No More Solid Concrete: The Trending Driveway Material That Looks So Upscale

When we talk about trends, we usually mean current styles — what feels popular and fresh right now. Movements, on the other hand, are a different conversation. Case in point is the sustainability movement in landscape design. From shrinking lawns and drought-tolerant groundcovers to native plants and rock gardens, this is more than a trend. As homeowners and designers become more aware of the impact that our yards and gardens have on the environment, many people are also choosing upscale solutions such as permeable paver driveways that look good while improving stormwater management.

Concrete is the most commonly used material in the world, but it has drawbacks. Impervious to water, concrete driveways lead to pollution, erosion, and foundation damage. Concrete also causes pooling water and ice, increasing the risk of slips and falls on your driveway. When homeowners are looking for green infrastructure options, they have several different types of permeable driveways to choose from, including porous asphalt, pervious concrete, and interlocking vegetated or gravel-based grid systems. Among these, permeable pavers stand out as one of the most stylish options.

Michael Benoit, an insurance specialist and founder of Contractor Bond, points out via MarthaStewart.com, "a massive shift toward permeable driveway systems integrated with native ground cover." He explains that homeowners "no longer want solid concrete driveways pushing water off onto the streets or back toward the foundations of their homes." According to Benoit, permeable pavers are a stylish, practical solution that mitigates homeowner risk.

The fact that standing water deteriorates traditional driveway materials such as concrete and asphalt is another solid reason to use permeable pavers. With permeable pavers, standing water is no longer an issue, since they are installed with gravel bases and water can be absorbed into the ground. If you want to make your home more eco-friendly and all these benefits sound good to you, then you'll want to know more about the different types of permeable pavers for your driveway.

Permeable pavers are a broad category that covers a wide range of types, including interlocking concrete or brick pavers and plastic grid systems used with grass or gravel infill. Some types are designed for applications such as patios, rooftops, and balconies, but for driveways, you need a heavy-duty type that's designed to handle the weight of vehicles. People are using all types of permeable pavers in a variety of different ways to create unique driveways that have plenty of curb appeal.

Still, not everyone is ready to give up lawns or concrete driveways, and some are quick to cite drawbacks such as the fact that you can't power wash a permeable paver driveway interspersed with plants. Others complain that a permeable paver driveway could get overwhelmed by weeds or grass, or be hard to maintain. Still, the movement continues to grow, and whether you choose permeable pavers or gravel grid systems, there are more and more green infrastructure products available for your yard.