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Highlights
- The average permeable pavers cost is $7,500, though homeowners could spend between $5,000 and $12,000.
- The type of paver, base material, installation location, labor, and maintenance costs will affect the total cost of installing permeable pavers.
- Permeable pavers are easy to install and repair, which leads to cost savings up front and in the long run. They also help reduce stormwater runoff, pollutants, erosion, water demand, and salt usage in cold winter months.
- Experienced DIYers might be able to lay pavers, but for a solid base with a smooth finish, a professional installation is the way to go.
Permeable pavers and pervious pavement are eco-friendly alternatives to poured concrete and asphalt. They allow water to seep through the gaps between each paver and filter to the ground below, helping to control stormwater runoff and erosion. Homeowners can choose from an abundance of stylish and unique options, from plastic grid pavers with grass infill to composite interlocking pavers.
According to HomeAdvisor, permeable pavers cost between $5,000 and $12,000, with a national average of $7,500. Homeowners can install permeable pavers or pervious pavement on driveways, patios, hot tub pads, and walkways. There are a number of factors besides the installation location that impact the final cost, some of which include the material, the base, and the labor costs to install the pavers or pavement.
Key Cost Factors
The cost of a permeable paver project will depend on the type of paver, the amount of base material required, the cost of labor, the installation location, and ongoing maintenance. Planning the details of the project and getting quotes from multiple contractors can help homeowners determine an estimate to know how much to budget.
Paver Type
Permeable pavers all serve the same function: to pave an area while allowing water to drain through rather than run off the surface. However, different types of pavers function in a variety of ways, and the cost of permeable pavers depends on which type the homeowner chooses. The cost to install pavers runs from $4 to $40 per square foot.
Plastic grass pavers have the lowest price point but require more ongoing maintenance to tend to the grass that will grow between the pavers. Pervious concrete and asphalt have a similar appearance to a standard concrete or asphalt driveway, but the special mix allows water to filter through. Concrete grid pavers and composite pavers have a more traditional look and allow water to seep through the gaps between the pavers.
Base Material
The base material for a permeable paver project is typically crushed angular gravel that’s installed directly under the pavers to allow water to drain through to the ground below. Base material is usually installed 6 to 18 inches deep. The cost will depend on the size of the project and the depth of the base layer. Crushed rock is measured by cubic yard or ton, with one cubic yard containing approximately 1.5 tons at a cost of $40 to $86 per cubic yard.
Installation Location
The installation location will affect the cost due to the size, accessibility, and amount of prep work or base layer needed. A hot tub pad, for instance, will likely cost significantly less than a 640-square-foot two-car driveway. Permeable pavers can be used anywhere homeowners need a flat, level surface.
Labor
The cost of labor to install permeable pavers will depend on the specific contractor as well as any other extenuating factors that could make the work more difficult, such as removing the old driveway or patio, working on a steep grade, or installing a complex driveway design. Typically, driveway installation labor falls between $5 and $11 per square foot.
Homeowners can save on labor costs by installing permeable pavers themselves, but only if they have the skills and tools to do so correctly. Pavers need the right base layer for the type of soil they’ll be laid on, and careful installation is needed to ensure the pavers are perfectly flat to avoid causing trips and falls.
Maintenance
Once a permeable paver driveway, patio, or walkway is installed, maintenance costs are relatively low. If homeowners choose plastic or concrete grass pavers, they’ll need to maintain the grass level by mowing periodically throughout the growing season.
Concrete or composite pavers will require annual power-washing to remove any debris that has accumulated in the gaps between the pavers. Since water is intended to seep through porous or pervious concrete and asphalt, homeowners won’t need to worry about sealing the pavers as they would a concrete driveway.
Types of Permeable Pavers
Homeowners can choose from many designs and styles of permeable pavers. Joe Raboine, Vice President of Design at Oldcastle APG in Atlanta, Georgia, says “Permeable pavers come in several different styles to suit homeowner aesthetics. You can opt for a more traditional-style permeable paver or a grid paver that allows greenery to grow through.”
Depending on the design of the home and the installation location, there is a type of permeable paver that will fill the need. Some pavers are designed to be installed with a gap between the pavers, while others are meant to be filled with gravel or grass to secure them in place. There are also wide price ranges for pavers that are permeable.
| Type of Permeable Paver | Average Cost (Materials and Labor) |
| Concrete grid pavers | $4 to $12 per square foot |
| Permeable pavers | $10 to $40 per square foot |
| Pervious asphalt | $6 to $15 per square foot |
| Pervious concrete | $6 to $15 per square foot |
| Plastic grass pavers | $5 to 10 per square foot |
Concrete Grid Pavers
Concrete grid pavers are installed with gaps in which gravel can be laid or grass can grow. The concrete grid lends structure to the surface, while the grass or gravel infill adds stability. These pavers are low maintenance, though they need mowing when the grass grows above the concrete. Concrete grid pavers installation cost falls between $4 and $12 per square foot plus the cost of labor. The average two-car driveway is about 640 square feet, which calculates to about $2,560 to $7,680 for concrete grid pavers.
