? Quick Takeaways
- Three main types: PICP, pervious concrete, and porous asphalt
- Allow rainwater to drain through rather than running into storm sewers
- Benefits: reduced flooding, natural pollutant filtering, groundwater recharge
- Material choice depends on traffic needs, climate, and aesthetics
- Subsurface reservoir layers matter as much as the visible surface
What Are Permeable Pavers?
Traditional driveways create impervious surfaces. Rain has nowhere to go but sideways. Permeable pavers flip that equation—allowing water to pass through and drain into engineered base layers below.
The result is less flooding, cleaner runoff, and groundwater recharge that mimics natural land before development covered it with concrete.
What Types of Permeable Paving Materials Exist?
Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavers (PICP)
These look like standard brick pavers but feature wider gaps filled with small aggregate. Water passes through the joints while pavers provide a solid surface.
- Best for: Residential driveways where appearance matters
- Benefits: Most aesthetic flexibility, handles freeze-thaw cycles better
- Maintenance: Occasional joint aggregate replenishment
Pervious Concrete
Mix omits fine sand, leaving interconnected voids. Infiltration rates can exceed 400 inches per hour when new.
Porous Asphalt
Uses coarser aggregate with minimal fines for void space. Works well for parking lots and roadways at lower initial cost.
How Do Permeable Pavers Help with Stormwater?
Reducing Runoff & Flooding
Water infiltrates on-site rather than rushing toward storm drains. The subsurface reservoir holds rainfall and releases gradually over hours/days.
Filtering Pollutants Naturally
Physical filtering traps sediment as water passes through aggregate layers. Microorganisms break down organic pollutants.
Which Material Is Right for Your Project?
- Residential driveways: PICP for durability and aesthetics
- Patios/walkways: PICP in attractive colors and patterns
- Commercial parking: Porous asphalt for cost efficiency
- Cold climates: PICP handles freeze-thaw best
Get Started with Permeable Paving
At Ditchfield Supply, we stock the materials contractors need to build permeable paver systems that work. From open-graded base stone to bedding aggregate and joint fill.
Permeable paving delivers real benefits: reduced flooding, cleaner runoff, groundwater recharge, and attractive surfaces that perform year-round.
