How To Care For Veneer Stone

If you’ve fallen in love with the look of veneer stone, you’re not alone. In fact, stone veneer has become one of the hottest trends in both exterior and interior home design. It’s easy and affordable to completely transform the look of your NJ house with a stone veneer that speaks to your individual tastes, style, and needs. Once installed, the veneer is extremely tough, durable, weather-resistant, and low maintenance. Despite requiring very little in the way of elbow grease, however, it’s always in your best interest to take some time to give your veneer stone a little TLC. So what’s the best way to keep your veneers in tip-top shape and prime condition? Read on for a few smart tips that will tell you everything you need to know about veneer stone maintenance.

Why is Veneer Stone Maintenance Necessary?

Before diving into our pro tips for caring for your veneer stone, let’s take a moment to explore the topic of why you should be concerned with veneer maintenance to begin with. After taking the time to completely customize the look of your home with a quality stone veneer, the last thing you want is for the colors to appear dull or to allow for dust and grime to build up on the surface of the stones. Taking the time to clean and care for veneer stone means that you get to preserve the vibrance and vitality of the material while protecting your original investment in the project. Homeowners who spend a little bit of time on veneer stone maintenance are generally happier with their homes for much longer, and may even enjoy higher property valuations over time.

Tips for Veneer Stone Maintenance

If you’ve noticed that your veneer is looking a little dirty or lackluster, you may be itching to clean the veneer stone. Before you dive in with a power washer and bleach, though, it’s important to brush up on the facts. Not all materials are suitable for cleaning veneer stone. In order to ensure that you’re able to properly maintain your stone veneer, we’ve compiled a list of “Dos” and Don’ts”.

DO Inspect and Maintain Regularly

When you routinely inspect your stone veneers, you’ll be able to keep an eye on any problem spots that need to be cleaned, filled in, or otherwise repaired. It’s typically a good idea to do a visual inspection at least twice a year – during the spring and fall.

DON’T Use Harsh Chemicals

If you notice dark stains from dirt or mold, your first instinct might be to grab a powerful cleaning chemical or bleach in order to clean your veneer surface – don ‘t do it! Harsh chemical compounds can cause a lot more damage than good and could end up costing you a lot of money in repairs in the long run.

DO Mix Your Own Mild Cleaning Solution

If you can’t reach for a super strong chemical cleaner, then what can you use to get your stone veneers looking shiny and new again? We suggest creating your own, mild cleaning solution. A mixture of warm water and either a small amount of vinegar or dish soap will do the trick nicely.

DON’T Use Wire Brushes

Wire brushes might be great for really getting down to the nitty-gritty when cleaning some surfaces, but you definitely don’t want to use these guys when maintaining your stone veneers. Wire bristles will scratch the surface of the stone and take away from the beauty of your home.

DO Seek Out Soft Bristles

Soft bristles are the way to go when cleaning veneer stones. Although you may need to employ a bit more elbow grease, you’ll find that soft bristles are highly effective at removing debris and buildup while still being mild enough to keep your veneers looking pristine.

DON’T Pressure Wash

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when cleaning and maintaining your stone veneers is to blast the veneer stone with a powerful stream of water with a pressure washer. This can actually blast grout out of place and can loosen the stone.

DO Use Your Spray Setting

After scrubbing your veneer stones, you’ll need to rinse them off carefully. It’s a good idea to use the spray setting on your garden hose in order to ensure a gentle yet effective rinse.

DON’T Ignore Lose Mortar

If, during your check, it looks like any of the mortar or grout between veneer stones is becoming lose, it’s important to take corrective action right away. Left ignored, your veneer wall could begin to come apart. There’s absolutely no reason for this to happen! As soon as you detect a loose area, take a moment to apply a fresh layer of grout with a grout gun or bag. Or call your mason in to come and touch up the area.

DO Think About Sealant

Some NJ homeowners have found that applying a breathable sealer to the surface of their veneer stone can be very helpful for long-term maintenance. A good sealant can preserve coloration, discourage the buildup of grime, and can even make it a lot easier for you to clean up the veneer stone during your semi-annual cleaning and maintenance routine.

Caring for Veneer Stone in NJ

Braen Supply is passionate about veneer stone. As one of the largest suppliers of full, thin and cultured veneer stone in NJ, we understand how important it is for you to protect your investment in your stone veneer project. In addition to helping to select the best veneer stone for your home, we can also answer any questions you may have about proper care and maintenance. Feel free to visit our store or give us a call for more information. We cater to homeowners and contractors throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and limited parts of PA and CT.

3 Things Every Homeowner Should Know About Veneer Stone

Veneer stone is a gorgeous architectural element that can add value to any home. Generally, stone veneers are used as a decorative means of covering either the exterior and interior walls of a house. These veneers may be crafted from real stone, or they may be comprised of manufactured stone. Because both types of veneers are developed with such care and precision, natural stone and manufactured stone veneers are equally popular throughout NJ. If you’ve been thinking about introducing the look of veneer stone to your property, you’re likely interested in learning as much about the material as possible. In order to shed some light on the subject, we’ve put together this simple guide on three key things to know about veneer stone.

Veneer Stone Increases Property Value

One of the primary reasons why NJ homeowners love stone veneers is that they offer so much in the way of beauty, charm, and sophistication. Both natural and manufactured stone veneers are available in a wide range of colors, shapes, sizes, and styles, depending on your individual tastes and desires. Because the veneers are so versatile, it’s easy to create a look that matches with your home design style. As stone is such a desirable commodity in construction and home decor, this can immediately increase the curb appeal of your home and add to the overall value of your property. Stone veneers are capable of completely transforming the look of your home and making it much more visually appealing. This is great news whether you’re planning on living in your home for a long time or thinking about putting it on the market in the near future.

Veneer Stone has Many Options

Believe it or not, selecting a natural or manufactured stone veneer to upgrade your home with may not be as easy as you think as the options are endless. You’ll find that stone veneers come in many different cuts and colors, which means there is something for everyone regardless of your style. Your supplier can walk you through the different options that are available and help you select the right cut and color for your home. They will also be able to help you stay on budget and complete your project without breaking the bank. During this time, you might also discuss whether or not you should be working with natural or manufactured veneer stone, as well as whether full stone or thin stone veneers are better for your home – and the differences in pricing.

