What Are Permeable Pavers? - Vodaland

What Are Permeable Pavers?

DIY construction and home improvement projects can get tough real quick once you realize just how much time, effort and knowledge is required to complete a job correctly and efficiently. Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, or general contractor, property management may call for some specialized expertise, like the installation of permeable pavers for example. Great for reducing stress on overencumbered sewage and drainage systems, these pavers can streamline runoff and excess liquid. But, what are they? And do they differ from standard pavers?  

Below, we’ve put together a quick and easy guide that discusses some of the basics of permeable pavement and permeable paving options. These paving systems are not only easy to install, but they provide loads of versatility in situations where standard concrete and/or gravel is prone to erosion and other damages. Let’s take a look at what permeable pavers are, and why these systems are so useful in many situations.

Permeable Pavers Diagram

Perhaps the best place to begin is by examining a permeable pavers diagram to get a sense of its design, and how this correlates to installation. These kinds of pavers are developed with very specific technology that captures excess liquid runoff and provides a stable system for absorption into the ground beneath. 

How Do Permeable Pavers Work?

As the permeable pavers diagram indicates, these units feature a number of open cells that are filled with either grass, or gravel. When it rains, these cells are designed to let water enter into their surfaces, where it then gets detained in the base, and absorbed into the ground beneath. Water can drain between gaps in permeable paving slabs or through spaces in the porous concrete paving. 

What makes these systems so unique is that when compared to traditional pavement materials such as concrete, asphalt, and gravel that are prone to flooding, pooling, and runoffs, these paving grids have a porous surface to naturally mimic the way the ground reacts to rainwater. In turn, water permeable paver grids not only keep water from pooling on your property, but they also help to reduce the amount of runoff that enters storm drains.

Types of Permeable Paving Options

Water permeable pavers and other types of grids are primarily used in places where water runoff can be a cause for issue or damage. Some specific applications for permeable paving systems include:


  • Driveways - One of the more popular permeable paving options, these grids work tremendously well for driveways. Not only do they prevent runoff on your property, but they also improve handling in wet or icy conditions. Additionally, these systems require less chemical treatment to remove ice and snow.
  • Parking Lots - Parking lots often experience issues with water build-up and runoff, especially those that feature dips, curves, and improper slopes. A water permeable paver in a commercial parking lot can prevent this flooding and keep levels to a minimum.
  • Sidewalks - A water permeable paver system is also great for sidewalks to let pedestrians stroll without the risk of water pooling, especially in high-traffic areas.
  • Gardens - A lesser known permeable paving option is for a garden, which can be used in effort to retain water in the soil. They can serve as a foundation for raised garden beds, and can help prevent soil erosion in rainy climates.

    • Benefits of Using Water Permeable Pavers

    Aside from reducing water runoff and preventing flooding, permeable paver grids have many other benefits that range from:

  • Easy Installation - Permeable paving systems don’t require expensive equipment like asphalt or concrete surfaces do. Permanent installations require the ground to be cleared of vegetation, where the layer of rock is installed as a base. The grids are then laid out, and trimmed to fit around any objects. 
  • Durability - Once a grid is filled, these systems are as durable as concrete or asphalt surfaces, if not more durable. They are able to support heavy weight loads for equipment, vehicles, plows, forklifts, and even 18-wheelers. And unlike other options that can crack or break due to ice and rain, these grids maintain their structure through the elements.
  • Sustainability - Permeable pavement grids are made from environmentally-friendly and recycled materials, reducing waste and energy, and maintaining erosion control.
  • Aesthetics - When used for gardens and other home landscaping applications, these grids can spice up any space to create a beautiful landscape.
  • Low Cost - Water permeable pavers may be a more expensive option at first, but the money saved in the long run from constant repairs makes them absolutely worth it.

    • Contact Vodaland today to explore the best and highest quality draining solutions and permeable paving options available.

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