Why Cambridge Pavingstones Dominate the Long Island Market
If you have been researching pavers for a patio, driveway, or pool deck on Long Island, the name Cambridge Pavingstones has almost certainly come up. Manufactured in Yonkers, New York, Cambridge is not just another paver brand. It is a regional powerhouse that has been producing concrete pavers, wall systems, and outdoor living kits since 1972. Their proximity to Long Island means shorter delivery times, lower freight costs, and products specifically engineered for the Northeast climate. For homeowners investing in hardscape projects across Nassau and Suffolk counties, Cambridge consistently delivers the best combination of durability, design options, and long-term value.
What truly separates Cambridge from competitors is their proprietary ArmorTec surface technology, which is applied to every paver they manufacture. Beyond that, their product catalog is one of the deepest in the industry, with dozens of paver shapes, colors, and textures that allow for completely custom designs. Whether you are building a backyard patio in Syosset, resurfacing a driveway in Garden City, or designing a pool deck in Lloyd Harbor, Cambridge has a product line specifically suited to the application. This guide covers everything you need to know before choosing Cambridge pavers for your Long Island project, including collections, colors, pricing, and what to look for in a qualified installer.
ArmorTec Technology: What It Is and Why It Matters on Long Island
ArmorTec is Cambridge's exclusive surface protection technology, and it is one of the primary reasons contractors and homeowners on Long Island prefer Cambridge over other brands. During the manufacturing process, a dense layer of color-enriched quartz, granite, and other aggregates is fused into the surface of each paver under extreme pressure. This creates a surface that is significantly harder and more resistant to wear, fading, staining, and freeze-thaw damage than standard concrete pavers.
For Long Island homeowners, ArmorTec addresses the specific environmental challenges we face. Our winters bring repeated freeze-thaw cycles that can spall and degrade standard pavers over time. De-icing salts used on driveways and walkways accelerate surface deterioration on lesser products. Summer UV exposure fades colors, especially on south-facing patios and pool decks. ArmorTec resists all of these threats. The embedded aggregate surface means the color runs through the wear layer rather than sitting on top, so even after years of foot traffic, vehicle weight, and weather exposure, Cambridge pavers retain their original appearance far longer than competing products.
ArmorTec also makes Cambridge pavers easier to maintain. The denser surface resists oil stains, food spills, and organic growth more effectively than standard concrete pavers. This is particularly important for outdoor kitchen areas, pool decks where sunscreen and pool chemicals are common, and driveways exposed to automotive fluids. Routine cleaning with a garden hose and occasional pressure washing is typically all that is needed to keep ArmorTec pavers looking like new.
Popular Cambridge Collections for Long Island Projects
Cambridge offers an extensive catalog of paver shapes and styles organized into distinct collections. Each collection has a unique aesthetic and is suited to different applications. Understanding the most popular options will help you narrow your choices before meeting with a contractor. Here are the collections we install most frequently on Long Island projects.
Ledgestone XL
Ledgestone XL is Cambridge's flagship large-format paver and one of the most requested products on Long Island. The oversized rectangular shape creates a clean, modern look with fewer joint lines, making spaces feel larger and more open. Ledgestone XL is available in single-piece and three-piece random patterns. It is ideal for expansive patios, pool decks, and contemporary driveway designs where homeowners want a sleek, upscale aesthetic. The large format also means faster installation, which can reduce labor costs on bigger projects.
Sherwood Collection
The Sherwood Collection features a natural stone texture that mimics the look of hand-cut flagstone. This is one of Cambridge's most versatile collections, working equally well in traditional, transitional, and rustic design schemes. The irregular surface texture provides excellent slip resistance, making it a popular choice for pool decks and walkways. Sherwood pavers come in multiple sizes that can be laid in random patterns for a natural, organic appearance. Many Long Island homeowners choose Sherwood for patios that transition from formal entertaining spaces near the house to more natural garden areas.
Crusader Collection
The Crusader Collection delivers a classic, time-tested look with a lightly textured surface and beveled edges. Available in three modular sizes that create random laying patterns, Crusader is one of the most popular choices for Long Island driveways, walkways, and patios where homeowners want a traditional aesthetic. The beveled edge detail adds definition between each paver and creates clean shadow lines that enhance the overall pattern. Crusader pavers are thick enough for vehicular traffic, making them suitable for driveways and parking areas when installed on a proper base.
