How to Find the Best Bluestone Steps for Your NJ or NY Home

Bluestone Steps in NJ and NY The way your visitors feel as they approach your home will likely be impacted by the look and design of your landscape. A welcoming home will establish a clear and appealing path that leads right up to the front door. This creates the distinct impression that guests are not only welcome, but also encouraged.

Many NJ and NY homeowners have found that using bluestone steps for their homes have improved the look and feel of their property. If you’re looking for new and inspired ways to greet your guests, you should consider installing attractive bluestone steps.

Bluestone steps have been a staple in the northeast landscape, especially NJ & NY for decades. We wanted to detail which materials you should consider and where you can buy the bluestone you need.

Bluestone Step Functions

For most homeowners, the primary reason for installing bluestone steps is to welcome guests with sophistication and style. These versatile steps work well with a variety of different housing and landscaping styles.

Depending on the materials that you choose to work with and the construction techniques used, you can create an elegant, European-style staircase that matches well with your New England home, romantic storybook steps, or even something very sleek and modern for newer homes.

In addition to greeting guests, some homeowners choose to use steps in other areas of the property. Perhaps you’d like bluestone steps leading down from your patio to your fire pit or swimming area. The great thing about choosing to use bluestone steps in NJ is that they look great during every season and you have a wide variety of materials to choose from.

Types of Bluestone Steps

You’re not just limited to one type of bluestone when installing steps throughout your property. Your first task will be to decide between installing steps that are entirely comprised of bluestone, or if you would prefer that only the treads be made of bluestone, with another stone material being utilized for the base or riser.

Often, for those who prefer a very chic, upscale, and modern looking landscape, smooth and sleek treads are the way to go. You may even choose to simply use long bluestone tread for stairs in this type of home.

For those desiring a classic European or New England style property, a bluestone base with a single bluestone 6-inch slab step is a great choice. And for a romantic, rustic, or naturalistic property, we recommend considering a stone base with bluestone atop as the tread.

Choosing a Bluestone Step Supplier in NJ & NY

The good news for NJ & NY homeowners is that bluestone is a readily available commodity. Bluestone has grown in popularity and is stocked by almost all landscape and construction suppliers in the Tri-State Area.

Although you can purchase bluestone from nearly any vendor, there are a few things you should consider before buying from one.

In order for you to receive the full benefit of your bluestone steps and to get the most value from your investment, you’ll need to take the time to narrow down your options and find a supplier that you can trust to provide you with a superior product at great prices.

One of the first things you should look for is a supplier who has product readily available for you to see. A good stone supplier will have a large showroom available for clients to see the different stones and materials in context, allowing them to draw inspiration for their own projects and get a better idea about the quality of the suppliers products.

This is something you should value highly, as many suppliers will simply show you pictures of their products and then order them after securing your payment. You deserve to see the materials in person, prior to paying for them.

While you are exploring their bluestone steps and other product offerings, don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have. Great suppliers have passionate and knowledgeable staff available to answer any questions or concerns you have.

Buying Bluestone Steps in NJ

Braen Supply is well-known throughout NJ for its expansive, 6,500 square-foot showroom. It is the largest showroom in NJ and we pride ourselves on having a plethora of products available on site.

We believe that seeing is believing, which is why most of our materials are ready to be taken home on the day of your visit, if you choose to do so.

If you would like to have the materials delivered to your NJ or NY home, we also offer delivery services in those areas.

We’ve worked with thousands of homeowners and contractors over the past decade to help them complete their bluestone projects. Our team would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have about your upcoming bluestone step project.

Pea Gravel vs. River Rocks

Pea Gravel vs. River Rocks If you’re considering making changes to your landscape with decorative rocks you’ve likely considered using pea gravel or river rocks.

Both pea gravel and river rocks are extremely popular materials for serving decorative and functional purposes throughout home and commercial properties.

We’ve found that many people are confused about the difference between the two of them. The debate of pea gravel vs. river rocks has been going on for quite some time and we want you to know that each offers unique benefits and features to your landscape.

