15 Designs to Compliment Your Techo-Bloc Outdoor Kitchen

NJ homeowners cherish their time outdoors. Because our winters can be so harsh, many of us take measures to ensure that we’re able to soak up as much sunshine and fresh air during the milder times of year as possible.

A Techo-Bloc outdoor kitchen creates the perfect opportunity for people to get outside and spend time with loved ones while preparing and enjoying meals. If you want your outdoor kitchen to be a hub of activity and a hot spot for entertaining guests, though, you need to get the design “just right”.

Ultimately, your Techo-Bloc outdoor kitchen should create a warm, comfortable and inviting atmosphere that represents your unique personality and sense of style. Need some inspiration?

Read on for some of our pro tips on finding the right style for your Techo-Bloc outdoor kitchen, as well as some extra features and touches you can add to make your kitchen truly your own.

Style Suggestions

1. Old World European

Old European style is all about cobbled roads, subtle tones and rich textures. When looking at pavers, slabs, or even wall stones, we urge you to consider products from collections including Antika, Victorien, Parisen, Rotundo and allegro.

2. Mediterranean

Mediterranean cultures are known for the clean architecture and cool colors and textures. This can create a great deal of romance and style in your Techo-Bloc outdoor kitchen. Some of our favorite collections which represent Mediterranean design include Travertina and Aberdeen slabs.

3. Desert Chic

Just because we don’t live in the desert doesn’t mean that we can’t appreciate the southwestern sense of style. Techo-Bloc makes it easy to bring the warmth of the desert to your outdoor kitchen.

Stick with shades of gold and yellow, with accents in teal, green, red, rust and orange. We suggest that you consider working with materials like Inca slabs and Prescott or Rocka walls.

4. Romantic Storybook

Imagine life in a storybook cottage, surrounded by your garden and stunning Antika stones, and textured Aberdeen slabs. This will create an old-fashioned warmth around your kitchen and dining areas.

5. Country Cottage

Nothing gives off a more enchanting, country vibe than Borealis slabs, wall blocks and similar features. These units look just like wood, give you that home-made, personally crafted feeling – like you built your entire outdoor kitchen and living spaces from the lumber surrounding your property. It’s a beautiful way to create memories.

6. Rustic

Achieve that mountain-esque and truly rustic style of design by working with Brandon wall stones. The chiseled, detailed textures associated with these wall blocks and the incredible color palette will warm your heart and soul and attract visitors to your Techo-Bloc outdoor kitchen.

7. Contemporary

Current style trends are about neat lines and geometrical symmetry, and you can easily achieve this for your Techo-Bloc outdoor kitchen. We love Seastone porcelain tiles, all Techo-Bloc Blu products and Raffinato walls for establishing this type of vibe.

8. Modern

Have fun playing around with interesting shapes, designs and textures as well as sleek and sophisticated tones like onyx, gray and white for a modern vibe. Tux slabs and Industria pavers are a fabulous pick, but we really love Graphix wall blocks and caps for a truly modern feel.

Unique Touches

9. Banding

One of the simplest and loveliest ways to make your outdoor kitchen stand out is to use pavers that contrast against your kitchen “flooring” as a banding material. Some of our favorite banding products include Antika pavers with their unique patterns and charm, and Victorian with its straight edges and clean lines.

10. Checkerboarding

Shake things up and add a pop of color or texture to your Techo-Bloc outdoor kitchen and dining space by designing a beautiful checkerboard pattern with your pavers or slabs. The Tux collection, for example, comes in black and white shades that make it easy to create a sophisticated, checkered design.

You don’t have to work within the same collection, though. Feel free to play around with the different textures and colors of varying pavers and slabs, or even consider checker boarding your slabs with grass for a truly unique setting.

11. Faux Wood

One trend that’s really taking off throughout NJ is to make use of a Techo-Bloc product that, instead of emulating the look of stone, is designed to look just like wood. The Borealis collection features concrete pavers that are shaped into long planks and are textured and colored to look and feel like hardwood. This adds a degree of warmth and hospitality to your outdoor kitchen or dining area.

12. Porcelain Tile

Techo-Bloc doesn’t just manufacture concrete flooring for outdoor kitchens. Many homeowners are falling in love with the brand’s Porcelain products.

Whether you’re interested in the soft undertones of the Sunrock collection or prefer the faux wood sheen of Etic Pro, porcelain brings a little something extra to any hardscape.

13. Dual-Sided Dividing Walls

Where there’s a Techo-Bloc outdoor kitchen, there’s also an outdoor living or dining room area. While some people enjoy an open floor plan, others like to create boundaries that establish distinct borders between the different living spaces. Techo-Bloc wall blocks are designed to look beautiful on both sides, making it possible for the wall to be enjoyed no matter where you’re situated.

14. Dividing Fireplaces

Not too keen on the idea of a divining wall, but still interested in dividing up your outdoor living spaces? A Techo-Bloc fireplace is the perfect solution. The brand’s stunning fireplaces will bring comfort and beauty to your kitchen and will allow you to continue enjoying the space even on cool evenings.

15. Fire Features

Techo-Bloc engineers fabulous fire features that will take your outdoor cooking experience to the next level. You’ll fall in love with the convenience and versatility of a stunning Techo-Bloc grill island.

In addition to grilling your meat on the barbecue, you’ll also have the ability to roast vegetables or cook a pizza in a stunning pizza oven. And don’t forget fire pits. On a more casual or relaxed evening, you and your loved ones will love to roast hot dogs and marshmallows over the open flames.

Designing Your Dream Techo-Bloc Outdoor Kitchen in NJ

The experts at Braen Supply are ready to help you bring your dream Techo-Bloc outdoor kitchen to life. As an authorized Techo-Bloc dealer, we are very familiar with all of the hardscaping brand’s products and how they can be used to design a kitchen that suits your individual tastes and outdoor living needs.

We can provide you with advice on which products to choose for your design strategy, and can offer useful tips on the installation process. Come see how beautifully Techo-Bloc concrete pavers, slabs, wall blocks and fire features look within the scope of an outdoor kitchen by visiting our showroom today.

All of our Techo-Bloc products are competitively priced and can be picked up or bulk delivered to locations throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and PA.

How to Give Your Yard Curb Appeal with Techo-Bloc Curbing

Your front driveway may be paved beautifully. Your flower garden might feature vibrant colors and healthy blossoms. Your front yard may consist of the most dazzlingly green lawn on the entire block.

Regardless of how much effort you’ve put into creating a gorgeous, polished look for your landscape and hardscape, though, it may still be missing something. If the edges of your grass, pavers, or even gardening spaces don’t have the same polished look as the rest of your property, these areas could bring the rest of your landscape down with them.

Suddenly, instead of noticing the flowers, your eye is drawn to the scattered mulch or soil, and instead of focusing on magnificent driveway pavers, your neighbors are making note of the gaps between the driveway edges and your lawn.

This is where Techo-Bloc curbing can step up to the plate and save the day. Ready to learn more? Read on to discover the benefits of Techo-Bloc curbing and how to find the right materials for your home.

