Permeable Pavers for Gravel Driveways and Walkways
Permeable pavers can be utilized to stabilize gravel driveway and walkway surfaces. When correctly stabilized, a gravel driveway or walkway can last for decades and requires very little maintenance. In addition, the gravel stabilization products that we offer are permeable, allowing water to flow through the surface which will help to resist surface puddling.
Because we offer so many similar permeable paving products many of our customers ask “what is the best one to use”? The answer to this question greatly depends on the exact project specifics, budget, usage and the amount of maintenance that the owner is comfortable in undertaking on a regular basis.
Best Solution:
Plastic Rolled Gravel Pavers
Cost: $$$
Application: Flat area or slope
Overview:
These types of pavers are the very best choice for building a long lasting gravel driveway. They provide a high level of inherent strength (even before they are filled with gravel) and do an excellent job at keeping gravel at place due to their small cell sizes. They are also available in multiple colors to match the color rock that you are installing. These pavers are constructed of reinforced plastic with a layer of Geotextile
fabric fused to the back. The Geotextile fabric provides weed control as well as acts as a barrier to keep the rock in the cells helping the cells stay filled and rock from migrating below the cells. The fabric is permeable which allows for vertical water flow through the driving surface.
Installation:
(The below is a general overview, please see specific product installation guides prior to placing your order)
To install
, the driveway area should be graded, removing any potholes to create an even surface and a base layer of rock road base (typically 3/4” crushed or class 2) should be laid and compacted. On most residential applications 4” - 8” of road base is required below the pavers to ensure a firm foundation. Next the base should be compacted to the specifications found in the installation guides. After compaction the gravel pavers can be rolled out, connected and staked down. Finally the 1” thick pavers can be filled with crushed rock to the top of the cells.
Strengths Versus the Other Options:
More sturdy surface, tough plastic material can be exposed without damage (when exposed to typical usage) much easier installation, multiple color options,
Drawbacks:
Higher cost than the LSG, EGA and Dupont GroundGrid, can not be bent to conform to turns (must be cut and “stair stepped”)
NDS EZ Roll Installation Video
Note: The video to the left is for the NDS EZ Roll Grass Paver which is very similar to the gravel paver. The only difference between the two is the absence of geotextile fabric on the grass paver. The installation method is very similar between the two versions.
Good Solution:
LSG / EGA Grid
Cost: $$
Application: Flat area or slope
Overview:
These types of gravel grids are based on
geocell technology which was first developed by the United States military in the 1970’s. These grids are effective at providing a stable surface for vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The cell sizes are larger (10.2” x 8.8”) when compared to the rolled plastic pavers which helps to keep the price point down. The material is flexible and provides no inherent strength. The driveway strength is created when the correct size and type of gravel infill is compacted within the cells. When installed correctly, the surface is fully permeable, provides good support and even helps to suppress weed growth due to the Geotextile layer which is installed underneath the grid. The fabric recommended is a thicker grade than a standard weed block fabric used for planting areas.
Installation:
(The below is a general overview, please see specific product installation guides prior to placing your order)
The driveway area must be graded, removing potholes and bumps to ensure an even surface for the grid installation. Next a layer of geotextile fabric is laid in place and staked down. At this point the grid is opened up and stretched to fit the area. At this point, the grid is staked down with J-hooks. Next, the cells are filled with crushed rock and then the area is compacted. Finally, a 1” layer of gravel is added to the top of the grid structure. This gravel must be maintained in order to protect the grid material from being driven on. If frequent traffic drives directly on the cells the material will become damaged.
Strengths Versus other Options:
Lower cost per square foot, does. Not require as much rock (only the cells are filled, a base is not typically required underneath),
Drawbacks:
Larger cells do not provide as much protection against gravel migration, eventual potholes are more likely because the grid does not provide inherent strength (this can be mitigated if a base layer of rock is installed below the fabric),
Good Solution:
Dupont GroundGrid
(Small Grid Version)
Cost: $$
Application: Flat area or slope
Overview:
The Dupont GroundGrid is very similar in form and function to the LSG & EGA grids. The main difference is the cell size and depth. LSG & EGA provide varying cell depths ranging from 3” to 8”. This allows for a more stable surface to be built for heavy trucks and industrial vehicles. The Dupont GroundGrid has a cell depth of 2” which works well for passenger vehicles (cars and trucks). The Dupont GroundGrid will also provide better protection against gravel migration than the LSG / EGA. The cells have a diameter of 2” as well which effectively keeps the gravel in place much better than large cells. When installed the GroundGrid provides a stable, permeable surface which again due to the fabric installed below the grid resists weed growth.
Installation:
(The below is a general overview, please see specific product installation guides prior to placing your order)
Similar to the LSG & EGA, the Dupont Ground grid’s installation requires first grading the ground then laying a layer of geotextile. At this point the grid is expanded and staked. Once staked the grid can be filled with crushed rock (3/4” size) and then compacted.
Strengths Versus other Options:
Provides a tighter compacted gravel surface than LSG / EGA, (mostly noticeable when walking across the area), less infill gravel required than with a LSG / EGA installation.
Drawbacks:
Constructed of thick landscape fabric, (less heavy duty than LSG / EGA), due to height only being 2” it does not provide as strong of a surface.
|
|
|