Veneer Stone is Easy to Work With

Although completing a construction job entirely of natural stone can be challenging and cumbersome, working on a project with veneer stone is surprisingly simple. The lighter weight of veneer stone makes it very versatile in terms of where and how it can be installed, and thin stone veneers are capable of doing what even a full stone veneer cannot. This means that you can decorate and upgrade your home in ways and locations that would never be possible with true stone or other construction materials. The lightweight also makes it very simple for skilled contractors to quickly install the veneer stones. In addition to everything else, veneer stone requires very little maintenance and will continue to look and function beautifully in the many years ahead. All you’ll need to do is invest a little bit of time to inspect your veneer once or twice each year and to fill in any missing grout or mortar. During this time you can also clean away any dust, dirt, debris, or grim with a mild solution of warm water and dish soap, as well as a soft bristled brush. You might also consider sealing your veneer stone in order to make it even easier to clean and care for.

Where to Buy Veneer Stone in NJ

If, after reading through these points, you feel as though stone veneers are the way to go when upgrading your home, you’ll need to find an excellent veneer stone supplier. Although veneer vendors are available online, and veneers can also be purchased in big box stores, your better off steering clear of these options. Buying veneer stone online means that you won’t have the option to visually inspect the materials before working with them, and it is also likely to result in high shipping and handling fees. Purchasing from a big box store might also seem like a smart idea, but you will not receive the same level of customer service as you would if you worked with a local supplier.

So where should you turn in your hour of need? The smartest option is to look for a locally owned and operated veneer stone supplier, like Braen Supply, that offers a massive inventory of high-quality materials at fair and reasonable prices. We offer both natural and manufactured stone veneers, and also sell both full stone and thin stone veneers. Our team of experts is ready to answer any questions you may have about choosing, installing, and maintaining veneer stone. Once you settle on the veneer you love, you can choose to transport the materials to your job site on your own, or you can talk to our team about having them delivered to areas throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and limited parts of PA, and CT. Give us a call or drop by to learn more today.

Common Agricultural Lime Uses & Their Benefits

Limestone is a staple for many construction and landscaping projects in NJ and throughout the world, but the naturally occurring and extremely versatile material is used for a whole lot more than just building. Anyone with even the most slightly green thumb can benefit from working with agricultural lime.

Generally known as aglime, this finely crushed limestone is capable of fertilizing everything from large fields of crops to small, home victory gardens, and even a grassy front lawn. Because of the variety of agricultural lime uses, we’ve dedicated this post to exploring what aglime does, how it works, and how it can be used in NJ.

Agricultural Lime At-A-Glance

As mentioned previously, agricultural lime is nothing more than limestone that has been crushed down to a very tiny particulate matter. The material must be pulverized very finely in order to have a positive impact on soil. In fact, the smaller the particle size of the agricultural lime, the more effective it will be.

While traditional limestone is often used in the production of agricultural lime, dolomitic lime may also be selected for this purpose. Traditional limestone is able to add much-needed calcium into the soil in order to restore soil health and improve growing conditions.

Because calcium is a base, aglime is often used in soil that is too acidic to grow healthy plant life. Dolomitic lime is also able to bring calcium into the soil, but it also provides magnesium – another base compound. Soil that has been deprived of magnesium may benefit from dolomitic lime over traditional aglime.

Agricultural Lime Uses

Both traditional and dolomitic aglime are invaluable to farmers, gardeners and homeowners alike. Agricultural lime can be effectively used to treat many soil problems and to restore health to any property. Here’s a look at some of the most common uses for aglime:

Restoring pH Balance

There are many reasons why soil may become too acidic. Two of the most common reasons are exposure to acidic rain and over-working the land. After many seasons of growing and harvesting crops and introducing chemicals or fertilizers to the earth, soil can become very acidic.

This, in turn, creates poor growing conditions for most plants. Because both traditional limestone and dolomitic limestone contain such high quantities of calcium, their introduction to acidic soil can help to raise pH levels and create balance.

Reducing Toxicity

In some instances, excessive quantities of manganese and aluminum may be present in the soil. Aglime can help to lower the overall toxicity of these elements which works to improve soil microbe activity. In addition to this, reducing toxicity can also improve soil structure and integrity.

Adding Nutrients

Throughout the years, soil may begin to lose nutrients that are essential for growing healthy plants. Agricultural lime brings important nutrients like calcium and phosphorous back to this soil while also making it much easier for plants to absorb “food” through their root systems.

Because agricultural lime is so effective in the long term, you’ll find that many different types of people can benefit from using the material. You’ll see aglime used for:

Commercial Farming

Aglime is frequently used to improve growing conditions in fields that have been frequently used for growing commercial crops. This allows farmers to continue to make good use out of the land throughout the years.

Personal Gardens

Homeowners who enjoy growing vegetables, frats, flowers, or other plants throughout their properties may find it necessary to add aglime to their soil on occasion in order to keep it healthy.

Commercial Landscapes

Businesses, large commercial and institutional campuses, and other larger facilities may choose to work with agricultural lime in order to keep their landscapes looking lush and healthy.

Parks

City and county parks might elect to add agricultural lime to their soil in order to keep fields vibrant and grassy.
Residential Lawns – Homeowners having trouble keeping their lawns green and beautiful may benefit from adding aglime to the mix.

Getting the Most Out of Agricultural Lime

One thing to keep in mind when working with agricultural lime is that it will take some time in order to see positive results. Unlike many chemical fertilizers, agricultural limestone relies on the passage of time in order for its nutrients to be released into the soil and to take effect. Once the lime begins to work, however, it offers a highly effective and long-lasting solution.

In order to get the best results, you need to understand how to properly use aglime. As mentioned previously, you’ll need to make sure that your aglime is ground down as finely as possible in order to ensure maximum benefit.

This is because, of course, the smaller the particulate matter, the more efficient and effective it will be. On top of this, you will need to consider your plant’s needs in terms of nutrients and pH levels.

This will clue you in as to whether or not you could benefit from using dolomitic lime, and it will also give you a better sense of how much lime to introduce to your soil.

Make sure that you talk with a trusted professional about how much aglime to add to your soil. Under-spreading the material won’t do your soil any good, while over-applying the material could cause even more problems. Take care to add the right quantity and to spread the aglime evenly and consistently over your soil.

