Category: General Information

Straw Wattles

Straw Wattle Roll
~ RR

Straw Wattles Roll

What are Straw Wattles?

Straw Wattles are tubes of compressed weed-free straw. They are typically encased in jute, nylon, or other biodegradable material. Our straw wattles are 9 inches in diameter and are 25 feet long.

What are Wattles used for?

  • Control storm water runoff
  • Prevent slope erosion by stabilizing slopes by slowing, spreading and filtering overland water flow. Wattles work to reduce the erosive effects of slope length and steepness.
  • Capture inlet sedimentation. When wrapped around storm drain inlets, protects area drains and storm drain inlets from fast water flow and sediment.Straw Wattle Drain
  • Diverting the flow of water to appropriate areas.
  • Prevents soil from washing onto pavement and asphalt at active construction sites.
  • Promote stabilization and re-vegetation of stream banks and shorelines. Straw wattles prevent sediment pollution of streams.

Other Advantages of Straw Wattles:

Geogrid

Geogrid inbetween blocks
~ RR

WHAT IS GEOGRID?

Geogrid is a manufactured high strength reinforcement grid that comes in rolls of various sizes and strengths. It is composed of high-molecular weight, high-tenacity multi-filament polyester yarns that are woven together into a stable mesh. geogrid bi directional

Below are examples of different types of high quality geogrid available from SRW Products.

Types of Geogrid

 

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF GEOGRID?

  • Adds strength and longevity to your wall
  • Helps prevent wall failure
  • Resistant to biological degradation and naturally encountered chemicals, alkalis and acids.

WHERE CAN GEOGRID BE USED?

  • Retaining walls
  • Steep Slopes/Embankments
  • Sub-grade Stabilization
  • Waste Containment
  • Void Bridging

TYPES OF GEOGRID:

Geogrids are made as either  bi-directional (bi axial) or uni-directional (uni axial).

Bi-directional geogrid has significant tensile strength in both directions. This structure also provides an ideal interlocking system for more effective force bearing and diffusion in soil. Some examples of bi-directional geogrid are the 3 Series and Universal Geogrid from SRW Products.

Tip: Bi-directional geogrid should be rolled out perpendicular or parallel to the wall.

Uni-directional geogrid have very high tensile strength and high stiffness in the machine direction with very low stiffness in the other direction. Uni directional geogrids provide stability and are often used in applications that has little to no loading in the secondary direction. Some examples of uni-directional geogrids are the 5 to 10 Series geogrids from SRW Products.

Tip: Uni-directional geogrid should ALWAYS be rolled out perpendicular to the wall.

This structure has a very high tensile strength. The tensile strength of the product can adapt to a variety of soil, is widely used reinforced reinforcement materials.

WHY IS GEOGRID IN RETAINING WALLS SO IMPORTANT?

Retaining Wall GeogridThe soil behind retaining walls can exert a tremendous amount of pressure on the blocks so it is very crucial to use a high quality geogrid (such as one from SRW Porducts) in-between the blocks to help alleviate that pressure and keep the wall from falling over.

To better visualize how geogrid works think of yourself leaning over. Now imagine someone standing behind you and holding your shirt so that you don’t completely fall over. You are acting as the retaining wall, your shirt is acting as the geogrid, and the person holding your shirt from behind is acting as the Earth. Without the geogrid there would be nothing for the Earth “to grab” and keep the wall from tumbling over.

Geogrid also creates a reinforced coherent mass behind the retaining wall by stabilizing the soil.

To see just how well geogrid reinforces soil check out this one minute demonstration by Allan Block.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQ2w6A23ElQ[/embedyt]

 

The test performed takes two cylinders of soil and applies vertical force to see how the soil performs. The first cylinder is just compacted material. The second is also compacted material with the addition of mesh screens to simulate the use of geogrid reinforcement.

Notice in the video how the geogrid reinforces the soil mass so that it can withstand much more force. It also helps the soil that is reinforced to act as one coherent gravity mass. If you consider a simple gravity retaining wall, the forces from the soil being retained must be retained by the mass of the wall blocks.

