Driveways & Patios

Permeable materials reduce water runoff

Both driveways and patios can be built from a variety of durable materials. A solid base that drains water effectively is a good beginning.

ABOUT PATIOS

Pavers are less likely to crack than monolithic slabs

With an adequate base of compacted stone, a patio should last for many years with very little maintenance. There are three conventional categories for pavers: clay brick, concrete, and natural stone.

Many types of pavers can handle repeated freeze-thaw cycles while providing an extremely wear-resistant surface. A monolithic concrete slab is more susceptible to cracking than a patio made from individual pavers.

•Clay brick. Brick is available in many colors and can be set in a variety of patterns. Because they are made from natural clay, brick pavers won’t fade in color and require little if any maintenance. Brick is highly durable and has a slip-resistant surface.

•Concrete. Less expensive than brick or natural stones; concrete pavers come in a variety of shapes and colors, including styles resembling brick and stone. Chamfered edges allow concrete pavers to be used on surfaces that must be plowed or snow-blown in winter, and de-icing products do not easily damage concrete. They can be used in all climates.

•Stone. Bluestone, granite, and limestone are types of stone that can be cut into pavers. Stone is probably the most expensive option, but it is also extremely durable. Colors and textures vary widely. The look of irregularly shaped stones is impossible to produce with manufactured products such as concrete or brick.

•Plastic pavers. In addition to these familiar materials, at least one manufacturer now produces pavers made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) that is 100% recycled from postindustrial sources.

ABOUT DRIVEWAYS

Consider slope as well as surface porosity

Driveways need a slight slope so that they shed water, but too much makes winter driving difficult. The grade should be no less than 2% (a change of 2 feet over 100 feet) but probably no more than 12%.

Turning radius is another consideration. This can be as narrow as 15 feet in parking areas for small and midsize cars. But curves on long driveways may require a radius of 50 feet to accommodate fire trucks.

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