Working with Aglime in NJ

As a leading manufacturer and supplier of agricultural lime in NJ and its surrounding areas, Braen Stone is your number one stop for boosting soil health. We offer high-quality agricultural lime at fair wholesale prices.

As industry experts, our team is qualified to help you make decisions regarding the type of aglime you use for your project and the correct quantity needed.

Our aglime can be picked up at your leisure or can be bulk delivered to areas throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and limited parts of PA. Give us a call or visit us to learn more and get started today.

Full Guide for Using Stone on Homes: How to & Style Options

As a homeowner, you want your property to stand out – in a good way. Instead of being just another cookie-cutter house, you want yours to exemplify your unique personality and sense of style.

One fantastic way of achieving these objectives is to work with stone. Stone has long been revered for its elegance and sophistication. Unfortunately, however, building with stone can be expensive and impractical.

The good news is that there are still plenty of ways to incorporate stone onto your home and around your property. Here’s a quick guide to enhancing your house with stone.

Why Stone?

For starters, let’s consider the many reasons why you should give serious consideration to introducing stone to your home. The first and most obvious reason is that stone is absolutely beautiful.

There’s no doubt about the fact that stone – regardless of the type you choose – will significantly increase the aesthetic value of your home, thus increasing overall property value.

In addition to looking fabulous, stone is also a timeless material that will continue to remain in fashion in the many years ahead. On top of everything else, stone is extremely versatile.

Whether you’re trying to make a bold statement with a modern edge or are simply in hopes of establishing a simple and traditional look for your home, you’ll find that it’s more than doable.

Of course, stone is also weather-resistant – a must here in the northeast where we are frequently subject to extreme temperature fluctuations and weather pattern. The end result is a luxurious-looking exterior for your home that will last a lifetime and beyond.

Full Stone Veneers

The process of completely constructing a home with natural stone can be quite expensive. Making the decision to enhance the appearance of your home with a full stone veneer is a much more cost-efficient means of giving your house the facelift it deserves.

Full stone veneers can be produced from an array of different types of natural stone in a range of lovely colors and shapes. Veneers can be applied to most surfaces.

Depending on the look you’re trying to create, you might decide to use stone veneers on your home’s entire exterior, or you might choose to highlight certain areas of the house with the stone.

As an example, some homeowners will use stone veneers only along exterior foundation walls, around windows and doors, or on one side of the home. Working with a design software or speaking with an expert can help you to make the best decision for your property.

Thin Stone Veneers

Because full stone veneers tend to be heavier, they may not always be the most practical or budget-friendly option for your project. This is especially true of projects where the stone needs to be situated in smaller spaces.

Fortunately, thin stone veneers are available and offer the same beauty and structural integrity as full stone veneers. The thin stone is also very easy to work with and makes for a quick installation.

Thin stone veneers can be applied anywhere that a full stone veneer would be used, as well as in more restricted areas that would not be suitable for a full stone veneer.

Other Ways to Use Stone

Of course, there are other ways in which you can make use of stone in the design of your home and your property beyond simply using the material as a decorative siding or facing. In fact, there are many features that can benefit from a stone facelift.

You might consider working with stone to build a new chimney (or use a veneer to transform an existing chimney). Natural stone is also great for pillars, columns, and mailboxes, amongst other things.

Stone can also be used in the property as a decorative feature. Whether you like the bold statement that boulders can make or prefer to use stone as a surface for driveways, paths, and patios, you’ll find that natural stone will significantly – and instantly – add to the curb appeal and value of your property.

Adding Stone to Your NJ Home

If you believe that stone is the right fit for your NJ home, Braen Supply is here to help make your dreams come true. Braen Supply is recognized for being a leading stone manufacturer and supplier in NJ and throughout the northeast.

We offer a massive inventory of high-quality stone and stone veneers. We are always ready and able to with you in order to ensure that you find the perfect materials for your property and to answer any questions you may have about selection, design, installation and maintenance.

Our stone is available at the most competitive wholesale rates and can be picked up at your convenience or bulk delivered to areas throughout parts of NJ and NY and throughout limited parts of CT and PA. Give us a call or visit our location to learn more today.

What Is The Best Stone for Outdoor Patios?

A new stone patio can completely transform the look of your property. In addition to looking fabulous, a quality stone patio allows you to get the most out of your outdoor living space while increasing your home’s value and curb appeal.

In order to be truly happy with your patio, you need to take the time to select the best stone for your specific needs. While NJ homeowners are fortunate enough to have plenty of fantastic options for patio construction, you may find that some materials are better suited to your lifestyle than others.

Today’s post will highlight some of the best stone for outdoor patio construction, and tips for choosing the right material for your property.

Best Types of Patio Stone

The landscaping and construction industries are thriving in NJ. As a result, local homeowners have the luxury of selecting from a wide range of high-quality stone materials when beginning their patio projects.

Multiple varieties of natural stone, including cut pavers and slabs as well as loose fill materials, are available. While larger pavers offer a more traditional appearance for an outdoor living space, loose-fill gravel and decorative stone add unique texturing and beauty to your property.

Understanding the individual merits of each stone option will help you to make a choice that will continue to delight yourself, your family and your guests in the many years ahead. Here’s a closer look at some of the best and most popular natural stone types for residential patios in NJ:

Bluestone

Bluestone has been a staple in patio construction for many years – and for good reason. This stunningly beautiful stone offers a sense of luxury and elegance while still providing a close connection with nature. Bluestone is easily recognized for its incredible coloring.

The stone features shades of blue, blue-gray, tan and sometimes indigo. The smooth blend of coloring is dazzling, regardless of the cut or style of bluestone.

Bluestone is available in large slabs, in pattern cut shapes, or as an irregular stone paver. In pattern cut bluestone, it’s simple to create aesthetically pleasing geometrical designs.

The irregularly cut stone offers the appearance of flagstone and allows for a much more one-of-a-kind appearance. Regardless of which style you go with, you’ll be pleased with the outcome. Bluestone is extremely tough, durable and weather resistant.

Brownstone

Brownstone is often associated with building materials in the heart of NYC, but it can be used for so much more. In fact, many NJ homeowners have found that the rich earthy tones of brownstone look absolutely fantastic in their outdoor living spaces.

Brownstone features shades of brown and tan, and creates a truly inviting environment for outdoor living. Available in pattern cuts, you’ll enjoy creating a beautiful arrangement that suits your every whim.

