and sump pumps are constructed of brick and mortar. Over time these brick and mortar pits can deteriorate from the constant presence of water. Braen Supply has a wide range of sizes of sump pits and sump pumps available for pick up or delivery.

A simple phone consultation with one of Braen’s experts can help to determine the best sump pit/pump combination to fit your home’s drainage needs. When you call, you can also schedule a time for Braen to deliver your new drainage solution right to your home.

Landscape Irrigation

The proper drainage solution for your yard or landscaped areas begins with a landscape fabric. As the name suggests, this fabric material provides a barrier between your landscaping and the earth below. This fabric inhibits weed growth. Many people make the mistake of using plastic sheeting in place of landscape fabric. Although it will serve as a great weed barrier, it’s benefits end there. Unlike landscaping fabric, plastic does not allow water and air to pass through it and can contribute to the accumulation of water.

Landscape fabric is usually used in collaboration with other supplies offered at wholesale prices by Braen Supply to construct a variety of effective outdoor drainage solutions such as:

Retaining Walls
French Drains
Footing Drains
Curtain Drains
Septic Fields

New Jersey Drainage Solutions

Inside or out, when you decide to address the capabilities of your home’s drainage system, consulting the expert sales people at Braen supply should be your first step. With over a decade of experience dealing with the drainage problems of New Jersey homeowners, the employees of Braen are the best at what they do.

Braen Supply carries only NDS products, which are the most reliable drainage supplies available on the market today. Being one of New Jersey’s largest purveyors of drainage supplies allows Braen Supply to offer a complete line of drainage solutions at the area’s most competitive prices.

What Materials Should I Build My Retaining Wall From?

Retaining Wall Materials At first glance, it may appear that retaining walls are nothing more than simply stacked stones or blocks.

In reality, retaining walls are carefully built piece by piece as they constantly battle against the laws of gravity, working to prevent soil from sliding and eroding away from a foundation or landscape.

When used to create multiple levels or tiers in a sloped landscape, these attractive barriers can also hold flower gardens, places to sit and socialize, and increase yard space.

For these walls to be able to handle these tasks and be both functional and beautiful, the right retaining wall materials must be utilized.

The Importance of Retaining Wall Materials

The general principle behind a retaining wall is quite simple, but a quick look around your neighborhood will reveal plenty of unsightly or unsound walls that are bulging, cracked, or even leaning.

This is because many homeowners are unfamiliar with the different types of available retaining wall materials, and the considerations that go along with each. Certain materials have special drainage requirements, or cannot be constructed as high as others.

As a result, it’s extremely important that careful planning goes into the selection of the materials used before the wall is ever erected. The two most popular options are:

Concrete Blocks – Concrete blocks are popular as retaining wall materials due to affordability and versatility. Since the units are man-made, they can be manufactured in a variety of different shapes, sizes, and colors. Another perk is that the blocks usually feature an interlocking lip at the base, enabling each to be easily fitted together and held in place.
Natural Stone – Natural stone looks gorgeous when used to build retaining walls, and offer homeowners a lot of variety in terms of the types of available stone, shape, size, color, and texture. Special considerations must be made for drainage in these walls, though, and more labor is required to set the stones correctly. It’s important to also keep in mind that using natural stone for taller or larger retaining walls may drastically increase your budget.

Successfully Constructing Retaining Walls

Skill and precision are an absolute must throughout the construction of a retaining wall.. When you consider the fact that even a wall that’s just 4 feet high and 15 feet long could be holding as much as 20 tons of soil, it becomes clear that the structural integrity of the barrier is extremely important.

Unless each stone or block is carefully fitted together and unless proper drainage is allowed for, the wall could begin to deteriorate prematurely and compromise your entire landscape.

Because of this, the majority of homeowners choose to enlist the help of a professional to ensure that the wall is constructed properly. Unless you have experience building retaining walls in the past, we recommend working with a local contractor.

Retaining Wall Materials in NJ

Our team at Braen Supply is eager to help you to construct a structurally sound and highly attractive retaining wall for your property. Drop by to take a look at our huge inventory of retaining wall materials, including a variety of different types of natural stone and concrete blocks.

We’ve got the knowledge required to help you select a material that will meet your budgetary needs, fit your style, and look great within the scope of your landscape.

We’re also well-connected with a number of reliable landscapers and contractors and are more than happy to connect you with a professional that can get the job done right.

The Best Stone Veneer Prices in NJ

Stone Veneer Prices in NJ The installation of stone veneer has become a very popular option for homeowners looking to dress up the appearance of their homes.

