Permeable Interlocking Pavers: What They Are and How We Use Them
With every paver installation job that we take on, we here at AAA Landscaping strive to accomplish a number of important goals. Not only do we want to build hardscaping that looks great and meets our client's vision, but something that will hold up against the tests of time and the weather to stand strong for many years to come. On top of that, we also want our hardscaping to have a positive environmental impact, reducing rainwater runoff and helping to curtail pollution. All these reasons and more are why we build our hardscapes using permeable, interlocking pavers.
Permeable interlocking pavers (commonly referred to as PICP—Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavement) have emerged as a modern, eco-friendly solution for hardscapes that, traditionally, were totally impenetrable—driveways, parking lots, patios, etc. At its core, this system combines the durability and aesthetics of concrete pavers with a sophisticated subsurface design to manage stormwater, allowing rain to infiltrate rather than run off.
What Makes Them So Different Than Regular Pavers?
Unlike traditional solid pavement or dense concrete slabs, permeable interlocking pavers consist of modular concrete units laid with deliberately engineered joints and layered over an open-graded bedding and base system that allows water to pass through. According to the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA), PICP is built with pavers set on an open-graded bedding course, above an open-graded base reservoir, all designed to store the water that filters through them.
This layered structure means the pavement surface can support vehicles or foot traffic while functioning as a stormwater management tool. On top of that, their interlocking mechanism helps hold the pavers together in place, helping to prevent shifting, sliding, and splitting. They're flexible, durable, and easy to install!
Why Use Them?
Aside from their durability, there is one other huge benefit to using interlocking permeable pavers: their positive environmental impact. In terms of stormwater and environmental performance, PICP can significantly reduce surface runoff—studies indicate reductions up to 100% in some rain events, depending on soil and base design. Beyond runoff, the system filters water, reducing the amount of pollutants like suspended solids, oil, and heavy metals that enter drainage systems.
Can I Use Them For My Hardscaping?
Of course! We've been using permeable interlocking pavers for years in our work as a San Luis Obispo landscaping company, building everything from simple garden pathways to patios, driveways, and much more. Permeable interlocking pavers represent a fusion of function and form: a hardscape that not only looks good but performs an important environmental role. Hardscapes made from these pavers are truly built to last and can help make our clients' properties cleaner and less polluted—and that's something our customers can feel good about.
AAA Landscaping is a trusted San Luis Obispo landscaping company specializing in professional paver installation. Since 2001, our team of construction experts, landscape designers, and installation specialists has worked on countless hardscaping projects throughout SLO County. If you'd like to discuss a potential hardscaping project with us, call 805-542-9695 to set up a free consultation today!