DIY Permeable Paver Installation

An easy guide to creating a sustainable and eco-friendly walkway

By Clay Imports

In a world filled with concrete surfaces, our homes and cities often lack breathable ground. Permeable pavers offer a beautiful, functional alternative to solid slabs by creating usable outdoor floor space while still allowing rainwater to return to the earth. Unlike concrete patios, driveways, or traditional solid pavers, permeable pavers reduce runoff, erosion, and flooded spots in your yard.

Many states also consider impermeable surface percentage when calculating property taxes. Choosing permeable pavers helps you add livable outdoor area without increasing your impermeable footprint.

Outdoor tile vs pavers vs permeable pavers: What’s the difference?

When designing an outdoor space, it’s important to choose a material that supports your style and stands up to weather. Here’s a quick overview of the most common options.

Tile

Tile is a thin, refined, kiln-fired product made from natural materials. It is durable, water resistant, and often glazed or polished. Tile installations require a solid foundation and grout. Tile is ideal for adding a design element to existing slabs.

Terracotta pavers

Terracotta pavers are thicker than tile and function like bricks. They can be sand set or mortared in both exterior and interior applications. These pavers are dense, strong, and suitable for patios, walkways, and driveways.

Permeable pavers

Permeable terracotta pavers are designed with intentional perforations that allow water to flow directly into the soil below. They are installed on a base of soil or sand and can be filled with gravel, soil, grass, or plants.

Important: Permeable pavers are not suitable for installation on top of concrete for driveways. They should be installed on a permeable, prepared ground base.

Why choose permeable pavers?

You may be wondering how permeable pavers differ from impermeable ones.

Permeable pavers
• Allow water to drain through the perforations
• Help reduce runoff and erosion
• Support plant growth in between the openings
• Are laid over soil or sand
• Can be filled with gravel, soil, seeds, or groundcover
• Provide a walkable, eco-friendly outdoor surface

Impermeable pavers
• Are solid terracotta, concrete, or cement mixes
• Do not allow water to drain through
• Are often mortared and sealed, creating a waterproof layer
• Can contribute to standing water and runoff

Like all natural terracotta products, permeable pavers feature color and texture variations. These variations are expected and part of their handmade appeal. We highly recommend ordering samples before committing to a full project.

We love permeable pavers so much that we installed them at our Clay SMA Studio.

How to Install Permeable Pavers

A simple guide for DIYers

While these steps reflect how we installed our permeable pavers, every project is different. Always consult with a contractor if you are unsure. Think of this as a helpful starting point.

Step-by-Step Installation

1. Confirm your measurements

Measure your space, then measure again. Double checking ensures accurate quantities and layout.

2. Choose the right paver

Not all blocks work as permeable pavers. Select designated permeable items from the Clay Imports collection.

3. Finalize your design and order quantity

Plan your layout, determine if cuts are needed, and include overage for breakage. We highly encourage ordering samples first to confirm design and layout.

4. Plan for structure

To keep the pavers from shifting over time, use a structural boundary like a low wall, steel edging, or even permeable pavers installed vertically as a border.

5. Prepare the ground

Clear the area, then level and lightly compact the soil. Do not use an impermeable membrane. If your project requires a membrane, choose a permeable one.
Prepare the base so your pavers sit flush or slightly above the existing ground level.

6. Ensure the soil is even

You want it stable but not over-compacted. The goal is a supportive, permeable base.

7. Install the pavers

Place each paver snugly against the next to minimize movement. Check level as you go and make sure each row aligns properly.

8. Fill the perforations

Once installed, fill the openings with soil, gravel, grass seed, flowers, or even small succulents. This step brings the permeability and visual charm to life.