THE COMPLETE GUIDE

TO CONSTRUCTION
MATERIALS

THE COMPLETE GUIDE

TO CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction........................................................................... 3
Buying Wholesale vs. Retail................................................. 4
Determining How Much You Need....................................... 5
Materials............................................................................... 6

Crushed Stone.................................................................... 7
Pea Gravel.......................................................................... 8
White Marble Chips............................................................. 9
Quarry Process................................................................... 10
RipRap................................................................................ 11
Stone Dust........................................................................... 12
Grits, Grit or 2 x 4................................................................ 13
Sand.................................................................................... 14
Fill Dirt................................................................................. 15
Pond Fill.............................................................................. 16
Agricultural Limestone......................................................... 17
Recycled Materials.............................................................. 18
Septic Materials................................................................... 19
Getting Your Materials Delivered.................................................... 20
Conclusion...................................................................................... 21

THE COMPLETE GUIDE

TO CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS

INTRODUCTION
Choosing the right construction materials for your upcoming project is a crucial decision.
Weve assisted thousands of contractors and businesses with meeting their project
deadlines by delivering products on short notice, staying open late and by offering some of
the best prices in the industry.
We view your project as if it was our own, which means we want to get you materials
where you need them when you need them. Our team of delivery drivers can deliver with
various truck sizes depending on your needs and leave the materials where you need them.
We understand how important your upcoming project is, which is why we asked our team
of experts to provide some of the most helpful information they could think of.
Well detail why buying construction materials from a quarry is the best decision for you
and your business as well as what products may be best for your project.
If you develop any questions while reading this eBook about our materials or the industry
in general, please dont hesitate to reach out to the Braen Stone team.

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BUYING WHOLESALE VS. RETAIL

Braen Stone has owned and run quarries in New Jersey for 110 years. You can trust that
we can provide you with the best possible experience when it comes to choosing your
materials for your next project.
When you buy wholesale products from our quarry in bulk, you are making the right choice!
We require a 21 ton minimum for bulk purchases. Making a large purchase like that can be
stressful, but with the assistance of our knowledgeable staff, you will have a flawless
experience.
Bulk orders and deliveries are what we specialize in. Bulk orders allow us to provide you
with our best products at the best prices so that you can feel assured you are fully stocked
for your next endeavor as a contractor.

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RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DETERMINING HOW

MUCH MATERIAL YOU NEED
For obvious reasons, bigger projects need more material than smaller ones. As your project gets
larger and larger, you shouldnt have to worry about coming up short on construction materials.
Thats why we asked our team of experts to put together a way to determine how much material
youll need, before speaking with one of our team members.
Using a Construction Materials Calculator
If youre trying to figure out the amount of materials you need online via our website, you can use
our construction materials calculator. Itll do all of the math for you and provide a rough estimate
for each product that you need.
Its important to note that every construction materials calculator you use, including ours, is only
an estimate. The different quarries operated nationwide, by different companies, all have different
material compositions that can impact the amount of material youll need.
Thats why we recommend getting an estimate of how much youll need and then speaking with an
industry expert about your project.
Determining Your Materials By Hand
If youre looking to work out the numbers by hand we can provide you with a guideline to finding
the right number.
Wed recommend multiplying the length of your project (in feet) by the width (in feet) by the depth
of the material (in inches). Then youd divide that total by 27. That total gives you how many cubic
yards youd need. To convert your total to cubic tons you need to multiply that number by 1.35.

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MATERIALS
Braen Stone has been in the construction materials industry for more than a century. Were
proud to service the Tri-State Area with a wide variety of products that come from our own
quarries around NJ.
Some of our most commonly requested materials include:
Crushed Stone

Grits, Grit or 2 x 4

Pea Gravel

Sand

White Marble Chips

Fill Dirt

Quarry Process

Pond Fill

RipRap

Agricultural Limestone

Stone Dust

Recycled Materials
Septic Materials

Our guide will provide you with insight about each one of our materials such as:

Their most common names and uses.

Why or why not theyre a fit for your project.

Answers to common questions and concerns.

All of our construction materials are available for bulk delivery to businesses and
construction sites across NJ, NY, PA and CT.
In addition to the construction materials listed in this guide we offer a variety of asphalt
products and other materials on our website: braenstone.com

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CRUSHED STONE
Crushed stone comes in all shapes, sizes and
colors. Often times it is referred to as gravel,
clean stone, bluestone, crusher stone or crushed
rock. Crushed stone is the perfect addition to
enhance your landscaping or complete your next
construction project.
All of Braen Stones crushed stone is NJ DOT and
NY DOT approved.