This guide will break down what each material has to offer and what you should consider before making a final decision.

Comparing Pea Gravel and River Rocks

Pea Gravel: Uses, Benefits and Things to Consider

The Most Popular Uses of Pea Gravel

One of the more common uses for pea gravel is in the installation of front walkways and garden paths. You might also choose to use pea gravel as a surfacing material for a stunning and unique loose stone driveway or patio.

Many people choose to use the stones in and around children’s play areas, as they are shock absorbent and recreationally safe. Pea gravel can even be used in lieu of sand in sandboxes, or as an alternative to traditional organic mulch.

Benefits of Pea Gravel

Pea gravel is such a popular choice in landscaping largely due to the fact that the stone is quite uniform in size, smooth in texture and features a variety of beautiful colors. In fact, many people don’t realize that pea gravel is actually river rock. It is just a smaller, smoother version of river rock.

Pea gravel is widely available throughout the northeast, which makes it one of the most affordable of all decorative stones. In addition to looking great and being budget-friendly, pea gravel is highly versatile and functional.

In terms of pea gravel vs. river rocks, pea gravel is simply better known for its smaller size and ability to be compacted.

Pea gravel is also capable of deterring the growth of weeds in and around garden beds and planters, is heavy enough that it won’t blow away in high winds or when subject to a leaf blower, requires very little maintenance and is soft and comfortable enough to walk on.

Things to Consider Before Buying Pea Gravel

As pea gravel is relatively lightweight, the stones have a tendency to be scattered when subject to heavy foot traffic. As a result, paths, walkways, patios, and other surfaces should be raked regularly to maintain an even surface. An edging material can help to keep stones in place.

River Rocks: Uses, Benefits and Things to Consider

The Most Popular Uses of River Rocks

River rocks are extremely popular due to the beauty it can bring to a landscape. It can create a very naturalistic look to areas around swimming pools and water features, making them popular as an edging material or as a replacement for sand on beaches.

Small sized river rocks (larger than pea gravel) are another top pick for the creation of paths and walkways, whereas larger river rocks can be purposed as an edging material, or to prevent soil erosion on sloped lawns.

One of the most common uses for river rocks is in the installation of dry river beds. Many people create dry river beds to improve a landscapes appearance and to divert water away from the property.

Benefits of River Rocks

One of the key advantages to river rocks is that they are available in a variety of sizes, ranging from 3/8″ all the way up to 5″+. This allows you to play around with the various stones to meet a variety of needs throughout the landscape.

When building a front walkway, for example, you can maintain a sense of uniformity by utilizing 3/8″ or 3/4″ stones (pea gravel) as the surfacing material, with larger 3″ or 5″ rocks as the edging material. Because they tend to be heavier than other stones like pea gravel, it’s often more difficult to displace the river rocks, even when they are subject to high levels of traffic.

Things to Consider Before Buying River Rocks

The main thing to keep in mind when landscaping with river rock is that it can be more expensive than pea gravel. In cases where your landscaping project entails a very large coverage area, river rocks may not be the most practical solution.

Buying Pea Gravel and River Rocks

After taking a closer look at the benefits and considerations involved with pea gravel vs. river rocks, you should have a better idea with regard to which material is best for your specific project.

While both offer numerous advantages to areas throughout the landscape, it’s a combination of the nature and requirements of your undertaking and your personal preferences that will make the final determination.

In fact, both of these materials are classified as river rocks, which means you’re staying within the family regardless of which stone you choose.

When looking to purchase materials for your project we recommend speaking with your local decorative stone supplier. They’ll be able to discuss the details of your project with you, make recommendations and provide you with a competitive price on everything you need.

The Best Thin Stone Veneer Prices in NJ

Best Thin Stone Veneer Prices NJ Many NJ homeowners have found that they love the look and feel that thin stone veneer provides to their homes. As you begin evaluating your options in relation to your supplier, contractor and prices there are a few things you need to consider.

Once you have decided to go with thin stone veneer to upgrade the look of your home, it is important that you find the best prices available in New Jersey.

