The Many Benefits of Permeable Walkways

Up until this point in history, most walkways and paved surfaces, in general, have been laid with impervious material. Impervious material does not allow stormwater or anything to pass through it because there is not enough space within the makeup of the material itself. Concrete, asphalt, brick, and stone are all examples of material that is impervious (impermeable).

These materials can be laid in a pattern that features cracks and gaps between each individual brick or piece of paving for water to pass through, but this is still an imperfect method of achieving permeability. These pervious or permeable areas are small and clog quickly, rendering the surface essentially impermeable.

In recent years, permeable paving has been invented that features the same, if not a higher level of functionality, strength, durability, and versatility while being completely permeable at the same time. It’s not hard to see the benefits of this material over impermeable materials, but there are actually even more benefits than you might realize. 

In case you want to learn about why permeable walkways, in particular, are superior to impermeable walkways, let’s take an in-depth look at why a permeable paver walkway is so much better than an impermeable one, shall we?

The Secret of Permeable Walkways Lies in the Design

Excluding pervious concrete, permeable walkways aren’t actually made with any kind of special material. The 100% permeable pavers we’ll discuss today are made from recycled plastic in an eco-friendly fashion. This recycled plastic is designed to be incredibly durable and tough, in the case of products like TRUEGRID Permeable Pavers.

The way they work is incredibly simple and easy to understand. First, the intended paving area is excavated just deep enough to allow for the placement of the pavers. The exposed subgrade is then covered with a geofabric to create separation between the detention base and the soil. Then, a clean angular aggregate such as gravel will be laid in over the fabric and compacted multiple times with a heavy vehicle. Once all the gravel is laid, a final compaction will be done and the surface will be leveled.

Next, the interlocking pavers will be laid over the leveled aggregate, and connected together along the pathway like puzzle pieces. The paver squares can be sawed and trimmed to fit perfectly within the paving area. After the pavers have been laid along the walkway, more aggregate will be laid over the top and compacted again so that it locks into the pavers. 

Why are Permeable Pavers Better than Concrete or Asphalt?

There are many reasons why permeable pavers are superior to other common paving materials, including but not restricted, to walkways. For one, the entire process of sourcing the material to create the pavers, to installing them, is much more environmentally-friendly than it is to lay impervious pavement. The machines, equipment, time, effort, and amount of resources used are vastly more eco-friendly.

The installation process is much faster as well and costs far less than it would to install concrete or asphalt. Building permeable pathways with TRUEGRID pavers will not only save you money in the short-term, but in the long-term as well, thanks to the drastically lower maintenance costs and higher level of durability. 

Concrete, brick, asphalt, and other types of impermeable material are easily warped, cracked, chipped, eroded, and damaged over time, but the recycled plastic pavers from TRUEGRID are far more durable and won’t suffer from this type of damage. When filled with natural elements such as gravel or grass, they offer a more pleasing, natural aesthetic while eliminating puddles and standing water. For gravel pathways, they provide a solution to erosion issues.

Permeable Pathways are Better for the Local Environment and People

Because a permeable paver walkway will allow water to pass through it, there are far less flooding and water-displacement concerns than with impermeable material. Permeable walkways allow water to pass right through them, directly into the soil below, just as it would through topsoil and grass. 

For handicapped individuals, permeable walkways are a far better choice as well. For example, the ADA compliant trails in this National Park were built by Boy Scouts with permeable pavers which allow disabled individuals access to areas of the park that they previously could not access. These trails make it far easier for wheelchair-bound individuals to navigate without fear of running over dips, dents, cracks, and otherwise dangerous features of a well-worn impermeable pathway. The pavers eliminate erosion or washout of gravel paths, and the associated constant maintenance that goes with it.

This hidden firelane that seamlessly blends in with surrounding grass was created in South Carolina using TRUEGRID’s PRO PLUS pavers.

The Pocono Raceway replaced their own eroded walkways and parking lots with TRUEGRID pavers to help them comply with NASCAR’s new green initiative. 20,000 square feet of pathway was installed with #57 stone as the base rock and a TRA fill.

TRUEGRID Products are Incredibly Versatile

With three different types of pavers ranging from light, residential pavers to heavy industrial pavers, the ways in which a permeable paver walkway can be utilized is nearly endless. From firelanes to parking lots, walkways, driveways, and more, permeable pavers from TRUEGRID are proving time and time again that they can not only compete with traditional paving materials, but that they outperform them in every single category. 

From user-friendliness to versatility, durability, ease of installation, cost-effectiveness, eco-friendliness, and more, the list of reasons to build a permeable walkway with their products is extensive. 

Consider Using Permeable Pavers for Your Next Landscaping Project

If you’re building a walkway, you should seriously consider creating a permeable pathway instead of an impermeable one. Not only is it better for the local environment and the global environment at large, it will cost you less and be much less of a hassle to install. With TRUEGRID permeable pavers proving superior to concrete, asphalt and other impermeable materials commonly used for creating pathways, it’s hard to see why you would want to use any other type of paving material.

