Permeable Driveway Pavers: Grass vs. Gravel vs. Concrete Grid
Permeable driveway pavers let rain soak into the ground instead of running off. The three most common types are plastic grass grids, plastic gravel grids and concrete grid blocks. All three can carry cars. They differ in cost, weight, looks and upkeep.
This guide compares them side by side, using NDS specifications for the grass and gravel grids we sell, so you can pick the right one for your driveway.
What Are Permeable Pavers?
A permeable paver is any driveway surface with openings that let water pass through to a stone base and the soil below. You will see several types:
- Plastic grass grids (also called grass pavers or turf pavers): honeycomb cells filled with soil and grass. Examples: NDS EZ Roll and Tufftrack.
- Plastic gravel grids: similar cells, filled with gravel, often bonded to a fabric backing. Example: NDS EZ Roll gravel pavers.
- Concrete grid blocks (turf blocks): concrete blocks with open pockets for grass or gravel.
- Permeable interlocking concrete pavers: solid pavers set with wide joints filled with small stone.
Grass vs. Gravel vs. Concrete Grid: Side-by-Side
| Feature | Plastic grass grid | Plastic gravel grid | Concrete grid block |
|---|---|---|---|
| Example | EZ Roll grass, Tufftrack | EZ Roll gravel | Turf block |
| Surface you see | Lawn | Gravel (black, gray, brick red or tan grid) | Concrete with grass or gravel pockets |
| Unfilled strength (NDS) | 53,683 psf (EZ Roll); 86,563 psf (Tufftrack) | 53,683 psf | Varies by block |
| Load rating (NDS) | H-20 / H-25 | H-20 / H-25 | Varies by block |
| Paver material cost | About $3.51–$4.47 per sq ft | About $4.12–$4.29 per sq ft | Varies |
| Handling | Rolls or clip-together panels, no tools | Rolls, staked, no tools | Heavy; usually needs equipment |
| Best traffic level | Occasional parking and access | Daily driving | Daily driving |
| Snow plowing | Not specified by NDS | Yes, can be plowed | Varies |
| Upkeep | Mowing, watering while grass establishes | Occasional gravel top-up | Weeding or refilling pockets |
Paver material costs are from our current prices (September 2026). They do not include base stone, fill or labor.
When to Choose Grass Pavers
Pick grass pavers when you want the area to look like lawn: a side parking pad, an RV spot, guest overflow parking or an emergency access lane. The grid protects the roots and stops ruts, and NDS rates the EZ Roll system at more than 90% permeable. The trade-off is that grass needs 4 to 6 weeks to establish, and NDS notes grass surfaces are for emergency and occasional traffic. See the grass driveway pavers guide for costs and install steps.
When to Choose Gravel Pavers
Pick gravel pavers for a driveway you use every day. Plain gravel drifts, ruts and sinks into the soil. EZ Roll gravel pavers stop that: hexagonal cells hold the stone in place, and a thermally welded, puncture-resistant fabric keeps gravel from migrating down while letting water through. Each 3.87 ft x 149 ft roll covers 577 sq ft and can be plowed. Shop gravel pavers.
When a Concrete Grid Makes Sense
Concrete grid blocks suit projects that want a visible hardscape pattern. They are heavy, so they usually need equipment to place, and the concrete stays visible between the grass or gravel. Plastic grids cover more area per piece and install by hand.
Base Depth for a Permeable Driveway
Every permeable paver depends on the base under it. For NDS grass pavers, NDS recommends compacted AASHTO #57 stone at these minimum depths:
| Traffic | Minimum #57 stone base | Maximum grade |
|---|---|---|
| Golf carts and light loads | 4 in. | Not specified |
| Cars and pickup trucks | 6 in. | 10% |
| Fire trucks and heavy loads | 8 in. | 6% |
Soil that drains poorly may need a perforated underdrain. A non-woven geotextile under the base is optional.
Which Permeable Paver Is Right for You?
- Daily driveway, gravel look: EZ Roll gravel pavers (577 sq ft per roll, free shipping).
- Occasional parking, lawn look: EZ Roll grass pavers 4' x 150' (601.6 sq ft per roll, free shipping).
- Small pad or DIY repair: EZ Roll grass pavers 4' x 24' (95 sq ft per roll).
- Heaviest loads or curves: Tufftrack panels (86,563 psf, minimum 160 panels).
Frequently Asked Questions
Are permeable pavers good for driveways?
Yes, when they sit on the right base. NDS EZ Roll and Tufftrack pavers support H-20 and H-25 loads, and NDS recommends at least 6 inches of compacted #57 stone under a car or pickup driveway. Choose gravel pavers for daily driving and grass pavers for occasional parking.
What are the downsides of permeable pavers?
They need a proper stone base, which adds digging and material cost. Soil that drains poorly (heavy clay) may need an underdrain. Grass versions need 4 to 6 weeks to establish and are meant for occasional traffic, and gravel versions need an occasional top-up of gravel.
Can you drive on permeable pavers?
Yes. NDS EZ Roll grass and gravel pavers have an unfilled compressive strength of 53,683 psf, Tufftrack panels 86,563 psf, and all three support H-20 and H-25 loads, the ratings used for fire trucks.
How much does a permeable paver driveway cost?
NDS plastic grid material costs about $3.50 to $4.50 per square foot at our current prices, before base stone, fill and labor. EZ Roll gravel pavers run about $4.12 to $4.29 per square foot and ship free.
Are gravel grids worth it?
If you are tired of ruts, loose stone and potholes in a gravel driveway, yes. The cells hold the gravel in place and the welded fabric keeps it from sinking into the soil, so the surface stays level. NDS rates EZ Roll gravel pavers for 25 years and they can be plowed.
What kind of pavers can you drive on?
Concrete and brick pavers on a compacted base, concrete grid blocks, and plastic grass or gravel grids like NDS EZ Roll and Tufftrack. The permeable options let rain soak in instead of running off.
Need pavers for a fire lane or public parking area? See fire lane and overflow parking pavers.