Stone veneers can provide your home with an unmatched beauty that can blend with nearly any landscape.

In fact, stone veneer has grown in popularity in NJ in recent years because of its beauty and cost effectiveness.

As one of the largest suppliers of stone veneer in NJ we’ve seen several different factors that impact the pricing discrepancies that you see across different vendors and locations.

It is important to keep in mind that nearly all home and business owners say that the look the stone veneer provides was worth the cost.

Factors That Influence The Cost of Stone Veneer in NJ

There are two main factors that have the greatest influence on the cost of stone veneer.

Labor costs– Labor is arguably the largest expense involved in a project involving stone veneer. Depending on your veneer choice, your labor costs can be much lower or higher than you might expect. Thin stone veneer is much cheaper to install, however the materials will be more expensive than its full-stone counterpart.
The veneer type– The price of the veneer that you choose may vary greatly, as there are many different types of veneers available to choose from. Square, rectangle and ashlars are three of the more expensive types of stone veneer. This is because of the amount of waste that is created when they are cut to size. The initial cost of full stone veneer may be less than that of thin stone veneer, however you will pay more in installation costs due to its size and weight.

Finding a Stone Veneer Supplier in NJ

One very important thing to consider is where you will purchase the veneer for your upcoming project. Finding a great supplier of stone veneer is important for a number of reasons.

You want a supplier who has a history of success. Look for a supplier that can tell you everything you could want to know about the products you are considering. Great suppliers will have employees that are willing to answer all of your questions.

Braen Supply has been working with New Jersey homeowners and contractors for more than a decade on stone veneer projects. With a team of dedicated and knowledgeable employees, we are ready to help you throughout your project.

We also recommend looking for a supplier that has a wide variety of stone veneer on-site. This is important because you will be able to see the material in person, not just in professional photos. This will also allow you the opportunity to take the materials home on the day of your visit, if you choose to do so.

Braen Supply is home to the largest showroom in NJ and has a wide variety of stone veneers for you to choose from. In fact, we want you to come and see the veneers before you choose one. This will ensure that you’ll love your homes’ new look for years to come.

The Best Stone Veneer Prices in New Jersey

With dozens of stone veneer styles on display, you’ll be able to find the veneer that fits the vision for your property. After more than ten years in the northern New Jersey area we have developed strong relationships with our suppliers and will work with you and your needs.

As one of the largest stone veneer suppliers in NJ we offer some of the best prices in the Tri-State Area. We can deliver the materials to your home or business across NJ or you can pick them up at our Wanaque location.

We encourage you to visit any suppliers locations to get a better feel for all of their stone veneer offerings.

This photo is courtesy of Georgia Construction Consultants, Inc.

How Can I Use Bluestone in My Landscaping?

Bluestone has long been a key component in landscaping in various uses for over a century. The natural coloration and texture of the durable stone, its attractive and visually interesting properties, and its availability make bluestone a great option for improving your landscape.

Bluestone is extremely versatile and can be used to create or enhance any landscaping theme, by offering a touch of elegance or romance to your home. As bluestone can be utilized for a variety of decorative and practical functions, we wanted to address 3 of the most popular uses of bluestone in landscaping.

Bluestone Paths & Walkways

The use of bluestone for paths and walkways creates a unique and stunning effect for a landscape. The look can be customized, based upon your specific desires and needs.

Whether you’d like a path leading to your front door or a winding path through your gardens to a bluestone retaining wall, you’ll find a variety of beautiful bluestone materials to make your landscape perfect.

Bluestone Patios

Bluestone is the perfect material for creating a gorgeous and natural looking place for friends and family to gather. As in the case of paths and walkways, a bluestone patio can be customized to your exact specifications.

You’ll have the ability to choose from a variety of different shapes and sizes of bluestone pavers for the surface of your patio. Not only is bluestone very beautiful in appearance, but it is known for being extremely durable.

Another key advantage of bluestone – especially natural cleft bluestone – is that it is naturally slip-resistent. This improves safety during rainy periods, or for use around swimming areas.

Bluestone Steps

Installing steps in either the front or back of your property is another great way to make a difference in your landscape.

In sloped front yards, a beautifully constructed bluestone staircase can replace old and broken down railroad tie steps or a steep elevation grade. Not only does this offer a sophisticated and upscale look to the home, but it also makes it easier for guests to approach your front door.

Bluestone can be used in both the construction of the stairs themselves, as the treads, or as both. Bluestone treads look stunning and work well with a number of other materials for building steps, such as bricks or other thin stone veneers.