Benefits of Techo-Bloc Curbing

What’s the big deal with curbing, anyway? At first glance, you may think that adding concrete curbing to your landscape is just a frivolous extra, but when you take look at the many benefits that Techo-Bloc curbing has to offer, we’re sure you’ll change your mind:

Curb Appeal

For starters, Techo-Bloc curbing will significantly improve the overall curb appeal of your home. Adding a curb or edge to the various areas of your landscape – including driveways, paths, flower beds, gardens, ponds and your property line.

This will establish a more complete, polished appearance that will attract the eye and be very visually pleasing. This, in turn, makes the whole landscape and home look cleaner and more beautiful, thus boosting property value.

Design Flexibility

Techo-Bloc strives to provide homeowners with options for designing the landscapes and hardscapes of their dreams, and this involves producing materials that allow for a great deal of creativity and design flexibility.

Whether you’re a fan of straight lines and sharp edges or prefer soft, rounded hardscaping features, you’ll find Techo-Bloc curbing that works to meet your needs. The materials are easy to integrate into any existing landscaping style and are designed to complement many other Techo-Bloc hardscaping materials.

Strength and Durability

Techo-Bloc curbing is known for being tough, resilient and reliable. This is especially important in areas that are regularly subject to high volumes of foot or vehicular traffic, such as paths and walkways and front driveways.

The edging materials here will be able to support the weight put upon it and will not crack or chip over time. Techo-Bloc’s gorgeous curbing materials are also able to effectively block roots from breaking out of the ground and creating an eyesore.

Weather Resistant

Because NJ is no stranger to the elements, it’s very important that you choose a curbing material that will be able to hold its own against the sun, wind, rain, snow and ice.

Techo-Bloc products are extremely weatherproof and won’t fade or lose their color after exposed to UV rays, nor will they crack and shift after freeze and thaw cycles. As a result, Techo-Bloc guarantees its materials for a lifetime, so you know you can count on them to last.

Cost Effective

When compared to other edging and curbing materials, Techo-Bloc provides the most affordable and cost effective products around.

Unlike other edging materials that might deteriorate or become damaged over time, Techo-Bloc will continue to look and function as perfectly as they day they were installed, thereby giving you the best return on your initial investment.

When you buy your materials from an authorized Techo-Bloc dealer, you’ll get the fairest and lowest prices to begin with, enabling you to finalize your perfect landscape on a budget you can afford.

Improved Drainage

Sloped Techo-Bloc curbing can also help to improve drainage around your property and direct the flow of water.

Instead of letting water flow in the direction of your home, or towards gardening areas where they could cause flooding, the curbs can be sloped away from the property and towards your own personal drainage systems or city storm drains.

This will reduce the likelihood of water-related problems and damages in and around your home.

Types of Techo-Bloc Curbing

Interested in reaping the benefits of Techo-Bloc curbing? You’ll be happy to know that Techo-Bloc provides homeowners like yourself with plenty of style options, each with their own unique advantages. Here’s a quick look at what the leading hardscaping brand has to offer:

Avignon – Avignon curbs are known for their intriguing textures. You’ll notice that the sides feature slate texturing while the tops are rock-faced, giving them a unique vibe that will work for rustic to contemporary homes.

Belgik – Belgik edges are a perfect replica of Belgian block. Rich, grainy texturing are the hallmark of these large curbs which work to compliment an array of Techo-Bloc pavers and slabs.

Borealis – Enjoy all the benefits of concrete while creating a curb that looks and feels like it’s made from wood! Borealis curbing is designed to be a dead-ringer for hardwood, making it ideal for gardens and planter boxes. It’s really one of the most unique edging materials out there on the market today.

Brandon – If you like the look of rustic brick, Borealis curbing is the right choice for your needs. This durable edging material can be used around Brandon pavers and wall blocks, or can be used with other Techo-Bloc products. They’re perfect for everything from lining driveways to planters.

Pietra – Pietra curbing replicates aged and textured granite, giving your landscape a sense of truly timeless charm. It will look like a well-established garden that has history and charm – without ever looking old and run down. Varying lengths are available to create an even more naturalistic and visually interesting experience that you’ll fall in love with.

Raffinato – Raffinato edging is for the modern and edgy homeowner that’s looking for a sleek and sophisticated way to stand out from the crowd. You’ll appreciate clean lines and symmetry with this curbing material.

Rocka – Rocka’s carved surfaces make it very popular, both for classic and contemporary landscaping styles. It offers excellent depth and strength as an edging material throughout all areas of the landscape.

Tundra – If you’re looking for sloped, transitional curbing, Tundra is your best bet. This uniquely shaped edging material is natural and visually soothing.

Buying Techo-Bloc Curbing in NJ

When you’re ready to complete the look of your landscape with Techo-Bloc curbing, be sure to visit the Braen Supply showroom. Because we’re authorized Techo-Bloc dealers, our showroom is able to feature a complete inventory of Techo-Bloc’s finest curbing materials in a variety of colors.

Our professionals are able to address all of your product questions and provide you with advice about which curbing material is the right fit for your home.

We always offer the most competitive prices for our edging and curbing products. Techo-Bloc curbing can be picked up at your convenience or can be bulk delivered to areas throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and PA.

4 Ideas for Techo-Bloc Blu 60 with Villagio Banding

From time to time, we hear our customers agonizing about which Techo-Bloc products they should choose for their home. When they love more than one type or style of material, they can feel overwhelmed with their options and unsure about which direction to take.

Fortunately, this isn’t actually a problem at all! In fact, homeowners like these have the freedom to have their cake and eat it, too. That’s because many Techo-Bloc products are designed to compliment and work with one another to create a truly beautiful and unique hardscape.

Techo-Bloc Blu 60 and Villagio are among the most commonly paired product lines. Could this pairing work to fulfill your hardscaping dreams? See for yourself how these two types of materials can be married together, and draw inspiration from our favorite ideas for using them side by side.

Techo-Bloc Blu 60 and Villagio: A Match Made in Heaven

When the designers and engineers at Techo-Bloc created the Blu 60 mm collection, they had stately beauty and the ultimate in sophistication in mind. When they created Villagio pavers, they had the ability to pair the pavers with Blu 60 mm slabs in mind.

Even though they knew that their stunning Blu collection spoke for itself and could act as the primary and sole hardscaping element in any landscape, they also knew that some homeowners would want to take things even further, highlighting the beauty of the Blu slabs with lovely banding.

Villagio pavers are designed with round edges that make it simple for landscapers and homeowners to create straight, rounded, or even winding bands that will accentuate every aspect of your existing Blu 60 mm hardscape. There’s really no better – or simpler – way to bring out the very best in your Blu slabs without stealing the show or taking away from their simple elegance.

Ideas for Pairing Techo-Bloc Blu 60 and Villagio

You know that Techo-Bloc Blu 60 and Villagio products can look truly stunning when paired together – so now what? Our experts have shared 4 of their favorite ways to use the two materials in conjunction with one another:

1. Fire Pits

There’s nothing quite like the experience of being able to gather around an inviting fire pit with your loved ones on a crisp summer or autumn evening in NJ. Fire pits can easily become the focal point of any landscape, being the area where people laugh, toast marshmallows, share a drink and create beautiful memories in the light of the dancing flames.

While a fire pit can definitely stand out on its own, though, many homeowners have found that the combination of Techo-Bloc Blu 60 slabs and a Villagio banding can really highlight the area and make it “pop”. The many colors and styles of Techo-Bloc Blu 60 mm slabs make it easy to find materials that will work beautifully with your natural stone or concrete fire pit.

