Whether you've decided to pave an area of your home, or you've begun to realise that it's time to upgrade an already paved area, choosing the right landscaping supplies for your project matters more than you might think. With an abundance of paver types out there, it can be difficult to make a decision, especially if you're not too familiar with the options available.
Grass pavers, or porous pavers, are one of the best investments when it comes to ground reinforcement. Here's why investing in them is more important than you think.
Grass pavers have huge benefits when it comes to the environment. Often called 'green pavers', their permeability allows water to pass through them and into the soil beneath.
These pavers consist of micro holes, so the rain can filter as it passes through to the earth, reducing the contaminants that enter the soil. This natural filtration system helps protect local waterways from pollution that would otherwise run off hard surfaces.
These drainage capabilities ensure that stormwater runoff is massively reduced, and therefore the pollutants that come with it. Hard surfaces like concrete and asphalt assist in stormwater build-ups and therefore increase the level of pollutants in the natural waterways. Understanding how porous pavers help reduce your carbon footprint puts these environmental benefits into even sharper focus.
Lower stormwater levels, created by grass pavers, will also mean rivers and streams are far less likely to flood, and erosion rates will decrease. For maximum water permeability in high-traffic areas, the EconoGrid40 porous paving system provides exceptional drainage while supporting heavy vehicle loads.
Beyond drainage, the grass growing through the paver cells captures and stores atmospheric carbon dioxide through its root system. Over time, this contributes to healthier soil and helps offset the carbon emissions associated with traditional paving materials like concrete and asphalt.
The main uses of grass pavers are for areas like driveways, parking lots and some low-traffic areas. While it mightn't seem like it, grass pavers provide a very solid surface that can withstand heavy vehicles.
The Miracell honeycomb grid system is particularly effective for these applications as its interconnecting cells distribute weight evenly while promoting healthy grass growth. This makes it ideal for areas that need to support regular vehicle traffic without sacrificing aesthetics.
When it comes to this style of paver, colours and shapes are abundant. Choosing a design that will suit your home, building or any other area is simple and straightforward. For commercial settings, using porous pavers for commercial landscapes can transform car parks and access roads while meeting environmental requirements.
If it's a natural, grassy look you're after, then these pavers can be laid further apart, allowing grass to grow in between. For lighter traffic areas or overflow parking, the GR14 grass reinforcement mesh offers a cost-effective solution that maintains a predominantly green appearance.
On top of their already mentioned benefits, grass pavers are cost-effective and fairly easy to install. With this, you may think that they aren't as sturdy as hard surfaces like concrete and asphalt, but this is not the case.
They also require less labour than these other types, which translates to lower installation costs. The installation process is typically faster too, meaning less disruption to your property or business operations.
Grass pavers can also be made from recyclable materials, which both makes them more affordable and enhances their environmental credentials. Many modern systems are manufactured from recycled plastics, giving new life to materials that would otherwise end up in landfill.
Traditional hard surfaces require an underlying drainage system so that they can control water during rain and flooding. With grass pavers, this is not the case, so a lot of money is saved on expensive drainage infrastructure.
To ensure your installation stays secure over time, steel fastening pins provide reliable anchoring for mesh-based systems on slopes or high-wind areas. Proper securing prevents movement and extends the lifespan of your investment significantly.
One of the reasons grass pavers are so cost-effective is their straightforward installation process. While the exact method varies depending on the product, most grass paver systems follow these general steps.
For porous paving grid systems like the EconoGrid40, All Stake Supply has a dedicated step-by-step EconoGrid40 installation guide that covers the full process from sub-base preparation to final infill.
One of the biggest misconceptions about grass pavers is that they require constant upkeep. In reality, they're remarkably low maintenance compared to traditional paving solutions.
Once established, the grass within the pavers requires only regular mowing and occasional fertilising. There's no need for seal coating, crack repairs or resurfacing that concrete and asphalt demand every few years.
The structural integrity of quality grass paver systems can last 20 years or more. UV-stabilised materials ensure the grids won't break down under Australian sun exposure.
If damage does occur to a section, repairs are straightforward and localised. You simply replace the affected grid section rather than needing to repave an entire area.
Understanding how grass pavers stack up against conventional solutions helps clarify why they're such a smart investment. The differences extend well beyond initial appearance. For a deeper breakdown, see our comparison of porous, brick or concrete pavers for your driveway.
| Feature | Grass Pavers | Concrete/Asphalt |
|---|---|---|
| Water permeability | Up to 95% | 0% |
| Heat absorption | Low (stays cooler) | High (heat island effect) |
| Installation time | 1-2 days typical | 3-5 days plus curing |
| Drainage system needed | No | Yes (adds significant cost) |
| Maintenance frequency | Seasonal (mowing) | Every 2-3 years (sealing/repairs) |
| Lifespan | 20+ years | 15-20 years |
The comparison makes it clear that grass pavers offer distinct advantages across multiple criteria. They're not just a trendy alternative but a practical solution that performs well across Australian conditions.
Many Australian councils now have strict requirements around permeable surfaces for new developments. These regulations, often guided by the Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) framework, aim to reduce stormwater load on ageing infrastructure and protect local waterways.
Grass pavers help property owners meet these requirements without sacrificing functionality. They count towards permeable surface area calculations that many councils now mandate for residential and commercial properties.
Some councils also factor permeable paving into their stormwater management calculations for development applications. It's worth checking with your local council to see what requirements and programs apply in your area.
For sloped driveways or areas prone to erosion, the GR11 grass reinforcement mesh provides excellent soil stabilisation while meeting permeability standards. The tighter weave helps prevent soil movement on gradients up to 1:3.
Can you drive and park on grass pavers?
Yes. Quality grass paver systems are engineered to handle vehicle loads, including heavy trucks and emergency vehicles. Products like the Miracell honeycomb grid distribute weight evenly across the surface, protecting both the grass and the sub-base underneath.
How long do grass pavers last?
Most grass paver systems last 20 years or more with minimal maintenance. UV-stabilised plastics and recycled HDPE construction ensure the grids resist degradation from sun exposure and heavy use.
Do grass pavers need a drainage system underneath?
No. Because grass pavers are permeable, water passes directly through the surface and into the sub-base and soil below. This eliminates the need for the separate drainage infrastructure that concrete and asphalt surfaces require.
Are grass pavers suitable for steep slopes?
Grass paver grids can be used on moderate slopes (up to 1:3 gradient). On steeper sites, mesh-based grass reinforcement products with steel fastening pins provide better grip and prevent the system from shifting.
How do you maintain grass that grows inside pavers?
Maintenance is the same as a standard lawn. Mow at regular intervals, fertilise seasonally, and water during dry spells until the turf is established. The paver grids protect the root zone from compaction, so the grass typically stays healthier than an unprotected lawn under the same traffic.
What materials are grass pavers made from?
The two main types are concrete grid pavers and plastic grid systems. Plastic grids are typically manufactured from recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE), making them lighter and easier to handle. Concrete pavers are heavier and suit applications where a more rigid, permanent surface is preferred.
Investing in grass pavers isn't just about ticking boxes or following trends. It's about making a practical, cost-effective choice that delivers long-term benefits for your property and the environment.
The combination of durability, functionality, environmental performance and cost savings makes grass pavers a smart investment. They solve real problems while looking good and requiring minimal ongoing attention.
If you're looking to install some quality grass pavers and driveway pavers, or you'd like any questions answered, feel free to give us a call on 1300 130 123.