When you use geogrid with a retaining wall, the mass of the blocks and the additional mass of the reinforced soil helps to withstand the pressures behind the wall. This combined mass is what allows very tall walls to be built when using geogrid.

HOW TO USE GEOGRID IN RETAINING WALLSretaining-wall-geogrid-allan-block

To use geogrid in a retaining wall first follow the installation instructions supplied with the retaining wall of your choice., This includes foundation preparation, block alignment, core filling, drainage rock placement, back fill placement, and compaction. For a brief how to please check out our article on How to Build a Block Retaining Wall.

  1. Start the geogrid near the face of the block and roll out in one continuous piece to the back of the reinforced soil mass (no splicing). Butt together at edges — DO NOT OVERLAP GEOGRID.

Tip: SRW Universal and 3 Series geogrid are bi-directional and can be rolled out either perpendicular or parallel to the wall.

Geogrid Installation of Bi-directional and Uni-Directional Geogrid

2. Install geogrid under tension. Be sure to remove any slack by pulling the grid backwards from the wall face. A nominal tension can be maintained by staples or stakes, until the geogrid has been covered by at least 6 inches of structural fill.

Geogrid placement in walls

3. Place the next course of block on top of the geogrid. Back fill and compact the soil.

Geogrid inbetween blocks

Tip: Always back fill and compact one course of block at a time. Keep an adequate cushion of soil between the geogrid and equipment.

4. Repeat process until retaining wall is completed.

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TLC Supply in Quincy, MA is your #1 place to purchase Geogrid for your retaining wall project. We carry several high quality Bi-Directional and Uni-Directional Geogrid reinforcements from industry leader SRW Products. 

TLC Supply also has a wide selection of retaining and free standing retaining wall blocks from Techo Bloc, Allan Block, Keystone, Genest, and Belgard. 

We are happy to answer any of your project questions, just leave a comment below!

 “Best Price, Best Advice” -TLC Supply,Inc.

                                                                                                                                              -RR

Wet Cast Pavers vs. Dry Cast Pavers

~ RR

While the aesthetics of your concrete paver are an important part when selecting what will be best for your project, knowing how the paver is made is just as important. Ensuring the paver is suitable for the job will help the overall longevity of the projects lifetime. There are two type of concrete pavers: Wet Cast Pavers and Dry Cast Pavers.

What is the difference between Wet Cast Pavers and Dry Cast Pavers? 

The Process: As the name suggests, the concrete used in manufacturing wet cast pavers is typically quite liquid. This concrete mix is poured into a mold shaped for the paver and then vibrated to release air bubbles from the mix.Wet Cast Paver Mold

The curing process for wet cast pavers is much longer than that of a dry-cast, making it more labor intensive to produce. Once this concrete is cured, the mold is removed and the pavers are palletized and ready for shipping.

Dry Cast Pavers - Techo Athena
Dry Cast Pavers – Techo Athena

Dry cast, as it sounds, is a concrete mix with very little water. These are the pavers we typically think of when picturing a paver block. Dry cast paver mixes are similarly placed in a mold, but are then compressed with very high pressure, complex machinery. The compressed molds are cured on racks before being palletized.  Because these pavers are air-cured they can be produced quickly and affordably.

Color & Finish: Wet cast pavers often feature more bold color tones, smoother and more intricate surfaces, and can better imitate natural stone. While dry cast have historically been more simple and basic in color and texture, modern manufacturing has made color blends and surface textures more desirable.

Wet Cast Paver - Techo Block Aberdeen
Wet Cast Paver – Techo Bloc Aberdeen
Dry Cast Pavers
Dry Cast Pavers – Techo Allegro

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Strength: Both wet cast and dry cast pavers are suitable for residential projects such as driveways, walkways, and patios. When considering a paver for a large-scale commercial project, dry cast is a more suitable choice. Dry cast pavers have a more optimal water to cement ratio making them incredibly strong and high strength, perfect for the load capacity of a road or highway.