We love the idea of creating a full patio or pool deck surfaced with Techo-Bloc Blu 60 and then using Villagio pavers as a way to create a distinct seating area for the fire pit, or to create “sections” throughout your outdoor living space.

2. Driveways

Your driveway is one of the first things that visitors and passersby will notice about your property. What does yours say about you?

Those who work with Techo-Bloc Blu 60 mm slabs and Villagio banding will find that friends, family and neighbors have nothing but positive things to say about the driveway and landscape as a whole. Techo-Bloc Blu 60 slabs create an upscale impression, regardless of the color or style that you choose.

While the slate family provides a more old world or storybook vibe, the smooth family acts sleek and modern. Still other themes can be achieved through working with polished or galaxy colors and textures.

The concrete slabs create a structurally sound and weather-resistant driveway that will hold up well throughout the years. Even though a driveway paved with Techo-Bloc Blu 60 mm slabs would be stunning on its own, some homeowners opt to create an even more unique and customized look for their drives by adding a Villagio banding.

A band of a similar texture but contrasting color can create interesting patterns and designs across the driveway, or can simply mark the perimeter in order to pique visual interest.

3. Pool & Hot Tub

NJ homeowners work hard and play harder. That’s why so many people make it a point to include swimming pools and/or hot tubs in their backyards.

Both features create a place for you and your loved ones to gather together and relax – both when it’s hot and cold outside. In most cases, homeowners make the decision to surround their swimming and hot tub areas with an attractive, concrete pool deck.

This makes the area more accessible, more attractive and safer for everyday use. The many colors and textures offered through the Techo-Bloc Blu 60 mm family make it simple for you to find a product that matches the style or theme that you’re trying to achieve in these areas.

The texturing will also improve traction and safety and areas that regularly become wet. A Villagio banding will take your pool deck to the next level by really highlighting the focal points (your swimming pool and hot tub) while, at the same time, creating visual boundaries that break your hardscape up into smaller, more aesthetically pleasing spaces.

4. Courtyards

An impressive front courtyard can highlight the beauty and elegance of your home and the remainder of your landscape. Techo-Bloc Blu 60 mm slabs are a popular choice for surfacing courtyards – especially in the smooth and polished styles – as it gives of a stately and sophisticated air that will increase the value of your property.

We envision a stunning fountain or water feature as the focal point of this area, drawing in the eyes of your visitors and creating a lasting impression. You can get even more positive notice when you pair the Techo-Bloc Blu 60 slabs with a lovely, contrasting Villagio banding that circles the fountain, runs along the borders of the courtyard and adds visual contrast.

Working With Techo-Bloc Blu 60 and Villagio in NJ

Are you ready to see for yourself how beautifully Techo-Bloc Blu 60 and Villagio products can work together? Be sure to stop by Braen Supply in order to check out these materials in our stunning showroom.

Our experts are happy to answer all of your questions about these product lines and can offer advice on how to pair the right colors and materials together for your specific project. We always remain up-to-date on the latest Techo-Bloc product offering to ensure that we can provide you with the most current and trending products while providing you with the most accurate product information.

As authorized Techo-Bloc dealers, we can guarantee the lowest and most competitive prices around. Our Techo-Bloc products are available for pickup or can be bulk delivered to locations throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and PA.

Where Can I Find the Best Techo-Bloc Paver Cost in Bergen County?

Everyone loves Techo-Bloc! These artfully designed and skillfully crafted concrete pavers, slabs wall blocks, stairs, treads, caps and outdoor features are the perfect way to bring a touch of sophistication, elegance and charm to your property.

Each unit is engineered to mimic the shapes, textures and colors of natural stone so that it’s impossible to tell them apart from the real thing. Best of all, Techo-Bloc is one of the most affordable hardscaping brands in the country – that is, if you know where to go to get the best prices in your area.

Because we want our customers to get the fairest prices and the most value from their completed projects, we’ve put together this post on how to find the fairest rates on Techo-Bloc in Bergen County, NJ.

What Do the Best Techo-Bloc Prices in Bergen County Look Like?

One of the biggest mistakes that we see people make when shopping for Techo-Bloc products is that they confuse the idea of getting the BEST price with getting the cheapest price. Obviously you don’t want to spend an arm and a leg on your landscaping and/or hardscaping upgrade, nor do you want to get ripped off by being overcharged for your materials.

This doesn’t mean that you should just go for the lowest price that you see, though. While a reputable Techo-Bloc supplier will be able to offer low and competitive prices, they also won’t sell products for dirt cheap. Be aware that if the cost of your Techo-Bloc products seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Don’t get ripped off by a scam company trying to pass off a cheap knockoff as the real thing. If you’re suspicious about the price of Techo-Bloc materials, ask for proof that the dealer is connected with Techo-Bloc and is selling authentic products. To summarize: the best prices will look fair and reasonable, not ridiculously cheap.

5 Foolproof Tips for Finding the Best Techo-Bloc Prices in Bergen County

Once you’re ready to move forward with your plans to work with Techo-Bloc, you’re ready to start looking for the very best prices in all of Bergen County. Here are a few expert tips for finding the best deal:

1. Find an Authorized Dealer

The best and most important aspect of getting the best Techo-Bloc prices is to make sure that you purchase your materials from an authorized Techo-dealer. Techo-Bloc, as a brand, works to design, engineer and produce superior concrete and porcelain hardscaping products in a variety of different styles.

They do not, however, sell their materials directly to customers. Instead, Techo-Bloc partners up with dealers that they can rely on to connect their products directly with contractors, homeowners and landscapers who are interested in what they have to offer.

In order to make sure that you’re getting genuine Techo-Bloc materials and that you’re getting the latest and most current product offerings, you’ll absolutely need to insist on going with an authorized dealer. Authorized dealers will also, of course, be able to provide the lowest and fairest prices.

Some vendors may try to purchase Techo-Bloc products through a third party dealer and then resell them at inflated costs to customers. An authorized dealer won’t have to go this route, and because no middle man is involved, you won’t get ripped off.

2. Stay Local

Authorized Techo-Bloc dealers exist throughout the entire country, but it’s in your best interest to find a dealer that’s available in your own locale. Staying within Bergen County will work to your benefit for a couple different reasons.

First, you’ll have the luxury of being able to actually visit the supplier and check out their show room. Having the ability to do this will give you a much more tangible representation of how the Techo-Bloc materials you’re thinking about working with will look and feel within the scope of an actual landscape, and if they’re really the right choice for you.

You’ll also be able to verify the quality of the materials to ensure that you’re getting the most value for your dollar spent. Secondly, you’ll end up saving a lot of money by purchasing from a local dealer.

Buying from a remote supplier will mean that you have to coordinate and pay for transportation and delivery. Not only is this costlier, but it also increases the odds of materials becoming damaged en route, thus slowing down your project schedule and possibly costing you even more money.

3. Calculate Your Needs

One of the easiest and smartest ways to set and stick to a reasonable budget for your Techo-Bloc materials is to take the time to carefully assess your project needs and calculate how much material you’ll require in order to get the job done.

