What is permeable paving?  Here are some examples. 

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 Most weight bearing surfaces like driveways, patios and walkways have been constructed of concrete and asphalt in the past. But the choice has expanded. Better surfaces will allow water to drain through the paving materials and sink into the ground rather than wash over the surface in a raging river that wastes water and washes out gullies in your landscape.

 Additionally, there are materials that you can use for paving that can be downright ornamental. These porous materials are considered to be permeable paving offer some of the best ways to build more beautiful, practical, low maintenance, eco-friendly and sometimes even more economical surfaces. Here are some suggestions on ways you can build permeable paving on your property.

The area is dug out and materials like road base, gravel or specially formulated supports are firmly set in place as a foundation. The depth of material depends on how much weight will be supported; cars, people, structures, etc. Then a more decorative paving material is settled on top. Some materials come with special forms that hold them in place, some are held by edging and some informal areas can be set into place without formal containment edges at all.

Paving materials can be colorful, textural and decorative and can highlight your home and landscape. The materials you choose can help accent themes like designing waves for a nautical landscape, using bricks for a period theme, placing rough stone for a natural look or geometric patterns for a contemporary pattern. You can use stepping stones, pavers and flagstone as well as brick or cast concrete blocks or blend the materials together, maybe adding colored gravel. There is no limit to the possibilities available in designing with permeable paving.

Informal areas can be paved inexpensively by surfacing them with decomposed granite, gravel (in colors or plain), stones or other materials. Slightly more formal, you can lay flagstone or pavers on a sand base. Or you can check into one of the many stone or cast cement products that offer a vast selection in shape, color and texture. Some of these paving systems are best installed by expert contractors to give you the best job and longevity.

Other permeable paving might be in the form of living materials. Cement forms that can support the weight of a truck can be set into place and planted with grass or filled with stone. There are planting systems that create a vinyl gridwork allowing lawns and other growing ground covers to support more traffic and weight than they would ordinarily tolerate. You can even get creative by laying out designs with mixtures of different permeable paving surfaces.

Permeable paving will allow the land to capture all rain water, support weight and add a wonderful design element to your landscape. Areas can also be built for sports, play or pets with permeable paving. There are far better choices than simply covering surfaces with poured concrete or asphalt now! Look into the possibilities of permeable paving in your landscape.