Dry Cast Pavers Driveway
Dry Cast Pavers in Driveway – Techo Blu 80
Wet cast pavers
Wet Cast Pavers – Techo Inca

 

Protection & Maintenance: Once you decide which paver suits your project best, you want to protect it from the elements, especially during the winter months here in New England. Dry cast and wet cast pavers should both be sealed to prevent possible staining, chemical deterioration from any acids or salts, and color fading from use over time.  We offer a variety of sealers for pavers such. Alliance Low Gloss Sealer adds a mild sheen and is to be used only on dry cast pavers only. Our best seller, Prosoco’s Siloxane PD is a clear, no-gloss sealer that can be applied to wet or dry cast pavers.

To further protect your new investment, it is recommended to use an ice melt that is safe for hardscape and masonry. Mr. Magic Premium Ice Melt is engineered to safely breakdown the ice without breaking down your pavers.

Summary: Wet cast pavers offer more variety in color and finish, and they also typically cost a bit more and are generally less durable. Dry cast pavers are typically very standard in color but have high strength and are more economical, ultimately making them the more popular option. Here at TLC Supply we offer a multitude of both dry cast and wet cast items from leading paver manufacturer’s Techo Bloc, Genest, and Belgard.

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The experts at TLC Supply are happy to answer any of your project questions, just give us a shout! Leave your questions or comments below. 

 “Best Price, Best Advice” -TLC Supply,Inc.

                                                                                                                                              -GA

Interlocking Veneer Panels

Interlocking Veneer Panels
~ RR

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udJOwJMU13c[/embedyt]

NEM is revolutionizing the veneer installation process with their new interlocking veneer panels. These panels can be installed in seconds, compared to 10x the time it takes to lay loose individual veneer stone pieces.

Interlocking Veneer Panels BerkshireWhat makes these panels different from tradition veneer panels is their staggered shape which makes it nearly impossible to detect seams. The classic elegance and intricate detail of small stones combined with the simplicity of a panel system allows this paneling system to mimic the appearance of a precision hand-laid dry-stack veneer stone. 

Interlocking Veneer Panels Installed

  • Panels are fast, simple, and economical to apply
  • Easy to use, no specialist skills required.
  • No need to fill grout joints
  • Seamless walls and corners.
  • Suitable for exterior and interior use.

NEM Interlocking Panels come in the ever popular ledge stone cut in the colors New England Blend or Berkshire.

       Interlocking Veneer Panels New England Blend      Interlocking Veneer Panels Berkshire

How to Install  Interlocking Veneer Panels

Step 1: Calculate 

Calculate the square footage of the area. Interlocking Veneer Panels come in corner pieces and flat pieces. Linear footage is used to calculate corner pieces and square footage is used to calculate flat pieces.

Interlocking Veneer Panel Flats      Interlocking Veneer Panels Corners

To figure out the square footage simply multiply length by height. To calculate the liner footage for corners simply measure the height of all walls and add together.

*Tip: Be sure to subtract the areas filled by doors, windows, and fireplace openings.

Step 2: Prepare

Prepare the surface area by making sure that the existing surface is sound and level (i.e. repair cracks). Interior and exterior applications may require different preparations for the stone veneer. If you are unsure about your existing surface area please contact a representative at TLC Supply. 

Step 3: Layout

Making a mock-up pattern on the floor because applying the stone to the wall is usually recommended. Make sure that panels are fitted together at random so a repeating pattern isn’t created. It is helpful to start with the corner pieces and then fill the inside.

Interlocking Veneer Panel Starter Panel
Starter Panel

Once you have laid out the corners start at the bottom with the Starter Panels. These panels are 1/2 height and are used on the first course of an installation. Starter Panels will give you the offset you need for the rest of the area.

*Tip: Instead of cutting a full size panel in half and potentially wasting product, use the Starter Panels to save time and money.