USES
Crushed stone can be used for many different
projects like, residential driveways, paths and
walkways, base material, mulch replacement,
drainage and railroad ballast.
Washed Clean Stone
This size crushed stone is best used for driveways,
drainage, concrete and to add visual appeal to
landscaping.

1 Crushed Stone
This larger type of crushed stone is mainly used as
a drainage solution, road base, septic systems and
ballast for railroad tracks.
2 Crushed Stone
Also known as NJ DOT #2 or bluestone is
commonly used as entrance and exits of
construction sites.

OTHER DETAILS

3/8 Washed Crushed Clean Stone

Crushed stone is so popular due to its natural

This crushed stone is an aggregate that has been

coloring. It normally comes in shades of grey, tan,

crushed, reduced in size and screened. Its best

blue and blue-grey. This makes crushed stone an

used for landscaping and as base material.

excellent compliment to residential or commercial

landscaping.

Crushed Stone
This stone is best used in concrete and asphalt and

This product is usually sold by the cubic yard or by

during highway road construction.

the ton. To get the best price on crushed stone,

consider buying from a supplier that owns its own
quarry, like Braen Stone.

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PEA GRAVEL
Braen Stone is the largest supplier of pea gravel
in in northern New Jersey. Pea Gravel is also
known as 3/8 inch decorative stone or garden
gravel.
This type of gravel comes in a mix of natural
colors and are rounded pea-sized pebbles that
make it easy to rake and shovel.

USES

OTHER DETAILS

Pea gravel can be used for playgrounds, driveways,

Pea Gravel is a popular material due to its natural

walkways and landscape designs. This material is

colors and small size. These components make it

a great alternative for driveways and costs much

east to maneuver around driveways and walkways.

less than concrete.

so popular due to its natural coloring.

Pea gravel walkways have always been a great

Whether youre a contractor planning a project for

choice for homeowners and property managers

someone's home or installing a pea gravel

alike. The gravel path is eye-appealing and will

driveway, pea gravel is a great choice for the cost

connect your outdoor living space with your

conscious.

gardens.
This product is sold by the cubic yard or by the ton.
3/8 Pea Gravel

To get the best price on pea gravel, consider buying

This size of pea gravel is great for playgrounds, but

from a supplier that owns its own quarry, like Braen

be sure to check with local Playground Safety

Stone.

Inspector to see if it can pass certain tests needed

for minimum safety requirements in NJ and NY.

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WHITE MARBLE CHIPS

White marble chips are a great material for
construction projects. Braen Stone is one of the
largest suppliers of white marble chips in NJ.
White marble chips are also known as white
limestone, mini marble chips and crusher stone.
We offer bulk delivery of mini while marble chips
to all of New York and New Jersey including
Bergen, Passaic and Essex counties.

USES
White marble chips have several uses. It is
commonly used as decorative stone for driveways,
walkways and around landscapes. Some
contractors will use it as roofing stone as well.
White marble chips are a great alternative to pea
gravel or other small crushed stone when using it

3/4 White Marble Chips

This size of white marble chips or white limestone
is best used as decorative stone for driveways or
around landscapes.
These marble chips are also used to cover soil in
houseplants, container gardens, terrariums,

as decorative stone.

fountains and craft projects.

3/8 White Marble Chips

OTHER DETAILS

This size of mini marble chips are the go to

choice for roofing. It is made up of specific
gradations of marble aggregate with a maximum
size of 3/8.
Its reflective properties of mini marble chips
provides a lower roof temperature which can lead
to fewer air conditioning costs in the summer
months.

White marble chips are always comprised of the

mineral limestone and the final product is produced
through a series of crusher, then is screened to
size.
This stone is sold by the cubic yard or by the ton.
You can have white marble chips bulk delivered to
your home or construction site in NJ or NY from
Braen Stone.

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QUARRY PROCESS
Quarry process, also known as QP, Dense Grade
Aggregate, Shoulder Stone, Item #4, Crusher Run
and DGABC is made up of crushed stone and
stone dust.
All of Braen Stones Quarry Process is NJ DOT
and NY DOT approved.

USES
Residential
Homeowners may choose to install QP as an
unpaved driveway. The material works well,
because the weight of vehicles will compact the
loose gravel and create a firmer surface. These
types of driveways are especially prevalent in rural
areas, and can also be used to create roads for
tractors and other farm equipment on larger

City & County Use

Quarry process can be used as the base material
for city roads. QP is chosen because of its ability to
bind together and achieve a high level of
compaction. As the stones are pressed together,
the surface becomes smoother and the amount of
dust generated from the road is minimized.

properties.

