TrueGrid Permeable Pavers: Solving Driveway Drainage

By Mark Williams | Exterior Remodeling Expert

As cities become more densely populated, "impervious cover" (solid surfaces like concrete and asphalt) causes massive stormwater runoff issues. The water has nowhere to soak into the earth, leading to flash flooding and overwhelmed city sewer systems.

Because of this, I'm finding that many municipalities now have strict zoning laws limiting exactly how much of your property can be paved.

If you need to expand your driveway for an RV or extra parking but are restricted by these local zoning laws, or if your property constantly suffers from massive puddles and standing water, the TrueGrid Permeable Paver System is one of the best eco-friendly solutions I recommend.

How the TrueGrid System Works

TrueGrid isn't made of concrete or asphalt; it is a heavy-duty, interlocking grid system made from 100% post-consumer recycled High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) plastic.

1. The Base: We excavate the area and lay down a compacted base of clean, angular stone (which acts as a massive underground reservoir for rain).
2. The Grid: We lay the plastic TrueGrid panels over the stone base. The grids snap and lock together to form a continuous, incredibly strong matrix.
3. The Fill: We fill the hollow cylindrical cells of the grid with either decorative gravel or soil/grass seed, burying the plastic grid so it is virtually invisible.

The Massive Permeable Advantage

The entire system is 100% permeable. When a heavy rainstorm hits, the water does not run off into the street or towards your foundation. It immediately filters straight down through the gravel or grass, into the stone sub-base, and slowly recharges the groundwater below.

• Eliminates Puddles: You will absolutely never have standing water, mud, or ruts on your driveway again.
• Permit Approvals: Because it drains naturally and completely, most cities classify TrueGrid as "pervious cover," allowing you to build larger driveways and parking pads without violating strict impervious cover limits. This is a lifesaver for tricky remodeling permits.
• Eco-Friendly: It stops polluted runoff from entering local streams and utilizes recycled plastic.

Extreme Durability

It's hard to believe that a plastic grid can hold a car, but the cylindrical, honeycomb-like geometry of the grid is incredibly strong.

• Once filled with angular gravel, TrueGrid is rated for massive weight loads. The TrueGrid PRO PLUS model can easily support everything from standard passenger cars to fully loaded, heavy commercial 18-wheelers and fire trucks without crushing or rutting. I've parked massive commercial dumpsters on these with zero damage.

Drawbacks to Consider Before Buying

While it solves drainage beautifully, I always warn clients about a few functional drawbacks:

• Maintenance (Snow & Weeds): If you fill the grid with gravel, snow plowing can be tricky; you have to set the plow blade slightly higher or use a rubber edge so it doesn't scrape the plastic or throw rocks into the yard. If you fill it with grass, you now have to irrigate and mow your driveway. Weeds can also grow in the gravel if leaves are allowed to compost on top.
• Incline Limits: Permeable gravel grids do not work well on steep slopes. The gravel will eventually migrate downhill over time, exposing the plastic grid. It is best suited for flat or gently sloped properties.
• Heels: While manageable, walking on a gravel-filled TrueGrid driveway in high heels is less comfortable and less stable than walking on smooth concrete.