Pieces may need to be cut to lay flush against the floorboard, ceiling, or fireplace opening. You may cut the pieces with a wet saw using a carbide or diamond tip blade. Be sure to wear protective eyewear and follow proper safety measures when cutting stone veneer.

Backside of Interlocking Veneer Panel
Backside of Interlocking Veneer Panel

Step 4: Install

Run a horizontal chalk line every 18 inches for a reference point to help keep your courses level. Dampen the wall to increase the bonding strength of the mortar. Spread approximately ½ inch of polymer modified mortar such as Ardex X5 to the back of the stones (make sure there is 100% coverage) with a 1/4” mason’s trowel or notched towel.

Apply the stone to the wall with firm pressure and wiggle it gently to make sure the mortar is evenly coated. Hold the stone in place for a few seconds to ensure a secure bond. If the mortar seeps out you may use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe it away.

The beauty of having the panels already fixed to a precast backing is that there is no need to fill mortar joints. This eliminates the step of needing more than one type of mortar to fill the joints.

Interlocking Veneer Panels New England Blend Installed
Interlocking Veneer Panels New England Blend Installed

Step 5: Cleaning and Sealing

If mortar gets on the panels you may use a gentle cleaner such as Simple Green to remove it. If the application is outside you may wish to seal it to help prevent water damage and stains. We highly recommend a breathable siloxane/silane blend sealer. Keep in mind that not all sealers are created equal, to learn more about sealers please visit our blog post on sealers. Different types of stone react differently to different types of sealers so it is important to select the proper one. Since these interlocking veneer panels contain granite we recommend using Prosoco Stone, Masonry, and Tile Protector to seal them.  

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You can find Interlocking Veneer Panels as well as other types of natural thin veneer stone at TLC Supply in Quincy, MA. Please visit our website to see even more hardscape and masonry products ranging from bluestone,granite,brick,natural stone,block,sand,cement, and much more!

The experts at TLC Supply are happy to answer any of your project questions, just give us a shout! 

 “Best Price, Best Advice” -TLC Supply,Inc.

G2 Intelligent Polymeric Super Sand

~ RR

G2 Polymeric Sand Promo

G2 Intelligent Polymeric Sand by Alliance is manufactured by mixing specifically calibrated sand with sophisticated intelligent polymers, which neutralize haze and dust. The end result: a second generation of polymeric sand unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.Alliance G2 Polymeric Sand Logo

  • No Dust
  • Haze Free
  • No Blower Required
  • One Watering

G2 Polymeric Sand simplifies the installation process. Sweeping is all it takes to completely remove the particles from the surface, thus eliminating the additional step of using a blower. And with its uniform composition, water is able to penetrate deeper through the G2 Polymeric Sand. This activates all of the intelligent polymers more evenly to form a stronger, more consistent bond, which only requires only one watering.

How To Use G2 Polymeric Sand in 4 Easy Steps

Step 1: Spread

Spread the G2 polymeric sand into the paver joints with a stiff bristle broom. Make sure the polymeric sand fills the joints completely. G2 Polymeric Sand Application

Tip: DO NOT USE OTHER MATERIAL IN THE JOINTS. Doing so will cause the polymeric sand to fail.

Step 2: Compac

Vibrate the G2 sand into the paver joints using a vibratory plate compactor. A rubber pad is recommended. A roller compactor is best for slab installation. Joints should be filled up to 3mm (1/8 in.) below the edge or chamfer. It is best to compact in several directions to ensure there are no air gaps or voids in the joints. Repeat steps 1 and 2 to ensure joints are filled and consolidated. Narrow joints require more care to completely fill.

Step 3: Clean 

Using a stiff-bristle broom, remove any excess G2 sand from paver surfaces. Do the same with a soft-bristle broom. Make sure the finished sand level is at least 1/8 in. (3mm) lower than the chamfer of the pavers.

Tip: Make sure the paver’s side and top surfaces are dry before applying the polymeric sand! The polymeric sand will harden if it is moistened and will adhere to the surface of the paver.