Limestone

Limestone has long been a favorite of homeowners throughout the northeast. The extremely reliable and subtly elegant stone material is extremely versatile and can be used for a wide range of purposes throughout your landscape or hardscape.

Whether you’re looking to create a “floor” for your outdoor kitchen or seating area or are considering a garden patio for reading, you’ll find that limestone slabs and pattern cut pavers are the perfect fit for your needs. Limestone doesn’t scratch or scrape easily and holds up beautifully when exposed to the elements.

Sahara Granite

One of the most unique and exciting natural stone options for outdoor patios is Sahara Granite. This exquisite material is characterized by lovely shades of tan, brown, gold and black.

The “desert vibe” given off by this stone makes it a great option for creating a poolside patio for lounging and entertaining. The stone is also great for any outdoor living area with water features.

Like all granite materials, Sahara granite is known for being extremely durable and long lasting – even when exposed to regular usage, wear and tear.

Pea Gravel

There’s no reason why you should limit yourself to stone slabs or pavers. A growing number of NJ homeowners are discovering the many benefits associated with working with loose fill materials.

Among the different types of loose gravel and other natural stone, pea gravel is among the most popular. Pea gravel is known for its small “pea” size and its smooth, round shape and texture.

Pea gravel features an array of lovely colors ranging from red, brown, tan, white, gray, blue, green and just about everything in between. This interesting blend of colors is visually intriguing and creates a soothing yet fun atmosphere.

One advantage to working with a loose fill material like pea gravel is that it can easily be poured into any shape, giving you a great deal of flexibility in terms of patio design. Gravel also offers excellent drainage, is extremely affordable, and is simple to maintain.

Other Loose Fill Stone

In addition to pea gravel, there are other loose fill stone options for you to choose from. Traditional ¾” washed clean stone offers a simple and yet elegant look of classic gray and white gravel.

Goose egg gravel is another excellent choice, offering a rounder and smoother appearance with smooth and neutral tones of white and tan.

Many NJ homeowners are also fans of yellow round “Jersey Shore” gravel. This fun, unique stone creates a bit of a beach vibe, featuring shades of tan, brown and yellow, which combine together for a golden, sandy appearance.

Choosing Your Patio Stone

Because each type of natural stone available for patio construction is so beautiful and reliable, you’ll find that you could benefit from any material.

Ultimately, the best stone for your outdoor patio is your decision, based upon your personal sense of style and what you want for your property, the intended use of your patio, and other landscaping or architectural features throughout your property.

It can be helpful to visit a local showroom in order to see how different materials appear in person and in contrast to other landscaping materials. You can also consult with a trusted landscaping professional in order to make the best possible decision for your home.

Buying Patio Stone in NJ

Braen Supply is a leading manufacturer and supplier of the best natural stone for outdoor patio installations in NJ and its surrounding areas. We take pride in offering the most beautiful and high-quality stone products at the lowest and most competitive wholesale prices on the market.

Our team of professionals is more than happy to discuss your goals, dreams and needs in order to provide you with advice on which product is right for you.

Our patio stone can be picked up at your convenience from our NJ facility or can be bulk delivered to areas throughout parts of NJ, NY and NYC and limited parts of PA and CT.

The 4 Tones of Techo-Bloc Aberdeen Slabs

If you keep up with our blog, you’ve probably seen us rave about Techo-Bloc Aberdeen pavers once or twice. Who can blame us? These incredible, geometrical and oh-so-bold slabs add a touch of sophistication and style to any landscape – almost effortlessly!

Whether used to pave a driveway, an outdoor living room, a swimming pool deck, or an outdoor kitchen and dining area, Aberdeen slabs will set the tone for you and your guests to relax, unwind and create memories that will last for a lifetime.

In order to accommodate the unique needs of its different customers, Techo-Bloc has worked to develop four unique color palettes for its Aberdeen collection. Today’s post will highlight the four tones that you can choose from when designing a landscape with Techo-Bloc Aberdeen slabs.

The Importance of Color

Before we dive into the colors on offer from Techo-Bloc, we want to take a few moments to discuss why it’s so important to set the right “tone” with just the right tone of Aberdeen slabs.

Your home’s landscape and hardscape are reflections of who you are, and of your one-of-a-kind personality. It’s crucial, then, that your Techo-Bloc Aberdeen slabs match up with your tastes and sense of style.

While one color may be indicative of a modern-chic and totally cool vibe, another tone may establish a sense of warmth and the comforts of traditional style. Some hues are better for creating a southwestern theme for your landscape, while others may be better suited for your Euro fantasies.

Taking the time to carefully consider your options and choosing a hue that will fit into your style of decor will make all the difference in your landscaping and hardscaping project design.

Techo-Bloc Aberdeen Tone Families

Regardless of what ideas you have for creating a theme or “vibe” for your property, you’ll find that there’s a Techo-Bloc Aberdeen color collection that will suit your individual tastes and needs. Here’s a closer look at what Techo-Bloc has to offer:

Azzurro – If cool, sophisticated, contemporary style is your thing, you’ll love the look of the Azzurro tone for Aberdeen slabs. The smooth and soft gray tones give a clean, polished and modern look to any landscape while still offering the natural appeal of true stone.
Baja Beige – The Baja Beige tone collection warms things up a bit. The combination of the sandy hues and the rugged texturing create the impression of being in the desert, the southwest, or at the beach. This creates many possibilities for establishing a gorgeous landscape that will impress your friends and families.
Olive – A subtle greenish-brown tone is the hallmark of the Olive color collection for Aberdeen slabs. It’s cool and sleek enough to be incorporated in even the most modern of designs, while still offering a naturalistic beauty that can work for traditional styles.
Rock Garden Brown – For a truly earthy tone and naturalistic appeal, we suggest working with Rock Garden Brown slabs. The rich, medium-brown coloring is warm, welcoming and appealing to all.

Mixing and Matching

Who says you have to settle for just one of the four spectacular tones offered through the Techo-Bloc Aberdeen collection? Many NJ homeowners have found that mixing and matching the different colors can add a touch of originality, visual interest and even whimsy to their properties.

The colors easily compliment one another and you’ll love the patchwork vibe created by pairing two, three, or all four of the colors together.

