California-based Soil Retention is behind a product, Drivable Grass, that many of you may be interested in. The name is somewhat of a misnomer, because, as you will see below, the infill doesn’t have to be grass. It can be gravel of various kinds, too. Drivable Grass is a flexible product that can be used as a substitute for concrete and asphalt driveways, patios, parking lots, RV pads, boat ramps, and the like.
Drivable Grass installs almost exactly like a paver, so it’s enticing to DIYers. It’s available in the form of a square mat, 24″x24″x1.5″, and each mat weighs about 45 pounds. Currently, Soil Retention makes the Drivable Grass in a tan color (although you could stain it, if that’s your thing).
Charles & Hudson took a picture of a display at IBS 2010 showing the various infills one could use with the product. The porous construction of Drivable Grass also makes it a choice solution for increasing on-site storm water storage and decreasing off-site water runoff.
[+] Learn more about Drivable Grass.
Photo credits: Soil Retention.
Or you just do a open-cell concrete system like this, is not proprietary, is pretty cheap, and can be found at any hardware store.
http://www.motherearthnews.com/uploadedImages/articles/issues/2009-04-01/MEN-AM09-ghi_opencell.jpg
I did the same thing with a dual strip of cross-block pavers to the shop in my backyard. You can barely see it, and it takes a constant pounding from my truck. Putting in a strong and permeable underground base is key.
what is the concrete paver you used or i should ask for? if its far cheaper than the soilretention stuff then i am all for it. is it built in mats as well?
This is cool stuff. I live in Las Vegas and haven’t seen anything quite like this, although plenty of our neighbors have astro-turf type front grass. this is much prettier.
What a great idea! I use a side strip for guest parking & this would make a huge difference in looks and upkeep. Love it!
can this product be used in Ontario, Canada. Does the grass wear off by driving on it or dry out. Where can I buy it and how much is it.
It can be used in any climate including Canada. I represent the Soil Retention products (Drivable Grass & Verdura) in Canada. Should there be an interest in purchasing any of these products please email [email protected]
I saw this stuff at Home Depot in the garden department…….seeing on the shelf, it’s not very impressive. so I passed it up. But seeing the pictures of it installed…….it looks pretty good!
[…] Los colores en los que se proporciona son ‘arenoso’, gris, o terracota, pero puede pintarse en cualquier otro. Más informaciós sobre Drivable Grass en la web de Soil Retention. Visto en Jetson Green. […]
[…] and amount of traffic that it will see. The newer artificial turfs are quite realistic as well. http://www.jetsongreen.com/2010/02/d…rete-mats.html http://calstone.com/paving-stones/turfstone-II […]
what is this made of and where can it be purchased? I live in Northern California