Braen Supply is one of the largest thin stone veneer suppliers in New Jersey and has a team dedicated to helping you with your upcoming project.

Being one of New Jersey’s largest providers of thin stone veneer allows us to offer the best thin stone veneer prices in NJ.

The Factors that Impact Thin Stone Veneer Prices

There are two major factors that impact the prices of thin stone veneer in NJ.

The Cost of the Stone

There is a wide variety of thin stone veneer available for you to choose from, which leads to a variance in its cost. Some of the more expensive thin stone veneer options are square, rectangle and ashlars due to the amount of waste that is created from cutting these stones.

Mosaic and ledgestone style thin stones generally cost less because it uses the shape of the natural stones.

Thin stone veneer will almost always cost more than full-stone veneer as it needs to be cut and sliced to the proper dimensions. The cost of this is passed along to you in the overall price.

Your Labor Cost

Labor cost will also impact the total price of your thin stone veneer project. Overall, the labor cost will be decreased for thin stone veneer when compared to its full-stone counterpart.

That is because it is lighter and easier to install. This will lead to quicker installation times and a decrease in labor costs.

Choosing a Thin Stone Veneer Supplier

Another important thing to consider when you are shopping for thin stone veneer is the supplier you choose to work with. This is a very important step in the process as choosing to use a local supplier will allow you to find the best thin stone veneer prices in NJ.

You should look for a supplier that offers a wide selection of veneers on site for you to view in person. This is crucial as seeing it in person will allow you to get the proper feel for the veneers and what they have to offer.

The supplier you choose to work with should also have a team dedicated to helping you with your project, not ones that are only concerned about making a sale. Having team members like this is an indicator that they want to see your project succeed, and that they’ll be there to help you along the way.

Finding the Best Thin Stone Veneer Prices in NJ

Braen Supply is one of the largest suppliers of thin stone veneer in NJ. We pride ourselves on having the largest showroom in NJ because it allows all of our customers to see the products they want before they buy them.

We’ve been assisting homeowners and contractors for more than a decade with their thin stone veneer projects. In fact, we’re able to offer some of the best thin stone veneer prices in NJ because we’ve developed such great relationships with our suppliers.

Our knowledgeable team would be happy to take some time to speak with you about your upcoming project, with determining how much stone you may need and with connecting you with a reliable contractor.

We have two locations in NJ which allows us to offer both pickup and delivery options to our customers across NJ.

How Much Do Cambridge Pavingstones Cost?

Cambridge Pavingstones Cost When many homeowners think of paving stones they instantly think of Cambridge®. They are known for their commercials and jingles that stick in our heads. As that is the first thing to come to mind many people wonder just how much Cambridge® Pavingstones cost.

In recent years home improvement has become more of an artistic undertaking than just replacing worn or broken items.

Cambridge® Pavingstones offer a creative and enduring alternative for the look of your driveway, patio, sidewalk, pool area, retaining wall or outdoor kitchen.

It’s important to understand what Cambridge® Pavingstones are and why they’re so popular before breaking down how much they cost.

How They are Manufactured

Cambridge® pavers are manufactured with a smooth nonporous surface, which is made of extra dense concrete. The upper 3/8” of these pavers have a high concentration of color.

They are then sealed with skid resistant Armortec coating, which helps the pavers maintain their color and resist weathering and wear. This built-in skid resistance is what makes them ideal for pool areas.

The Benefits of Using Cambridge® Pavingstones

The nonporous surface of Cambridge® Pavingstones keep water from permeating them. In addition their tightly interlocking method of installation makes them less likely to crack and helps to inhibit weed growth.

If they do crack you can easily replace only the broken pieces, leaving the rest of the area in tact.

Cambridge® Pavingstones are virtually maintenance free and unlike other types of pavers they don’t usually lose their color. Cambridge® pavers are becoming a more popular option for a multitude of reasons, which includes their longevity.

The Popularity of Cambridge Pavingstones

Cambridge® has become the go-to paver for many people. They love the variety of available style options and their ability to look new for years after installation.

Their long lasting beauty makes them a favorite of those who decide to use them, including both homeowners and contractors.

