It's Time To Rethink Asphalt Driveways: There's A Prettier, More Eco-Friendly Option

Asphalt driveways have felt like the default choice for a while. However, they can be fairly high-maintenance and don't offer much in terms of design. They can also contribute to poor drainage and negative environmental effects. However, there are plenty of alternatives to asphalt driveways if you want more than a dark, petroleum-based expanse of a driveway. The EasyPave Gravel and Grass Driveway Grid can offer a nicer-looking and more environmentally-friendly alternative.

One reason that traditional asphalt is less eco-friendly is that it's usually impermeable. Water can't soak through impermeable surfaces and flows off instead. This can contribute to flooding and erosion, as well as pollution runoff into waterways. Generally, permeable driveways are considered the greener option. They let water filter through, preventing it from pooling, keeping pollutants more contained, refilling water tables, and reducing potentially-polluting drainage. The EasyPave Driveway Grid is a grid system that can be filled with a few different materials. These systems can also be DIY-friendly. It's still a big job that involves hauling lots of dirt or gravel, but is much more accessible to the average homeowner than pouring concrete.

This product is appealing to those who want to go beyond just planning a driveway and get their hands dirty and install it themselves, particularly if you want to swap to a more sustainable options. It's a snap-together grid system that can be filled with grass, gravel, or other aggregates. The grids are made of 100% recycled plastic (even more points for eco-friendliness) and are impressively strong. They're suitable for both commercial and residential uses with a load rating up to 80,000 pounds.

While there are some pros and cons of gravel grid systems, it's one of the top options for those who want to self-install a permeable driveway. The grid stabilizes the driveway, preventing sinking, deformation, and erosion, all of which can happen if you install a gravel or grass driveway without any support. Some tools and supplies are recommended for DIY installation of this EasyPave system. A hand tamper can help compact the base, and a weed barrier can prevent unwanted growth.

The installation process is similar to other aggregates, so you can choose between gravel, grass, soil, sand, and more. This gives you options to customize your surface type and look, and it's possible to cover the grid entirely so it provides invisible support. This offers a more natural and subdued look than a flat, dark stretch of asphalt. Gravel is a good choice for a heavily used driveway. It's a durable material that offers texture and color but blends into surrounding landscaping. Grass can be an option for lesser-used driveways and works well for a driveway area that doubles as lawn space.