Take it from the many different business owners and individuals who have created permeable pathways of their own with TRUEGRID pavers, the cost-to-benefit ratio is enormous and you can avoid many of the problems that other materials often pose, while saving yourself money and making life easier for you and those who’ll be using your pathways as well.

If you’ve never heard of a green driveway, you’re not alone. Many homeowners are going to end up installing an impermeable concrete or asphalt driveway without even realizing that other options are available. 

Green driveways, like the kind produced by TRUEGRID and other companies, aren’t just great for the environment, they actually provide tangible value in multiple ways. In fact, considering green driveway options is one of the smartest choices you could make as a homeowner.

In case you’re unaware of the benefits of green driveway solutions and you’d like to inform yourself so that you too can get in on the multitude of benefits they provide, let’s take a look at what makes sustainable driveways such an intelligent investment and why you should take a look at some of the green driveway ideas out there on the market.

A Green Driveway Can Help Prevent a lot of Problems

If you’ve ever had an impermeable driveway made from asphalt or concrete, you’re probably well aware of the flooding, washouts, erosion, ruts, and overall damage that your driveway can sustain due to stormwater and everyday use. 

A sustainable driveway is important because it allows stormwater and other liquids to pass right through into the soil below where it can safely disperse over a reasonable time period and not flood out the sides of your driveway. It is crucial for those who have a sloped driveway that is prone to flooding because it can save a yard from total catastrophe in the event of a major storm.

What Makes a Driveway Sustainable?

In order for a driveway to be sustainable, it needs to work in harmony with Mother Nature. Impermeable driveways are impenetrable and thus, block the natural flow of water into the ground, displacing it to the sides which causes increased erosion and unnatural obstruction.

With TRUEGRID permeable pavers, you have a variety of green driveway solutions available that allow you to enjoy the benefits of a fully functional driveway without worrying about flooding or erosion. 

In order to be both functional and permeable, green driveway options need to consist of a permeable framework filled with hard, angular aggregate that provides a solid surface on which to drive. TRUEGRID permeable driveways provide this by installing an aggregate such as gravel or crushed slate below and on top of interlocking permeable pavers made from durable, 100% recycled plastic. 

This custom design provides a completely level driveway (available in a wide variety of styles and colors) that is able to handle the full weight of large industrial vehicles, and will stay locked into place while allowing stormwater and other liquids an unencumbered passage directly into the soil beneath. 

What Other Benefits Do TRUEGRID Permeable Pavers Provide?

TRUEGRID permeable pavers have the added benefit of being as environmentally friendly as possible. Because they are made from 100% recycled plastic, the environmental impact of producing them has been minimized to the fullest extent. TRUEGRID goes the extra mile to ensure that the vehicles used to transport their products, as well as every step of the process from production to installation, are as eco-friendly as possible.

There are many green driveway ideas available including residential designs as well as industrial concepts. Sustainable driveways are also much more affordable to purchase and install than the average concrete or asphalt driveway, and the installation can be easily completed within one day, and anyone can help.

One of the main selling points of these sustainable driveways is that not only are they cost-effective and eco-friendly, but they are actually more durable than concrete, asphalt, and other impermeable materials. 

The recycled plastic they are made from is not prone to chipping, cracking, and other types of damage commonly found in non-permeable driveways. They will also stay locked in place and can be used in various different creative green driveway options such as hidden driveways, winding driveways, and more.

The interlocking pavers can be sawed and trimmed to fit around any obstacles you may need to pave around, and can even be used to incorporate vegetation, water features, and other landscaping elements directly into the driveway itself. The aggregate is available in different colors, giving you more stylistic flexibility than white or grey concrete, or black asphalt. 

Invest in the Health of Your Yard and the Environment at the Same Time

If you care about using eco-friendly products but you also want a functional driveway that’s going to last a long time and prevent flooding from occurring in your driveway, you should seriously consider the green driveway solutions from TRUEGRID. Not only is it a cost-effective option, but it’s also aesthetically viable and environmentally conscious as well.

Driveways are an important aspect of your property when it comes to design and style. While many homeowners opt for a basic asphalt, dirt, or concrete driveway why not add some style or flair and enjoy the huge aesthetic potential that more modern styles offer. A driveway is more than just a place to park your vehicles, it’s a full-on stylistic compliment to the rest of your home and yard and essentially a welcome mat for your home. 

Sustainable Driveway Design Ideas

In case you’re looking to spice up your driveway’s look, let’s discuss some potential ideas for a new driveway that are both fresh and sustainable so you can reap the functional benefits as well as the stylistic ideas that they have to offer:

1. Accommodate Industrial Strength Traffic in a Residential Space

If you have heavy vehicles, big trucks, machinery or a big RV, consider a driveway that can handle industrial traffic. Built with permeable PRO PLUS pavers from TRUEGRID, this driveway is capable of supporting the heaviest of loads with ease. Thanks to the TRUEGRID permeable paving system, water won’t pool in the driveway or wash away loose gravel. 

