Frequently Asked Questions
We are happy to answer any and all questions you may have about our TRUEGRID pavers. Look through the questions and answers below. If your question remains unanswered, feel free to contact us directly.
- What is TRUEGRID?
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TRUEGRID is an eco-friendly paving alternative to concrete and asphalt that provides stability and storm water detention. TRUEGRID is super durable and storm water permeable to reduce flooding as well as stop rutting and erosion by providing structure for ground stabilization. Park/drive on the TRUEGRID surface and detain water underneath.
- What makes TRUEGRID better than the rest?
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TRUEGRID’s patented design allows for the product to perform in high traffic/heavy load applications in all climates. The patented flex joints are the biggest differentiator. The combination of vertical compression strength and built in flexibility is what truly sets TRUEGRID apart.
- How heavy a load can TRUEGRID handle?
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TRUEGRID products can handle anything that is on the road today including H-20 / HS-20 loading. See CASE STUDIES page and PROJECT page of website for heavy load applications. The system must be properly designed and installed, usually with an engineered base, and other components for heavy loading.
- Can TRUEGRID handle heavy traffic?
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Yes, TRUEGRID can be installed in driveways, commercial parking lots, and fire lanes. We suggest you consult with a TRUEGRID representative for heavy loading applications beyond what’s mentioned here.
- How long will my TRUEGRID last?
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25 to 60 plus years depending on traffic and application. TRUEGRID will typically outlast asphalt and last as long as or longer than concrete. TRUEGRID is produced from 100% Post-Consumer High Density Polyethylene with added UV inhibitors.
- What makes TRUEGRID stand out as a paver?
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The combination of vertical compression strength and built in flexibility is what truly sets TRUEGRID apart from other pavers. The speed and ease of installation for the contractor or DIY’er due to no staking or proprietary tools to purchase.
- Where can I buy TRUEGRID?
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TRUEGRID can be purchased in many ways. For large projects, the easiest way to start the process is to use our get an estimate form or call us 855-355-4743. For small quantities or smaller projects, consider our online store.
- What are the shipping costs of TRUEGRID?
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TRUEGRID pricing is a delivered price to the location of your choice. Please use our get an estimate form (large projects) or visit our online store (smaller quantities) for see or receive our delivered pricing.
- Can TRUEGRID be shipped directly to my home or business?
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Yes.
- Where do you ship?
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Everywhere.
- How do I order TRUEGRID?
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For larger orders, please call 855-355-4743 or start the process by using this form. For smaller orders, you can order directly from our online store.
- Is there a minimum order quantity?
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We have boxed product containing 10 pavers (PRO PLUS or DECO) or 18 pavers (PRO LITE – ROOT). We also have sample packs available for PRO PLUS, DECO, and PRO LITE – ROOT.
- How is TRUEGRID packaged?
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TRUEGRID is palletized in 4’x 4’ preassembled sections for larger orders. Smaller online orders will be prepacked in boxes – 10 pavers for PRO PLUS or DECO and 18 pavers for PRO LITE and ROOT. Please contact us and we’ll find you the most economical way to package the product for your project.
- What is the installed cost of TRUEGRID?
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Because of our wide variety of TRUEGRID products and applications, it would not be difficult to give an installed cost range.
TRUEGRID is generally competitive with asphalt pricing and less than concrete pavements. With TRUEGRID, your project may not require other drainage or stormwater components such as curbing, filters, pipes, detention, or outlets. This can eliminate installation, design, and maintenance costs and saving large amounts over conventional development.
It’s best to contact a TRUEGRID representative to discuss your project applications to get a better understanding of installed cost.
- How do I install TRUEGRID?
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The TRUEGRID System was developed to be very simple to install. Any contractor, landscaper, or DIY’er can easily do it the first time with little direction. We are also available for any needed guidance. Ask us about our simple installation guides specific to your application. For contractors or professionals, please consider taking our Primary Installer Training course.
- Can I install TRUEGRID myself?
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Yes. We have multiple cross sections and How To guides on our website or you can give us a call if you have any questions. We are always available for assistance.
- Can you recommend a contractor to install TRUEGRID?
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Use this form to contact us for a possible installer in your area. If you have a contractor or installer who you would like to use for your TRUEGRID project, feel free to have him contact us directly for installation guidelines. TRUEGRID was developed to be simple to install.