Your Bluestone Landscaping Project

In order for your bluestone landscaping project to go off without a hitch, it’s important that you work with a stone supplier who can offer you great advice and provide you with superior bluestone products.

Braen Supply has been working with NJ homeowners on their bluestone landscaping projects for more than a decade. We are passionate about connecting our customers with the best bluestone available at wholesale prices.

We have a wide range of bluestone materials available for your landscaping needs. You can visit our Wanaque, NJ location to see many of our offerings in person. We also offer bulk delivery of bluestone to all of NJ, NY, PA and CT depending on the volume.

Our team of experts would love to speak with you about your upcoming bluestone project.

Which Bluestone Hearths are Perfect for My NJ Home?

Bluestone Hearth in NJ The warm glow of a crackling fire is always a welcome sight.

Whether you’re gathered with family and friends on your patio, roasting marshmallows around an outdoor fireplace or are curled up indoors on a crisp NJ winter’s eve, the fireplace is truly a focal point of your home.

No fireplace is truly complete, however, without an attractive hearth.

Bluestone is one of the more popular choices among NJ homeowners as it provides a unique touch to their home.

If you’ve been considering bluestone as your material-of-choice for your fireplace’s hearth, you may be curious about the benefits of bluestone, how much it costs and which one would fit your home perfectly.

As we’ve worked with countless NJ homeowners on these questions, we wanted to break down each aspect to give you the best perspective on bluestone hearths for your home.

Benefits of a Bluestone Hearth

Historically, the hearth was an integral part of the household that it nearly became synonymous with the word “home” (this is where the saying “of hearth and home” was derived).

For many years people lost sight of the importance of the hearth, however it is now becoming increasingly popular to revamp the bottom of the fireplace to include a hearth.

Bluestone is an excellent solution for this need because it offers a stunning beauty that immediately attracts the eye, but it’s subtle enough that it doesn’t overshadow the fireplace itself.

The non-combustible nature of bluestone also helps to promote safety both inside and outside of the home. Depending on the size of the hearth, it can be utilized to display spark screens and other objects or to store firewood.

Bluestone Hearth Sizes

Bluestone hearths can easily be fitted to almost any fireplace, regardless of size. You’ll find that bluestone hearths are typically 2″ in thickness, but can be purchased in widths of 16″, 18″, 20″ or 24″.

Lengths are traditionally stocked in full foot lengths ranging from 4 foot through 9 foot. Other sizes can be custom cute or ordered on a custom basis. Ideally, the hearth will be between 1ft-4ft wide.

Should you require a larger hearth, you’ll need to speak with your stone supplier about the purchase of a bluestone slab, as stone cut greater than 24″ is considered to be a slab.

Bluestone Hearth Cost

Bluestone is considered to be the most common choice of fireplace hearths. As a result, it may be more expensive than other hearth materials, like brick.

Despite it costing more than some alternatives, homeowners consistently say that the cost is well worth the beauty and final product.

You should plan your budget for your new bluestone hearth based upon the size of the hearth (or slab) that you require in order to complete the project.

For obvious reasons, a larger natural stone hearth will cost more than one of a smaller size. You’ll also find that while some home improvement stores sell stone hearths, they will be more expensive than those that come directly from a stone supplier.

Buying Bluestone Hearths in NJ

If you’re looking to spruce up your fireplace with a bluestone hearth, Braen Supply has a large variety of options for you to choose from. We have been in the industry for more than a decade and have helped homeowners with hearths of all shapes and sizes.

Our hearth materials are produced with care and precision so that you can get the one that fits your home perfectly. Depending on the quantity, hearths can be delivered to NJ, NY, PA and CT.

Bluestone for Sale at Wholesale Prices in NJ

Bluestone for Sale at Wholesale Prices in NJ Known for its intriguing coloration, durability and versatility, bluestone is a top pick for homeowners and contractors who are looking to create a stunning and long-lasting landscaping features. Although the beauty and functionality of bluestone make the material a practical way to spruce up a property and improve home value, it’s important that you understand how to get the best return on your investment.

As you look for bluestone for sale in NJ, you’ll need to carefully consider the reliability of the supplier that you choose to work with.

Certain factors may cause the costs of bluestone to vary, but a reputable stone supplier will always offer the highest quality materials at wholesale prices.

We’ve broken down how to find the best supplier of bluestone in NJ and how to find the best prices available.

Characteristics of a Great Bluestone Supplier

In order to get the full value from your bluestone project, you need to be able to depend on the supplier you choose. At first glance, it may seem as though you have a number of options for purchasing quality bluestone products, however you’ll see that some suppliers are better than others.