The Cost of Cambridge® Pavingstones

Although the initial investment may be slightly greater than that of other paving options, Cambridge® pavers maintain their beauty as well as their durability. With their enhanced durability they will outlast poured concrete or clay bricks, making them very cost effective.

When installing Cambridge® pavers it is not necessary to remove existing pavement. Avoiding the removal of the existing pavement will save you both time and money, leading to an installation that you can enjoy much more quickly.

As with many home improvement projects, hiring a contractor will cost more than doing it yourself.

This is mainly because labor is the most expensive aspect of the project. If you are an apt do-it-yourself homeowner you will need to invest a significant amount of time into this project, however you will save money on labor costs.

Whether you are using a contractor or installing Cambridge® pavers yourself, you need to find a great supplier.

The team at Braen Supply has been helping homeowners and contractors for more than a decade with their paver projects. Our team is excited to meet with you to discuss your project plans and the next steps.

In addition to the supplier you choose and how you choose to install the pavers, there are a few additional costs you need to consider.

Depending on which style of Cambridge pavers you choose, the cost will vary. Understandably, choosing to use a design with multiple different patterns or colors will lead to increased costs when compared with staying with one type of paver.

Cambridge® Pavingstones in NJ

Being the largest supplier of Cambridge® pavers in NJ allows Braen Supply to offer the best prices in the Tri-state Area. Our team has worked on thousands of projects over the years and we want to help see your project come to life.

We’ll treat your project as if it was our own, meaning we’ll answer all of the questions you may have and we’ll provide as much advice as we can. Speak with a Braen Supply specialist today to discuss your upcoming Cambridge® Pavingstone project.

This photo is an original and is courtesy of Cambridge® Pavingstones.

Where Can I Find Stone Veneer For Sale in NJ?

Stone Veneer for Sale in NJ Thin stone veneer has become a very popular alternative to full stone veneer throughout New Jersey. If you are considering thin stone veneer for your home, you should consider visiting Braen Supply. As the largest stone veneer supplier in NJ, we have a wide variety of veneer available at some of the best prices in the Tri-State Area.

Almost every neighborhood throughout New Jersey stone veneer has become a very popular alternative to other types of finishing products. There are several reasons stone veneer has become so popular with both home and business owners.

The Popularity of Stone Veneer

Stone veneer has taken off, mainly because of the style and elegance it adds to buildings and walls.

Although you have a wide variety of stone veneers to choose from, including full stone, thin stone & cultured stone, they all add a classic look to your home.

The natural stone look and feel adds an unmatched beauty to your landscape and is a look that many people fall in love with.

Those three stone veneer options are favored by different people due to their unique qualities.

Full stone veneer is loved by many because it is much easier to shape and cut into the design you desire. It allows for further customization than its thin stone counterpart.

Thin stone veneer is the go-to choice for many because it allows you to add the natural stone look and feel to places that full-stone can’t be used. It’s size and weight allow it to be installed more quickly and to be used in hard to reach places.

Cultured stone veneer has also grown in popularity as you can choose from a wide variety of color options. As it is a man made veneer it is engineered to emulate natural stone, while allowing you more color and design consistency.

Finding a Stone Veneer Supplier

Finding a great supplier with thin stone veneer for sale is very important. Although you may believe that every supplier is the same, that would be inaccurate.

There are a few key things that separate the good thin veneer suppliers from the great ones.

Great suppliers will have a showroom that will allow you to see many of their veneer offerings instead of forcing you to look at pictures of the product.

Many of these suppliers will also have stock of the products on hand to ensure you can begin your project as quickly as you’d like. These suppliers demonstrate that they care about your project by showing you exactly what you’re getting prior to buying.

Braen Supply is home to the largest showroom in NJ and displays a wide variety of stone veneers for you to see. We pride ourselves on providing you with the best experience possible.

You should also look for a stone veneer supplier who has a knowledgeable and passionate team assisting you.