The effect is even more interesting when you mix and match both tones and slab shapes. We recommend talking to your supplier or your landscape designer for more inspiration in this area.

Tips for Choosing the Right Tone

So, which color (or colors) of Techo-Bloc Aberdeen slabs are right for your home? In addition to looking at the tone collections available online and checking out our descriptions of each, we recommend taking the time to visit our local showroom.

Here, you can get a better sense for what these colors look like – live and in-person. You might also consider reaching out to Techo-Bloc to request color swatches.

This will allow you to hold the tones up to different landscaping and architectural features throughout your property so that you can verify that it’s a good match.

Of course, you might also consider consulting with a landscaping designer for his or her expert opinion. Whichever tones you choose, though, we’re confident that you’ll fall in love with your Aberdeen pavers for life.

Working with Techo-Bloc Aberdeen Pavers in NJ

Have you fallen in love with Techo-Bloc Aberdeen slabs? Are you ready to choose the right tone for your landscape? If so, Braen Supply is here to help.

We have a long-standing relationship with Techo-Bloc and have acted as an authorized dealer of the brand’s products for many years. As such, we are able to provide you with a unique perspective on Aberdeen slabs and offer advice on how to choose the right tone for your property.

You can always visit our local landscaping materials showroom to talk to our experts about Aberdeen pavers and to see what they look like in-person.

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

The Complete Techo-Bloc Installation Guide: Pavers, Slabs & More

Everyone loves Techo-Bloc! As a leading designer and manufacturer of high quality, affordable hardscaping and landscaping materials, Techo-Bloc has quickly become the “go-to” option for NJ homeowners looking to upgrade their properties with gorgeous pavers and slabs.

Making the decision to work with Techo-Bloc pavers and slabs is only part of the process, though. From here, you need to be able to properly install the materials so that they will continue to look and function magnificently in the many years ahead.

The following Techo-Bloc installation guide will help you to have a better understanding of what is involved in the process of giving your landscape a makeover with Techo-Bloc products.

Get a Professional Opinion

Before you start excavating your yard and diving into your Techo-Bloc project, we strongly urge you to seek out the opinion of your local utility provider or city planner.

These professionals will be able to carefully evaluate your property to ensure that you don’t accidentally end up digging up an important utility line or covering up access to underground pipes and cables.

You may also find that, in some areas, a city planner must “Okay” your plans before you’re able to legally proceed with work. Taking the time to do your due diligence before working will pay off in the long run.

Gather Your Tools

Once you’ve been given the stamp of approval to get started on your work, you’ll need to make sure that you’ve got everything you need in order to get the job done properly.

In addition to having the right quantity of Techo-Bloc pavers and slabs on hand, you’ll also need plenty of crushed stone and sand for a foundation and setting bed. To excavate the area, you may need shovels or heavy-duty equipment, depending on the size of your project space.

A vibrating plate, tamping tool, or other means of compacting your materials will also be required. A polymer stabilizer will be necessary in order to keep your pavers and slabs in place.

Finally, you may also want to consider any edging or curbing material that you would like to use to create a border around your finished project area.

Excavation

Now we’ve come to the point in our Techo-Bloc installation guide where we’re ready to break ground. For smaller projects, you may be able to get away with using a shovel and wheelbarrow.

The majority of landscaping and hardscaping undertakings, however, will demand the use of more heavy duty excavation equipment, such as a Bobcat. When laying pavers and slabs for patios, walkways, driveways, etc., you will need to take care to ensure that you excavate to the appropriate depth.

The heavier the load that the pavement will be faced with, the greater the depth will need to be. It’s usually a good idea to consult with a landscaping professional in order to ensure depth requirements.

It’s best to do this before beginning the excavation process, as knowing the proper depths will also make it easier for you to order the correct quantity of base materials.

Throughout the excavation process, you will also need to pay attention to the slope. As a general rule, you should strive for achieving slopes in increments of 1.5% so as to allow for proper drainage.

Once the area has been excavated, you will need to take steps to clear away any stones, roots, large sticks, or other debris.

Compact the soil if it is granular, however, if it has a clay consistency you should apply a thin layer of lime and crushed stone before proceeding with compaction. Finally, add some geotextile fabric to prevent weeds from growing through the base over time.

Pour the Foundation

Now that the base has been prepared, you’re ready to pour your crushed stone into the trench in order to create a solid foundation.

In most cases, you don’t want your crushed stone to be any larger than 3/4″. Once the crushed stone has been introduced to the trench, it should be firmly compacted for structural integrity.

Establish the Setting Bed

The next phase of our Techo-Bloc paver installation guide involves establishing a setting bed for your pavers. Here, you’ll need to apply a layer of bedding sand (concrete sand) on top of the crushed stone.

The sand will help to keep the pavers in place while also filling in any voids and adding to the overall strength and integrity of the foundation.

Next, install two pipes directly on top of the crushed stone base and bedding. These pipes should have an outside diameter of 1″. The pipes will work to help with drainage

Lay Down Your Pavers

This is the part of the Techo-Bloc installation guide that you are likely most interested in. At this point in time, we’re ready to actually start installing your Techo-Bloc pavers or slabs so that you can start enjoying the new look and feel of your landscape or hardscape.

We recommend working from the outside edge inward, always laying down two “stones” at a time at a 90-degree angle. Walk on the pavers or slabs as they are installed in order to help them settle into the stand.

Make sure that you carefully follow the pattern or design you have selected, and work to ensure that all pavers are installed evenly.

Fill In the Joints

The final phase of our Techo-Bloc installation guide involves filling in the joints between pavers or slabs in order to ensure that they remain in place and will continue to meet your needs in the many years. Use a polymer stabilizer in order to fill in each joint.

Sweep any loose polymeric sand into the joints and make sure that any excess is swept away before it is allowed to activate and harden.

Once the joints have been filled, you can use a vibrating plate to help the pavers or slabs to further settle into the sand bed for long-term stability. Finally, do another sweep of the pavers in order to remove excess sand, and apply water to the joints in order to activate the polymers.

DIY or Contractor?

If you’ve been successful in previous DIY-type projects throughout your landscape and feel comfortable with the above steps, you will find that adhering to this Techo-Bloc installation guide is quite simple.

Those who do not feel as confident in their ability to follow these steps should consider working with a Techo-Bloc Authorized Contractor in order to ensure that the job gets done in a way that will meet your expectations and protect your product warranty.