Stormwater and other types of liquid will simply pass right through into the soil below. This type of driveway is great for those who are a fan of the industrial look, and it goes great with contemporary siding and trim colors as well as urban landscapes.

2. A Ribbon Driveway for Design Aesthetics

Another popular design style of a sustainable driveway is known as a ribbon driveway whereby you have two “strips” of a different element, This hybrid driveway is an excellent balance between the two. Installing TRUEGRID DECO stepping stone base pavers from TRUEGRID in your driveway which have a built-in paver base for 16 “ or less square concrete or stone pavers, along with permeable cells to hold gravel in between. This way your driveway drains immediately and looks great!

The gravel aggregate will provide a passageway to the soil beneath for any liquids while the cement pavers can create a unique design that aligns with the wheels of your vehicles.

3. Include Vegetation in Uncommon Areas

Including some vegetation in your driveway is not only possible but easy to do with TRUEGRID’s PRO LITE pavers. The pavers will keep the permeable aggregate locked in place, preventing it from spilling over into the vegetation. This way, you can include plants, trees, flowers, shrubbery, or any type of vegetation you want in your driveway. 

For urban homeowners looking to add some greenery to their landscape, or plant lovers who just want to surround themselves with vegetation in inventive new places, this driveway stands out as the perfect sustainable option.

4. Blend Your Driveway Right Up to the Edge of Your Home

Driveways are usually stand-alone features in a yard, but TRUEGRID PRO LITE pavers give you the option of having your driveway right up to the edge of your home. This works especially well for homes with neutral siding that meshes well with the color of the gravel aggregate in the pavers. 

For additional originality, you could include individual paved blocks leading up to your home (to create the appearance of a walkway within a sea of gravel) that’s sure to impress. This will also prevent water from pooling around your home’s foundation, which is especially crucial if your yard slopes downwards towards your home or your foundation has any cracks in it.

5. Create an Earthy Look for a Cozy Color Contrast

Another of the many options that the PRO-LITE pavers provide is the down-home, earthy driveway. By including some yellow gravel in your pavers, you can have a driveway that is sustainable and goes great with bolder steel siding colors as well as other landscaping features in your yard. In residential neighborhoods with a lot of monotony, this design can be a beautiful contrast to the typical white or grey driveways you see populating many residential neighborhoods.

6. Exude Grace and Cleanliness with a Drainage Aggregate Pit

If you’re just looking to enjoy the benefits of a sustainable, flood-proof driveway without including too much permeable material in your yard, the enclosed plastic grid paver area with aggregate pit is the perfect option. By including permeable gravel-filled paver grid area with a deeper detention base underneath, the surface area bordered by, cement, you can create a beautiful driveway design that pairs especially well with taller, multiple-story homes and neutral-colored siding while adding drainage to keep water out of your garage. The plastic grid keeps the aggregate in place and the structure to handle cars without sinking or spreading.

7. Keep it Short and Sweet with a Short-Skirt Driveway

You don’t always need to have your driveway extended out to the road. With the residential PRO LITE pavers from TRUEGRID, you can just pave outward from your garage or home. Enough space to park your car is all you need, with this design creating the illusion of an island in the middle of your yard. This is yet another unique take on a modern, sustainable driveway that will likely differentiate your home from others around it, or stand on its own as an artful, functional, and sustainable parking space. Note the RV parked at the top of the sloped PRO LITE gravel driveway.

8. Extend Your Lawn with a Hidden Grass Driveway

The hidden driveway is a particular favorite among residential homeowners with lush, green lawns. This driveway connects paved sections near the road and home, with TRUEGRID  PRO LITE residential pavers filled by grass in between. 

This gives a nice grass driveway appearance without ruts and mud and retains the permeable, water-detaining benefits of the gravel aggregate beneath. Stormwater and other liquids will pass right through the grass and soil just as easily as they would through uncovered gravel within your pavers.

9. Open Up More Green Space with a Grass Driveway

Here we have another take on the grass driveway, with this version the grass-filled PRO LITE plastic pavers being bordered by the impermeable paving of your choice. This provides the same look and feel of the hidden driveway and allows you and your family more room for outdoor recreation. This design works exceedingly well for homes with smaller lawns in crowded neighborhoods. 

Automotive spills, stormwater, pet fluids, and more will pass right through the grass and into the soil or detention pond below. No ugly concrete stains or cracked asphalt. This can be a great option for those who park their vehicles in a garage, only using the driveway as a passageway from the road to the garage.

TRUEGRID Permeable Pavers Open Up a World of New Driveway Design Options

As you can see, sustainable, eco-friendly, stylish, and durable driveway designs are easy to create with the TRUEGRID permeable paving system. Not only will these driveways give your home a cool new look, but they’ll also help protect your home and yard from flooding while remaining durable and locked in place for many years to come.