Permeable concrete pavers are the sustainable way to go if you are planning to build a patio. 

Permeable pavers are considered Low Impact Development (LID), which is a best management practice for sustainable development and stormwater management.

Why? Because when water infiltrates the permeable concrete pavers, fast moving stormwater is reduced, ground water is recharged and streams are protected. 

The first and foremost key to sustainable patio building success — Plan Ahead.

Sustainable construction is an art as well as a science.  For building a patio you have to take the site, materials, water, cost and maintenance to keep your sustainability goals realistic.

To achieve a sustainable, permanent, beautiful and weather proof patio we have detailed the seven planning steps you will need to follow below.

Plan Your Patio Location
Choose your site carefully
Survey existing plant materials adjacent to patio that you plan to keep
Sun/Shade study
Determine the existing slope. 
Have a soil test done to check for current water permeability.
Find location of existing utilities.
Decide on desired future utility needs

Plan Your Patio Size
Needs vs. Wants - You have to weigh what you can afford versus what you want in a patio.  Size, pattern, features, color and location are all important.  Compromise is often necessary to keep within a certain budget.
Things that will determine budget are:

• Shape of patio
• Square footage of patio
• Existing utilities available
• Existing slope of the site
• How much equipment you have available already
• Cost of the pavers you choose

Estimate costs of your patio

• Calculate the slope of the proposed patio.  A minimum of 1% slope will be required to drain water off the patio.  A 2% or ¼” per foot is often recommended, but on a 10’ patio that would equal 2 ½” which will be uncomfortable, so 1/8” per foot will get the job done.  You will have to adjust your slope to meet the size of the patio
• Calculate depth of subgrade materials to achieve the optimal patio foundation.  Do your calculations remembering the formula – Slope = rise/run. 

Sketch Your Patio Plan

NEXT – Steps Five to Seven – in a Plan for a Do-It-Yourself Sustainable Permeable Concrete Paver Patio

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