What are Permeable Pavers and Where are They Used
Water runoff is a common problem for homeowners in Central Ohio. Heavy rains, clay soils, and freeze-thaw cycles leave many yards with standing water, eroded soil, and damaged foundations. Traditional concrete and asphalt surfaces only make the issue worse, because they block water from soaking into the ground. That’s where permeable pavers come in.
At Double A Ohio, we design and install custom permeable paver solutions that look beautiful and manage water effectively. Whether you’re upgrading a driveway, walkway, or patio, permeable pavers provide a long-lasting solution that blends style with performance.
What are permeable pavers?
Permeable pavers are interlocking paving stones designed to let water pass through their joints and filter into the ground below. Unlike traditional surfaces that shed water, these systems mimic the way natural soil absorbs rainfall. A permeable paver system includes:
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- Pavers installed with small gaps filled with stone or aggregate
- A thick gravel base that stores and slowly releases water
- Optional geotextile layers that prevent soil migration
From the surface, permeable pavers look almost identical to traditional patio or driveway pavers. The difference lies in how they handle water.
Types of permeable pavers
Homeowners can choose from several styles depending on the project and desired look:
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- Concrete permeable pavers – Engineered for durability and available in many shapes and patterns
- Natural stone permeable pavers – Offer a high-end, elegant appearance
- Grid systems – Concrete or plastic grids filled with gravel or grass, ideal for overflow parking areas
- Brick permeable pavers – Provide a classic design with modern performance benefits
As an Authorized Unilock Contractor, Double A Ohio installs premium permeable pavers that combine timeless design with advanced engineering. Unilock’s products are backed by a transferable lifetime warranty, giving homeowners peace of mind that their investment is protected.
Benefits of permeable pavers
Permeable pavers offer several advantages that make them a smart choice for Central Ohio homeowners:
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- Stormwater management – Reduce runoff and prevent water from overwhelming drains
- Erosion control – Direct water safely into the ground instead of washing away soil
- Durability – Resist cracking and shifting, even through harsh freeze-thaw cycles
- Eco-friendly – Naturally filter pollutants and recharge groundwater
- Compliance – In some areas, permeable surfaces meet stormwater regulations or building requirements
- Curb appeal – Attractive designs add beauty while solving functional problems
By solving water issues while enhancing aesthetics, permeable pavers are one of the most versatile outdoor improvements available.
Where permeable pavers are used
Permeable pavers can be applied to almost any hardscape project, but they are especially effective in areas where drainage is a concern:
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- Driveways – Prevent puddles and ice while supporting heavy vehicle loads
- Walkways – Provide safer paths by reducing slick surfaces in rainy weather
- Patios – Keep outdoor living areas drier and more usable after storms
- Parking areas – Manage runoff without creating massive impermeable surfaces
- Pool decks – Handle splash water and rainfall more effectively than concrete
For many homeowners, the ability to combine beauty with drainage performance makes permeable pavers the clear choice.
The installation process
Installing permeable pavers requires expertise and precision. At Double A Ohio, we follow a detailed process to ensure both beauty and performance:
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- Excavation – The old surface is removed, and soil is dug to the proper depth
- Base preparation – Layers of clean, angular stone are installed for storage and drainage
- Geotextile fabric – Added as needed to prevent soil from migrating into the base
- Paver installation – Pavers are set in the chosen pattern with consistent spacing
- Joint filling – Joints are filled with small, clean stone that allows water to flow freely
- Compaction and finishing – The surface is compacted, leveled, and checked for performance
This method ensures your new permeable paver surface is both functional and long-lasting.
Comparing permeable pavers to traditional pavers
Both traditional and permeable pavers offer durability and beauty, but their performance is different:
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- Drainage – Permeable pavers absorb water, while traditional systems shed it
- Maintenance – Both require little upkeep, though permeable joints may need stone replenishment over time
- Cost – Permeable systems cost slightly more upfront due to deeper excavation and base materials, but they save money by reducing water damage and foundation repairs
- Environmental impact – Permeable surfaces reduce runoff and pollution, making them the more sustainable choice
For properties where drainage is an ongoing concern, permeable pavers often deliver the best long-term results.
Common homeowner questions
Many Central Ohio homeowners ask similar questions about permeable pavers:
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- How long do they last? Properly installed permeable pavers can last 25–30 years or more.
- Do they need special maintenance? Minimal upkeep is required; occasional sweeping and refreshing joint stone keeps them performing well.
- Are they more expensive than concrete? The upfront cost is higher, but reduced repairs and improved property value make them more cost-effective long-term.
- Do they look different from regular pavers? No, premium permeable pavers look identical to traditional options, with the added benefit of water management.
Case study: solving a driveway problem
A Delaware County homeowner struggled with water pooling on their concrete driveway that froze into ice patches each winter. After years of patching and sealing, they contacted Double A Ohio for a solution.
We replaced their driveway with a Unilock permeable paver system built on a deep gravel base. The new surface eliminated standing water, improved curb appeal, and gave the homeowner peace of mind during winter storms. Months later, they told us it was the best home improvement decision they had ever made.
Long-term value of permeable pavers
Beyond solving immediate drainage issues, permeable pavers provide lasting value:
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- Protect landscaping from water damage
- Reduce the risk of costly foundation or basement problems
- Increase property value with an eco-friendly, low-maintenance feature
- Help homeowners meet municipal stormwater management requirements
Investing in permeable pavers improves both your daily quality of life and your property’s resale value.
Why choose Double A Ohio
When it comes to installing permeable pavers, expertise matters. Homeowners across Central Ohio trust Double A Ohio because:
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- We are a fully licensed and insured landscaping company
- We are an Authorized Unilock Contractor with access to premium products and warranties
- Our reputation is built on consistent 5-star reviews for communication and craftsmanship
- We offer complete outdoor living solutions, from patios and walkways to drainage and landscape design
- We understand Ohio’s soils and climate, designing installations that perform year after year
With Double A Ohio, you get more than an installation, you get a team committed to delivering results that last.
Serving Central Ohio communities
Double A Ohio proudly provides permeable paver installation and landscaping services in:
As a locally owned business, we know the unique challenges of our area and create solutions that work for local homeowners.
Upgrade your property with permeable pavers today
Transform your outdoor space with a permeable paver installation from Double A Ohio
If you’re struggling with water runoff, puddling, or drainage issues, permeable pavers are the ideal solution. They combine beauty with function, protect your home, and provide decades of reliable performance.
Call Double A Ohio today or request an estimate online to schedule your consultation. We proudly serve Marengo, Johnstown, Mount Vernon, Delaware, and surrounding Central Ohio communities with expert paver installation, landscaping, and hardscaping services.
