Plastic grid tile permeable pavers, offer several advantages over stone permeable pavers, which can appeal to specific customer needs. Here are the key reasons someone might prefer plastic grid pavers:
Cost-Effectiveness:
- Plastic grid pavers are generally more affordable than stone pavers. The cost for plastic grid systems is generally 33%-50% lower than standard concrete or stone pavers. For example, plastic grid pavers typically range from $2.5-$10 per square foot depending on the brand, while permeable interlocking concrete pavers (PICP) cost $7-$12 per square foot, and porous stone pavers can be even higher ($10-$40 per square foot).
- The lower material and labor costs make plastic grid pavers attractive for budget-conscious homeowners, commercial developers, or municipalities
Ease and Speed of Installation:
- Plastic grid pavers are lightweight and feature interlocking designs (e.g., TRUEGRID’s click-together system), allowing for rapid installation. A single person can install up to 1,000 square feet of TRUEGRID pavers per day, compared to stone pavers, which require more labor-intensive processes like precise cutting, leveling, and joint filling
Superior Permeability:
- Plastic grid pavers, filled with gravel or grass, offer exceptional water infiltration rates, often exceeding 800 inches per hour, compared to stone pavers, which rely on wider joints or porous materials with lower infiltration rates (e.g., 288-770 inches per hour for pervious concrete). This makes plastic grids ideal for areas prone to heavy rainfall or flooding.
- The open grid structure ensures consistent permeability, reducing the risk of clogging compared to stone pavers, which can accumulate fine particles in joints over time
Durability and Low Maintenance:
- Plastic grid pavers, made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or recycled plastic, are highly durable, with compressive strengths ranging from 6,500-8,000 psi (higher than pervious concrete’s 2,500 psi average). They resist cracking and flex to adapt to ground movement, unlike stone pavers, which can shift or crack under heavy loads or freeze-thaw cycles.
- Maintenance is minimal. Occasional sweeping or adding fill material (gravel or grass) keeps the surface functional, whereas stone pavers require regular joint cleaning with industrial vacuums to prevent clogging and maintain permeability
Environmental Benefits:
- Plastic grid pavers, especially those made from 100% post-consumer recycled HDPE, have a lower environmental footprint than stone pavers, which require resource-intensive quarrying and processing.
- They promote natural aesthetics with grass or gravel fill, reduce urban heat island effects through evaporation, and filter pollutants from stormwater, enhancing groundwater quality. Grass-filled grids also allow vegetation to grow, supporting biodiversity
Versatility and Aesthetic Flexibility:
- Plastic grid pavers can be filled with gravel, grass, or other aggregates, offering a natural or rustic look that blends with landscapes, unlike the more formal, architectural appearance of stone pavers.
- They’re suitable for diverse applications, including driveways, parking lots, walkways, and even heavy-duty commercial or industrial settings, while stone pavers are often limited to lighter traffic or residential use due to cost and maintenance needs.
Erosion Control and Stability:
- Plastic grids stabilize gravel or grass, preventing ruts, potholes, or erosion caused by vehicle traffic, a common issue with loose gravel or unstabilized stone driveways. The grid structure holds fill material in place, ensuring a level surface.
- Stone pavers, while stable, can shift over time if not properly installed, and their joints may erode without regular maintenance.
Adaptability to Uneven Terrain:
- Plastic grid pavers, with built-in anchors and flexible designs, can conform to slightly uneven terrain without additional leveling, making them easier to install on sloped or irregular surfaces compared to stone pavers, which require a perfectly level base.