As professionals in the industry for quite some time, we know there are many options to choose from when it comes to hardscape design. This fruitful market has only expanded in the last century, making up a good portion of beautiful outdoors in American homes, which probably influenced you to search for the perfect material for your front entrance. Nowadays, there’s a trend called permeable driveway pavers – but are they a worthy investment?

In this article, you’ll learn precisely that. Find out how permeable driveway pavers work and all the design possibilities they open up.

Read as well: Interlocking Concrete Pavers – All You Need to Know

About permeable driveway pavers

Permeable pavers – also known as permeable interlocking concrete pavers – are a type of engineered paving stone designed to allow water to infiltrate through its surface into the ground below. Unlike traditional paving materials such as concrete or bricks, which create impervious surfaces that prevent water from soaking into the ground, permeable pavers have open joints or spaces between them (as seen in the pic below) that allow liquids to pass through.

Although typically made from concrete, as the name suggests, these pavers can be fabricated out of other durable materials. They are installed over a specially designed base and sub-base that promote infiltration and drainage, usually consisting of crushed stone, sand, or gravel – which provide structural support while allowing water to move freely through them.

And yes, permeable pavers can be used for driveways; in fact, they are often an excellent choice for residential driveways and regular-sized parking areas where stormwater management and environmental considerations are important for those involved.

Benefits of permeable driveway pavers

Permeable pavers offer a holistic solution for driveway construction, combining practical benefits such as stormwater management and environmental sustainability with durability, aesthetics, and long-term performance. While traditional concrete pavers may be suitable for some driveway applications, permeable ones offer additional advantages that make them a compelling choice for many homeowners – as well as for alternative developers seeking sustainable and resilient landscape solutions.

Check out the main benefits of permeable driveway pavers below:

• Stormwater management: Permeable pavers allow rainwater to infiltrate through the surface into the ground below, reducing stormwater runoff and the potential for flooding. This can be particularly beneficial in areas prone to heavy rainfall or where stormwater management is a concern. There’s even a study conducted by the Journal of Environmental Management that highlights such data – as you can see by clicking here.
• Environmental benefits: By promoting groundwater recharge and filtering pollutants from runoff, permeable pavers help improve water quality and mitigate the impact of development on local ecosystems. They contribute to sustainable urban drainage systems and support efforts to conserve water resources.
• Durability: Permeable pavers are typically made from durable concrete, but their design allows for flexibility and resilience under heavy loads (more on this later). They can withstand the weight of vehicles and frequent traffic without cracking or deteriorating – offering long-term performance and reliability for driveway applications – and all without the need for sealing. (A commercial sealer is intended for porous surfaces that don’t benefit from water flow, which is not the case here.)
• Reduced heat island effect: Permeable surfaces absorb less heat than concrete or asphalt, helping to mitigate the urban heat island effect and reduce ambient temperatures in urban areas. If you live in a secluded neighborhood without many trees, this can lead to a more comfortable outdoor living environment and contribute to energy savings by reducing the need for air conditioning.
• Timeless aesthetics: Permeable pavers come in a variety of colors, shapes, and textures, offering homeowners flexibility in design and customization for their driveways. They can enhance curb appeal and complement the overall aesthetic of the property while, again, providing functional benefits for stormwater management and environmental sustainability, which might even raise the resale value of your property in the future.

Can they withstand traffic weight?

Yes, for sure! Permeable pavers are designed to withstand the weight of vehicles and heavy traffic, supporting the loads imposed by cars, trucks, and other wheeled vehicles. When installed correctly over a suitable base and sub-base, permeable pavers distribute the weight of vehicles evenly, minimizing the risk of damage to individual pavers or the overall surface.

However, it’s essential to ensure proper installation and maintenance to maximize their durability and longevity under vehicular traffic. Here are some factors to consider:

• The base and sub-base layers beneath permeable pavers play a crucial role in supporting the weight of vehicles and providing structural stability. These layers typically consist of compacted aggregate materials, such as crushed stone or gravel, which help distribute the load and prevent settling or shifting of the pavers.
• Permeable pavers are available in various thicknesses and designs to accommodate different traffic loads and usage patterns; thicker pavers are typically used for driveways and areas with heavier traffic to ensure adequate strength and durability.
• The joints between permeable pavers are filled with permeable materials such as gravel or sand – which may require periodic maintenance to prevent compaction or erosion. Proper joint maintenance helps ensure effective water infiltration and prevents issues such as clogging or surface deterioration.
• Periodic inspection of the permeable paver surface can help identify any signs of damage or wear, such as cracked or displaced pavers. Prompt repair of damaged areas can prevent further deterioration and maintain the integrity of the driveway surface.

Why professional installation is important

As you can already picture, while professional installation may involve additional upfront costs compared to DIY installation, it can ultimately save you time, effort, and potential headaches by ensuring a high-quality driveway that meets your needs and expectations. Professional installers have the expertise, experience, and equipment necessary to properly prepare the site, install the pavers, and ensure that the base and sub-base layers are correctly constructed to support vehicular traffic just the way you envision.

At the end of the day, professional installers have specialized knowledge and training in the installation of permeable pavers, ensuring that the driveway performs optimally and withstands the demands of vehicle traffic. They understand the intricacies of proper base preparation, drainage considerations, and joint installation.

Moreover, hardscape experts have access to top-quality materials and equipment specifically designed for this type of project. They can source the appropriate pavers, base materials, and joint fillers to meet the needed requirements and ensure long-term durability and performance.

Furthermore, professional installers are familiar with local building codes, regulations, and best practices for permeable paver installation, in case you need one. They can ensure that the driveway is installed in compliance with applicable guidelines, addressing any permitting or regulatory requirements as needed. Many professional installers also offer warranties or guarantees on their workmanship and materials, providing peace of mind and protection in case of any issues or defects with the installation.

That’s why Eagle Pavers is your best bet for a dream permeable driveway!

As a branch of Eagle Stones, our team specializes in paver supply and installation around the county of Sarasota and Manatee, Florida. In case you’re near us, don’t hesitate to give us a call so we can get started on your project with a free estimate!

Click here to view the full online catalog – we’ll be waiting for you to reach out and get the perfect permeable pavers for your driveway.