You want to speak homeowner-to-homeowner, not homeowner-to-salesperson. Our staff will also talk through your project with you as if it was their own, as they have years of industry experience in planning and executing projects like these. We want to treat your project like it was ours, not simply as a sale.

Buying Stone Veneer in NJ

Being the largest supplier of stone veneer in NJ it has allowed us to work with thousands of homeowners, contractors and architects over the past decade. Together we’ve created breathtaking projects and have been able to make homeowners dream landscapes come true.

Our stone veneer is for sale at some of the best prices across the tri-state. We’d love for you to visit our showroom in Wanaque, NJ, to see our offerings first-hand and to speak with one of our team members.

Flagstone vs. Concrete Pavers

Flagstone vs Concrete Pavers Flagstone and pavers have long been two of the most commonly used types of stones available. Both beautiful in their own ways, they remain a favorite of both homeowners and contractors alike.

There are various attributes of each of these two types of stone that make them maintain their long lasting popularity.

Deciding between flagstone and concrete pavers for your homes walkway, patio, pool area or driveway can be a challenging task. You have to choose a style, color, budget and the type of materials you would like to use.

With so many decisions to make we felt that giving you an honest review of each would allow you to make the best decision possible.

The Pros and Cons of Flagstone

Mined from many places around the world, flagstone is a general term that describes a wide range of flat sedimentary rock that is commonly used in landscaping and paving paths or walkways. Flagstone is available in a wide variety of shapes, colors, thicknesses and sizes.

Flagstone appeals to many homeowners because of its natural beauty and its versatility. A lot of flagstone will have variations of color throughout a single stone. Depending on where it is mined from, flagstone’s appearance can vary.

Among the most commonly found colors are pink, red, chocolate, beige and peach. Some of the less common colors include white, blue, green and gold. Its natural non-slip surface and durability make it an ideal material to use in many outdoor projects.

Flagstone has many variations in color, shape and size. This makes it a very versatile stone to use for landscaping. The wide variety of colors make flagstone easy to match with existing landscapes and offers limitless creative possibilities. Its varying shapes allow homeowners and contractors to create nearly any pattern, shape or design.

The Pros and Cons of Concrete Pavers

Concrete pavers are manufactured from concrete with uniform thickness and color. This makes them ideal for making walkways, patios, porches and driveways.

However, what many people don’t realize is that they can be used to create personalized or one of a kind looks. With a good dose of creativity and inspiration the possibilities are endless.

One aspect of concrete pavers that seems to draw people in is the price. Braen Supply of New Jersey offers concrete pavers at the best prices in New Jersey.

Concrete pavers are a great option for those homeowners who are having a hard time deciding on what style they wish to use.

As New Jerseys biggest supplier of concrete pavers, Braen Supply has them available in a wide range of styles.

As concrete pavers are manufactured, concrete pavers can be made to match nearly any color that is found in nature. They will not always display the color variations that natural stones will.

Flagstone vs. Concrete Pavers

Both of these options would be an excellent choice for your home or business. However, there is no way to declare one option better than the other.

This is because each option offers its own unique sets of benefits and fits best with certain landscapes.

Depending on the look and feel of your existing landscaping, you could choose either option. You are limited only by your imagination and your preference.

As one of the largest suppliers of both pavers and flagstone in NJ our team would love to speak with you about your upcoming project.

Our team has been working with contractors and homeowners for more than a decade and we’ve picked up a few tips along the way that we’d love to share.

Pea Gravel Walkways: Depths, Installation & Maintenance

Pea gravel walkways: depths, installation and maintenance Throughout the years, pea gravel has earned its place as one of the most sought-after landscaping materials on the market.

On top of being very accessible and affordable, these multi-colored stones are extremely versatile and can serve a number of decorative and practical functions throughout your property.

Because of their beauty, size and texture, it has become very popular to use pea gravel in the installation of paths and walkways.

The goal of this guide is to provide you with all of the knowledge and insight required to construct and maintain stunning and long-lasting pea gravel walkways throughout your landscape.

Pea Gravel Walkways

Pea gravel walkways create a defined path for people to walk on. This discourages them from taking “shortcuts” by traveling across your carefully manicured lawn or flower beds.

