Subscribe to Fine Homebuilding Magazine and Save

What's the Difference: Pavers

When deciding between permeable or impermeable pavers, consider the material’s cost, installation demands, and environmental impact

by Rob Yagid
Winter is long gone, and so is mud season. You’re out of excuses. It’s time to get that walkway laid, the patio built, or the driveway redone. When tackling these jobs with pavers, you have two options: impermeable or permeable products. When deciding which type to use, you should consider the material’s cost, installation demands, and environmental impact.

Permeable pavers reduce runoff

Up to 90% of the water that hits impermeable pavers is shed into drainage systems that can lead to rivers, lakes, or streams. This water is often full of debris and pollutants gathered from driveways, walkways, or patios. The rush of water from these systems can contribute to local flooding and erosion.

Permeable pavers, however, allow water and snowmelt to seep into the soil, which reduces runoff and helps to protect watersheds. Although permeable pavers are a bit more expensive than ordinary pavers, they don’t demand a separate drainage system, so overall costs and installation times are typically lower.

Cost: $10 to $40 per sq. ft. installed, depending on type and site parameters
Several styles, same purpose. Some permeable pavers are made of porous concrete. Some are made of plastic. Most, however, are made of solid concrete and are designed with large voids (or installed with large spacing) that can be filled with gravel, mulch, or even grass.Several styles, same purpose. Some permeable pavers are made of porous concrete. Some are made of plastic. Most, however, are made of solid concrete and are designed with large voids (or installed with large spacing) that can be filled with gravel, mulch, or even grass.

Regular pavers require less maintenance

Should you feel bad about having an impermeable driveway or patio? No, but the argument against using permeable pavers is pretty weak. Impermeable pavers are no stronger  than permeable ones, and they can look nearly identical when installed.

Impermeable pavers have an important attribute, though. They require less maintenance than most permeable pavers. The aggregate between permeable pavers needs to be cleared of debris regularly to allow proper infiltration. The aggregate also might have to be topped off occasionally as it’s pulled from the voids. Impermeable pavers typically have no such demands.

Cost: $10 to $40 per sq. ft. installed, depending on type and site parameters
Looks can be deceiving. Impermeable pavers don’t look any different from most permeable pavers, but they are usually installed in a way that reduces their permeability.Looks can be deceiving. Impermeable pavers don’t look any different from most permeable pavers, but they are usually installed in a way that reduces their permeability.
Photos by: Rodney Diaz
From Fine Homebuilding 204, pp. 80
May 21, 2009
Related Topics:
Concrete and Masonry | Brick | Concrete | Driveways and Garages | Driveways | Outdoor Spaces | Porches and Patios | Steps and Walkways
Related Articles
A Gate That's Built to LastOnline Membership Required

Weather-resistant construction means this driveway gate will stand up to Rocky Mountain storms for years to comeby Andy Beasley

What's the Difference: Driveway surfacing materialsOnline Membership Required

There's more than just choosing a solid or loose surfaceby Ben Pequeno

Finishing a Patio Slab

Function determines if the patio's surface should be coarse or smoothby Mike Guertin

Q & A: Control vs. isolation joints in a concrete driveway

by Paul Fisette

Q & A: Fixing an expanded isolation joint

by Paul Fisette

Related Books & Videos

Concrete CountertopsConcrete CountertopsDesign, form and finishes for the new kitchen and bath

Taunton’s For Pros by Pros: Foundations and Concrete WorkTaunton’s For Pros by Pros: Foundations and Concrete WorkDetails, design considerations, and specifications that guarantee a solid base for any structure

Wooden FencesWooden FencesA beautiful and informative guide

Taunton’s For Pros by Pros: Building Porches and DecksTaunton’s For Pros by Pros: Building Porches and DecksDesign and building details that include foundations, framing, decking materials, and railings

All Homebuilding Books & Videos
Have you played The Inspector Game? Try It Now