Working with Techo-Bloc Pavers and Slabs in NJ

Braen Supply is the leading Techo-Bloc supplier for pavers, slabs and similar products in NJ and its surrounding areas. We are Authorized Techo-Bloc dealers and can provide you with access to the latest and most beautiful Techo-Bloc products at the lowest prices possible.

We are also more than happy to provide you with answers to all of your installation questions and to point you in the direction of an authorized contractor who can help make your landscaping dreams come true.

Visit our showroom to see our Techo-Bloc products and get started today. We bulk deliver Techo-Bloc materials throughout parts of NJ & NY and limited parts of PA & CT.

The Insider’s Guide to Techo-Bloc Permeable Pavers

If you’ve been seduced by the luxury and reliability of Techo-Bloc products, chances are that you’ve heard mention of Techo-Bloc permeable pavers. Although the name “permeable pavers” certainly sounds impressive, you may not have a clear understanding of what this moniker actually means.

In today’s post, we will define what it is that makes a permeable paver ‘permeable’ and we will explore how to choose and use Techo-Bloc permeable pavers within the scope of your landscape.

What Are Techo-Bloc Permeable Pavers?

Here in NJ, we are accustomed to high volumes of precipitation. As anyone who lives in or near a city is well aware, heavy rains and melting snow or ice often lead to excess stormwater runoff and flash flooding.

This not only poses a threat to a person’s immediate physical safety, but it also leads to long-term sanitary issues and can even pose a health hazard to a city’s drinking water. Why does this happen? It’s because much of today’s world is paved with impervious materials.

In an effort to reverse these negative effects, Techo-Bloc took it upon themselves to develop a unique paver product that would mimic the natural hydrological conditions of soil – even when exposed to heavy precipitation.

The pavers work by allowing runoff water to percolate through its joints. From here, the water is filtered through layers of crushed stone aggregate, preventing any unwanted trash or debris from being introduced to the groundwater supply beneath the soil.

This process allows cleaner water to enter the groundwater system and also reduces the amount of stormwater runoff that clogs up municipal stormwater systems and leads to flooding and health hazards.

In other words, Techo-Bloc permeable pavers allow homeowners like yourself to establish a beautiful and durable pavement for your property while simultaneously doing your part to help improve conditions and quality of life in your city.

Because the benefits tied to working with permeable pavers like those manufactured by Techo-Bloc are so significant, we are seeing an increase in demand for this type of pavement – both at an individual level and at the municipal level.

Cities throughout the US and Canada are beginning to enforce laws for using permeable paver units in new construction. Forward-thinking homeowners are jumping on the bandwagon now in order to be in compliance for the future and to do their part to help the environment today.

What Types of Techo-Bloc Permeable Pavers Are Available?

Techo-Bloc is known for offering a wide variety of different types of pavers. Each unique paver is crafted to look and feel like natural stone, featuring different colors, textures, shapes and styles. If you’re concerned that permeable pavers will not offer as much in the way of variety and versatility, you’ve got nothing to worry about.

True to form, Techo-Bloc has provided homeowners with 8 different options for permeable pavers to date and we’re sure that more styles will be available in the future. Here’s a quick look at a few of our favorite styles:

Blu 80mm

Few paver products offer as much style and elegance as the permeable pavers available in the Blu 80mm collection. These large, geometric pavers make a bold statement without overdoing things.

We love that the pavers are available in so many different colors and styles. Depending on your unique preferences, you may opt for 1 of 4 different style finishes, including a flagstone/slate finish, polished, galaxy, or smooth.

Each of these style families features various colors, including warm shades of brown, beige and red, or cooler hues like charcoal and slate.

Antika

Antika pavers offer a touch of whimsy and charm to any outdoor living space. These permeable pavers are unique in that they are designed to look like rounded cobblestone.

Each paver can be arranged into a one-of-a-kind mosaic that speaks to your unique personality and style preferences. You’ll find that this makes it easy to arrange the pavers into a wide array of different shapes and designs without the need for excess cutting and manipulation.

Antika pavers can easily be used in conjunction with other Techo-Bloc pavers, or they can offer a natural appearance when grassy patches are allowed to grow in-between each individual stone. The pavers are available in a wide range of different colors to suit your needs.

Mista Random

The Mista Random pavers collection offers the rugged and charming look of natural flagstone, complete with rich and vibrant texturing.

The permeable pavers are available in various geometric shapes and sizes, allowing you to create dazzling patterns that will attract interest and increase the value of your home.

This particular collection boasts a variety of 9 different color options so that you can easily pair your interlocking pavers with any outdoor furnishings or features that you may desire.

Villagio

This stunning collection features small, brick-like paver units that can be “cobbled” together to emulate the look and feel of centuries-old streets.

Villagio pavers various sizes allow for a lot of design flexibility and you will also have your pick of several different color palettes.

How Can Techo-Bloc Permeable Pavers Be Used at Home?

Techo-Bloc permeable pavers can be used in any type of project where standard Techo-Bloc pavers would be used. The stunning pavers are extremely versatile and easy to install. Some of their most popular uses include:

Driveways
Paths/Walkways
Patios
Swimming Pool Decks
Courtyards

What Else Should I Know About Techo-Bloc Permeable Pavers?

When properly installed, Techo-Bloc permeable pavers require very little maintenance. They are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, including exposure to the sun’s UV rays and freeze-and-thaw cycles. It is safe to use many ice melting products on these pavers.

While skilled Do-It-Yourselfers will find that the Techo-Bloc permeable paver installation process is relatively simple, those who have not had much experience in these areas would be best served by working with a Techo-Bloc Authorized Contractor.

These contractors will understand exactly how to work with your permeable paver system and will know how to properly lay out the materials and install them in a way that will protect your investment and lifetime product warranty.

Professional contractors will also understand how much aggregate is needed beneath the pavers to allow for proper percolation and drainage.

This will ensure that your permeable pavers work as intended, while also helping you to order the correct volume of materials for your project. Talk to a trusted Techo-Bloc dealer, like Braen Supply, for recommendations for local Techo-Bloc contractors.

Where Can I Buy Techo-Bloc Permeable Pavers in NJ?