Mega-Libre Collection
Mega-Libre is a large-format paver system designed specifically for contemporary outdoor living spaces. The oversized proportions create a dramatic, architectural appearance that pairs well with modern home styles. Mega-Libre is especially popular for pool decks, rooftop terraces, and expansive entertainment patios on Long Island's Gold Coast properties where scale and visual impact are priorities. The smooth, consistent surface is easy to clean and provides a refined backdrop for outdoor furniture and landscaping.
Roundtable Collection
The Roundtable Collection is Cambridge's answer to homeowners who want the look of old-world European cobblestone. The tumbled finish gives each paver a weathered, aged appearance that adds character and warmth to any outdoor space. Roundtable is available in multiple sizes for random-pattern installations and works particularly well for walkways, garden paths, courtyards, and patio borders. On Long Island, we frequently use Roundtable for front walkway and entryway projects where homeowners want to create a welcoming first impression that complements traditional architecture.
Olde English Collection
Olde English is a classic rectangular paver that can be laid in virtually any pattern, from running bond to herringbone to basketweave. Its versatility makes it one of Cambridge's best-selling products. The slightly textured surface and clean edges create a timeless look that works with every architectural style on Long Island. Olde English is available in both standard and XL sizes, giving designers the flexibility to match the scale of the paver to the scale of the project. For driveways, the herringbone pattern with Olde English pavers provides exceptional interlock strength that resists shifting under vehicle loads.
Cambridge Color Options: What Works Best on Long Island
Color selection is one of the most important decisions in any paver project, and Cambridge offers one of the widest color palettes in the industry. Each color is a blend of two or more tones that create a natural, variegated appearance. Choosing the right color depends on your home's exterior, the surrounding landscape, the amount of sun exposure, and your personal style. Here are the Cambridge colors we recommend most frequently for Long Island installations, based on years of experience seeing how they look and perform in our specific environment.
- Toffee/Onyx: A rich blend of warm brown and charcoal tones that creates a sophisticated, high-contrast appearance. This is our most popular color for patios and pool decks on Long Island. It complements both light and dark home exteriors, hides dirt and staining effectively, and does not show wear patterns as quickly as lighter colors. Toffee/Onyx is particularly striking when paired with dark coping or a contrasting border.
- Sahara/Chestnut: A warm, earthy blend that ranges from sandy tan to medium brown. This color works beautifully with Long Island's coastal aesthetic and is an excellent match for homes with natural stone, cedar shingles, or warm-toned siding. Sahara/Chestnut brightens outdoor spaces without the glare that pure light colors can create on sunny days.
- Onyx/Natural: A dramatic combination of deep charcoal and light gray that creates a contemporary, architectural look. This color is increasingly popular for modern home designs across Long Island, especially in Gold Coast communities where homeowners are gravitating toward sleek, minimalist outdoor spaces. Onyx/Natural pairs exceptionally well with white or gray home exteriors and stainless steel outdoor kitchen components.
- Sandstone/Brown: A classic neutral blend that has been a Long Island staple for decades. The combination of light beige and medium brown creates a subtle, organic appearance that works with virtually any home style and landscape. Sandstone/Brown is a safe, versatile choice that rarely clashes with surrounding elements.
- Ruby/Onyx: A distinctive blend of warm red and charcoal that creates a traditional brick-like appearance with more depth and variation than actual brick. Ruby/Onyx is popular for front walkways and entryways on Long Island, particularly for colonial, cape, and Tudor-style homes where a warm, welcoming entrance is desired.
When selecting colors, we always recommend viewing full-size samples in natural daylight rather than relying on brochure photos or small chips. Colors can appear dramatically different under artificial lighting or when viewed at small scale. A qualified installer will bring samples to your property so you can see how the color interacts with your home's exterior, roofing, and landscaping. For help choosing the perfect color and pattern combination, read our detailed guide on how to choose paver colors and patterns.
Cambridge Paver Pricing on Long Island in 2026
Cambridge paver pricing has two components: the material cost and the installed cost. Understanding both helps you evaluate quotes accurately and compare apples to apples when talking to contractors. Here is what Long Island homeowners can expect to pay for Cambridge pavers in 2026.
