Permeable Pavers: A Sustainable, Durable, and Attractive Paving & Patio Solution
Permeable pavers, also known as permeable interlocking concrete pavements (PICP), are an eco-friendly and visually appealing way to manage stormwater on your property. Installed over a specially prepared base with wider gaps between pavers, permeable paver systems allow rainwater to pass between pavers and drain and into the soil below—reducing runoff and easing the burden on local sewer systems.
County Materials Permeable Paver Options
County Materials manufactures two types of permeable pavers.
● H2O PRO® Permeable Pavers
● REJUVENATE® Permeable Pavers
H2O PRO Permeable Pavers
H2O PRO Permeable Pavers combine strength, versatility, and ease of installation. Manufactured using County Materials’ Genesis Face-Mix Technology, they deliver vibrant, long-lasting color and surface performance. They are available in three standard color options: Timeless, Majestic, and Reflection.
H2O PRO pavers are available in three size options (4x8, 8x8, 8x16) that can be used individually or combined to create many creative patterns.
H2O PRO pavers in 4x8 size are compatible with mechanical laying machines, helping reduce labor hours on large-scale commercial installations. At 3 ⅛ inch (80 mm) thick, these pavers can support low-speed vehicular loads and are built to withstand freeze-thaw cycles and years of wear.
Applications
- Residential driveways, patios, walkways, and pool decks
- Commercial parking lots and walkways
- Residential roads with posted speeds under 35 mph
REJUVENATE Permeable Pavers
REJUVENATE Permeable Pavers are made to order, offering maximum design flexibility and long-lasting surface performance provided by our Genesis Face-Mix Technology. They’re available as a custom order in any of the standard County Materials paver colors. Manufactured in a 5x10 format and with a 3 ⅛ inch (80mm) thickness, REJUVENATE pavers offer machine-lay compatibility for efficient installation in a wide variety of laying patterns.
Applications
- Residential driveways, patios, walkways, and pool decks
- Commercial driveways and pedestrian walkways
Overcome Impervious Surface Limits
Many municipalities restrict the amount of impervious surface allowed on a property. For homeowners in these communities who want to add a patio, widen a driveway, or install a pool deck, permeable pavers are a great solution that remains compliant with regulations. Because they allow water to soak into the ground where it falls, permeable pavers do not add to a property’s impervious surface area.
Reduce Flooding and Stormwater Runoff
Properly designed permeable pavement systems can eliminate a significant amount of surface runoff during moderate storms. According to the Concrete Masonry and Hardscapes Association (CMHA), a 12-inch open-graded aggregate base beneath permeable pavers can absorb all runoff from a 3-inch rain event on sandy soil. Over the course of a year, these systems can reduce stormwater runoff by 30% to 80%, depending on local conditions.
Permeable pavements can also reduce puddling, which helps prevent ice forming on driveways and walkways in the winter.
Prevent Erosion and Improve Water Quality
By allowing water to soak in rather than flow across the surface, permeable concrete pavers help reduce soil erosion and promote the health of trees and other nearby vegetation. Permeable paving systems also help filter pollutants like oil, metals, and excess nutrients before they reach local waterways.
In commercial settings, permeable pavements for parking lots, walkways, or other outdoor spaces can reduce or eliminate the need for stormwater detention ponds—freeing up valuable space and improving site safety.
Extend the Life of Your Pavement
Permeable pavers are manufactured with high-strength concrete designed to last for decades. CMHA notes that interlocking concrete pavements have been shown to last 50 years or more, even in freeze-thaw climates.
Earn LEED® Credits
H2O PRO Permeable Pavers can contribute points toward LEED certification under the U.S. Green Building Council’s guidelines in the following categories:
Sustainable Sites:
- Credit 6.1: Stormwater Design—Quantity Control
- Credit 6.2: Stormwater Design—Quality Control
- Credit 7.1: Heat Island Effect—Non-Roof
Materials & Resources:
- Credit 5.1 & 5.2: Regional Materials
Permeable Paver FAQs
How does the cost of permeable pavers compare to traditional concrete pavers?
Permeable and traditional pavers are often comparable in material cost. Installation of permeable pavers can require additional drainage infrastructure and specialized base materials, which can make the upfront cost higher than a traditional pavement. However, the long-term benefits of reduced runoff, flooding, and erosion can offset these additional costs over its service life.
How is installation different?
Permeable pavers require a specially prepared sub-base that allows water to drain through. Site grading remains important, and some projects may also require additional stormwater features, such as French drains or underground storage vaults. If the site already experiences flooding, permeable paving alone may not resolve all drainage issues, but it can support holistic stormwater mitigation efforts.
What’s different about maintenance?
Like standard pavers, individual units can be removed and replaced as needed. The key distinction lies in the joint material—permeable pavers use small, crushed stone in the joints to promote water flow. These joints should be inspected periodically. Consult with your contractor for more maintenance guidelines.
Should you seal permeable pavers?
Sealing permeable pavers is not required to maintain structural integrity. If sealing is desired for aesthetic reasons, consult your contractor about using a breathable sealer that won’t block water infiltration or impact joint performance.
Start Planning Your Permeable Pavement Project Today
Permeable pavers offer an attractive, long-lasting water management solution that meets design, zoning, and environmental goals.
- Contact our Sales Team to discuss your project
- Request our Product Catalog for full color and size options
- Find a Contractor through our trusted partner network
For more landscape project ideas, visit our Landscape Inspiration Gallery.