- Can you grow grass through TRUEGRID?
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Yes. You may seed or use sod with TRUEGRID PRO PLUS, PRO LITE, or DECO. For TRUEGRID ROOT, it’s best to install directly on existing turfgrass. Please contact us for the best installation methods with grass for your application.
- Can I seed or sod TRUEGRID?
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Yes, TRUEGRID may be seeded or sodded.
- What kind of rock should I use for base or fill material?
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Base and fill will depend on the application and TRUEGRID product. Please contact us for more clarification.
For optimized drainage and stormwater detention, use a clean, washed, angular, hard, uniform size stone for both the fill and base. Round rock cannot be used for the base layer and it is highly discouraged as an infill material. Here are some size recommendations of crushed / fractured rock (angular), uniform in size:
PRO PLUS
Base layer size: 1-inch to 1.5-inch.
Infill size: 1/2-inch to 3/4″PRO LITE
Base layer size: 3/4-inch to 1.5-inch.
Infill size: 1/2-inch to 5/8″Alternate base compositions such as 3/4-inch minus dense-graded bases may be used for gravel infill applications that do not require high-infiltration/detention. A 3/4-inch minus dense-graded base should be used for grass infill applications.
Alternate infill material (sand, glass cullet, crusher run/crusher fines, pea gravel, or other material) will likely affect performance and may result in permeability loss, infill erosion, increased maintenance, and may possibly affect the loading capability of the system. Round rock infill, such as pea gravel, will result in migration of rock and higher maintenance and is not recommended for vehicular traffic.
- How to prevent weeds from growing in my installation?
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TRUEGRID recommends a geotextile fabric to be installed between the subgrade and base material. This will not only act as a weed barrier but a separation barrier for your base material and the subgrade. The use of open-graded stone in the base and the fill also mitigates weed growth.
- How deep should my base layer be?
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The base depth will depend on many things: The application, the vehicle loading, the existing soils, the product used, and other factors. For most of our products, base depths are typically 6″ for residential vehicles and 8″ for commercial applications. However, deeper base depths may be needed in a lot of cases. TRUEGRID applications may require little (2″ to 4″) or no base (for strictly erosion control) depending on the existing soil type, expected loading, and other factors.
Our TRUEGRID ROOT, for light vehicles, will go on existing grass and does not require a base layer.
- Does TRUEGRID need edging when installed next to other materials?
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TRUEGRID does not require edging but it can be installed if desired. If transitioning to an adjacent hardscape you will want to ensure the TRUEGRID is flush or slightly recessed below the surrounding grade. See edging detail on our Technical Specs page.
- Do I have to stake TRUEGRID to the ground?
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TRUEGRID does not require staking due to the built in x-anchors. The fill material along with the weight of TRUEGRID will keep the system in place in most cases. There are exceptions such as sloped areas and installations with heavy vehicle turning – please consult with a TRUEGRID representative for these installations.
- Can TRUEGRID be installed on sloped ground?
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TRUEGRID can be used on slope ground and we have many sloped driveways and access road installations. We recommend anchoring TRUEGRID in installations meeting certain criteria. Please see our slope recommendations on our Technical Information page.
- Does TRUEGRID require extra clips or stakes to lock in place like other plastic systems?
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TRUEGRID requires no clips as it has strong built-in connectors that simple snap together for quick installation. Staking is not required on most level installations. Staking is recommended for sloped applications with vehicle use and in some cases for heavy vehicle turning and transition areas. Consult with a TRUEGRID representative.
- What maintenance requirements are there for TRUEGRID?
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TRUEGRID is very, very low maintenance with a stone infill. Remove leaves and debris from the gravel infill surface. No refilling or re-surfacing of the stone infill should be required with proper installation and materials. Grass infill TRUEGRID will require the grass itself to be maintained, as needed, with water, fertilization, and mowing – do not use a mechanical aerator.
- Is TRUEGRID permitted in my area?
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Most likely yes. Typically permeable (sometimes called pervious or porous) surfaces are encouraged by most municipalities to reduce storm water runoff and flooding. Check with your local permit office or your contractor for local coding. You may also want to check for tax credits, stormwater use fee reductions, and rebate incentives for using permeable pavers in your state, region, county, water district, or city.
- Where is TRUEGRID made?