G2 Polymeric SandStep 4: Mist

Once you have removed the polymeric sand from the surface of the pavers you can lightly mist the pavers and joints with a hose. Do this at a height of about 4 feet. Mist the area for about 1 minute starting at the lowest point.

.Visit our website www.tlcsupply.com to view all Alliance products we carry and much more.

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Before you go check this out! You may even like our post on The Best Polymeric Sand To Use or How to Build a Paver Patio!

We are happy to answer any of your project questions, just give us a shout! Leave your comments below. 

 “Best Price, Best Advice” -TLC Supply,Inc.

5 Tips To Prep Your Paver Patio For Spring

~ RR

5 Tips To Prep Your Paver Patio For Spring

timthumb

#1 Check for Repairs – Once the snow and ice has melted take the time to to check all over your patio for any broken pavers, unevenness, or joints that need to be refilled. The benefit of pavers is that they are all individual pieces so removing and replacing them is a cinch.

Tip: Wet the polymeric sand around the paver that needs repair to soften it. Then use a screw driver or putty knife to dig through the polymeric sand and remove the paver. Sprinkle a little stone dust or concrete sand in the void and tamp down, replace with a new paver and refill the joint with polymeric sand.


#2 Spring Cleaning – When you have finished making any necessary repairs its time to give your patio a good spring cleaning. TLC Supply sells quality paver detergents to tackle stubborn dirt or moss.paver-cleaner

Tip: Wet your patio and use a diluted mixture of water and detergent with a stiff bristled broom to scrub the pavers and rinse. For more stubborn areas use a pressure washer with a gentle setting.

#3 Consider Sealing – If you are considering sealing your paver patio now is the perfect time to do it. Applying sealer to clean and dry pavers will ensure a better bond between the sealant and the surface of the stone. TLC Supply sells breathable siloxane/silane sealers that will help protect pavers from dirt and minor staining.

Tip: Pavers usually need to be re-sealed every 3-5 years. If you are re-sealing it is important to use the same sealer as originally applied. Different sealers have different formulations and it is critical that the new coat dissolve the original coat in order to bond together properly. If you apply a different sealer you may not get this bond or worse you may have a chemical reaction that could turn the sealant milky. If you are unsure of the sealer previously used it is best to do a small test patch in an obscure area to see how the sealers will react.

#4 Freshen Up Your Landscape – A patio isn’t complete without fresh colorful plants and vegetation! We know it’s no fun but it is important to get rid of those unsightly weeds and remove dead branches from shrubs and trees to make room for new growth. Granite-Cobble-Stone-Edge

Make a homemade concoction of water, vinegar, and dish detergent to create an environmentally friendly weed killer.

Tip: If you’re looking to spruce things up come down to TLC Supply and check out how to enhance your garden beds with granite cobblestone edging or build a beautiful retaining wall planter.

#5 Create Some Entertainment – The sun is staying out longer and so should you! Installing a fire pit is an easy way to warm up those brisk spring evenings. Surround your fire pit with outdoor furniture to create a gathering spot that everyone will enjoy.

techo-bloc-valencia-fire-pitTip: TLC Supply has several easy to assemble fire pits that come in an array of colors to match any landscape surround.

You can also make the most out of Spring with fun outdoor games. Visit our Pinterest page for DIY projects and entertaining ideas.

How Failing To Compact Will Ruin Your Paver Project

~ RR

If you have read some of our other blog posts, you know we’re huge advocates of “do it once and do it right.” This is because we have seen too many jobs go awry due to a step being missed during the paver installation process. This critical step is compacting the base. A proper compact will help maintain your project’s integrity,protect jointing material, and keep your outdoor patio or walkway looking sharp for a long time.

Techo Bloc Blu 80 Smooth Compact Base


Interlocking pavers are made to be flexible, meaning that they will move, mold and mimic to any settling or shifts in the soil or base. If they are installed over  an improperly compacted sub-base  they are not going to stand the test of time.