Your front lawn isn’t the only area where a pea gravel walkway can make a difference. You might construct a path leading from your patio to your swimming pool, or a path to wind around your flower and vegetable gardens. This creates a peaceful and tranquil esthetic.

Regardless of where you plan on constructing your walkway, pea gravel is an ideal choice. The small, pea-sized stones are small, smooth and round which makes them comfortable to walk upon. The varied coloration of the rocks also makes it easy for you to tie together the various aspects of your landscape to make it as cohesive and esthetically pleasing as possible.

Installation & Maintenance Tips for Pea Gravel Walkways

Take Careful Measurements

The key to properly determining how much material you’ll need for your walkway is in precisely outlining and measuring the desired coverage area. For straight paths, you should multiply the length by the width by the depth of the walkway.

For winding walkways, you may need to consult with an expert for accuracy. When calculating your final numbers we recommend padding your total by 10%. This will ensure that you will not end up short on material. You will save yourself time and headaches during your project and if you have any material left over you can easily spread it out over your walkway.

Depth Guidelines

As a general rule of thumb, pea gravel walkways should have a minimum depth of at least 2″ for comfort and sufficient coverage. Keep in mind that you’ll also need to plan on an additional 1″ layer of a base material beneath the pea gravel.

Pea Gravel Walkway Installation Steps

After excavating the area where the walkway is to be installed, you’ll need to make sure that the base of the path is level, free of roots and weeds and is completely compacted. To prevent the growth of future weeds, a layer of landscaping fabric should be applied to the bottom and sides of the walkway.

Next, the base material should be applied. Typically, sand or crushed gravel with fines will do nicely. This layer will help to stabilize the pea gravel, enabling to to support the weight of foot traffic.

Finally, you’re ready to spread the 2″ layer of pea gravel on top. In order to keep stones in place, it’s smart to edge the walkway with bricks, heavy river rocks or other decorative materials. To add even more texture and interest to your path, you may decide to space paving stones throughout the walkway to serve as stepping stones.

Pea Gravel Walkway Maintenance

Pea gravel walkways are relatively low maintenance. To preserve the path’s beauty, simply rake over the stones regularly to keep the surface even and level. A leaf blower can be used to remove debris, as the stones are heavy enough that they won’t blow away. You may also want to rerake and level the stones that are on the walkway every 2-3 years.

Do you have more questions about pea gravel walkways? Speak with a local pea gravel supplier like Braen Supply.

We’ve been assisting homeowners and contractors with projects for more than 100 years. We’d be happy to discuss your project and make recommendations based on your needs.

This photo is an original and is used via creative commons from Richard J. Hughes.

Boulders for Sale in NJ

Boulders for Sale in NJ Known for making a dramatic impact on the appearance of their environment, boulders are available in many distinctive color and style variations. Many NJ homeowners decide to use boulders at their homes for a wide variety of reasons.

They are often used by homeowners to mark property lines, offer a seating area amongst their flower garden, build a retaining wall, divert traffic or to give a dramatic contrast to their landscaped areas.

These are only some of the most popular uses of boulders as they can be purposed for almost anything.

Being in the landscape supply business for more than a decade we’ve found that there are a lot of people who look for boulders for sale in NJ. However many times they are unsure of what kind of boulder they want and how they’d like to use it.

Our team of landscape experts decided to breakdown some of the most popular uses and where you can find boulders for sale in NJ.

General Landscaping

As you see them in nature, boulders come in a variety of shapes and sizes. These large boulders are often used to simply accent an existing landscape. It is popular to place boulders throughout your landscape to give contrast to the delicacy of a flower garden or other landscaped area.

Even smaller boulders or cobble stones can be used to form the border of a walking path or any other type of landscaped area.

Smaller boulders are also often used to create an edge that will contain decorative mulch or stone. When you place large stones along a landscaping border they can give the area a far more desirable appearance than that of a traditional border material.

Marking Property Lines

Boulders can offer a secure border to define the boundaries of your property. Larger plots of land can make it difficult to know exactly where your property ends and neighboring properties begin.

