CD Designs Blog

At CD Designs, we are all about pattern imprinted concrete driveways, patios and more, so it might come as a surprise to you to think that we’d advocate alternative materials to do the same job. We do however have a very pragmatic view with our design and implementation – we are prepared to admit that concrete is not the best material for every job, and that it does have some disadvantages.

One big issue is created by the fact that concrete is generally waterproof, although this does vary between different mixes. This is largely a good thing, but it creates a problem when it rains in any significant quantity. First up the water stays on the surface, making it slippery – doubtless most of our readers will have slipped on wet paving at least once! Second, when the water runs off your pattern imprinted concrete it will enter the local drain systems.

Permeable pavers mitigate these problems, while still doing an effective job as an exterior surface for driveways, etc. The idea is that you lay down a repeated pattern of pavers featuring small gaps between each one. This allows the water to just soak into the ground as it falls, so slipperiness and run off are not such big problems. It also provides a bit more greenery in the area – with a bit of careful thought, you could also have some plants growing in some of the gaps.

When you next come to pave a part of your home exterior, and despite our admiration for the stuff you don’t wish to use pattern imprinted concrete, consider permeable pavers!

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