Not to mention there are other variables that can exacerbate the issue of paver settling and moving on an improperly compacted base,

  • Weather: Freeze/thaw cycles can wreak havoc on a paver installation that was improperly compacted. Each void within the sub-base serves as a place for water to potentially settle. When this water freezes it will expand and cause the pavers to heave; when it thaws, the pavers will settle (but likely not evenly), eventually creating an uneven surface.
  • Car on paver drivewayTraffic: Driveway pavers that sit on top of poorly compacted areas will shift and compress over time. The weight of a vehicle will depress pavers into the weak spots, resulting in unattractive (and potentially dangerous) ruts and grooves on the surface.
  • Joint Failure: While polymeric sand is designed to be self-healing and flexible, it will not perform as intended if it’s installed on an improperly compacted job. Radical shifting and movement of the pavers will eventually cause paver joints to crack and fail over time.

Uneven Pavers from improper compact base

 

As you can see the resulting compression and shifting of the pavers on an awfully compacted base will quickly lead to problems … many of which can lead to redoing the whole entire thing. So do it right the first time to avoid costly repairs in the long run.

 

 

Compact Base with Plate CompactorQuick Tips To Ensure Proper Base Compaction:

  • Have the proper base depth. The guidelines are to dig about 4 to 6 inches for pedestrian walks or patios and 8 to 12 inches for driveways.
  • Use the correct base material. It is recommended to use a granular course stone        0-3 ⁄4″, otherwise known as “dense grade” for the base and to use concrete sand as the setting bed.
  • Don’t compact material all at once. Most  plate compactors will not compact any more than 4” of base. If you try to compact 6” of base, you will only compact the top 4” and the bottom 2” will settle. It is best to compact your base in lifts of 3″ – 4″.

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You can find dense grade, concrete sand, premium pavers, polymeric sand, and all the necessary materials needed to build a successful patio, walkway, or driveway at TLC Supply in Quincy, MA. Please visit our website to see even more hardscape and masonry products!

The experts at TLC Supply are happy to answer any of your project questions, just leave your questions in the comments below!

 “Best Price, Best Advice” -TLC Supply,Inc.

2017 Techo-Bloc Contractor Showcase Massachusetts

Techo Bloc 2017 Contractor Showcase Massachusetts
~ RR

Don’t forget to sign up for the 2017 Techo-Bloc Contractor Showcase!

2017 Techo-Bloc Contractor Showcase Massachusetts

The seminar will be led by Pete “Paver Pete” Baloglou, director of sales, education and information at Techo-Bloc, and will cover everything from new products, installation methods, and best practices. Plus you will have the chance to network and strategize with colleagues, vendors, and suppliers.

Massachusetts Seminar Dates:

  • Feb 17 Hyannis
  • March 07 Westborough

The complete list of Contractor Showcase dates is viewable online at techo-bloc.com, where it also is free to register.

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TLC Supply in Quincy, Massachusetts is your #1 Techo-Bloc authorized dealer! We have an extensive Techo Bloc inventory and a large outdoor patio display featuring Techo-Bloc’s premium paving stones and walls. Please visit our website to see even more hardscape and masonry products ranging from bluestone,granite,brick,natural stone,block,sand,cement, and much more!

 

The experts at TLC Supply are happy to answer any of your project questions, just give us a shout! Send us an email to info@tlcsupply.com or leave your comments below. 

 “Best Price, Best Advice” -TLC Supply,Inc.

 

Easy Garden Path Ideas

~ RR

Happy Earth Day! What better way is there to enjoy mother nature than by strolling through a beautiful garden path?

A well designed garden path can create an inviting atmosphere for you and your guests, plus it can enhance the functionality of your garden.

gardenpath

There are numerous ways you can create a alluring and fun garden path, you just need to think outside the box! A path that curves and disappears around a corner draws attention to what lies beyond. A straight, narrow path can make a garden appear longer, especially if the end point is hidden. We’ve collected some of our favorite garden path ideas to help inspire your design.