By insisting on the following key characteristics, you can narrow down your search and start working with the best supplier for your needs. Look for a supplier that:

Is Knowledgeable – Whether you’re constructing a gorgeous bluestone patio or a lovely yet practical bluestone retaining wall, it’s important that your supplier has the knowledge and experience required to ensure that you’re purchasing the right amount of materials. The staff you speak with should seem well informed about the products and be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Keeps Your Interests in Mind – A great supplier will listen to your needs and desires, and work to help you create the landscape of your dreams. They’ll offer you valuable input that will help you determine which type of bluestone materials will work best for your project.
Offers Competitive Pricing – Although there are factors may cause certain bluestone products to be more expensive than others, a reputable supplier will always remain fair and consistent with pricing. Great suppliers want to see you complete your project within the budget you have available.
Bulk Delivery Options – In order to make things easier for you, your supplier should be able to offer safe and responsible bulk delivery services to the location of your project.
The Best Bluestone Prices in NJ

Depending on your personal preferences in style, you might find that a particular bluestone product may require varying degrees of labor.

With natural cleft bluestone, for example, the natural texture of the stone is left untreated, which creates a more natural and rustic look.

Thermal Bluestone, on the other hand, features a consistent and smoother appearance, and is manufactured in such a way that a uniform thickness is present throughout the entirety of the stone.

Of course, you’ll also need to consider the scope and scale of your project. Constructing a large staircase with heavy bluestone steps will likely require a larger initial investment than simply using the stone as treads, just as a bluestone fireplace mantels will cost more than several small bluestone window sills. A great supplier will walk you through the best options that meets your budget.

Buying Bluestone NJ

Braen Supply has been working with contractors and homeowners for more than a decade. Together we’ve worked on thousands of bluestone projects and helped turn dreams into reality.

We have the experience and passion to work with you throughout your bluestone project. Our team of specialists will be happy to answer any questions you may have and will work with you and your budget.

We are one of the largest suppliers of bluestone in NJ and we offer our bluestone at wholesale prices.

What Bluestone Pavers are Best for My NJ Patio?

Bluestone Pavers in NJ During the spring, summer, and fall months many NJ homeowners enjoy spending as much time outside as possible. As everyone enjoys spending time outside, the number of bluestone patio installations has skyrocketed in NJ.

Patios are so popular because they are an outdoor living space where everyone can enjoy spending time with family and friends. Because of bluestone’s unique look, flexibility, and versatility, many homeowners throughout NJ are making it a point to utilize bluestone pavers when installing a new patio.

Since there are numerous options available to homeowners, you may find yourself wondering which bluestone pavers are right for your NJ patio. To help you make the best possible decision, we’ve broken down the specifics of the different types of bluestone pavers and their benefits.

Choosing Bluestone Pavers: Types & Benefits

Each type of bluestone comes with its own unique set of benefits that can work to your advantage.

Thermal Bluestone

Although thermal bluestone tends to be known for its uniform shape and thickness, one of the most important things to know is that, after being cut, it is treated with a flame application.

This thermal treatment helps to improve the traction of the material. As a result, it tends to become less slippery when wet, offering safer conditions.

If you’re planning on constructing a poolside patio, this could be a great option for protecting friends and family. For uncovered patios that may be exposed to the elements, slip resistance should also be a factor.

Natural Cleft Bluestone

As with thermal bluestone, one of the biggest draws of natural cleft bluestone is its superior traction – even when exposed to wet conditions.

The stone is not smoothed down, which means that the natural texture of the material remains. It’s this texture that acts as a slip-resistant surface. The texture is a draw in and of itself because it adds a natural and distinct look to your property.

Tumbled Bluestone

After being treated, tumbled bluestone offers a smoother and sleeker appearance than bluestone of a more natural nature.

With softer edges, this particular material can be used to create more of an old-world appeal and charm. One thing you should be aware of is that it is usually smaller in size than other bluestone options.

This is an especially desirable trait when you’re planning to install a very small garden patio, or a smaller-scale patio for sunbathing and dining with family, as larger stones may look strange or out of proportion in a limited space.

Irregular Bluestone

For a patio that’s as unique and original as you are, you may want to turn your sights to irregular bluestone. This material essentially consists of pieces of bluestone that were broken during the quarrying process.

There’s no specific pattern or set geometrical design associated with these stone pieces, which makes it easy to create a space that looks very natural while still allowing you to express your creativity and sense of style.

The varying shapes and sizes of the stones also make it easier for homeowners to construct patios in areas that are irregularly shaped.