Material Cost
Cambridge paver materials on Long Island typically range from $6 to $12 per square foot depending on the collection, format, and color. Standard collections like Olde English and Crusader fall toward the lower end of that range, while large-format options like Ledgestone XL and Mega-Libre command a premium due to higher material content per unit. Specialty colors and textured finishes may also carry a slight upcharge. These material prices do not include base aggregate, polymeric sand, edge restraints, or any other installation materials, which typically add another $2 to $4 per square foot.
Installed Cost
The fully installed cost of Cambridge pavers on Long Island ranges from $22 to $38 per square foot in 2026. This includes excavation, base preparation, paver installation, polymeric sand, edge restraints, and cleanup. The wide range reflects differences in project complexity, site conditions, pattern difficulty, and the specific collection chosen. Here is how installed costs break down by application.
- Patios: $22 to $32 per square foot installed. Standard patio projects with good access and straightforward layouts fall at the lower end. Complex designs with multiple patterns, borders, inlays, or integrated steps push toward the upper end.
- Driveways: $26 to $38 per square foot installed. Driveway installations require a thicker base (typically 8 to 12 inches of compacted aggregate), heavier paver thickness for vehicular loads, and herringbone or other interlocking patterns that resist shifting. These requirements increase both material and labor costs.
- Pool decks: $24 to $35 per square foot installed. Pool deck projects often involve working around existing pool structures, matching coping profiles, ensuring proper drainage pitch away from the pool, and using slip-resistant textures. Accessibility challenges around pool equipment and fencing can also affect pricing.
- Walkways: $22 to $30 per square foot installed. Walkways are typically the most straightforward application, though narrow widths, curves, and integration with existing landscaping can add complexity.
These prices reflect the Long Island market as of early 2026 and include standard site preparation. Projects requiring significant grading, drainage correction, demolition of existing surfaces, or retaining wall integration will incur additional costs. The most accurate way to know your specific investment is to get a detailed on-site estimate. For a broader look at patio project costs, see our comprehensive paver patio services page.
Cambridge vs. Other Paver Brands: How They Compare
Long Island homeowners often ask how Cambridge stacks up against other major paver manufacturers. Each brand has strengths, and the best choice depends on your specific project requirements, aesthetic preferences, and budget. Here is an honest comparison based on our experience installing all of these products across Nassau and Suffolk counties.
- Cambridge vs. Nicolock: Both are New York-based manufacturers with strong Long Island distribution. Nicolock is known for their Paver-Shield technology, which is comparable to ArmorTec. Cambridge generally offers a wider range of large-format pavers and outdoor living kits, while Nicolock excels in their tumbled and distressed product lines. Pricing is similar for equivalent products. We install both and recommend based on the specific look and collection each project demands. For a detailed head-to-head, read our <a href="/blog/cambridge-vs-nicolock-pavers/">Cambridge vs. Nicolock comparison</a>.
- Cambridge vs. Belgard: Belgard is a national brand owned by Oldcastle APG with manufacturing facilities across the country. Their product line is extensive, and they offer strong warranties. However, because Belgard is not manufactured locally, Long Island availability can sometimes lag and freight costs may be slightly higher for certain products. Cambridge's local manufacturing gives it an edge in delivery speed and regional product optimization. See our full <a href="/blog/belgard-vs-cambridge-pavers-long-island/">Belgard vs. Cambridge breakdown</a> for more.
- Cambridge vs. Techo-Bloc: Techo-Bloc is a Canadian manufacturer known for premium, design-forward products with a contemporary aesthetic. Their Blu line of smooth, large-format pavers is popular for modern projects. Techo-Bloc generally sits at a higher price point than Cambridge, and availability on Long Island can be more limited. For homeowners committed to a modern, minimalist design, Techo-Bloc is worth considering, but Cambridge's Ledgestone XL and Mega-Libre collections offer comparable aesthetics at a more accessible price.
- Cambridge vs. Unilock: Unilock is another strong national brand with a reputation for consistent quality. Their EnduraColor technology provides surface protection similar to ArmorTec. Unilock products tend to carry a premium price on Long Island due to distribution logistics. Cambridge offers more localized support and typically faster material availability for Long Island contractors.