Remember that you’ll need to consider both the Techo-Bloc materials and any base materials that will be installed beneath or around those products. Here, we recommend working with a professional to assess the work to be done so that you order the correct quantity and don’t overspend on materials you don’t actually need.

4. Choose a Great Delivery Service

We strongly urge you to find an authorized Techo-Bloc dealer that is also licensed and insured to handle bulk delivery services in Bergen County and its surrounding areas.

It’s wise to enlist a Techo-Bloc dealer as your primary delivery company because they will be the most familiar with how to properly handle and transport your materials. This is also the best way to get a great deal.

5. Install and Maintain Correctly

Techo-Bloc products come with a lifetime guarantee – so long as you follow manufacturer specifications for installation and maintenance. It’s important, then, that you take your time and follow the correct procedures for construction and aftercare.

If you have any doubts about your ability to handle the installation process on your own, we would advise you to seek out a local contractor that is familiar with Techo-Bloc products and can complete the work on your behalf. Talk to your authorized dealer for information on reliable contractors in Bergen County.

Where to Find The Best Techo-Bloc Prices in Bergen County

After going through the checklist of things to look for when seeking out the best and fairest Techo-Bloc prices throughout Bergen County, you’ll quickly discover that Braen Supply fits the bill every time. We are the most trusted landscaping and hardscaping supplier in NJ and its surrounding areas, and that extends to the sale of Techo-Bloc products.

We’re authorized Techo-Bloc dealers and our team knows the ins and outs of every Techo-Bloc product we sell. We’re more than happy to help you choose the right materials for your project and figure out exactly how much to buy.

We can provide expert installation and maintenance tips, or can point you in the direction of a reputable, local Techo-Bloc contractor. We always offer the lowest and most competitive rates on Techo-Bloc materials and we can bulk deliver your order to locations within Bergen County, as well as throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and PA.

10 Tips for Cutting Techo-Bloc in NJ

Planning on working with Techo-Bloc for an upcoming project? While Techo-Bloc makes it very easy for users to quickly and accurately lay out and install their products, certain areas of your project space could be a bit trickier than others.

When you come to the end of a row or plan to lay a radius, you may find that you’ll need to miter a few pieces. In the simplest terms, mitering involves marking and cutting your concrete interlocking pavers so that they fit correctly within the scope of your project area.

For some of our NJ customers, the idea of cutting a Techo-Bloc paver, wall stone, or other product can actually seem a bit intimidating or stressful. After all, the cut you make will significantly impact the way in which your completed job looks and functions.

Are you up to the task? After reading through these 10 expert tips on the proper cutting of Techo-Bloc materials, you should feel ready to tackle the work with confidence and ease.

1. Choose the Right Tools

Different people are comfortable with different types of tools for cutting Techo-Bloc. We’ve found that the most commonly selected means of splitting Techo-Bloc materials is to make use of a hammer and chisel.

While this particular method will require a lot more in terms of elbow grease and physical effort, it’s very affordable and provides even more inexperienced individuals with a high degree of control and precision throughout the cutting process.

Those who feel confident around power tools, on the other hand, might consider making use of a concrete or masonry saw. Unless you already have one on hand, this will require you to purchase or rent the equipment, so make sure you choose a saw that is designed for use on concrete stone, blocks, etc.

2. Have Extra Units On Hand

When you first plan the design and layout of your project area, you should have taken very careful measurements of the space. At this point in time you should also have the specs on the individual Techo-Bloc units that you’ll be using for the work.

Comparing the length and width of these concrete pieces against the measurements of your project area should give you an idea of whether or not you’ll need to cut a few blocks in order to correctly fit the space.

Anyone with layouts that will require angular pieces will also need to plan on making cuts. This type of information will help you to decide how many extra pavers, blocks, etc. you’ll need to have. In addition to this, we encourage you to order a couple extra units to allow for any mistakes or poorly made cuts.

3. Use Existing Pavers to Measure the Cut

Don’t make the mistake of trying to guess where to cut the Techo-Bloc pieces without assessing the bigger picture. We recommend that you first go about the process of laying down all of the individual units that will not need to be split, leaving empty spaces where any uniquely cut or shaped unit will need to be located.

From here, lay a blank paver or block in the empty space, and use a pencil or other utensil to mark off where the cuts will need to be located. This will ensure the best fit once the split has been completed.

4. Score to the Correct Depth

Before you can actually move forward in the process of cutting your Techo-Bloc pavers, blocks, or other units, you’ll need to go ahead and score the surface. Scoring preps the surface of the material to be cut so that it’s a lot easier for you to make any necessary cuts accurately and smoothly.

While most people know that scoring is an important step, however, we see a lot of folks go astray when they accidentally make too deep of a cut. We urge you to avoid scoring the surface of your Techo-Bloc materials any deeper than 1/4″ to avoid any problems with cutting the unit.

5. Angle Your Tool Inward

Angling your saw for your chisel towards the side of the unit that you intend on keeping will give you the smoothest cut and the most accurate fit when placing the unit in place.

6. Be Mindful of Unit Size

You want to avoid going too small with your Techo-Bloc materials. As a general rule of thumb, we advise that you avoid cutting the paver, block, or other product any smaller than 1/3 of the original unit size as this will make it much more likely that the unit will become brittle and chip or break.

7. Gradually Increase Striking (When Using a Hammer/Chisel)

This is a hand tip designed specifically for those who have elected to go the hammer and chisel route. As you strike down on the scored areas, you’ll need to go back and forth across the area multiple times, striking with increased force at every pass. The closer you get to the end, the more hollow you’ll notice the sound becomes.

8. Take It Slow

Always remember that slow and steady is the way to go. Mistakes and errors are the most likely to occur when you’re trying to rush through the work as quickly as you can. Move at a pace that you’re comfortable with and take your time – both when scoring and cutting. This will end up saving you a lot of time and heartache in the long run.

9. Safety First

Never underestimate the importance of practicing good safety when cutting your Techo-Bloc materials. Not being prepared to handle any potential safety risks could seriously compromise your physical health and, thus, your ability to complete the project successfully.

Regardless of whether you choose to use a concrete saw or a hammer and chisel, we recommend that you wear a pair of reliable safety goggles at all times. You should also consider wearing a mask to avoid inhaling dust and debris, and gloves can be worn to protect your hands.

10. When In Doubt, Ask a Pro

Perhaps after reading these expert tips, you’re still experiencing some doubts about your ability to properly split your Techo-Bloc materials.

If this is the case, we strongly urge you to seek out help from a professional. Make sure that you find a contractor or landscaping specialist that has experience in working with Techo-Bloc and will be able to get the job done right.

Working With Techo-Bloc in NJ

NJ residents know that Braen Supply is the name they can trust for all things Techo-Bloc. As authorized Techo-Bloc dealers, we’ve got the 411 on all of Techo-Bloc’s current product offerings and can help connect you to the perfect materials for your upcoming job.

Because we’re so familiar with Techo-Bloc materials, we can also provide you with advice and information on how best to install these products – including how to cut them with care and precision.

You’ll find that our Techo-Bloc products are always available at the lowest and most competitive rates around and can be picked up or bulk delivered to locations throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and PA.