Recreational

Commercial

trails, bike paths and other recreational surfaces

Businesses and other organizations will often

Quarry process works well for creating walking

for parks and schools.

utilize quarry process as a base for driveway,

commercial road, or parking lot surfaces.
Businesses may simply elect to use the QP as a
simple, cost-effective means of creating a parking
area

OTHER DETAILS
Quarry Process is reduced to its aggregate size
through crushing. After the size is reduced, the
stone is passed through a 1-1/4 square screen, as
the material should mostly be composed of stone
pieces that are no larger than 1.

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RIPRAP STONE
Riprap stone also known as Shot Rock, Gabion
and D-50, is a stone aggregate that has been
crushed, reduced in size and screen through a 3
screen. This stone ranges in size from 4 to
9 through.
All of Braen Stones riprap stone is NJ DOT and
NY DOT approved.

USES

OTHER DETAILS

Most riprap stone is used for construction

Riprap stone can be made of several materials.

purposes such as stabilization, bank restoration,

Depending on the quarry site it can be trap rock,

stonewall backing, gravity retaining walls and

granite, gneiss and/or limestone.

shoreline erosion prevention.

When installing riprap stone, note the different
You can also use riprap stone as a permanent

factors that will affect the process: gradation,

erosion-resistant ground cover or large, loose,

riprap depth, filler material, limits, curves and

angular stones.

steepness of slope

This stone product is perfect for erosion prone

This product is usually sold by the cubic yard or by

areas like banks and other areas subject to water

the ton. You can buy riprap stone in NJ from Braen

erosion or slope erosion.

Stone, and have it bulk delivered anywhere in NJ,

NY or PA.

Riprap stone, or shot rock, is an easy-to-use stone

due to its easy installation and maintenance.

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STONE DUST
Stone dust, also known as stone dust #10 or
stone screenings, is extremely popular among
homeowners and contractors.
Braen Stone is one of the largest producers and
suppliers of stone dust in Northern New Jersey.

USES

OTHER DETAILS

There are many reasons why homeowners and

When you are planning to buy stone dust, you

contractors choose to use stone dust for their

should understand that price will vary, based upon

projects.

where you choose to purchase the material.

This material is much easier to grade and work

Although it is possible to purchase stone dust from

with when placing the final base. Once stone

big chain landscape supply stores, you will find

screenings are compacted and graded, they will not

that prices may be inflated, as these retailers must

move out of place.

purchase the stone screenings from a

manufacturer and then resell it at a higher rate in

You can walk directly on compacted stone dust

order to make a profit.

and begin layering your stones, bricks or pavers

without worrying about causing any issues.

Our stone dust is available for both pickup and bulk

delivery throughout the New York Metropolitan

Stone dust can also be used in coal mines to help

area for your convenience.

prevent explosions due to it ability to absorb heat.

When mixed with compost, it creates very fertile
soil that will produce great crops.

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WASHED CLEAN STONE GRITS

Stone grits or 2x4mm washed clean stone grits,
are a commonly purchased material at Braen
Stone.
Often times, stone grits are compared to rock
salt for their ability to aid in melting snow and
adding traction to slick surfaces.
We offer bulk delivery and wholesale prices for
stone grits across NJ, NY, NYC and PA.

USES

OTHER DETAILS

24 mm washed clean stone grits are extremely

Washed clean stone grits is produced by crushing

useful for improving the safety of slick or icy

and screening in an aggregate processing plant

streets during the harsh winter months.

then washed.

The use of grits is also quite common when sealing

Grits vary in color from grey, blue-grey and other

decorative concrete in outdoor landscaping and

natural stone colors.

hardscaping projects.
This material is commonly sold by the cubic yard or
Because concrete can become very slippery when

by the ton.

wet, many contractors make the decision to add

24 mm washed clean stone grits to the final
sealer for surfaces.
Some of these projects could include patios,
walkways, driveways, outdoor stairs and poolside
decking in order to increase the overall coefficient
of friction, thereby making the surfaces safer to
walk on.

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SAND
Sand, sometimes thought only as something
you find at the beach, has great value for your
landscaping and construction projects.
In the industry, sand may be referred to as
mason sand, paver sand, ASTM C33, washed
concrete sand, manufactured sand, pipe sand,
utility sand, play sand or asphalt sand.