Garden Seating

Boulders can be machine leveled, flattened and smoothed to create a beautiful, one of a kind seating area for visitors to your garden or other landscaped area. Often homeowners will place these stone benches in the vicinity of an active water feature.

This placement offers a serene, relaxing environment for visitors to your garden or flower bed to enjoy the scenery. There are a wide variety of boulders available that can be artistically altered into a garden bench.

Building a Retaining Wall

When properly erected, a retaining wall can be a distinctive addition to a landscaped area. While adding beauty, retaining walls also lend an element of functionality to the area where they are placed. A properly constructed retaining wall can be used to hold back the earth from encroaching on an area where it is unwanted.

These artistic walls can be constructed in a number of fashions. One of these styles is the dry laid retaining wall. This type of wall is built by stacking a series of somewhat interlocking boulders, forming a freestanding structure.

When constructing a dry laid stone retaining wall, as the name suggests, the boulders are placed without the use of mortar. These stones are held in place by the gravity provided by their sheer weight.

When a wall is built in this style, the most important factor is the way in which the stones are placed. These walls are built with just the stone and a crushed aggregate behind it for drainage. No mortar or cement is used in the construction of a dry laid wall.

If you are considering building a large stone or boulder retaining wall at your NJ home or business, we recommend speaking with a local contractor or landscape supplier.

Traffic Diversion

Boulders can offer a unique and beautiful perspective as a traffic diversion piece. Many people simply place these boulders in areas where they prefer not to have automobiles parked, like in front of their home.

Boulders can also be used to form a path which directs traffic to the desired parking location. When strategically placed, these large boulders can also offer protection.

When placed in high traffic areas, a boulder’s sheer size and weight can be used as a barrier to protect your property from wayward vehicles.

Boulders for Sale in NJ

As one of the largest suppliers of boulders in NJ, the team at Braen Supply would be happy to assist you with all of your boulder needs. We’ve worked with countless NJ homeowners on their boulder projects and have seen incredible results.

We offer boulders of all shapes and sizes and would love to assist you with your upcoming project.

Where in NJ Can I Find Bluestone for my Patio?

Bluestone Patio in NJ For most NJ residents, Memorial Day is the official summer kick off and the beginning of enjoying the warm weather outside. As a result, many homeowners begin making plans in late spring and early summer to construct a new patio. From family barbecues to splashing in the pool, patios play a central role in outdoor living.

The beauty of bluestone has lead to its increased popularity as the go-to choice for NJ patios.

We’ve found that homeowners believe it provides a beautiful and natural feel to their property and allows them to enjoy their property even more than before.

We’ve encountered many customers who are curious about using bluestone for their NJ patios in addition to finding a great supplier.

We’ve broken down how you can choose the right bluestone for your patio and how to to find the right supplier.

Popularity of Bluestone

For years, bluestone has been a highly sought-out material for the installation of home patios. One of the characteristics of bluestone that makes it so popular is its color palette. The blue hues of the stone give it a very naturalistic and storybook look, while still allowing the material to appear modern and unique.

Another great thing about bluestone is that it’s very versatile and complimentary. If your landscape is focused around geometrics and symmetry, you might be looking for bluestone pavers can be patterned together, in sharp, “clean” square or rectangular shapes, which can also be called bluestone pattern.

If your property evokes a more naturalistic or rustic theme, you are likely to be drawn to the look of irregular bluestone, which are available in a wide range of original sizes and shapes.

Choosing the Right Bluestone for Your Needs

The type of bluestone that you choose to use for your patio will ultimately depend on its intended use. Each bluestone product can offer varying advantages to users.

When constructing a poolside patio, slip-resistance should be a top priority. In order to promote good traction, you’ll want to consider utilizing rougher, natural cleft bluestone.

Ultimately, the bluestone that is right for you will depend on a variety of factors. We recommend working with a local expert to determine which you prefer the look and feel of, in addition to it’s intended use.