The bottom line is that Cambridge, Nicolock, Belgard, Techo-Bloc, and Unilock all make quality products that will perform well when installed correctly. The differences come down to specific collections, color availability, pricing, and installer expertise. What matters far more than the brand name on the paver is the quality of the installation underneath it. A Cambridge paver installed on a poor base will fail faster than any competitor's paver installed on a proper one.
Best Cambridge Patterns by Application
The pattern you choose affects both the visual impact and the structural performance of your paver installation. Different applications benefit from different laying patterns. Here is what we recommend based on decades of installation experience across Long Island.
Patios
For patios, random patterns using three or four paver sizes create the most visually interesting surfaces. The Ledgestone XL three-piece random and Sherwood random are our top patio recommendations. These patterns minimize visible repetition and create a natural, organic flow that makes outdoor living spaces feel inviting. For a more structured look, a running bond pattern with Olde English XL pavers delivers clean, contemporary lines. Adding a contrasting border in a different color or collection frames the patio and creates a finished, intentional appearance.
Driveways
For driveways, herringbone is the gold standard because the 45-degree or 90-degree interlocking pattern creates the strongest resistance to shifting under vehicle loads. Olde English pavers in a 90-degree herringbone with a soldier course border is the most popular driveway pattern we install on Long Island. For homeowners who prefer a non-herringbone look, the Crusader three-piece random provides strong interlock while delivering a more relaxed aesthetic. We always recommend vehicular-rated pavers at minimum 60mm thickness for any driveway application.
Pool Decks
Pool decks require slip-resistant textures and colors that stay relatively cool underfoot in direct sun. The Sherwood Collection is our top pool deck recommendation because the textured surface provides excellent grip when wet. Ledgestone XL is also popular for pool decks when homeowners want a contemporary look, though we recommend the lightly textured finish over the smooth option for poolside safety. Lighter colors like Sahara/Chestnut reflect more heat than darker options, which matters when you are walking barefoot on a 90-degree July afternoon.
Walkways
Walkways benefit from patterns that guide the eye forward and create a sense of movement. Running bond with Olde English pavers is a classic walkway choice that never goes out of style. For a more decorative approach, the Roundtable Collection in a random pattern creates a charming, old-world pathway. Curved walkways look best with smaller paver sizes that follow the arc smoothly without excessive cutting. We typically recommend a minimum walkway width of 4 feet for a main entry path and 3 feet for secondary garden paths.
Cambridge Outdoor Living Kits: Pre-Engineered Solutions
One of Cambridge's biggest advantages over competitors is their extensive line of pre-engineered outdoor living kits. These are not just paver selections but complete, ready-to-install hardscape structures designed by Cambridge engineers and shipped as modular kits. For Long Island homeowners who want to add functional outdoor living features without the cost and complexity of fully custom construction, these kits deliver impressive results at predictable pricing.
- Outdoor kitchen islands: Cambridge offers modular kitchen island kits in multiple configurations, from compact L-shapes to full U-shaped cooking stations. Each kit includes the wall block structure, countertop, and cutouts for grills, side burners, and storage. You choose your own appliances and countertop material (granite, bluestone, or Cambridge's own cast stone options). Kitchen island kits start around $3,500 for materials and can be installed in one to two days.
- Fire pits: Cambridge fire pit kits range from simple round designs to elaborate square and rectangular models with seating walls. Most use Cambridge wall stone that matches or complements the surrounding paver patio, creating a cohesive look. Fire pit kits start around $1,200 for materials and can be completed in a single day. Both wood-burning and gas-burning configurations are available.
- Pizza ovens: Cambridge's wood-fired pizza oven kits have become one of their most popular outdoor living products on Long Island. The kits include a high-temperature oven dome, chimney, and surrounding structure built from Cambridge wall stone. Pizza oven kits start around $4,000 for materials and create a dramatic focal point that elevates any outdoor entertainment space.
- Columns and pillars: Cambridge offers freestanding column kits that can be used for driveway entrances, patio corners, pergola supports, and landscape accent features. Columns are available in multiple sizes and can be topped with lights, planters, or flat caps. Column kits start around $400 each for materials.
- Seating walls and fire pit surrounds: Freestanding wall kits in Cambridge wall stone create built-in seating, garden borders, and level changes within outdoor living spaces. These integrate seamlessly with Cambridge paver surfaces and provide structural definition that makes outdoor rooms feel intentional and designed.