3 Things to Keep in Mind When Searching for Techo-Bloc Distributors in NJ

For many NJ homeowners, stunning, affordable hardscaping materials are synonymous with Techo-Bloc. Techo-Bloc products have really taken off and grown in popularity in recent years because they offer such a variety of gorgeous pavers, slabs, steps, caps, wall stones, fire features and more – all at a fraction of the cost of natural stone products.

Knowing that Techo-Bloc is the right choice for your home’s hardscaping upgrade is a great start, but you also need to know where to go to obtain the materials you need.

Which local suppliers actually offer Techo-Bloc products, and which of those is the best? This post will offer 3 simple things to look for when choosing an excellent Techo-Bloc distributor in NJ.

1. They Should be Authorized Dealers

First things first! You should always make sure that you give your business to a Techo-Bloc distribution company that is actually authorized as a dealer for the brand. What’s the big deal with this? Well, for starters, suppliers that haven’t been authorized by Techo-Bloc to sell their products shouldn’t actually be selling those materials to begin with!

This means that you could potentially be facing one of two problems: 1 – The distributor may not truly be selling Techo-Bloc hardscaping materials, but instead is offering you a cheap knockoff. The materials won’t be of the same quality as Techo-Bloc and will not last as long, nor be as beautiful or functional. 2 – The distributor is selling Techo-Bloc materials without having authorization to do so.

Here, they’ve likely purchased Techo-Bloc products on their own and are now attempting to re-sell the materials at an inflated cost to unwitting customers. This means that you’ll end up spending more money than what the products are actually worth, and you won’t even be able to enjoy the benefit of the Techo-Bloc lifetime warranty.

In either case, you’re setting yourself up for disaster with your upcoming hardscaping project. It’s best to avoid these types of catastrophes by asking your prospective Techo-Bloc distributor for proof that they are authorized dealers, or by checking on the Techo-Bloc website to look for the name of your prospective dealer.

This will tell you that the company is partnered with Techo-Bloc to sell a total inventory of their products, including the latest and greatest materials on offer. They’ll also be able to provide you with the most accurate, helpful and current information about materials installation, usage, maintenance and will be able to give you the lowest prices possible.

2. They Should Really Know Their Stuff

When it comes to distributing Techo-Bloc products, knowledge is power! Because there are so many different types, designs and styles of Techo-Bloc materials, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by your options.

You may not know which product line is the right fit for your home’s existing architectural style, or for the type of project you’re trying to complete. Here, you’ll need to be able to rely on the advice of a trusted professional.

The last thing you want is for your Techo-Bloc dealer to not have the knowledge and experience required to provide you with accurate and useful product information. Before making a buying decision, we strongly suggest that you spend some time asking your dealer all about different Techo-Bloc products that they have on display in their showroom.

Ask about how the products were designed and manufactured, about their composition and about the steps that should be taken to install the hardscaping materials. Ask the dealer for advice on which type of material would look best for a poolside deck, and what materials would compliment that pool deck as a path connecting the pool to your patio.

A seasoned professional will be able to quickly address your inquiries and will do so with confidence and ease. If he or she hesitates or seems frazzled, they probably aren’t as familiar with the products as they should be.

It’s also good to look for a supplier that knows their stuff in terms of “who’s who” in the local construction and landscaping industry. In the event that you decide to hire a professional instead of doing the work yourself, you’ll need to be able to rely on reliable recommendations and referrals.

3. They Should Take Customer Service Seriously

Don’t settle for a Techo-Bloc distributer that doesn’t have your best interests in mind. Customer service should always be a priority in your search for the smartest place to buy Techo-Bloc products in your locale.

You can start by asking your prospective dealer for testimonials or reviews from satisfied customers. A great distributor won’t have any problem setting you up with references like these because they’ll have plenty of raving fans and nothing to hide from new customers like yourself.

Beyond this, though, the simplest way to find out how your prospective dealer handles customer relations is to visit their showroom and talk with a representative. Tell the representative about your plans for upgrading your hardscape and see how well he or she listens.

Do they appear to actually be interested in what you have to say, or are they just waiting for you to be quiet so they can regale you with a sales pitch for materials that you don’t even want? Be sure to ask questions of the representative. Pay attention to how they react to your inquiries.

Do they seem annoyed or frustrated to be spending so much time with you, or are they eager to help you find the right solution for your project? Next, ask the dealer about how to determine how much material you’ll need to complete your job.

Are they vague and dismissive, or are they ready to help assist you with the calculations process? Finally, talk to a representative about what they offer in terms of delivery services.

An excellent Techo-Bloc distributor will work hard to make sure that your needs are met. They’ll listen to your project schedule and will strive to accommodate the times and locations that work best for your needs.

The Best Techo-Bloc Distributor in NJ

There’s a reason why so many NJ homeowners and contractors come to Braen Supply with their Techo-Bloc needs: we’re the best! We’ve been working with Techo-Bloc for year, giving us a competitive advantage when it comes to product familiarity.

We’ve had hands-on experience with the different Techo-Bloc products we sell which helps us to provide valuable advice and insights about installing and maintaining your finished hardscape. We also know our product stats backwards and forwards, enabling us to answer all of your questions quickly and accurately.

Not only that, but we’re happy to do it! Our customer service reps find joy in connecting customers like you with the right Techo-Bloc hardscaping materials for your needs. We’ll work with you to make sure that your project is completed on time and on budget.

Enjoy low and competitive prices on all of our Techo-Bloc product offerings. Talk to a representative today about picking up your Techo-Bloc materials today or having them bulk delivered to locations throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and PA.

The 5 Outdoor Porcelain Paver Styles That Homeowners Are Falling In Love With

When it comes to hardscaping, homeowners have traditionally enjoyed the luxury of choosing between beautifully manufactured concrete or brick pavers. In recent years, however, a growing number of folks have begun to take notice of a third compelling option: porcelain.

Porcelain slabs or pavers are a variety of cultured stone that are designed and engineered to emulate other natural materials, like stone or wood, while offering superior strength and durability. At the same time, porcelain slabs are very affordable and easy to work with.

Could porcelain pavers give your hardscape the glamorous makeover you’ve been dreaming of? If you believe these fabulous materials could be the perfect fit for your home, take a look at some of the many ways that NJ homeowners are putting porcelain slabs to use.

By drawing inspiration from the following 5 styles, you’re sure to establish a stunning outdoor living space that will dazzle you and your guests.

1. Mediterranean Chic

Mediterranean style has grown extremely popular throughout the western world, and more and more NJ homeowners are learning to incorporate this style throughout their home’s interiors and exteriors.

Characterized by simple, neutral tones and smooth patterns with small “pops” of vibrant, bold colors and ornate decor, Mediterranean style makes it possible for homeowners and their guests to feel completely comfortable and relaxed while still creating a sense of upscale sophistication.

Porcelain slabs in soft shades of brown, tan, white, eggshell, or beige are the perfect base material for tying your entire outdoor living space together. Be sure to pick from tiles that only feature one color and that make use of very subtle texturing, or a smooth finish.

These pieces will create the upscale, neutral space that you crave for relaxation. The soft colors will look incredible when contrasted against the turquoise color of your swimming pool, for example.

You might incorporate splashes of turquoise, blue, teal, orange, yellow, or red throughout the space, whether it be added with an edging material, outdoor furniture, hardware on outdoor gates, etc. Have fun with your decorating because a strong, soft base will hold it all together.

