Choosing a paver system isn’t just about curb appeal — it affects drainage, durability, winter safety, and, depending on your city, compliance. This guide explains how each system works, pros & cons, cost drivers, and where each option fits best in the U.S.
Best Fits by Space
Driveways. Choose permeable if puddling is a problem or if impervious limits apply. Permeable bases handle vehicle loads and provide storage. If a driveway naturally sheds to landscaped areas, traditional pavers are often more economical and highly customizable.
Patios & Walkways. Permeable surfaces excel near planting beds and low spots. Traditional systems are ideal for outdoor kitchens, pool decks, and formal layouts where tight joints and color variety matter.
Commercial & Multifamily. Permeable systems help meet stormwater targets in parking courts, plazas, and fire lanes. Traditional pavers pair well with engineered drainage when uniform finishes or phased construction are priorities.
Rule of thumb: choose permeable for chronic puddling, freeze–thaw slick spots, or stormwater compliance. Choose non‑permeable for budget‑first projects, tight‑joint aesthetics, and sites with reliable surface drainage.
Maintenance: What to Expect
Permeable surfaces benefit from annual checks: vacuum sweep if infiltration slows, top up joint stone, and keep underdrain outlets clear.
Traditional pavers require keeping drains and grates clean, refreshing polymeric sand if joints open, and optional sealing in high‑stain areas. Neither system is “set and forget,” but both follow straightforward schedules.
Simple maintenance cadence
- Permeable: annual inspection; vacuum as needed; replenish joint stone.
- Non‑permeable: clear grates/channels; refresh polymeric sand; optional sealing.
Sustainability and U.S. Regulations
Many U.S. municipalities limit impervious coverage or require on‑site stormwater control. Permeable concrete pavers can capture rain where it falls, reduce peak flows, and support groundwater recharge.
Before construction, confirm soil infiltration, frost depth, HOA/municipal standards, and always call 811 for utility locates.
How to Decide (and When to Mix Approaches)
Choose permeable pavers when drainage is a known issue, sustainability is a goal, or you want winter traction benefits. Choose non‑permeable when budget and design variety matter and the site reliably moves water with simple grading.
Smart hybrid ideas
- Permeable bands across a traditional driveway to intercept runoff
- Non‑permeable patio draining into a permeable border and rain garden
- Trench drains paired with small permeable sections where water concentrates
Getting Apples‑to‑Apples Quotes
Ask for line‑item pricing on excavation depth, base materials (with gradations), edge restraints, geotextiles, joint material, and any underdrain components. For permeable proposals, request the expected storage volume and the discharge plan. For traditional systems, confirm slopes, drain locations, and how water exits the site.
Questions to Ask
- What base thickness and stone gradations are specified?
- Is an underdrain needed, and where does it discharge?
- How will infiltration be maintained over time?
- For non‑permeable, how are grades and drains sized and protected?
Red flags
- Vague base specs or no freeze–thaw details
- No drainage strategy on flat/clay sites
- No maintenance guidance for permeable joints or surface drains
Why Work with Sta‑Built Pavers
At Sta‑Built, we design and install both permeable and traditional paver systems so you get objective recommendations instead of a one‑size‑fits‑all pitch.
We evaluate soils, slopes, codes, and goals, then present side‑by‑side options with clear pricing and maintenance expectations. From permeable driveway systems that tame runoff to design‑forward patios, we build solutions that look great and perform.
Schedule a site assessment — request two proposals: one with permeable pavers and one with a traditional alternative. You’ll see exactly what fits your site, climate, and budget.