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TRUEGRID is made in the U.S.A. out of quality USA raw materials.
- Is TRUEGRID ADA compliant?
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Yes, TRUEGRID projects are ADA complaint when proper fill is used and maintained level to the top inside the cells. It is important to only fill the TRUEGRID flush to the top and not overfill. The TRUEGRID DECK is also ADA compliant and offers a gravel free surface while also 100% permeable.
- What is TRUEGRID warranty?
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Ten-year warranty for workmanship and manufacturer’s defects. Check with your installation contractor for installation warranty. TRUEGRID does not directly provide construction or installation services and does not warranty installation.
- Can I use a snowplow, snow blower, or snow shovel on TRUEGRID?
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Yes. TRUEGRID recommends to keep the blade of the plow blade slightly above the grid. This can be accomplished by attaching roller guides, rubber bumpers, skids, or skiis on the plow blade or it can be done manually (with a talented operator raising the blade). See our Snow Plowing technical document on our Technical Specs page. Snow shovels and snow blowers can easily be used on a TRUEGRID surface.
- What types of soil does TRUEGRID work with?
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TRUEGRID works with all soils and in all climates. TRUEGRID is engineered with flex-joints and peg-and-receiver connectors to adjust, without cracking, on expansive soils and soils subject to freeze-thaw cycles.
- Can TRUEGRID be installed in any climate?
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Yes. The temperature range of TRUEGRID products is -58F to 198F. We have successful installations in all climates and all over the world.
- How quickly can I install TRUEGRID?
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Fast! We can deliver TRUEGRID on pallets with pre-assembled 4’x 4’ sheets (4-connected pavers). TRUEGRID can be installed at over 1000 sf per man-hour. Also, TRUEGRID is plenty strong enough to drive full gravel trucks on the empty TRUEGRID before the rock fill. This ability speeds up the construction of a project tremendously.
- How is TRUEGRID eco-friendly?
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What are the environmental benefits of TRUEGRID? TRUEGRID is green from manufacturing through end use. TRUEGRID is made from 100% post-consumer recycled HDPE. Using TRUEGRID allows storm water to permeate through the aggregate or grass fill so bio-remediation can help remove pollutants from the water before it reaches the water table (Environment). Also, substituting TRUEGRID for concrete eliminates the CO2 emissions from the manufacture of concrete. In addition, TRUEGRID reduces the urban heat island effect associated with concrete and asphalt paving. Enter the square feet of your project on our Environmental Impact page to calculate your environmental impact and benefits for your specific project.
- Can I order TRUEGRID in other colors?
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Other colors can be special ordered. We would require a minimum order quantity. Call or email for details.
- How do I stripe my parking lot?
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SuperSpots and SnowSpots may be used to “stripe” or line your parking lot. These are available in multiple colors and can be configured however you’d like. See SuperSpot and SnowSpot striping details on our Technical Specs page.
- How long will TRUEGRID stay permeable?
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For the life of the installation when filled with the recommended clean, washed fill aggregate.
- Does TRUEGRID help with flooding?
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Yes, TRUEGRID reduces storm water runoff by providing water detention volume in the gird and the base layer. This reduces flooding on and off-site.
- Can TRUEGRID be used in equine/livestock applications?
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Yes, TRUEGRID PRO PLUS prevents muddy stalls, paddocks, swivels/walkers, trailways and pens; helping to prevent hoof disease.
- Can TRUEGRID be used in fire lanes?
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Yes, TRUEGRID is the perfect option to provide soil stabilization for fire lanes and fire engines and emergency vehicles. TRUEGRID meets code and has been installed in many such projects across the country. TRUEGRID Fire Lane typical cross sections can be found here.
- Is TRUEGRID H20 and HS20 rated?
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Yes. TRUEGRID’s products are extremely strong and will comply with H20 and HS20 loading. The base depth and other components in the system will also need to be designed/engineered to comply with H20 and HS20 loading.
- How can I get detention space under the surface of TRUEGRID?
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By using hard, angular, clean stone, uniform size (1”-1.5″ for PRO PLUS or 3/4″ – 1.5″ for PRO LITE) you can create detention which is calculated by multiplying the square foot of TRUEGRID by the depth of the cross section and then by 40%. This represents the void space in the rock sub- base and the detention capacity. Please give us a call to see how we can help figure the detention capabilities for your project.