Techo-Bloc permeable pavers have grown quite popular in NJ and its neighboring states. As a leading Techo-Bloc supplier and authorized dealer, Braen Supply is ready and able to meet the demand for these beloved hardscaping materials.

Our team of Techo-Bloc experts are happy to help you explore your different options for working with permeable pavers and can provide you with helpful advice for installing and maintaining the pavers properly. Our Techo-Bloc permeable pavers are always available at the lowest and most competitive prices.

Once purchased, these permeable pavers and other landscaping products can be either picked up or bulk delivered to locations throughout parts of NJ & NY and limited parts of PA & CT. Visit our local showroom or give us a call to learn more today.

Techo-Bloc Allegro Pavers Made This Backyard the Coziest Hang Out Spot

When upgrading your home’s landscape, you want to make sure that you select materials that you and your guests will absolutely love. After all, your outdoor living space should be a cozy and inviting area where you can hang out, relax and unwind.

Techo-Bloc Allegro paver systems are an excellent choice for any homeowner who desires to establish a space that is both beautiful and welcoming. Read on to learn more about this simplistic yet versatile Techo-Bloc paver collection.

Techo-Bloc Allegro Paver Systems At-A-Glance

Like most Techo-Bloc products, Allegro pavers are produced from a high quality and durable concrete mix. Even so, they are anything but plain. The Allegro collection is designed to emulate natural, aged stone.

The shape and style of the pavers draws its inspiration from Old World European cobblestone roads and the sandy texture and finishing provides a unique, antique look that creates an upscale yet very homey vibe for the entire backyard.

The Techo-Bloc Allegro paver collection is available in a number of warm colors, ranging from browns and beiges to reds and golds.

You can also opt for a cooler tone by working with the Shale Grey color palette, or you can enjoy the best of both worlds with Champlain Grey pavers. Regardless of which colors you choose for your landscape, you’ll find that their overall appearance will never diminish or fade over time.

The pavers are built to last and are capable of enduring long term exposure to the sun and can hold their own against heavy volumes of precipitation and the freezing conditions NJ is accustomed to throughout the winter months.

Techo-Bloc Allegro Paver Systems Add Comfort and Style

Although Allegro pavers certainly offer a sense of subtle, low-key elegance, they are also capable of completely setting the tone for a warm and relaxing backyard environment.

Visiting the Techo-Bloc website to view its gallery of pictures of successfully completed Allegro landscapes will provide you with a great deal of inspiration for how to add warmth and charm to your own backyard.

Here are some of our favorite ways to use Allegro paver systems in order to set the tone for a cozy backyard hangout:

Around the Pool

A swimming pool always creates a great excuse for inviting your friends and neighbors over for an afternoon of hanging out and enjoying one another’s company. Of course, in order for everyone to enjoy lounging by the waters or splashing in the pool, your pool deck needs to be in good condition.

We absolutely love the look of Allegro pavers for the surface of a stunning swimming pool deck. The aged look of the faux cobblestone creates the sense that many happy memories have been made in this place and encourages new memories to be made.

The warm, sandy or earthy tones available from the Techo-Bloc Allegro paver collection make it easy to create a warm and welcoming vibe throughout the area and can even create a beach or desert oasis effect around your pool.

Finally, the sandy texturing on the pavers works to create great traction, adding to the safety element of your swimming area.

In Garden Patios

If you’re the type of person who loves to be surrounded by nature, there can be no better place to hang out than by the flower beds or the garden. It’s easy to construct a relaxing and gorgeous patio alongside your garden by making use of the Techo-Bloc Allegro paver system.

Both warmer hues of brown or tan and cooler shades of gray can find their place in a garden setting, so it’s up to you to decide which color palette best speaks to your individual sense of style.

Regardless of what you choose, you’ll love the fact that Allegro pavers make you feel as though you have been transported overseas to Great Britain, where you are able to enjoy tea and a great book next to roses in an English Garden by the countryside.

This charming atmosphere is irresistible to everyone and will inspire you and your loved ones to spend many hours on the patio talking, laughing and creating fond memories with one another.

In the Kitchen

If your outdoor kitchen features modern Techo-Bloc grill islands or pizza ovens with a rustic and charming appearance, you’ll need to be able to establish a “floor” for your cooking areas that will match this same sense of style.

The Techo-Bloc Allegro paver collection is one of our top picks for designing an inviting outdoor kitchen with a laid-back vibe. This is the place where your friends can hang out at the bar as you grill up something amazing on your barbecue or in your pizza oven.

Allegro pavers from all color families will match beautifully with existing kitchen and cooking features and they pair well with many Techo-Bloc blocks that may be used in the construction of islands or kitchen walls.

The pavers don’t retain heat, so they’ll keep the area cool and comfortable when the oven’s heat kicks in. This means that your kitchen can remain a great hang out, even when it’s in use.

Choosing and Using Techo-Bloc Allegro Paver Systems

As you browse through photos of beautiful Allegro paver projects or visit your local Techo-Bloc showroom, you’ll quickly notice that Allegro pavers offer a lot of possibilities to homeowners who are looking to revamp their backyards.

The pavers can easily be arranged into straight, linear patterns, or they can be laid into curved or winding designs. It’s a good idea to play with software design tools and to talk to an expert prior to making decisions about how to arrange your Techo-Bloc Allegro paver systems, as the shape can play a big role in the overall vibe created by the pavers.

In addition to this, it’s important to make smart choices about the color palette you prefer for your Allegro pavers. Again, don’t hesitate to utilize online design tools or to request color samples from Techo-Bloc.

You want your finished project area to be of a color and a design that makes you feel fully relaxed as you hang out with the ones you love.

Finally, consider whether you want to work strictly with Allegro pavers, or if you’d like to create boarders or edging around the Allegro pavers with other Techo-Bloc pavers and slabs. This can add even more personality to your space.

Working with Techo-Bloc Allegro Paver Systems in NJ

Braen Supply is known throughout NJ and its surrounding areas for being an honest and reliable Techo-Bloc dealer. We have been authorized to sell Techo-Bloc products for years and we know the ins and outs of the Allegro pavers and other products that we sell.

As a result, we’re able to provide you with advice and input and are happy to answer any questions you have about Techo-Bloc materials. We also have relationships with local Techo-Bloc contractors and can point you in the direction of a reputable contractor who can help you make your backyard landscaping dreams come true.

