When it comes to completing successful masonry installations on Long Island, having the right masonry supplies is just as important as choosing premium pavers and wallstone. From patio projects and walkways to pool patios and permeable installations, proper base materials, tools, and accessories help ensure durability, safety, and long-term beauty. Along with top brands like Cambridge, Techo-Bloc, and Unilock, contractors need the essential supplies that form the foundation of any great project.
Below, we’re breaking down the key Long Island masonry supplies every installer should have in their arsenal—what each product is, why it’s important, and how it helps create lasting, beautiful outdoor spaces.
1. Fine Sand
Fine sand consists of clean, uniformly sized particles used to create smooth bedding layers beneath pavers and slabs. Its consistency ensures accurate leveling and helps stabilize the surface over time, preventing shifting and settling. On Long Island job sites, it’s especially useful for maintaining precise elevations in areas with varying terrain or moisture levels. Contractors typically apply fine sand directly under pavers as part of a dry-set system.
2. Recycled Concrete Aggregate
Recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) is crushed concrete that provides a sustainable and cost-effective base material. Its angular structure offers excellent compaction, making it ideal for use beneath patios, driveways, and walkways. RCA is particularly valuable for Long Island projects where eco-conscious solutions are in demand and landfill diversion is a priority. It’s commonly used as a sub-base in both traditional and permeable paver installations.
3. Non-Decorative Gravel
Non-decorative gravel is a crushed stone aggregate used primarily for structural support and drainage, not for aesthetic purposes. Its irregular shape promotes interlocking and compaction, forming a durable foundation beneath patios, driveways, and retaining walls. Non-decorative gravel also plays a vital role in managing water flow and preventing saturation issues. It’s frequently used as base and backfill material behind retaining walls and under hardscape installations.
4. Bluestone Dust
Bluestone dust is a finely crushed stone that compacts tightly to form a solid, stable base layer. Its moisture-resistant properties make it particularly well-suited for Long Island’s seasonal weather shifts and freeze-thaw cycles. Bluestone dust provides excellent support for pavers by minimizing movement and promoting even weight distribution. It’s often used as the final layer before laying pavers, especially in high-traffic or wet areas.
5. Wire & Masonry Brushes and Sponges
Brushes are essential tools for cleaning, detailing, and preparing masonry surfaces before, during, and after installation. Wire brushes remove tough debris, while sponges and masonry brushes assist with sealer application and joint smoothing. Proper cleaning ensures good adhesion and a polished finish, both of which are crucial for professional-looking results. These tools are used for prepping stone, applying treatments, and cleaning up excess materials on every job.
6. 3/8″ Natural Stone
⅜” natural stone is a small, angular gravel that supports water flow and enhances drainage in outdoor environments. It’s an essential component in permeable paving systems, allowing stormwater to pass through the surface and into the sub-base. This is especially beneficial for Long Island sites concerned with runoff and local drainage regulations. Contractors use it in permeable installations, decorative beds, and as a drainage layer beneath various hardscapes.
7. Polymeric Sand
Polymeric sand is a mixture of fine sand and binding agents that hardens when activated with water, locking paver joints firmly in place. It helps prevent weed growth, insect intrusion, and washout—making it ideal for the fluctuating moisture and freeze conditions found on Long Island. Its durability extends the lifespan of the paver system while reducing maintenance needs. This material is commonly used for joint stabilization in patios, driveways, and walkways.
8. Vacuum Lifting Machine
Vacuum lifting machines like those from Vacuworx are high-efficiency lifting tools designed to move large pavers, slabs, and wallstone without strain. It reduces the need for manual labor, improves safety, and speeds up the installation process—key advantages for Long Island crews managing heavy workloads or large commercial jobs. Its precision also minimizes the risk of damaging high-end materials during placement. Contractors use it for setting oversized units quickly and cleanly on patios, poolscapes, and wall systems.
9. Screeds
Screeds are straight edge tools used to level bedding materials and ensure consistent elevation across a work area. Achieving an accurate slope is critical for proper drainage, especially on Long Island properties with tight grading or flood-prone zones. A well-screeded surface also prevents dips or high spots that could cause uneven wear or tripping hazards. Contractors use screeds to prepare sand or gravel beds for walkways, patios, and driveways.
Having the right masonry supplies is critical for ensuring patio projects, retaining walls, pool patios, and permeable installations are built to last—especially in the demanding Long Island climate. Materials like recycled concrete aggregate, fine sand, polymeric sand, and reliable tools like vacuum machines and professional-grade brushes and screeds make all the difference in the quality and efficiency of every installation.
Need Long Island Masonry Supplies?
At Astro Masonry, we proudly stock the essential supplies, pavers, and wallstone needed to support Long Island’s best masonry projects. Stop by our Long Island masonry yard to see our full selection in person, or request a quote to get started on sourcing everything needed for the next project.