Permeable Pavers Benefits and Design Ideas
By: Mackenzie
Permeable pavers are a porous type of paving material that allows water to pass through into the ground below. These pavers offer a sustainable and visually appealing solution for exterior design. Beyond their environmental benefits, these innovative pavers are ideal for creating stunning outdoor spaces. From driveways to walkways, pool areas to patios, here are some of our designers’ best ideas for incorporating permeable pavers.
Whether you’re looking at transforming your walkway using permeable pavers or you want to focus on a different element, our designers are here to help. Big or small, we know that every detail matters. We even offer paint visualization services if the only thing you’re looking to change is the color of your exterior. We will work with you to understand your design goals and leave no stone unturned as we manifest your vision. Learn more about what we do.
#1 // Permeable driveway pavers
If your driveway doesn’t have a natural slope or drainage system in place, permeable pavers are a great route to take. These pavers allow rainwater to seep through the surface and into the ground, reducing runoff and helping to recharge groundwater. They also help mitigate flooding and erosion, adding to the longevity and durability of the driveway. And let’s face it: Driveways can be expensive to replace, so a long lifespan is paramount.
For this design, we implemented permeable driveway pavers that had a warm brown tinge to them, enhancing the nearby wood garage door. The warmth of the driveway allows the space to stand out alongside the cool tones of the flagstone used on the steps and walkway leading to the entrance.
#2 // Enhance the safety of your walkway
As the path to your home’s entrance, your walkway should be easy to see and use. Because the permeable pavers we used in this design are surrounded by pea stone, the pavers stand out in an obvious way, enhancing their functionality and aesthetic appeal. Our designers flanked the pavers with landscape lighting to include another visually appealing safety feature.
When it comes to walkways, permeable pavers’ ability to allow water to pass through the surface helps prevent puddles and slippery surfaces, making them safer to walk on, especially during rainy or snowy weather. Plus, the durability of the pavers can withstand heavy foot traffic, making them a long-lasting option for walkways.
#3 // Connecting contrast
Not only do the permeable pavers extending off of the driveway to form the walkway in this design add a layer of erosion protection to the edge of the driveway, but they break up the monotony of the concrete. Through and through, our designers infused this design with contrast. The siding on the right side of the home is rendered in a deep gray. We added to the visual differences on the right, opting for a sleek, solid, dark concrete driveway.
Connecting the darker portion of the home to the section with off-white siding, the permeable pavers used for the walkway stand out. Our designers used pavers with lighter shades of gray and highlighted them with landscaping. We especially love how the cultured stone across the perimeter of the home complements the permeable pavers for a cohesive aesthetic.
#4 // Lean into function
In a hardscaped backyard with an outdoor dining area, permeable pavers offer both practical and aesthetic advantages. As we’ve mentioned, the permeable surface reduces water pooling and runoff that can create slippery surfaces and cause damage. This feature is especially beneficial in outdoor dining areas, because nothing ruins an outdoor dinner like slipping and dropping an entire platter of food on the ground.
Here, the permeable pavers also provide a more solid surface. They give the table some support without entirely covering the grass, so the space still feels like a backyard. The contrast the pavers infuse the dining space with is just enough to draw the eye and make the area stand out.
#5 // Cover the whole yard
Using permeable pavers throughout your entire yard can transform it into a sustainable and environmentally friendly space. Not only do these pavers cut back on runoff and recharge groundwater, but they promote natural drainage. Because of this, permeable pavers can prevent waterlogging, soil erosion, and flooding, especially in areas with heavy rainfall. When it comes to your lawn, this feature is particularly advantageous for maintaining healthy grass.
For this design, the pavers bring an added benefit because of their proximity to the backyard pool. Rather than hopping out of the pool with wet feet and meandering across the lawn, collecting grass on your toes, the pavers provide an easy-to-use path between the house and the pool.
#6 // Use a combination of materials
On each side of the flagstone walkway leading from the front gate to the entry door, our designers implemented permeable pavers. The pavers provide a path leading from the driveway to the walkway on one side and the walkway to the side yard on the other. We kept the material for the pavers simple, echoing the small rectangular panes used on the front door and windows.
One of our go-to ways to create a more dynamic façade is by mixing and matching materials. Here, each of the walkways and driveway all stand out as their own element because they all feature different materials.
#7 // Switch directions
Permeable pavers offer plenty of room for customization, and our designers know how to use them to enhance curb appeal. Filling in this front yard, we used long horizontal pavers to lead up to the front steps, switching to vertical pavers just ahead of the first step. The horizontal pavers define the lead-in to the steps while the vertical ones connect the sides, front, and back of the yard.
#8 // Stagger the pavers
This traditional design teems with class. The white painted brick and large paned windows to the copper gutters and wood double doors create a timeless aesthetic. Breaking up the traditional features, we chose to stagger the large rectangular permeable pavers. The layout of the pavers adds a dab of dimension to the face of the home, amplifying the entry.
#9 // Pool area pavers
Next, our designers incorporated permeable pavers in this backyard, both for visual appeal and increased functionality. Since the layout features a firepit adjacent to a pool, homeowners and their guests will naturally travel from one feature to the next — probably passing up drying their feet or putting shoes on.
The pavers in the firepit space keep the ground surface from becoming too slippery. Plus, the permeability reduces the risk of heat or water-related damage to the pavers.
#10 // Get creative with the layout
If you’re thinking about using permeable pavers for your walkway, don’t be afraid to look beyond traditional layouts. For this design, we veered off the beaten path (see what we did there?), using mixed size pavers and a unique arrangement. Our designers created a curvy border with the mulch on one side of the walkway, filling in the blanks with plants. The rectangular shape of the pavers and straight border line on the left provide contrast and add an extra layer of dimension to the walkway.
Are pavers permeating your thoughts?
Permeable pavers not only contribute to avoiding run-off but also add aesthetic value to any outdoor setting. Whether you’re missing natural drainage or you’re interested in enhancing your curb appeal, these pavers are the way to go. Our brick&batten designers can transform walkways, driveways, or an entirely different outside area, with something as simple as the pavers.
Feeling inspired to chase down your design dreams and transform your exterior? Why wait? Get started today!
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