USES
Depending on which type of sand you are using and
the type of project it is being used for, sand is a
very useful material for various home improvement

White Sand
White sand is an aggregate size that has been
crushed, washed and screened through a slotted

and construction projects.

screen. Washed white sand is a fine-grained, cost-

Concrete Sand

in volleyball courts, as bunker sand, in sandboxes

Concrete sand is used in either concrete or hot mix

asphalt (HMA). It can be used in large construction
projects as well as for a homeowner. The sands are
rated K-5 or K-4. Mason sand, pipe sand, utility

effective alternative to beach sand. It can be used

or as an additive to cement to make mortar.
White sand can also be used as an ingredient in
gunite swimming pools, in addition to being used in

sand and play sand are the standard sands.

the production of concrete paving stones.

Mason Sand

OTHER DETAILS

Washed mason sand is an aggregate size that has

been crushed, washed and screened through a
slotted screen. The material ranges in size from
2.36 mm through to a #200 sieve.
The sands are rated K-5 or K-4. Mason sand, pipe
sand, utility sand and play sand are the standard
sands.

Our sand is sold by the cubic yard or by the ton.

Braen Stone can produce sand to meet a wide
variety of specifications depending on your project.
All of Braen Stones sand is NJ DOT and NY DOT
approved.

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FILL DIRT
Fill dirt is one of the most inexpensive ways to
solve landscape of construction problems
properly.
Braen Stones fill dirt meets the requirements of
USCC Classification GW, GP, GM, GC, SW, SP
and SM, and particle size does not exceed 6
inches in diameter.

USES
Fill dirt is commonly used to to fill a hole or uneven
area of your property or construction site. This
material can also be used to build up particular
areas if you choose to do so. Some people choose
to fill these gaps with leaves or other materials
found in their yard. Unfortunately, this is not a
permanent solution, and wont stand the test of

Certified Fill Dirt

When the dirt has been certified as clean and safe,
you can rest assured that you wont have problems
with the material in the years ahead. If any organic
substances have been mixed in with the fill dirt, for
example, the decomposition could result in voids in
the soil which can lead to sinking and other

time.

integrity issues.

Clean Fill Dirt

Septic Fill Dirt

Despite the name, clean fill is not actually clean in

the traditional sense. The word clean refers to the
fact that the dirt is free from any contaminants
such as corrosives, combustibles, noxious or
reactive materials, radioactive substances or any
organic material.

Sometimes called manufactured sand or concrete

sand, septic fill is designed specifically to fill in and
around septic tanks. Because the fill does not
retain moisture and because it has been prescreened, there will be no settling or clumping that
could cause sunken and wet areas.

OTHER DETAILS
Our fill dirt isnt contaminated and doesnt contain any unnatural materials that would make it
dangerous to use such as refuse, rubble, muck, metal, glass or wood.

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POND FILL
Pond Fill or sand plant fines are produced when
sand and stone are washed.
The typically -200 mesh material is held in
holding ponds where the water can drain out.
Pond fill doesnt contain any organic material or
biological activity.

USES

OTHER DETAILS

Pond fill can be used in landscaping projects that

Braen Stone proudly provides pond fill to the NJ,

include filling in ponds, pools and waterfalls. Pond

NY, NYC and PA areas. Because our pond fill is

fill can also add interesting texture to your

inorganic, it will not decompose. As a result, our fill

landscape.

dirt will not create pockets of empty space inside

your fill that will result in settling.

Another use of pond fill is for landfill cover or gas

venting material. Material is needed in landfills

Braen Stone has pond fill available for sale at the

where methane or toxic gas is produced.

best prices in New Jersey and New York.

Additionally, our pond fill can be used to raise the

foundation level of a low lying construction site to
prevent flooding.
Other uses include filling in holes and depressions
that occur after soil settles.

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AGRICULTURAL LIMESTONE
Braen Stone is one of the largest suppliers of
agricultural lime in northern NJ.
Agricultural Lime is an aggregate size that has
been ground, washed and screened through a
sand plant.
This material is often referred to as, aglime,
agricultural limestone, Garden lime or liming.

USES

OTHER DETAILS

Most agricultural lime is used as a fertilizer to

The two most important aspects of agricultural

correct high levels of acidity in the soil, which

lime are the chemical makeup and the fineness of

reduces plant growth. Over time, the application of

the ground limestone.

modem chemical fertilizers are a major contributor

to soil acidity.

The calcium carbonate equivalent (CCE) or total

neutralizing value (TNV) compares the chemistry of

Agricultural lime is also used in coal burners at

a particular quarrys stone with the neutralizing

power plants to reduce the pollutants from

power of pure calcium carbonate, effective

emissions.

neutralizing value (ENV).