Idea #1. Elegant Entry with Techo Bloc’s Maya Stepping Stone


 Garden Path Techo Bloc Maya Step

Techo Bloc’s Maya stone slab is an excellent way to enhance your garden path. These slabs come in 4 different earth tone colors to mimic the natural beauty of real stone.

Idea #2. Broken Beauty

Garden Path Irregular Bluestone

Irregular Bluestone slabs give off a rustic look. The irregularity and sharp edges of the stone will contrast nicely with the delicate softness of your flower surround.

Idea #3. Clean Lines

Garden Path Granite StoneGarden Path Granite Stone and Pebbles

Lay granite or bluestone pattern stock in crushed stone to create a minimalist garden path with clean lines.  You may opt to surround the granite with black Mexican beach pebbles to give a striking contrast.

Idea #4. Playing with Texture

Garden Path Crushed Stone

To expand on Idea #3, try creating landings out of bluestone or granite pattern and alternate with crushed stone. These varying layers of texture and rectangular forms will create visual appeal.

Idea #5. Staggered Lines

Garden Path Staggered Garden Path Staggered

Instead of laying stone in a straight line, mix it up by staggering 12″ x 36″ stone planks. The alternating stones draws the eye from side to side and creates an elongated appearance.

Idea #6. Geometric Intrigue

Garden Path Brick

Garden Path Brick

There are many versatile ways to lay brick and one option for your garden path is to make basket weave squares. Brick is timeless and it’ll add charm to your garden.

Another option is to surround a 12″ x 12″ bluestone square to create colorful garden steppers.

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Let us know which garden path design was your favorite in the comments below!

You can find all these materials at TLC Supply in Quincy, MA. Please visit our website to see even more hardscape and masonry products ranging from bluestone,granite,brick,natural stone,block,sand,cement, and much more!

Before you go, be sure to check out last year’s Earth Day post on Permeable Pavers.

The experts at TLC Supply are happy to answer any of your project questions, just give us a shout! 

 “Best Price, Best Advice” -TLC Supply,Inc.

April is Safe Digging Month

~ RR

Dig Safe - Safe Digging MonthDid you know that April is Safe Digging Month?

For over 28 years, the Governors of Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont have proclaimed April as Safe Digging Month! The goal of this multi-media awareness campaign is to reminder everyone who excavates or digs to call Dig Safe®  (811 number) to have the approximate location of their utility lines marked. This process helps prevent injuries, property damage, and inconvenient utility outages.

What is Dig Safe® ?

Dig Safe® is a not-for-profit clearinghouse that notifies participating utility companies of your plans to dig. In turn, these utilities (or their contract locating companies) respond to mark out the location of their underground facilities. Dig Safe is a free service, funded entirely by its member utility companies.

Safe Digging Month Dig Safe

How Does Dig Safe Work?

When you call 811, Dig Safe will gather information about your project and will create a confirmation ticket. They will then notify non-member facility owners . From there utility representatives will come out to mark their lines within your pre-marked area with the appropriate color code identifying the type of facility.

For a more detailed outline of Dig Safe process please visit Dig Safe’s “How it Works” page here.

Is it really necessary to call Dig Safe?

Yes! Whether you’re a homeowner or professional and you have a project big or small you should call Dig Safe!

It’s a big risk to make faulty assumptions about when to notify Dig Safe. The depth of utility lines can vary for a number of reasons, such as erosion, previous digging projects and uneven surfaces. Utility lines need to be properly marked because even when digging only a few inches, the risk of striking an underground utility line still exists.

That’s why state law requires you to notify Dig Safe for all projects.

Resources:

You can find lots of helpful resources on Dig Safe’s website from State Laws to Excavation Manuals.

You can also download the Dig Safe mobile app which gives you the convenience of applying for tickets from your mobile device. Quick-Ticket offers immediate processing, it is available 24/7, and allows you to email a copy of your tickets for easy record keeping.

Don’t be that person…

safe digging month

Call 811 to avoid utility service disruption to an entire neighborhood, harm to you and those around you, as well as fines and repair costs.

Happy Digging!dig safe safe digging month