There are various ways in which you can use pavers to transform your outdoor space. Pavers can be used on patios, walkways, at the edges of gardens and swimming pools, and even around the driveway.
When deciding to use pavers for your landscaping project, you have to choose between permeable and non-permeable ones. Permeable pavers are those that allow water to run through them into the ground. Non-permeable ones do not let water to drain through but instead runs over the surface or accumulates. Your choice between these two types of pavers should be informed by various factors, and they include the following:
The slope of the land
When choosing between permeable and non-permeable pavers, think about the slope of your land. This will determine the best types of pavers to use. If you have land that's naturally sloping, it means that water can easily drain away from the surface instead of accumulating on it. In this case, both permeable and non-permeable pavers would be suitable options. However, if the land is level and not sloped, water will stagnate on the surface. You need permeable pavers which allow water to drain through into the underground drainage systems.
Note that if you want to install non-permeable pavers and have level ground, you can undertake some landscaping work to slope it towards your stormwater drainage system.
Cost considerations
The amount of money that you are willing to spend on paving will determine the best pavers for the project. Ideally, permeable pavers usually cost more to install. Besides the surface pavement that you see, there is an underlying reservoir that collects the water for storage or infiltration. Your contractor has to design the reservoir before laying the surface pavement, and this will cost more money. On the other hand, non-permeable pavements are fairly inexpensive to install as there is no stone reservoir to collect the drained water from the surface.
Maintenance requirements
The key to maintaining a beautiful outdoor space is staying on top of your maintenance game. Whether you need pavers for your driveway, patio, pool area, or garden, you have to maintain them. Permeable pavers are more demanding when it comes to upkeep. That's because they can clog if the water in the reservoir isn't drained regularly. Additionally, sand, salt, and snow can also block the pavers and prevent water from draining. You have to use special equipment to unblock them. If you are not ready for this level of maintenance, you should go for non-permeable pavers which are quite low-maintenance.
Still not sure whether to choose permeable or non-permeable pavers for your outdoor space? Contact a paving service today so that they can help you make an informed choice.