Frequently Asked Questions

Can homeowners shop at State Material?

Yes, all four locations are open to the public with outdoor displays and indoor showrooms. We do ask that customers do some research before visiting. As some locations can get very busy during the heat of the season. Please understand that contractors will be helped first so that we can better assist you.

How to prepare to come into State Material?

Before your visit to State Material, we recommend going through our website’s project galleries and product pages to start your next project. This knowledge will help our sales team better understand your project. There is a lot of material to choose from so it helps to have an idea of what you like before you come in.

Where can I find a contractor?

On our home page you can click on “Find A Contractor” and we can assist in helping you connect with a few contractors in your area who will be a good fit for your project. You can also call our store or visit one of our locations- ask a salesperson for a recommendation and they will be happy to provide you with one.

What is efflorescence?

Efflorescence is a white, powder-like deposit that can sometimes appear on the surface of the paving stones. It may appear immediately or within a short time after installation. Efflorescence occurs when natural salts come to the surface and leave behind a white deposit that can normally be brushed off. Left alone, normal wear and exposure to the elements will dissipate the efflorescence.

How to clean efflorescence off pavers?

Efflorescence will go away on its own but before it wears away naturally, best results are obtained by using an efflorescence cleaner. Do not use muriatic acid.

Can I seal my pavers if there is efflorescence?

If a sealer is to be applied to the paving stones, it is recommended that any presence of efflorescence be removed prior to sealing. Precautions for proper drainage of the paving stone system should be taken to minimize the occurrence of efflorescence. It is recommended to wait at least 6 months after pavers are installed to seal your pavers.

Is sealing my Paving stones necessary?

Pavers are extremely durable. Sealing, however, may enhance the colors and may prevent staining. Allow a minimum of 6 months after installation before sealing your pavers. Consult our team for recommendations on cleaning and sealing.

When to seal a patio?

Sealers are beneficial for pavers to enhance the color and resist stains. When you install a new patio, you need to allow time for any efflorescence to appear. We recommend waiting at least 6 months before applying a sealer.

What can I use in between my pavers to fill in the gaps?

Depending on how big your joints are you could use a fine sand such as #0 sand, #00 sand, fine sand or polymeric sand. For larger joints you can use pea gravel.

What is Polymeric sand?

Used to fill paver joints, the empty spaces found between each paver. It is made up of a mixture of specific additive particles. When put in contact with water, this substance acts as an ultra-powerful bonding agent that strongly binds together concrete elements. When installed properly, polymeric sand will remain in the paver joints and inhibit weed growth and insect infestation.

Can Paving stones be installed over a poured concrete base?

Care must be taken so that water does not pool underneath the pavers. Drainage holes should be drilled in large slabs, filled with pea gravel and covered with landscape fabric. Edge pavers must be restrained to keep joints from opening up.

How many Brick Pavers will I need for my project?

Determine how many square feet you are covering with brick, then select a brick size (see below). Multiply the total number of square feet by the brick needed per square foot, and divide by 5% to allow for breakage and/or cuts. Brick sizes are approximate.

Size # of brick per SF for veneer # of brick per SF for paving
Modular 2 ¼”x3 5/8” x 7 5/8” 7.0 5.0
Standard 2¼ x 3 5/8 x 8” 7.0 4.8
Paver 2 ¼” x4”x 8” x 4.5
Jumbo 2 ¾”x 3 ¾”x 8” 5.5 x
Oversize 2 ¾” x 4” x8 ½” 5.0 x
Rustico 2 ½” x 6”x 9” x 2.66
Holland 2 3/8” x 4” x 8” x 4.5

What is the difference between manufactured and natural stone?

Natural Stone Veneer is made from real stone quarried from the earth. It features imperfections, textures, and tonal variation. Manufactured stone is a man-made product and usually dyed concrete that looks like natural stone, but is available in almost any texture, shape, and color.

What is the price difference between natural stone veneer and manufactured stone?

Price varies with the type of stone that you choose. Higher-end manufactured stone prices can sometimes be more costly than natural stone veneer. It is important to speak with one of our sales associates to help give you an estimate of the products you are interested in.

When is the best time to get started on a project?

Masonry work requires stable weather conditions in many places. Late spring and early summer are some of the most ideal times to have your project built and completed. However, many contractors do get booked quickly and depending on delivery of material can take longer than anticipated. It is important to start to plan from 6 months to a year before your anticipated project.

How far in advance do I need to set up delivery?

It can depend on the time of year. During the spring and summer, we recommend setting up a delivery a week in advance. We strive to do the best we can to get your materials to your jobsite as soon as we can.

Can you deliver to a job site and offload?

Yes, we offer delivery at all four locations from Manhattan to Montauk. For palletized materials we bring flatbed trucks and a machine to unload. For loose material like sand or gravel we offer the option to dump the material.

What is the difference between Nicolock and Cambridge?

Both Nicolock and Cambridge offer great products that will complete your landscape. A benefit of using Nicolock Pavers is that the company’s origin is here on Long Island making it faster and easier to get material. You want to make sure your time and money is rightfully invested when it comes to deciding between Nicolock Pavers or Cambridge Pavers. Learn about which paver style is right for you, here.

How to clean Natural Stone Veneer

Natural stone does not need to be clean often. However, if there is mud or muck on it you should clean it off sooner rather than later. Stubborn dirt can be removed with soap and water scrubbing in a circular motion. If it is newly installed and wet mortar or grout has covered the face of the stone, let it dry to the point where you can scrape it off. Wiping it off may smear it and make it difficult to remove.

How to clean Manufactured stone

You can clean your Manufactured stone as often as you like. Use mild dishwashing detergent mixed with water and use a soft bristle brush or sponge to wipe down the stone. It should be noted to never apply any products to manufactured stone that contain acid. It could remove the natural coloring leaving a dull finish.

How to remove oil, grease, and more from paving stones or concrete.

We offer a number of products to help remove grease and other stains from paving stones and concrete. See below.
For Oil and Grease: Seal King Oil Off
For Tar, coal tar, latex print, adhesives, rubber, acrylic driveways, and oil: Seal King Grease Release
For Rust: Seal King Rust Remover

What should I use on my pavers when it snows?

The best way to avoid slips and falls is using the right materials.
Before it snows on your driveway, patio, walkways you can spread fine sand on the surface.
For asphalt ONLY you can use rock salt or salt sand. Never use salt on anything but asphalt.
The safest kind of ice melt for pavers is any products containing Magnesium Acetate (CMA) which is proven to be effective and least damaging.

What is your payment and return policies?

We accept cash, credit cards and checks in our stores. Unfortunately, we do not accept credit cards over the phone. All sales are final, there are no returns. We recommend that for stock items you do not over order as we do not take material back.

Why are prices increasing?

We have seen an increase demand with limited supplies on all building aspects and fuel as impacted the cost of providing materials to our customers. Please be advised prices are subject to change without prior notice. This helps us ensure our commitment to providing the very best products and services for our customers.