Permeable Pavers
Permeable pavers can be made from a variety of materials, including concrete and composite. The main point is that the gaps between the pavers are large enough for water to flow from the surface into the ground. The gaps are typically filled with rock or gravel that will allow water to pass through. This style of paver costs between $10 and $40 per square foot. Installing permeable driveway pavers will cost between $6,400 and $25,000.
Pervious Asphalt
Pervious asphalt is specially mixed with larger particles that allow water to drain through the surface and into the ground below rather than run off into the streets and storm drains. The surface of pervious asphalt, which is rougher than traditional asphalt, can also act as additional traction for vehicles and pedestrians. It costs between $6 and $12 per square foot plus labor to install pervious asphalt, so an average-size permeable driveway will cost between $3,840 and $8,320.
Pervious Concrete
Much like pervious asphalt, pervious concrete is designed with a mix of larger particles that allow water to drain through to the ground below. Pervious concrete is more durable than its asphalt counterpart and is a good choice for driveways. It costs between $6 and $15 per square foot plus labor to install pervious concrete or around $3,840 to $9,600 for a standard driveway.
Plastic Grass Pavers
Plastic grass pavers are the most affordable permeable paving method and cost between $5 and $10 per square foot plus labor to install. The infill can be grass, gravel, or rock—each of which comes at its own price point. It will cost between $3,200 and $6,400 to install plastic grass pavers for a standard grass driveway.
Benefits of Choosing Permeable Pavers
Permeable pavers offer a wide range of benefits, not only for homeowners but also for the environment. Raboine says, “They help alleviate the effects of stormwater runoff or drought conditions, which benefits both homeowners and the environment. Permeable paver systems can even be designed to harvest and recycle rainwater.… Using permeable pavers in outdoor projects is beneficial for the environment, as it lessens the burden on storm drains and can help with soil erosion.”
Easy Installation and Repairs
Permeable pavers for driveways and patios are relatively easy to install compared to pouring several cubic yards of concrete. Some options, like composite pavers, even come with a grid system that shows exactly where to place each paver for consistent gaps throughout.
Another benefit is that in the event that a paver becomes damaged, it can be removed and replaced with a new one without the need to replace an entire concrete patio or driveway. Patio building and driveway replacement are two big jobs that can become costly, so the advantage of targeted permeable paver replacement is the big cost savings.
Cost Savings
According to the EPA, permeable pavements can reduce the overall cost of both residential and commercial projects, since the pavers can reduce the need for conventional drainage features. Raboine agrees: “Certain styles eliminate the need for traditional drainage and detention requirements, which saves on costs long term.”
The flexibility to repair or replace individual pavers can also help save on costs over time, since if there is damage, the fix is isolated rather than all-encompassing. Other driveway materials, gravel, may cost less at first, but it will still need to be replaced and regraded periodically. Even concrete and asphalt will need to be sealed on a regular basis. By comparison, pavers have very low maintenance costs.
Durability
The durability of permeable pavers makes them ideal for a variety of locations. Raboine says, “There are permeable pavers that can be used for both pedestrian and vehicular applications, so you can use them in spaces like patios and driveways.” Some types can also be used as hot tub pads, walkways, and pool decks. Many composite permeable pavers resist scratches and stains. Additionally, concrete is a very strong material, so choosing a permeable paver with the right level of strength for the intended purpose can increase the longevity of the space.
Reduced Stormwater Runoff
When rain and stormwater run off of a driveway or sidewalk, storm drains can become overwhelmed, leading to large puddles and standing water. Raboine points out that “permeable pavers mimic the way land absorbs water.” Rather than following the pull of gravity to the lowest collecting point and then pooling and collecting excess debris, the water naturally flows into the ground.
Reduced Pollutants
As water seeps through the gaps, pollutants will get trapped in the permeable pavers, pervious pavement, or soil, removing them from the environment rather than adding them to the collected water. These trapped pollutants could also be chemically broken down by bacteria or other microbes, preventing them from reaching stormwater drains. If there is grass or other plants growing between or through grid pavers, this can also help to trap and purify pollutants.
Reduced Salt Usage
In areas with winter storms, homeowners often use salt to melt ice that accumulates on outdoor surfaces. Since permeable pavers reduce the chances of standing water, they also reduce the likelihood of ice, which ultimately leads to reduced salt usage. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that in order to melt ice in areas prone to winter storms, permeable pavers need only about 0 percent to 25 percent of the amount of salt that a concrete driveway typically uses. Permeable pavers can also trap air and store the heat, which can result in melting snow and ice as they rise to the surface.
Reduced Water Demand
Installing permeable pavers is also an eco-friendly way to care for plants, flowers, and lawns, especially for homeowners who water minimally, especially during droughts. When water runs down and into the ground below the pavers, it spreads to surrounding areas, providing plants the hydration they need and thereby reducing the demand for extra watering.
