Congratulations on your new home! What an exciting time!

All the hard work, countless hours choosing the right finishes, behind you…now it is time to enjoy!

Wait, your driveway is still not finished! Chances are that your driveway is either rough gravel or a thin coating of asphalt.

Curb appeal is a hot topic right now.

The first impression given by your front façade and yard sets you aside from your neighbours and is an easy way to demonstrate your individuality.

Many municipalities are now requiring porous driveway surfaces from new home owners.

But where to begin?

There are more porous options available now than ever before making it even easier for home owners to incorporate “green” alternatives that are affordable and long lasting.

Porous asphalt and concrete is one choice for driveways and patios.

Interlocking pavers are also a very popular choice for driveways, walkways and patios. The Ecoraster X30 model is frequently used as a base stabilizer beneath many different styles of interlocking pavers as a permeable base enhancer allowing for minimal excavation while ensuring the finished surface remains level and stable without the risk of developing tripping hazards caused by lifting, shifting and heaving of the pavers. Using the X30 within the base preparation saves money in reduced excavation, disposal and base aggregate.

There are more affordable options as well.

Plastic grid paving systems, such as Ecoraster, can be filled with either grass or gravel providing a cold weather friendly permeable paving surface. Ecoraster can be installed as a DIYer type project or by an installer or landscaper.

Ecoraster surfaces can be cleared in the winter by either a snow plow or snow blower and require minimal salt, saving money and reducing the environmental impact winter salt has on the natural water bodies and nearby vegetation.

Grass filled Ecoraster provides a truly “green” parking surface and gravel filled grid can be designed to blend into the front yard landscaping by using different aggregate fills. The gravel filled Ecoraster provides a porous surface which is high heel friendly and fully accessible for those with mobility challenges.

Ecoraster Bloxx is also a permeable paving surface that can be used by itself or in combination with the Ecoraster E series for driveways, sidewalks, pathways and patios. The fully porous system provides the popular look of interlocking pavers with a reduced base depth and a long lasting level, stable surface. The Bloxx matrix can be filled with either concrete or rubber pavers and can be installed as a DIYer type product. The Bloxx system, as well as the Ecoraster E series, is lightweight to transport and quick and easy to install.

A very popular choice for porous driveways that looks similar to traditional asphalt is rubber.

The rubber surface looks like “black top” but is long lasting and low maintenance.

The rubber surface is porous and can support heavy loads. It is winter friendly and can be cleared with both snow plows and snow blowers. It does require a specialized technician to install but is more affordable than other porous products such as asphalt, concrete and interlocking pavers. The porous rubber driveway surface is fully accessible and can be used for walkways and patios as well.

The permeability of the Ecoraster systems and porous rubber is tremendous. The systems will not clog and do not require regular maintenance to retain their porosity.

There is no need to be concerned that porous alternatives are costly and hard to source or that the products will not withstand cold Canadian winters. There are many options available that are both affordable, long lasting and are truly “green” and environmentally friendly.

LID Permeable Paving Canada is the exclusive distributor of the Ecoraster system in Toronto and the GTA. We also service LID permeable paving installations throughout Ontario and Canada.