2. Desert Oasis

Desert landscapes and hardscapes are especially intriguing and exciting for NJ homeowners because they provide us with an opportunity to enjoy an environment that we wouldn’t otherwise be exposed to.

Contrasting sharply against the typical green trees and grasses, and opposing the magnificent Jersey shore, desert landscaping embraces the subtle and simplistic beauty of the more barren areas of the world. Putting an emphasis on sandy tones like yellow, gold, beige, or tan, desert themes tend to be very relaxing and calming, acting as your own personal oasis.

To achieve this look, we suggest that you consider working to create a “sandy” floor comprised of porcelain tile in the aforementioned color families. Where possible, try to work with slabs that feature multiple shades swirled together for a more natural look.

This can also create excellent texturing that will make the tile appear even more like the desert floor. Because desert hardscaping and landscaping is so simplistic, the slabs won’t need bold or dramatic features to complete your outdoor living space. Consider simple, wooden or wicker outdoor furnishings and basic shapes with clean lines and edges.

3. Cozy Hardwood

Everyone loves the rich, luxurious beauty offered by hardwood flooring. Unfortunately, natural hardwood isn’t practical for use outdoors, so until recently, homeowners could only enjoy this look via interior decorating.

Porcelain tiles have completely changed the game, though. While some porcelain pavers are manufactured to emulate natural stone, others are finished with colors and textures associated with natural wood.

Deep, inviting shades of brown create warmth and comfort, establishing a space where you and your family can gather together for a cozy evening in your outdoor living or dining space. Because the “hardwood” appearance of these porcelain slabs can evoke such a strong sense of being at home, we often suggest that our customers consider incorporating other home comforts throughout their living areas.

You might decide to install a stunning outdoor fireplace, for example, or surround the space with furnishings that feature large, plush, oversized cushions for curling up with a good book. Whatever makes you feel most comfortable and relaxed will be the perfect fit for your faux hardwood flooring.

4. The Best of Both Worlds

We’d all love to be able to have our cake and eat it, too. This is especially true when homeowners are faced with decisions about whether they want their properties to feature lush, green grass and garden spaces, or stunning and sophisticated hardscape.

Some porcelain slabs are designed to work beautifully when situated side-by-side with grass and other vegetation. Consequently, many NJ homeowners are learning how to create stunning juxtapositions between hardscape and landscape by establishing checkerboard patterns or even spacing between one porcelain slab and an equal, square patch of grass.

You might even fill some of the spaces with miniature flower gardens or other beautiful plants. Ultimately, this will add a whole new dynamic of texturing and visual interest that will allow you to enjoy the best of both worlds.

5. Timeless Elegance

Simplicity goes a long way and lasts for a lifetime – and beyond! There’s something to be said for making the decision to go with a very basic, subtle and neutral style of porcelain tile that isn’t subscribed to any particular theme or style of decor.

One of the great things about porcelain slabs is that they are so strong, durable and long-lasting. Even when exposed to regular usage and wear-and-tear, they won’t become scratched or chipped. They also hold up beautifully when faced with other elements.

From exposure to UV rays to brutal freeze-and-thaw cycles, porcelain can handle it all. This means that, once installed, your porcelain slabs are going to be there for a long time. As such, you want to make sure that you’re going to continue to love the style you choose, and that it will continue to add value to your home rather than detract from it.

Going with a timelessly elegant and simplistically beautiful tile will allow you to be able to easily find patio furnishings and features that will compliment the porcelain. Sticking with basic, neutral tones and smooth texturing will ensure that your pavers won’t become dated or unsightly over time.

Buying Porcelain Pavers in NJ

When you’re ready to start working with cultured stone products like beautiful porcelain slabs, be sure to visit your local Braen Supply showroom. We work with the leading hardscaping manufacturers to ensure that our customers are able to choose from the loveliest and highest quality porcelain slabs on the market.

You’ll find a wide range of materials in various colors, shapes, textures and styles in order to accommodate all of our customer’s needs. Our staff is knowledgeable about all of the products we sell and can answer any questions you may have while offering valuable input and advice for your project.

We take pride in keeping our prices as low and competitive as possible. Our porcelain pavers can be picked up at your convenience or can be bulk delivered to areas throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and PA.

The Top Benefits of Using Porcelain Pavers Around Your Pool

Want to make a big splash with your swimming pool deck or surrounding patio area? We urge you to consider working with a cultured stone like porcelain pavers.

This versatile material is taking the world of hardscaping by storm, as a growing number of NJ homeowners have begun to recognize the many benefits associated with working with porcelain units. So why have porcelain pavers become so popular in recent years?

What do you stand to gain from working with cultured stone products like these? And what is cultured stone anyway? This post will break down the answers to these questions by highlighting the numerous advantages to using porcelain pavers around your swimming pool.

What is Cultured Stone?

Before we proceed any further, we first need to establish what cultured stone products like porcelain pavers actually are. In the simplest terms, cultured stone refers to hardscaping products that are made from non-stone substances like concrete, or ceramics such as porcelain.

These products are then shaped, colored and textured in a manner that mirrors the exact look and feel of natural stone.

Unlike natural stone, though, porcelain pavers are lighter weight and less expensive. This makes it possible for any homeowner to enjoy natural beauty and elegance on a budget they can afford.

Why Choose Porcelain Pavers for Swimming Areas?

Now the question is, what is cultured stone going to do for you and your property? How do you stand to benefit from working with materials like porcelain pavers, and why should you choose these over alternative solutions like concrete pavers?

Here’s a look at some of the reasons why homeowners prefer to work with porcelain pavers over other hardscaping materials for their swimming pool decks and patios:

Beauty

No homeowner would have any interest in working with porcelain pavers if they weren’t visually appealing. Porcelain is easy to manufacture into a wide range of shapes, cuts, styles, colors, textures and finishes, making it possible to produce pavers that match up with the unique tastes and needs of homeowners throughout the country.

No matter what type of theme or style you’re trying to establish for your swimming area, you’ll find stunning porcelain pavers to complete the look. Porcelain pavers can be produced to emulate natural stone or even hardwood, depending on your preferences.

Slip Resistant

For obvious reasons, you want to take measures to ensure that your swimming pool deck is a safe space for your family and friends. This means finding a paving material that won’t become slippery when exposed to water.

Cultured stone like porcelain pavers have been designed with richly textured surfaces in order to add traction. In addition to this, porcelain pavers have a very low porosity which helps to facilitate faster draining and drying. This means that water won’t pool and remain stagnant on the pavers for extended periods of time.

Tough and Durable

Once installed, you can count on the fact that your porcelain pavers will hold their own and continue to meet your needs for many years. Porcelain is known for being extremely strong and durable, even when exposed to high volumes of foot traffic and regular usage.

Lightweight

The fact that porcelain pavers are so much lighter in weight than their natural stone or concrete counterparts is very beneficial throughout the transportation and installation process.

Lighter weight materials generally cost less to move due to lower fuel consumption, and you’ll also enjoy the ability to maneuver your pavers with increased speed and agility.

Scratch Resistant

Swimming pool decks and patios are frequently subjected to the regular sliding and moving of patio furniture, like lounge chairs and poolside tables. Fortunately, porcelain is an extremely dense and hard material.