Erosion Prevention
Runoff from stormwater, melting snow, and seasonal rain can increase the amount of erosion that occurs around a property. Permeable pavers allow the water to seep through the surface to the ground below, which reduces erosion of the surrounding areas. Large amounts of urban runoff can also affect water channels through flooding, and permeable pavers help to reduce this impact.
Increased Energy Efficiency
Traditional concrete and asphalt absorb heat, which can increase the temperature surrounding the area. This effect contributes to urban heat islands—areas that experience higher temperatures than non-urban areas as a result of manmade infrastructures. Permeable pavers typically absorb less heat, which can reduce the surrounding air temperature. Ultimately, that can reduce the amount of work that HVAC systems have to maintain the temperature inside buildings.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Raboine emphasizes that while a successful DIY paver project is dependent on the homeowner’s skill and knowledge of the job, they will need to be “an experienced DIYer and have knowledge of how to properly level, set, and install pavers.” If homeowners are comfortable with the process and have access to a compactor, among other necessary tools, they may learn how to build a paver patio or driveway on their own. Some permeable paver manufacturers even strive to make installation as easy as possible with interlocking paver designs and detailed instructions.
Pervious asphalt and concrete require special equipment to ensure that the surface is properly compacted, which means it’s a better job for one of the best driveway paving companies. Installing pervious concrete or asphalt incorrectly can result in cracks, potholes, and uneven surfaces, which could lead to the need to tear them out and start over, wasting valuable time and money. Regardless of which type of permeable paver the homeowner chooses, proper installation is essential to achieving a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing driveway, patio, or walkway.
How to Save Money
While the cost of pavers vs. concrete may be higher at the outset, pavers can save homeowners money on labor and maintenance costs over time. There are a few other ways to save on the initial permeable pavers cost.
- Opt for cheaper materials. Homeowners who choose permeable concrete pavers over composite usually save money. Permeable concrete may not last as long as some other materials, but the pavers will cost less to purchase initially.
- Shop around. Comparing the average pavers cost per square foot among different contractors helps homeowners choose the material that fits the budget.
- Take a phased approach. Raboine says, “If you’re looking to upgrade your patio with permeable pavers, install an outdoor kitchen, update the driveway, or install multiple outdoor rooms, look at your budget and plan accordingly to phase out your projects over time.”
- Obtain multiple quotes. Homeowners can compare quotes from at least three contractors to determine which one is the best choice and value.
- DIY the prep work. It’s possible to reduce labor costs by clearing away any landscaping or making the area more accessible before the paver installation begins.
Questions to Ask a Pro
Understanding the materials selected and the installation process can help homeowners be comfortable taking on the project. And asking the contractor the right questions can help homeowners feel confident about the process.
- Are you properly licensed and insured?
- Can I see examples of your past work?
- Do you have references I could contact?
- Do you offer a written quote?
- Does your quote break down the patio pavers cost separately from the labor and other materials?
- How long will this project take?
- What type of permeable pavers are ideal for my property, climate, and project?
- What kind of maintenance will they need?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of grass pavers?
- What can I do to prepare for the project?
- How long will these pavers last?
- How much equipment will you be bringing?
- How will you protect my property during the project?
- Do I need permits, and who is responsible for pulling them?
- Are you experienced with the material I chose?
FAQs
Installing permeable pavers and pervious concrete or asphalt is a good investment for the home and the environment. They can reduce stormwater runoff and erosion and offer maintenance cost savings over time. Homeowners can review the following questions and answers about permeable pavers to ensure they understand the process.
The lifespan of permeable pavers depends on the material they’re made from. Permeable interlocking pavers typically last between 20 and 35 years. Concrete grid pavers last between 10 and 20 years, while plastic grid pavers can last up to 60 years. Porous asphalt and pervious concrete can last up to 30 and 40 years, respectively.
The lifespan of permeable pavers depends on the material they’re made from. Permeable interlocking pavers typically last between 20 and 35 years. Concrete grid pavers last between 10 and 20 years, while plastic grid pavers can last up to 60 years. Porous asphalt and pervious concrete can last up to 30 and 40 years, respectively.
Permeable pavers have a higher up-front cost than traditional asphalt or even traditional pavers depending on the material chosen. Even though they’re designed to operate without a drainage system, areas with substantial rainfall may need a supplemental drainage system to prevent pooling. Homeowners will also want to keep an eye on replenishing the rock or gravel that fills the gaps between the pavers.
The thickness of permeable pavers depends on the type of paver. Most permeable pavers are at least 3 inches thick, while pervious pavement should be between 4 and 8 inches thick. The actual thickness required may differ depending on the installation location, traffic loads, local building codes, and stormwater management policies.
HomeAdvisor, Angi, HomeGuide, EPA, U.S. Geological Survey, Nitterhouse Masonry