- How can I transition a TRUEGRID lot to a concrete or asphalt lot?
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Install TRUEGRID level or slightly below the concrete or asphalt where it transitions to TRUEGRID. See transition detail on our Technical Specs page.
- Can TRUEGRID be cut to fit any shape?
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Yes, TRUEGRID can be easily cut on site with a handheld power saw.
- What applications can TRUEGRID be used in?
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Parking lots, equipment storage yards, driveways, fire lanes, sports fields, overflow parking, job sites, oil field rig sites, pathways, ADA compliant surfaces, horse and livestock stalls and trails, event parking, entertainment venues for parking and foot traffic, landscaping, temporary parking or heavy vehicle traffic, equipment pads, shed pads, hot tub pads, pool skirting, golf course paths. TRUEGRID can be used in most lower-speed traffic applications.
- How is TRUEGRID manufactured?
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TRUEGRID is injection molded in the USA from 100% post-consumer recycled HDPE.
- What is HDPE?
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High density polyethylene, a tough, inert, groundwater neutral material. TRUEGRID is made from 100% post-consumer, recycled HDPE.
- What is LID?
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LID stands for Low Impact Development where green, sustainable building techniques are used in new construction to minimize or eliminate the stormwater and environmental impact of new development.
- Do you overfill with gravel or do you want to see the grid?
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TRUEGRID recommends to fill the gravel flush to the top of the grid. This keeps the gravel contained within the cells of the grid and prevents gravel migration. It also prevents any potential dust issues as the grid is the load bearing structure so the fill material is not pulverized.
- Can I receive any LEED credits for TRUEGRID?
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Yes. TRUEGRID can qualify for LEED credits and other environmental certification programs on your projects. Please see LEED and other documents on our Technical Specs page.
- Do you have to bring in more gravel over time?
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No, as long as you only fill flush to the top of the TRUEGRID the gravel will be contained.
- What is the lead time?
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TRUEGRID is readily available and can usually ship the next day after the order is processed.
- How is the product UV resistant?
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During the manufacturing process a UV stabilizer is added to TRUEGRID.
- Is it high heel friendly?
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Yes. As long as you use proper materials and infill, TRUEGRID will be high heel friendly.
- Can TRUEGRID help reduce or eliminate my detention pond?
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Absolutely, the combination of 100% permeability and the 40% void space detention volume can for sure reduce if not completely eliminate the detention pond.
- What other services does TRUEGRID offer?
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TRUEGRID is not a distributor of products. We are the manufacturer and experts in permeable paving. We can help you design you project and work directly with engineers or architects for site specific designs. We also offer the details needed to make the engineer’s and architects job easier. TRUEGRID is with you from design to installation. We want to make sure your project goes in correctly and performs like it is supposed to.
- Why TRUEGRID?
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- Always available and easy to order. Just call and place your order when you are ready.
- TRUEGRID products usually ship within 24 hrs. Direct to site…residential or commercial.
- Industry best patented design with integral flex joints that are necessary for project longevity and adaptability to any climate or soils. Robust connectors that allow for quick installation and will not separate. No staking, or clipping necessary.
- Made in USA and developed for overall strength, longevity and ease of install.
- We give you the most product at the lowest cost direct from one of our USA factories.
- Trusted by engineers and architects for long term performance.
- Eco-Friendly from production to performance. Made from 100% post-consumer recycled HDPE.
- TRUEGRID is customer driven. We can assist from project design to installation. We are always available and happy to help.
- Can I use pea gravel?
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Pea gravel should not be used as an infill for installations that will have vehicular traffic. When pea gravel is used in pedestrian applications, it may require more maintenance than angular (fractured), uniform-size stone and therefore is not recommended.
Do not use pea gravel (or any rounded stones) as a base layer for any applications with TRUEGRID.
- Can I use decomposed granite or crusher run (crusher fines)?
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It depends. Please consider that decomposed granite or crusher run/crusher fines will reduce infiltration and permeability and increase stormwater runoff compared to our recommended fill materials. If you do not need permeability or infiltration in your project, these materials may be used with the knowledge the installation may require more maintenance (re-filling due to erosion) versus our recommended infills especially with vehicular traffic or high-use areas. Some sources of decomposed granite or crusher run/crusher fines may not be suitable for vehicle loading when used as a base or infill.