As a result, the pavers are naturally able to resist the effects of scratching and marking. This means that you won’t have to worry about frequently replacing your pavers. Instead, they’ll continue to look as flawless as the day they were first installed throughout their lifetime.

Stain Resistant

People love to gather around the swimming pool for cocktails, snacks and other beverages. The last thing you want is for your stunning pool deck to become stained from spills.

Because porcelain pavers aren’t porous, both liquid and chemical spills won’t penetrate the pavers, thus creating a faster and simpler cleanup – with no stains!

Mold/Mildew Resistant

Mold and mildew love water, but they don’t love porcelain pavers. Once again, the low porosity of porcelain keeps excess moisture at bay, making sure that mold and mildew can’t grow or thrive near your swimming pool.

Lasting Color

Most porcelain pavers are colored all the way through, and all have had pigmentation baked into them at temperatures exceeding 1200 degrees Celsius. This means that the color actually becomes a part of the paver’s overall composition and will not fade when exposed to the sun.

Heavy Load Bearing

Remember how we mentioned that porcelain pavers are really dense, strong and tough? Well, that means that these fabulous paving units are able to support a lot of weight.

Frost Proof

What is cultured stone going to do about your wintertime woes? Unlike other materials that may crack when exposed to the freeze-and-thaw cycles of NJ winters, porcelain pavers are actually frost proof.

That’s because water can’t penetrate into the non-porous pavers, thus preventing ice from forming within, expanding and creating excess pressure.

Low Maintenance

Sealant and other protective coatings aren’t necessary for porcelain pavers around swimming pools. Simply sweeping and spraying down the pavers from time to time to remove dirt or debris will suffice to keep them looking beautiful and brilliant.

Affordable

On top of everything else, porcelain pavers remain one of the most affordable and cost-efficient solutions for paving a swimming pool deck or patio. It’s a great option for anyone looking to get the very most out of their investment.

Buying Porcelain Pavers in NJ

Now that we’ve addressed these various questions, it’s time to think about where homeowners like yourself can go to get the best deals on high quality cultured stone, such as porcelain pavers, in NJ and its surrounding regions.

For decades, Braen Supply has been the most trusted name in hardscaping materials throughout the Tri-State area. We carry a large inventory of beautiful porcelain pavers from some of the leading industry brands.

Our experts are familiar with all of our products and can provide you with detailed information and tips for working with each. We always offer the lowest and most competitive rates around. Our porcelain pavers can be picked up or bulk delivered to locations throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and PA.

Porcelain Pavers Style Guide: Transform Your Backyard

Want to make a bold statement with your hardscape? Homeowners throughout NJ have embraced concrete pavers and slabs for decades, but it’s only been in recent years that people have discovered the value of porcelain pavers.

Porcelain makes an excellent option for surfacing any outdoor living space, whether it’s a place to wine and dine your dinner guests or an area for lounging beside the swimming pool. This is because porcelain is one of the strongest, most durable and most weatherproof hardscaping materials available on the market.

Of course, strength and longevity aren’t all that these unique pavers have to offer. NJ homeowners are absolutely smitten with the stunning styles, colors and textures that they have to choose from.

There are so many different ways to completely transform the entire look of your backyard with porcelain pavers, thus increasing your home’s value. This style guide will offer a glimpse into the world of hardscaping with porcelain, offering several inspirational ideas to get you started.

Swimming Pools

No swimming pool is complete without an attractive and reliable pool deck. Porcelain has become a top pick for constructing pool deck areas for several reasons. First of all, they’re absolutely stunning when contrasted against the shimmering, aqua waters of the swimming area.

Secondly, porcelain offers comfort and safety for swimmers. The texturing associated with porcelain makes it virtually slip-resistant, and the material will not absorb heat – even on the hottest NJ days.

In addition to all this, porcelain doesn’t allow water to accumulate or pool, thus eliminating issues with mold or mildew. Some of our favorite styles for around the swimming pool include:

Desert Oasis

Creating a desert-like setting around your swimming pool is a fabulous way to turn the water into a true focal point for your entire backyard. The welcoming sight of the waters will appeal to you and your guests each and every day.

The best way to establish a desert-type setting is to select porcelain pavers that are manufactured in shades of yellow, gold, or beige. It’s generally best to stick with pavers that feature only one or two tones, keeping things as simple as possible. Add drama to the space with the appropriate placement of desert-style boulders and crushed, decorative stone.

Greek Chic

Take your backyard swimming pool to the sophisticated and elegant Mediterranean. Greek style is based upon simplicity – neutral tones with small pops of color.

It’s easy to establish a strong base for this theme by selecting elegant, simplistic porcelain pavers in the white, eggshell, or cream color families. The blue waters will look magnificent against the porcelain, and you’ll find that the stone speaks for itself and only needs a few small accents to look truly incredible.

Spa Day

What’s more luxurious than lounging beside the pool or hot tub while enjoying a glamorous and relaxing spa day? The look of natural wood can really evoke this same sense of luxury, but the upkeep is simply ridiculous.

Who has the time or money to maintain a wooden deck that will warp or become rotted from rain over time? Fortunately, you can have your cake and eat it, too.

Porcelain pavers not only emulate the look of natural stone, but also of wood. This makes it easy for you to create the posh environment you crave without any of the hassle.

Outdoor Kitchens

Outdoor kitchens are all the rave in NJ and its neighboring states. Instead of running back and forth between the indoor kitchen and the outdoor living space, homeowners are taking advantage of their ability to prep meals from start to finish from the comfort of their fully stocked, gorgeous and affordable outdoor kitchens.

Keep in mind, selecting the finest stone countertops and the most beautiful stainless steel appliances will only take you so far. You need a stunning kitchen floor to tie the space together. That’s where porcelain tile comes into play.

Porcelain doesn’t easily scratch or stain, and because it doesn’t retain heat, it makes for an ideal cooking environment. On top of that, porcelain is absolutely beautiful and can be used to achieve different looks and styles:

Smooth and Sleek

Modern homeowners love the elegance of clean lines and simple colors. This chic look keeps the focus on the beautiful dishes being prepared by the cook, rather than becoming a distraction.

We recommend soft, subtle tones in the gray and white family, although other colors may be appropriate in cases where they would blend with natural stone and other materials used throughout the kitchen. Stick to one basic tone for simplicity.

Checker boarding

The “checkerboard” look has long been associated with kitchen flooring, and the classic style still remains popular with NJ homeowners. You can achieve this look by selecting porcelain tiles that are available in multiple colors and then creating an elegant checkerboard pattern by alternating between darker and lighter shades.

Have fun and be creative here. You don’t necessarily have to stick with the classic black and white. Instead, you could mimic the style in a more subtle manner by working with a dark gray and light gray, or with brown/tan and white.

Outdoor Living Rooms

Every NJ homeowner needs a peaceful, relaxing and beautiful space where they can gather with friends and family to enjoy their outdoor living areas.

After all, what’s better than coming together with the people you love most and lounging on your luxurious patio furniture and enjoy a crackling fire, compliments of your stunning, outdoor fireplace.