We produce and supply agricultural lime primarily

Besides chemical makeup, the other most

for use in agriculture, gardening and livestock

important aspect of agricultural lime is the

farming. Other types of lime products, such as

fineness of the limestone. The objective is to put

hydrated lime can be used as a disinfectant

the smallest particles of limestone possible into

measure, producing a dry and alkaline environment

the soil so carbonates can react with the acids.

in which bacteria do not readily multiply. In

The smaller the particles, the faster the reaction.

horticultural farming it can be used as an insect

repellent, without causing harm to the pest or
plant.

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RECYCLED MATERIALS
We are one of the leading suppliers of reclaimed
asphalt pavement (RAP) and recycled concrete
aggregate (RCA) in northern NJ.
Offering the best prices on both RAP and RCA
allows you to complete your project at incredibly
low costs.

USES

OTHER DETAILS

Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP)

RAP is made of processed materials that contained

Reclaimed asphalt pavement is most commonly

asphalt and aggregates. These materials typically

used in construction and maintenance

come from asphalt removal during road

applications. It is often used for roads and

resurfacing, construction or other related projects.

highways. Choosing to use RAP has both

environmental and economic benefits. The use of

After being gathered, these materials are properly

reclaimed asphalt pavement has grown in

crushed and screened, with the end result being

popularity and it has led to a reduction in the use of

high-quality aggregates coated by asphalt.

raw materials as well as preserving landfill space.

RCA is usually made up of old concrete from
Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA)

sidewalks, pavements, curbing and building slabs.

RCA is commonly used as a base layer for roads

After being compiled the concrete is processed and

and highways. Using recycled concrete aggregate

screened, which includes crushing the concrete

provides both financial and environmental benefits

into smaller pieces.

to consumers and contractors alike. RCA reduces

the use of landfill space and it also cuts down on

Recycled concrete aggregate can be manufactured

the use of raw materials. Another huge benefit of

to the same specifications as natural aggregates.

RCA is that it has excellent bearing strength, which

provides an ideal foundation for asphalt.

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SEPTIC FILL
Septic materials are crucial for completing a
septic project efficiently.
Braen Stone is one of the largest septic material
suppliers in northern New Jersey. We have
washed clean septic stone, septic fill and septic
bank run to help you complete your septic
project in a timely and efficient manner.

USES
1 Washed Clean Septic Stone
Often you will hear 1 clean crushed stone referred
to as 1 washed stone or septic stone. It is often
called septic stone because it is the go to
crushed stone size for septic work.
It works as an excellent fill, allows for proper
drainage and will not break down over time. Our
washed septic stone is 100% passing a 2.5 sieve

Its used when the ground the tank is being placed

in will not perc, or drain, properly due to high levels
of ground water, soils with a high clay content or
shallow bedrock.
It can also be used to level areas for paving or
under above ground pools, for beach volleyball
courts and mixed with cement to make mortar.

and nothing smaller than .

Septic Bank Run

Septic Fill

including: bank run gravel, bank run sand, utility

Designed to be used to fill in around septic tanks

and create an effective leaching field that will

Septic bank run is known by a variety of names,

sand, pipe sand, clean gravel and K5 perc.

percolate at an optimum speed.

Septic bank run is designed for use in either

It will not retain moisture and because it is pre-

run is rated K5, meaning that it will drain, or

traditional or mound-type septic systems. Our bank

sifted it will not settle or clump which would lead to

percolate, at the correct rate to keep the system

sunken or wet areas.

working properly without posing a hazard to local

ground water or creating damp spaces in the

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GETTING YOUR MATERIALS DELIVERED

Deliveries
Braen Stone has bulk landscape & construction
material delivery available to homeowners,
contractors, cities, townships, schools, religious
establishments and universities. Our drivers are
experienced and will do their best to accommodate
your delivery requests.
While our core service area for landscape material
bulk deliveries is in New Jersey, depending on the
quantity, we deliver in bulk throughout the entire
Northeast

Our core delivery area in New Jersey:

Bergen County, Passaic County, Hudson County,
Essex County, Union County, Middlesex County,
Somerset County, Morris County and Sussex County
(Northern New Jersey and Central New Jersey)
Our core delivery area in New York:
NYC, Manhattan, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens,
Staten Island, Long Island, Rockland County, Orange
County and Westchester County

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CONCLUSION

Our team is full of industry experts who have been working in the field for decades.
Theyre happy to assist you with every aspect of your project, from determining
which material is best to scheduling a delivery.

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