Recycled Vs Concrete Permeable Pavers: Which Is Better For The Driveway

Most driveways are made with impervious materials, such as concrete or asphalt, followed by gravel and pavers. Permeable pavers are the trending driveway material that looks so upscale and offers environmental benefits. Pavers made of permeable concrete, pervious asphalt, or recycled materials are used to create a more natural aesthetic and aid in stormwater runoff. When selecting pavers for your driveway, the main options include recycled or concrete permeable pavers.

Both recycled and concrete permeable pavers do not disrupt the natural water cycle in the same way as impervious surfaces, such as concrete or asphalt. This reduces flooding and icy driveways in the winter because water flows through the gaps between pavers and into the ground. The spaces between the pavers contain permeable materials, such as grass, gravel, or another type of aggregate, to improve water infiltration. If you are using pavers for a driveway, recycled pavers may be the better option for their durability, sustainability, and ease of maintenance.

When choosing the best paver stones for your driveway, it's helpful to understand the key differences between concrete-permeable pavers and recycled pavers made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Concrete permeable pavers are interlocking pavers that are slightly thicker than traditional concrete pavers. The gaps between the joints of interlocking pavers can be filled with crushed quartz, marble, or granite, available in many color options.

Recycled permeable pavers are better for the environment because they are made of post-consumer recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Recycled HDPE requires less energy to produce than non-recycled plastic pavers. Because HDPE is recycled, using it reduces plastic waste in landfills. These pavers may offer greater environmental benefits because they are made almost entirely of recycled materials, except when custom colors are used.

The cost to upgrade your driveway will depend on the materials used and labor costs. The price difference between recycled and concrete permeable pavers is fairly close. Concrete paver materials cost $4 to $12 per square foot, and recycled plastic pavers cost $5 to $9 per square foot. A two-car driveway can cost between $5,500 and $17,000, depending on its size.

The growing sustainability movement has increased interest in alternatives to traditional concrete driveways. Both recycled and concrete permeable pavers help to prevent flooding, replenish groundwater, prevent water pollution, and reduce the strain on stormwater runoff systems. Water infiltration may be better with recycled pavers because they can be nearly 100% permeable, depending on the grid pattern. If stormwater runoff is a major concern, these may be the right choice for your property.

Recycled permeable pavers offer more than environmental benefits. Recycled HDPE pavers are less expensive and easier to install because the plastic grid is lightweight. In addition, these pavers are nearly maintenance-free. You only need to wash them with a hose periodically to remove any dirt. Permeable concrete pavers require cleaning once or twice a year, and the aggregate between the pavers needs to be replaced when it falls more than half an inch beneath the paver surface. Because concrete stains, any stains that develop on your driveway, will need to be removed with a degreaser.