Our Techo-Bloc Allegro pavers can be picked up at your convenience or can be bulk delivered to locations throughout parts of NJ & NY and limited parts of PA & CT. Visit our showroom to get started on your project today.

The 10 Techo-Bloc Paver Benefits Everyone is Talking About

It’s almost impossible to begin researching ideas for a paver project without running into the Techo-Bloc brand. People throughout NJ and the entire country are crazy about Techo-Bloc products and all that they have to offer. But what’s so special about Techo-Bloc?

It would be impossible to list all of the Techo-Bloc paver benefits that homeowners can expect from working with these beautiful and versatile projects, but we can at least list a few. In fact, today’s post will highlight 10 of the primary Techo-Bloc paver benefits that homeowners are excited about right now.

1. Incredibly Natural

Remember those old commercials for “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter?” Well, once you lay your eyes on Techo-Bloc pavers, you won’t be able to believe that they’re not natural stone! In fact, Techo-Bloc pavers, slabs and other materials are crafted from high quality concrete.

Far from ordinary, however, each and every paver is designed to mimic the color, cut, shape and texture of 100% natural stone. Neither you nor your guests will be able to tell the difference between your Techo-Bloc hardscape and natural stone materials.

2. A Style for Every Occasion

Some paver manufacturers produce materials in a handful of styles for their customers to choose from. On of the biggest Techo-Bloc paver benefits is that the materials come is a wide range of different designs and styles.

While some paver collections feature a more traditional or “old world” style, others are extremely chic and modern. No matter what you desire, you’ll find that you’re looking for.

3. Range of Colors

Beyond offering tons of fabulous design and style choices to homeowners, Techo-Bloc pavers also come in an array of colors and hues. Shades of brown, gold, tan, beige and even red can add warmth and light to any space, while colors in the gray, black and blue family tend to cool things down.

Shades of white are always cool and sophisticated. Feel free to request a sample from Techo-Bloc in order to see how the colors would look within your landscape.

4. Design Freedom

Once you’ve settled on the perfect style and color, you’ll find that you can enjoy quite a bit of freedom when it comes to settling on a design, pattern, or layout for your materials.

Not only can you play around with different shapes, sizes and colors as you create a mosaic pattern of your choosing, but you can also have fun mixing and matching different pavers together in order to achieve a truly one-of-a-kind look.

5. Big Picture Style

One of the Techo-Bloc paver benefits that homeowners really appreciate is the ability to introduce pavers into the “Big Picture” of the entire landscape or property.

Techo-Bloc pavers are designed to be easily incorporated with other Techo-Bloc products, as well as with other landscaping, hardscaping and architectural materials.

The pavers are able to hold their own, adding value and beauty to your home while simultaneously highlighting and accentuating the beauty of other aspects of your property.

6. Extremely Versatile

Techo-Bloc pavers can be used in so many different ways – both practical and decorative. Pavers are frequently used to establish outdoor living areas and dining areas in backyards.

Here, the pavers set the tone for the entire space with their aesthetic and vibe, while also creating a safe, sturdy and reliable “floor” for entertaining your friends and loved ones. Pavers can also be used to construct a gorgeous swimming pool deck that is heat resistant and that offers traction when wet.

Many homeowners have fallen in love with the idea of using Techo-Bloc pavers to establish welcoming front walkways or garden paths. These versatile “stones” are even strong enough to act as a tough and durable driveway. There’s no limit to how Techo-Bloc pavers can be used throughout the landscape.

7. Always Expanding

One of the Techo-Bloc paver benefits that just keeps on giving is the fact that the company is always exploring, growing and expanding its creativity.

The design professionals at Techo-Bloc are always working on new and exciting products that will dazzle and delights homeowners from all walks of life.

Most recently, for example, Techo-Bloc has released a line of slabs that look just like natural hardwood. Because the brand is always growing its collection of materials, you’ll never run out of options for decorating your landscape with style.

8. 100% Affordable

Many homeowners complain that they simply don’t have the funds required to give their landscapes and hardscape a proper makeover. Among the most significant of all Techo-Bloc paver benefits is that Techo-Bloc materials are so affordable.

Because the pavers and other products are manufactured from concrete as opposed to natural stone, they don’t cost nearly as much to produce. While they look absolutely fabulous and are of the highest quality, then, they are available at a fraction of the cost of natural materials.

When you buy directly from a Techo-Bloc authorized dealer, you will be able to maximize your savings even further.

9. Reliable and Long-Lasting

Techo-Bloc pavers are designed and built to last. The engineers at Techo-Bloc never skimp on quality, and work diligently to produce heavy duty pavers that are able to withstand heavy loads and frequent traffic, as well as prolonged exposure to the elements.

The pavers are not prone to staining or scraping, and they won’t fade when hit directly by UV rays from the sun. Techo-Bloc products are also designed with extreme winter conditions in mind. The pavers are able to handle freeze-and-thaw cycles, and can be used with most ice melting materials.

Because Techo-Bloc is so confident in the products that it manufactures, it offers a lifetime guarantee on pavers and other materials that have been properly installed and maintained. This provides a unique peace of mind to homeowners like yourself that, come what may, your beautiful landscape will be covered.

10. Easy to Install and Maintain

No one wants to deal with landscaping and hardscaping materials that are a pain in the neck to install and take care of. This brings us to the last of the Techo-Bloc paver benefits that we will be exploring together today.

Techo-Bloc makes it very easy for Do-It-Yourselfers to construct beautiful patios, driveways, walkways and other surfaces with their pavers. These materials are equally simple to care for, requiring very little maintenance in order to remain in pristine condition.

In the event that you don’t feel confident in your ability to install Techo-Bloc pavers on your own, we strongly recommend that you seek out an authorized Techo-Bloc contractor to do the job.

Enjoying Techo-Bloc Paver Benefits in NJ

Are you ready to start reaping the many Techo-Bloc paver benefits today? Braen Supply has you covered. As a leading supplier and authorized dealer of Techo-Bloc products in NJ, we carry a massive inventory of beautiful Techo-Bloc pavers and similar landscaping materials.

We are proud to always offer the lowest and most competitive prices on the market. Visit our local showroom for Techo-Bloc project ideas today. Our Techo-Bloc pavers are available for pick up, or can be bulk delivered to areas throughout parts of NJ and NY and limited parts of PA and CT.