Estimating Your Bluestone Patio Cost

Although bluestone is very comparable in price to other popular patio paving stones in NJ, there are certain things that can impact the overall cost of your project. If the stone needs to be treated through the tumbling process, the total cost for the materials may be higher.

Stones that have been cut or shaped, rather than left in their original, irregular form may also vary in price. Remember to also consider the total area of your patio project, as well.

A large poolside patio will require more material and labor than a smaller garden patio, so you’ll need to plan accordingly.

You should never underestimate the importance of selecting an excellent supplier when purchasing your bluestone, as the supplier that you buy from can also influence how much you’ll spend on your patio.

You’ll want to look for a supplier with a good reputation in the industry and one that has a wide selection of products for you to choose from. These suppliers will likely have the best prices available for your bluestone patio materials.

Buying Your Bluestone Materials in NJ

Braen Supply is a leading supplier of bluestone in NJ. We’ve been providing bluestone to contractors and homeowners for more than a decade and have assisted with thousands of projects.

We’re passionate about the industry and helping you create the landscape of your dreams. Our team is happy to answer any questions you may have about your project.

We also have the largest showroom in NJ at our Wanaque location, which will allow you to see many of our bluestone materials in person.

If you’d like your materials delivered for your project, we will bulk deliver them across all of NJ, NY and PA.

Why Bluestone Treads Are Perfect for Your Landscape

Bluestone Treads NJ Natural stone stairways can add a touch of romance, elegance and sophistication to any landscape. While your steps can add these elements they need an additional piece to complete the property.

In order for the steps to truly compliment the property and add value to the home, it’s important that the treads are able to tie the theme of the landscape together while also remaining safe and functional.

Bluestone treads are an extremely popular and smart option as there are various sizes available and it is a durable material.

Whether you’re looking to construct front steps leading up to your home, or would like to build a grand staircase leading from your patio to a flower garden, you’ll find the right bluestone treads to match.

Benefits of Bluestone Treads

Some of the key advantages to utilizing bluestone as the material for your stair treads is that it is extremely tough and durable.

These characteristics make it possible for the treads to withstand heavy foot traffic, and to resist the negative effects of the elements.

The texture of the stone also provides it with a natural traction that helps to promote safety in wet conditions. As a result, the stone treads make the stairs functional during periods of rain, or in areas around swimming pools.

Of course, the attractive coloration of bluestone is another major draw. Depending on the quarry, bluestone may be more of a dark or light blue-gray tone.

These variations make it easier to find a color scheme that will fit with your existing landscape.

As bluestone is available in various sizes, you can customize a staircase to your exact specifications. Bluestone is also an excellent option for stair treads because it can so easily be worked into most landscaping themes and styles.

Bluestone Tread Sizes

Depending on the size of your property, or the intended function for your steps, you’ll need to be able to work with the properly sized bluestone treads.

Fortunately, these stones are cut to meet various sizing needs. Some of the more popular bluestone treads are available in lengths ranging from 4ft-8ft long, 12″ and 14″ wide and 2″ thick.

The Cost of Bluestone Treads

The cost to install bluestone treads will vary based upon several different factors. First, you’ll need to determine how large your project will be. Longer, wider treads will require more of an investment than purchasing the same number of shorter, narrower treads.

The amount of steps involved will also impact price. It’s also important to purchase directly from a stone supplier, as larger retailers who do not produce their own product will need to charge more.

Despite the fact that bluestone tends to be more expensive than concrete cast treads, many homeowners believe that the beauty and versatility of the material makes it worth the cost.

Where to Buy Bluestone Treads

Homeowners throughout NJ have come to recognize Braen Supply as a leading supplier of superior bluestone treads. We’ve been in the industry for more than a decade, giving us the knowledge and experience to provide the finest materials to our customers.

We have a wide range of industry experts on staff that can provide you with a variety of advice on your upcoming projects. We offer our bluestone treads for pickup or bulk delivery across NJ, NY, PA and CT.

If you’d prefer to see some of our bluestone treads in person, we encourage you to visit our Wanaque location. Here we offer the largest showroom in NJ, which will allow you to see all of the different options we offer.