True Cost Guide Garages Install Permeable Paving

How Much Does Permeable Paving Cost?

Q: How much does Topmix permeable concrete cost?

Topmix permeable concrete costs $8 to $16 per square foot , including all installation costs. However, they give out estimates on a project-by-project basis. However, Tarmac, the company that made the product, no longer produces Topmix.

Typical Range:

$5,120 - $9,600

Cost data is based on research by HomeAdvisor.

Updated December 5, 2022

Written by HomeAdvisor.

The permeable paving cost for a standard two-car driveway (640 square feet) averages $7,500 or between $5,000 and $12,000. Permeable concrete and asphalt both fall in the $6 to $15 per square foot range, with permeable pavers costing the most, or about $8 to $40 per square foot, depending on the type.

Permeable pavers, pervious concrete, and permeable asphalt are paving methods that allow water to drain through into the ground rather than into sewer systems, helping replenish groundwater and eliminates the need for expensive drainage solutions.

Permeable pavers can also allow grass to grow in parking areas and walkways but with more support than bare earth or even loose gravel.
Permeable concrete is the most expensive and durable option, followed by pervious asphalt. Permeable pavers are highly durable and can allow grass to grow.
Porous or permeable paving is slightly more expensive than traditional asphalt driveway costs.

Average Permeable Pavement Cost

Average Cost	$8,000
High Cost	$25,000
Low Cost	$3,000

Permeable Pavers Cost

Permeable pavers cost anywhere from $10 to $40 per square foot, but custom or high-end materials could cost more. Standard materials (such as brick, concrete or stone) usually range between $10 and $30. This price is just for the materials (not labor).

Non-porous driveway pavers cost between $10 to $70 per square foot. Unlike permeable types, regular pavers don’t come with a porous gravel underlayer nor a porous design for added absorption.

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Permeable Paving Cost by Type

Permeable paving costs a bit more than typical paving styles, and most of that comes from the labor and equipment costs needed to get the job done properly.

Porous asphalt costs about $60–$90 per ton for the materials.
Concrete costs $65–$85 per ton, not including the rebar reinforcement.
Porous pavers cost $5–$30 per sq. ft. for just the materials, including gravel and sand.

Permeable Pavers

Permeable pavers cost anywhere from $2,000 to $8,000 per 200 square feet or about $10 to $40 per square foot. For a full double-car driveway, you’ll pay $6,400 to $25,000. Pavers transform an ordinary driveway with eye-catching materials and design. They’re also environmentally friendly by providing better drainage. Contact a paver installer near you to learn more about the benefits.

Pervious Concrete

Pervious concrete allows the quick absorption of water through the surface itself and into the ground below, removing the need for other types of storm drainage. Pervious concrete for a 640-square-foot driveway ranges from $3,000 to $12,000. A same-sized, regular concrete driveway costs about 10% to 20% less.

Porous Asphalt

Porous asphalt works exactly like porous concrete by letting water seem through it for drainage. The main difference is how it is applied, how quickly it’s applied, and durability. Because it’s easier to put in, takes less time than concrete, and with lower material prices, porous asphalt costs $2,500 to $8,500 on average.

Permeable Driveway Costs

A standard driveway fits two cars and covers roughly 640 square feet. You’ll pay anywhere from $3,000 to $25,000. Actual costs will vary quite a bit depending on where you live, the current cost of materials and labor, and the paving type you choose. Concrete and asphalt are typical and functional choices, while permeable pavers offer more design choices and grass-permeable applications.

Type	Standard Driveway (about 600 square feet)
Permeable Pavers	$6,000 – $24,000
Plastic Grass Pavers	$3,000 – $6,000
Porous Asphalt	$3,600 – $7,200
Concrete Grass Grid	$4,000 – $8,000
Porous Concrete	$4,800 – $9,000

Permeable Paving Maintenance Costs

Pervious pavement costs $0.25 to $1 per square foot. It’ll include pressure washing, sweeping, resealing, and adding sand.

Concrete resurfacing costs $300–$700
Asphalt sealing costs $300–$800
Driveway sealing costs $85–$100 per 100 sq. ft.
Driveway pressure wash costs $100–$500

DIY Permeable Pavement Installation vs. Hire a Professional

Permeable pavement is usually more expensive than regular pavement because of the planning required. Laying permeable pavers is a multi-step, time-consuming process that requires a professional. Otherwise, you won’t get the environmental (or aesthetic) benefits. At the very least, get an estimate from a paving contractor near you to weigh out your options.

Hire a Permeable Pavement Installation Contractor Near You

Frequently Asked Questions

What are permeable pavers?

Permeable pavers are bricks or stones designed to allow water to seep through them for quick drainage of stormwater often used in patios and walkways. Grass permeable pavers allow grass to grow between them while still holding a load, such as for a driveway. A gravel underlayer makes it easier for the ground to absorb precipitation. It reduces storm runoff and overloading sewer systems.

What's the difference between pervious, porous, and permeable pavers?

Pervious and porous usually refer to pouring asphalt or concrete—which is a single massive object—but with enough small holes to allow for even drainage. This is also sometimes called thirsty concrete. Permeable concrete pavers are precast concrete designed to also allow for drainage. Permeable grass pavers allow grass to grow through them and provide drainage.

Pervious, porous, and permeable pavers are similar because they make it easier for rain or snow to drain or absorb into the ground rather than overload the storm or sewer systems.

What are the benefits of water-permeable pavement?

The biggest benefit to water permeable pavement is that it helps precipitation absorb better (and slower) into the ground.

This avoids overloading sewers and causing overflows and backups.
It helps to avoid agricultural runoff from lawns.
It helps to recharge the groundwater.

If you’ve ever seen water rushing into a storm drain, permeable pavement prevents that. Instead of water running off a steep driveway, a good amount of it “soaks” directly underneath the pavement.

How much does Topmix permeable concrete cost?

Topmix permeable concrete costs $8 to $16 per square foot, including all installation costs. However, they give out estimates on a project-by-project basis. However, Tarmac, the company that made the product, no longer produces Topmix.

How much does Ecoraster cost?

Ecoraster is a brand that offers many different permeable paving options in North America. Prices vary depending on the product and project. They’ll give estimates for each individual project. While not actual pavers, these grids serve a similar function. Ecoraster grids come in various styles and allow for similar drainage compared to permeable pavers or porous paving.

Are permeable driveways worth it?

Permeable driveways may cost slightly more than a traditional paving type, but they reduce or eliminate the need to install any other type of drainage system. Drainage systems cost$2,000 to $6,500 to install. They also reduce stormwater runoff, sewer overflows, and help eliminate urban agriculture runoff, which can pollute waterways.