The advantage of Cambridge kits is engineering certainty. Each kit has been structurally validated, comes with detailed installation instructions, and uses components that are designed to work together. This reduces installation time, eliminates guesswork on material quantities, and ensures the finished product matches the manufacturer's design intent. For Long Island homeowners, kits also mean more predictable budgeting since the material package is fixed-price.
Why We Install Cambridge: Certification and Training
At Brothers Paving & Masonry, Cambridge Pavingstones is one of our primary paver suppliers, and our team is factory-trained on their full product line. We have completed Cambridge's installer certification program, which covers proper base construction for Long Island soil conditions, correct laying patterns for each collection, polymeric sand application, and outdoor living kit assembly. This training means we can leverage Cambridge's engineering specifications to deliver installations that perform at the level the manufacturer intended.
Being a certified Cambridge installer also means our clients benefit from Cambridge's warranty support. When pavers are installed according to Cambridge specifications by a trained contractor, homeowners receive the strongest warranty coverage Cambridge offers. This matters because a paver warranty is only as good as the installation underneath. Pavers installed on an inadequate base, with improper drainage, or with the wrong joint sand will fail regardless of the manufacturer's material quality. Our Cambridge certification is our commitment that every installation meets or exceeds the engineering standards that make the warranty meaningful.
We also maintain direct relationships with Cambridge's regional sales team and technical support staff. When a project calls for a custom color blend, a specialty product, or a complex design that involves multiple Cambridge collections, we can coordinate directly with the manufacturer to ensure material availability and technical accuracy. This level of access streamlines the process for our clients and eliminates the communication gaps that can occur when a contractor is purchasing through multiple intermediaries.
Cambridge Paver Project Examples on Long Island
To give you a sense of what Cambridge pavers look like in real Long Island installations, here are examples from projects we have completed across Nassau and Suffolk counties. Each project demonstrates a different collection, color, and application to show the range of what is possible with Cambridge products.
- Gold Coast estate patio in Old Westbury: 1,800 square feet of Ledgestone XL in Toffee/Onyx with a Crusader border in Onyx/Natural. The large-format pavers create a seamless transition from the French doors to the pool area, with integrated step treads and a seating wall that frames the outdoor dining space. Total project included a Cambridge outdoor kitchen island with granite countertop.
- Driveway renovation in Garden City: 1,200 square feet of Olde English in Sahara/Chestnut laid in a 90-degree herringbone pattern with a double soldier course border. The warm color complements the home's natural cedar shingle exterior. Belgian block apron at the street connection provides a clean transition from asphalt to pavers.
- Pool deck and patio in Dix Hills: 2,400 square feet of Sherwood Collection in Sandstone/Brown surrounding an in-ground pool. The textured surface provides slip resistance without being rough on bare feet. A Cambridge fire pit kit anchors the conversation area at the far end of the patio, with matching seating walls creating an enclosed outdoor room.
- Front walkway in Manhasset: 320 square feet of Roundtable Collection in Ruby/Onyx with Cambridge column kits flanking the entry. The tumbled finish and warm red tones create a welcoming approach that complements the home's colonial architecture. LED lights integrated into the column caps provide evening illumination.
How to Get Started With Cambridge Pavers
If you are ready to explore Cambridge pavers for your Long Island project, the process starts with a design consultation. During an on-site visit, we evaluate your property conditions, discuss your vision and budget, and recommend specific Cambridge collections and colors that match your goals. We bring full-size paver samples so you can see exactly how each option looks against your home's exterior in natural light.
From there, we develop a detailed proposal that includes a scaled layout, material specifications, and transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Every project includes proper excavation, a compacted aggregate base engineered for Long Island soil conditions, Cambridge pavers installed according to manufacturer specifications, polymeric sand, edge restraints, and complete site cleanup. Whether you are planning a simple walkway or a comprehensive outdoor living space with a kitchen, fire pit, and multi-level patio, we handle the entire process from design through final walkthrough.
Ready to see what Cambridge pavers can do for your property? Request your free estimate today and let us design a hardscape solution that transforms your outdoor space. We serve homeowners across all of Nassau and Suffolk County, from the Gold Coast estates of the North Shore to the waterfront communities of the South Shore and every neighborhood in between.