It’s the porcelain tile flooring, though, that’s acting as the foundation of the space, establishing warmth for all to enjoy. Porcelain can be used to establish specific themes:

Soft and Warm

Selecting porcelain tile that features the marbling or blending of two or more tones in the same color family can actually evoke the same sense of warmth and comfort as indoor carpet. This can really help you feel as though you’re gathered in a cozy living space.

Hardwood Delight

Porcelain pavers with a wood finish are among the most commonly selected flooring materials for outdoor living rooms. The hardwood look is one that has long withstood the tests of time, thus ensuring that your space will give off a sense of elegance and charm both now and in the many years to come.

The warm, rich brown tones look spectacular with nearly all types of outdoor patio furnishings and give the warm feeling of being safe at home when paired with the dancing flames of your spectacular natural stone or concrete outdoor fireplace.

Buying Porcelain Tile in NJ

Braen Supply is the leading supplier of high quality and affordable porcelain pavers throughout NJ and its surrounding areas. We work closely with the largest and most trusted hardscaping manufacturers in order to connect our customers with the perfect pavers for their home projects.

Our team is happy to listen to your needs and desires and help you select the right materials for creating the outdoor living space of your dreams.

You’ll always enjoy the lowest and most competitive prices on our hardscaping materials. Our porcelain pavers can be picked up or can be bulk delivered to job sites throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and PA.

3 Tricks of the Trade for Techo-Bloc Stain Removal

Stains happen.

Techo-Bloc interlocking concrete pavers, slabs and other hardscaping materials are meant to be used and enjoyed. This means that your beautiful hardscape is going to be regularly exposed to people, animals, food, drinks, cooking grease, automobiles and other elements.

All of these things have the potential to lead to stains and blemishes on the surface of your patio, driveway, pool deck, or other outdoor living space. Before you start covering the entire thing in plastic wrap and banning anyone from having any fun around your pavers, you should know that there’s a much better way to keep your hardscaping looking fabulous.

Knowing the most common sources of trouble and how to remove related stains will save you a lot of stress and heartache in the long run. This post will walk you through how to go about identifying stains and handling the Techo-Bloc stain removal process.

Common Techo-Bloc Stains

Although Techo-Bloc products are known for being relatively stain resistant, there are things that can permeate the surface and leave a mark. Understanding these problems is the first step in the Techo-Bloc stain removal process. Here’s a look at some of the most common culprits:

Brightly Colored Foods & Beverages – Food and drink with bright, bold colors like tomato sauce or red wine can leave their mark. Simply trying to wipe away the residue with a napkin will not do the trick, and in fact, may make the problem appear even worse.

Blood – Bare feet around a swimming pool and chopping up vegetables around the outdoor grill island can both lead to nicks and scrapes that cause blood to flow. A blood stain can definitely be an eyesore when contrasted against the natural, soothing tones of the Techo-Bloc pavers.

Caulking and Tar – Caulking or tar that is accidentally exposed to concrete pavers and similar hardscaping products can be a tough, sticky mess.

Gum – Like caulk, chewing gum is a really sticky disaster – especially after exposure to the hot sun!

Oil or Grease – Oil from vehicles and cooking grease from outdoor kitchens can leave an unsightly film on top of your concrete pavers.

Tire Skid Marks – If you’ve got a Techo-Bloc driveway, you might experience problems with visually obtrusive skid marks from rubber tires.

Rust – Although not that common on Techo-Bloc pavers, rust that has build up on patio furniture or other outdoor features can flake onto the pavers and create an ugly stain.

Efflorescence – Concrete efflorescence is a natural phenomenon that will cause a white residue to form on the top of your Techo-Bloc pavers.

Paint – Spilled paint on concrete pavers and slabs can cause you to panic as you fear that it will be permanently set in stone.

Mortar – In some cases, mortar becomes stuck on the surface of pavers rather than in the joints in between. This can detract from the beauty of the completed project.

Plant Residue – If plants, dirt and dust have been allowed to accumulate over time, you may find that they leave behind a lasting residue.

Mold/Mildew – Areas that are prone to moisture can experience staining from the buildup of mold and mildew.

3 Key Techo-Bloc Stain Removal Tips

Even though there are numerous different things that could cause staining on your Techo-Bloc pavers, the Techo-Bloc stain removal process can really be boiled down to 3 basic processes that will work wonders when applied to the correct problem.

1. Mild Detergent/Cleaner

Stains related to food and drink, blood, plant debris and even mold or mildew are pretty simple fixes. Here, you’ll just need to prepare a mixture of a very mild dish soap or cleaner like Oxyclean with hot water.

Allow the mixture to penetrate the stain for 15-20 minutes before scrubbing the area with a soft brush or cloth and then using hot water to wash the solution away.

2. Denatured Alcohol

If you’ve got something sticky on the surface of your pavers, like caulking or gum, for example, you’ll need to break the substance down before it can be removed.

Because these are milder issues, you don’t need extra-strength chemicals to do the work. Here, an application of denatured alcohol will do the trick. Scrape away the excess material that you are able, then apply a small amount of alcohol penetrate the affected area.

Finish by scrubbing the problem spot with a soft bristled brush and rinsing away the alcohol and debris with hot water.

3. Alliance Gator

This is where we really bring out the big guns. The most major problem areas require the most heavy-duty Techo-Bloc stain removal action, and that usually means Alliance Gator products.

These excellent products are designed to handle a number of different issues that occur on concrete pavers, including the removal of efflorescence, tar, paint, oil, grease, etc. It’s smart to talk to a trusted professional about which i the right fit for your specific stain.

Typically, Alliance stain removal products will need to be allowed to set for about 20 minutes before being gently wiped or blotted away with a soft cloth.

Stopping Problems Before They Start

Of course, you’d never have to go through the whole Techo-Bloc stain removal ordeal if problems weren’t allowed to occur in the first place. While there’s no way to prevent your little ones from accidentally spilling ketchup or eliminating accidents entirely, there are preventive measures that can be taken to minimize the effects of staining.

Some homeowners, for example, choose to apply a sealant to the top of their concrete pavers. Sealcoating isn’t a necessary part of ensuring that your pavers live a long, healthy life, but it can help to improve the ability of Techo-Bloc products to resist stains, and can make the stain removal process even easier.

If you go this route, keep in mind that you’ll need to re-seal the pavers every 3-5 years. In the case of Techo-Bloc driveways, we recommend that you avoid leaving vehicles parked on top of the pavers or slabs for prolonged periods of time.

This will cut down on the amount of oil or other vehicle fluids that could accumulate and stain. Keep an eye on patio furniture, drain pipes, faucets, sprinklers and other metal features near your pavers that could become rusted and cause staining.

Taking steps to care for these features will reduce the likelihood of problems. Look out for problem areas throughout your hardscape that might allow for excessive moisture buildup which could be contributing to mold and mildew problems.

Lastly, consider sweeping and hosing down your pavers on a regular basis to prevent plants and dirt from building up and leaving stains.

Techo-Bloc Stain Removal in NJ

Looking for more tips on how to properly care for your concrete pavers or how to handle Techo-Bloc stain removal in NJ? Braen Supply is the leading expert on Techo-Bloc products throughout the Tri-State area.

We’re happy to offer up more valuable advice on how best to keep your hardscape in the best shape so that you can get the highest return on your investment. Give us a call or drop by to learn more today.