Bluestone Pricing in NJ

The cost of your bluestone paver patio will depend on a few different things. First, you’ll need to measure the desired coverage area and work with a professional to calculate how many pavers will be required to fill that space. You’ll also need to consider the type of material you’re planning to work with.

Finally, be sure to find a great bluestone supplier.

A great bluestone supplier will have years of experience working with bluestone and patios. They’ll have a dedicated team that is available to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Where to Buy Bluestone Pavers in NJ

To customize a patio that will meet your exact needs, it’s important that you work with a supplier who offers a full range of bluestone pavers for purchase. Braen Supply is able to connect you with all of the bluestone products that your dream patio requires and even provide you with the opportunity to see bluestone installed in our 6,500 square foot showroom.

We been working with bluestone pavers with NJ homeowners and contractors for more than a decade. We’re passionate about seeing your patio become the one of your dreams.

Speak with a Braen Supply specialist today to discuss your upcoming bluestone paver project.

Installing a Bluestone Walkway in NJ & NY

Bluestone Walkway in NJ and NY Whether beginning a landscaping project from scratch or simply improving on an existing landscape, many NJ homeowners find that the installation of a walkway makes a very dramatic impact on their entire property.

Not only is a path or walkway very useful and highly functional, but, depending on the material used, the path can be extremely beautiful, bringing certain elements of the landscape together.

One of the most popular material choices of NJ & NY homeowners for paths and walkways has been bluestone.

The beautiful, affordable and versatile material can be used in a variety of ways throughout the property.

We’ve found that many homeowners are unsure of the steps necessary to install a bluestone walkway in NJ & NY. We want your installation to go as smoothly as possible, which is why we’ve broken down the process below.

Benefits of a Bluestone Walkway

One of the biggest draws of bluestone as a material for paths and walkways is that it’s so visually appealing. Offering natural colors and attractive textures, the walkway will stand out while also highlighting and complementing other landscaping features. This can actually add to the curb appeal and overall value of your home.

Bluestone walkways are a great way to connect various areas of your landscape, or as a slip-resistant surface around swimming pools. Bluestone is very durable, long-lasting and is able to withstand the elements quite well.

Types of Bluestone Walkways

Different homeowners will have different needs and desires for their bluestone walkways to fulfill. Based upon the current style of your home or existing landscape theme, you may need to install a pathway that will match.

Fortunately, bluestone is a very versatile material. There are many different types of bluestone for you to choose from that will enable you to create beautiful patterns throughout the walkway.

The uniformly thick, rounded, and soft appearance of tumbled bluestone is often appealing to those who have traditional, European-style stone homes, as they may be made to resemble a cobblestone road.

For a more modern look, some homeowners choose to create patterns from square and rectangular bluestone pavers that are fitted together to create clean lines. Still others prefer that naturalistic look of irregular bluestone.

These are simply large pieces of stone that were broken during the quarrying process, and work to create a completely one-of-a-kind walkway for your home.

Bluestone Walkway Installation Cost

One of the primary things that people want to know before making any final decisions about installing a bluestone walkway is how much the installation will cost.

The price to install a bluestone path or walkway will vary based on a few different factors. First, you must consider the size of your path. For an especially long or wide walkway, you’ll need to plan on spending more for both materials and the cost of labor.

Both the type of bluestone you choose to use and your supplier will impact the cost of your product. When looking for a great bluestone supplier in NJ you should look for a few main things.

They should have an established reputation for excellence, they should have an informative and passionate sales staff and they should be willing to work with you and your needs.

Make sure you speak with several suppliers to ensure they are a good match for you and your needs.

Bluestone Walkway Maintenance

The good news about bluestone is that it requires very little maintenance, meaning that you can enjoy your walkway without being required to invest too much time in upkeep.

After your bluestone walkway has been installed, it’s important to seal it. This will protect the surface from the impacts of moisture and will help to prevent staining.

It’s a good idea to have your walkway re-sealed every few years to ensure that it remains protected and in good condition. Be sure to clear your walkway of debris regularly, and tend to any stains that may occur quickly in order to preserve the natural beauty of your bluestone walkway.

Installing a Bluestone Walkway in NJ

Braen Supply is one of the largest suppliers of bluestone in NJ and has worked with thousands of homeowners and contractors. We’ve assisted with numerous bluestone walkways and we’d be happy to discuss any questions you may have.

If you’d like to see our bluestone in person we’d love to see you at our Wanaque, NJ showroom. We have the largest showroom in NJ and can show you multiple variations of bluestone.