Why Choose Permeable Pavers?

Have you moved from having a green thumb to embracing a green approach to landscaping? Using permeable pavers is a great choice if you’re committed to improving and protecting your environment.

What’s a permeable paver?

The technical term is permeable interlocking concrete pavement and, simply stated, permeable pavers are concrete paving units that are installed with stone aggregates between and underneath so any type of storm water (such as rain or melting snow) filters into the ground. To learn about the benefits of managing storm water and the value of permeable pavers, check out this video from the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute:

 

Where can I use permeable pavers?

Permeable pavers can be used on driveways, patios and walkways. They can transform muddy backyards into functional patio space (click here for the full story) and bring style to once-flooded front yards, as shown below.

RINN™ Hydropor Laziano® Paving System

If you’re designing a landscape with sustainability in mind, permeable pavers are an excellent choice. Anchor Block Company offers several styles of permeable pavers to suit your project regardless of style or budget.

Contact us if you’d like to receive more information on how permeable paving systems can transform your home’s landscape.

 

What’s Your Paver Style?

Thinking about adding concrete pavers to your home this year? Not only are pavers a strong and durable choice for driveways, patios and walkways — they also come in a variety of shapes and sizes to match any landscape or architectural style. Our in-house paver expert, Gene Karjala, shares his advice on choosing a paver to fit your personal style.

Clean and Contemporary

Sleek and modern pavers like the Rinn™ Padio™ 14 paving system feature long, rectangular units — often called “planks.” This look is ideal for contemporary architecture or mid-century homes. Bonus tip from Gene: If you like a modern look with added style, check out other Rinn paving systems, which feature multiple sizes.

RINN™ Padio™ 14 paving system

 

Traditional

If you love to stroll through charming towns with cobblestone streets lined with Tudor and Victorian houses, Gene recommends a traditional choice such as the Kingston Plus™ or Kingston™ paving systems, which offer multiple sizes and a classic cobblestone appearance.

Kingston Plus™ paving system

Holland pavers are rectangular and are also traditional in appearance, but can be installed in many patterns for different looks.

Holland paving system

 

Rustic and Natural

The process of tumbling pavers gives the product a time-worn appearance but without losing any durability. A perfect choice for a rustic, natural look is the tumbled Charleston™ paving system.

Charleston™ paving system

Slaton Plus™ Tumbled paving system

For the look of quarried stone, Gene recommends the Slaton Plus™ or Slaton Plus™ tumbled paving systems. These are a lovely choice for natural landscapes featuring grasses, boulders and native plants.

 

Eco-Smart

If you’re designing a landscape with sustainability in mind, permeable pavers are an excellent choice. Anchor Block Company offers several styles of permeable pavers, which reduce storm water run-off by allowing the water to gradually filter back into the soil and control and stabilize soil erosion.

Holland Permeable paving system

 

Once you’ve found a style of pavers to enhance your landscape, check out our What’s Your Retaining Wall Style? post to find an Anchor™ wall system that completes your plan.

Landscape Inspiration for Small Spaces

Don’t let a small space hamper your plans for a dream landscape. The secret, according to Anchor Block Company product specialist Gene Karjala, a landscape pro with more than 20 years of experience, is to think big – regardless of your lot size. Here are Gene’s favorite tips for small yards.

Maximize Space

This small urban backyard was a shady area where grass wouldn’t grow and rain water created a muddy mess.

Holland Permeable paving system

The contractor maximized the space with a plan that incorporated permeable pavers in most of the yard. While some homeowners might be reluctant to transform so much of their space into a hard surface, the contractor’s plan cleverly terraced the slopes into planters that provided the homeowners with more planting space than they had before. Read the full story here.

 

Create Intimacy

Gene likes to use creative touches to create an intimate setting. His favorite tricks are using columns to define the space, planting a hedge that grows into a wall and makes the area its own room, and using small-scale furniture that fits the space. Better yet, says Gene, “Install a freestanding wall, which doubles as seating and space for food and drinks and you don’t have to store extra patio furniture during cooler months.”

Brisa® wall system and Slaton Plus™ paving system

 

Add Style with Lighting

Lighting transforms a space because it not only extends the use of the space into the evening but adds a professional touch. Gene likes to install lighting to emphasize columns, flower beds, statuary or special plants. “Just because a space is small doesn’t mean it can’t have some drama and a big creative impact,” said Gene.

Highland Stone® wall system

 

How will you add impact to your small outdoor space? Tell us about it in the comments section below or on our Facebook page.

Set Your Sights on 2014 Landscape Trends

Avid gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts use the long winter months to plan gardens and landscape improvements. If you’re ready to think spring, check out these top landscape trends and begin a little landscape planning of your own.

Modern Geometry

The sleek lines and simple shapes of mid-century modern style continue to influence fashion, home décor and the outdoor landscape.

• Give your patio or walkway an updated look by using long, rectangular concrete pavers (often called planks) like the RINN™ Padio™ 14 paving system.

RINN™ Padio™ 14 paving system

• Set plank pavers — or circle- or square-shaped patio stones — a few inches apart in a bed of grass, mulch or aggregate to showcase their silhouette.

Square patio stone

• Make traditional patio bricks, like the Holland Permeable paving system, everything but by laying them in a bold running bond (shown below). Added bonus: You can use this system as a component in storm water management to minimize runoff.

Holland Permeable paving system

Bright and Contrasting Colors

According to “Green Scene,” a report from the Engledow Group, color is one of the most important components of a landscape plan.

• Choose bright pillows, cheery planters or painted patio furniture to give your outdoor living area a fresh appearance from season to season.

Kingston Plus™ paving system

• For hardscapes, think in black and white! Many products, such as the Holland Plus™ paving system or Highland Stone® edger, are available in solid colors and variations of blacks, grays, whites or tans, and can add dramatic contrast to any design.

Holland Plus™ paving system with Highland Stone® edger

“Natural” Beauty

Mother Nature rules when it comes to retaining wall design, with consumers and designers clamoring for functional, low-maintenance products inspired by the look of real stone.

• Add charm to a courtyard or garden with the Natural Impressions® Flagstone wall system, a do-it-yourself retaining wall product that offers a stacked flagstone appearance.

Natural Impressions® Flagstone wall system

• Build a retaining wall, seating wall or planter with the Brisa® Random wall system to get the look of split limestone.

Brisa® Random wall system

Easy Heat

Products that allow easy installation of permanent fire features are hot, hot, hot!

• Build your own fire pit using the Fresco™ square or circle fire pit kit. These easy-to-assemble kits include a metal insert and are sure to enhance any outdoor hangout. Purchase a cooking grate attachment and invite the neighbors for a cookout!

Fresco™ square fire pit kit

Find more inspiration for your home’s landscape by downloading our 2014 Landscaping Collection catalog or visiting us on Facebook.