Cool, Inviting, and Environmentally Friendly Backyards

Paved areas give you access to the outdoors. Typically, a large paved area (such as a parking lot or driveway) is covered with an impervious surface, like asphalt, forcing rainwater into storm sewers instead of back into the ground (not a good thing). But green alternatives do exist:

Porous pavers: Porous pavers are made of brick or stone and have holes in them to allow water to sink into the ground below instead of having the water sheet down an impervious surface. If the water is allowed to soak naturally into the ground, the water table will remain constant.

Poured concrete with fly ash: Fly-ash-based concrete is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional concrete (see our article on concrete mixed with fly-ash). More durable than asphalt, the light color of concrete will also reduce the heat issues caused by asphalt.

Recycled (broken) concrete: Broken-up concrete from sidewalk demolition can be found, often for free, from concrete contractors. Lay it down like large pieces of flagstone.

Salvaged stone: Pavers salvaged from demolition make an attractive walkway.

Decomposed granite: Decomposed granite is a gravel stone. It makes a wonderful sound when you walk or drive on it.

Reclaimed brick: Salvaged bricks from a demolished building can be placed in a wide variety of patterns. However, saving these bricks is very labor intensive.

Crushed stone: Crushed stone is perfect for a driveway and makes a great sound as people drive up to your house. Instead of gravel, use locally sourced quarry stones.

Wood chips: Low-cost or free wood chips are available from your local tree services. You’ll need to replenish the chips after heavy use.

Nutshells: Nut growers generate tons of empty shells. See if local sources exist by looking to your local farmers market or grocery store. The shells biodegrade over time and will need to be replenished.

Tumbled glass: Local glass recyclers can provide raw recycled glass. Have the pieces tumbled to soften the edges. It makes for an attractive walk or driveway.

Every paved area should slope a tiny bit to drain rainwater. Driveways should not slope more that 15%, or they’ll be undrivable. A walkway should not slope more than 5%, especially if someone in a wheelchair may use it.

Calculating Slope

Slope is calculated as the rise of the slope over the run of the distance. For example, a 15% slope would go up 15 feet over 100 feet of distance.

A light-colored patio will reflect light. The reflected light from the ground can bounce illumination into your home. ....read more

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