FAQ's
All our StablePAVE, StableGrass and StableEDGE products are a permeable paving solution; however click here to visit the planning portal for more information.
StablePAVE ECO is for pathways and occasional light traffic only. StablePAVE TRADE 30, TRADE 40, and HD are designed for cars. StableGRASS is for gardens and lawns but not suitable for cars.
Gentle slopes are OK; (1 to 10 degrees) you must maintain the driveway by raking the gravel. If the honeycomb can be seen, this is when damage occurs. To prevent damage, simply top up the gravel to ensure full coverage of the honeycomb structure.
For detailed instructions, see our Technical & Installation page.
StablePAVE, StableGRASS and StableEDGE products are easy to install. Install a sub-base (75 mm to 200 mm of hardcore / crushed concrete) and 25mm to 50mm of compacted sharp sand. Thinner bases can be used for foot traffic (50mm of hardcore / crushed concrete and 15 mm of compacted sharp sand) (Please note these figures are only general guides). For the other stabilisation products, refer to the specific installation pages for more information.
Sub-base substructure is dependent on the use to which the final surface is to experience. This can vary from compacted earth for very light foot access paths to 150 mm of type one sub base material, where regular vehicle traffic is anticipated. For most installations it can be assumed that a sub-base of 150 mm will be suitable, unless the ground is clearly very soft, or has a CBR value below 2.5%. In general the same sub-base as would be specified for modular concrete paving, is applicable also to StablePAVE.
StablePAVE ECO and StablePAVE TRADE - UV stable Polypropylene (PP).
StablePAVE HD and StableGRASS - UV stable High Density Polyethylene (HDPE).
All panels are manufactured from 100% recycled material. StableEDGE - Aluminium.
On average the grids last for at least 20 years or more. We have seen applications in Holland which have been laid for approx 20 years and are still being used. The product is UV stable, and is resistant to most chemicals.
Up to 10 mm diameter of stone / gravel for StablePAVE ECO, 30, and 40. Up to 20 mm diameter for StablePAVE HD. We recommend angular gravels of hard non-porous stone such as flints, granites, and quartz. These lock together well and do not displace easily. Softer porous gravels such as limestones and sandstones should be avoided, as these break down easily and can slow down the passage of water through the panels.
Yes, water simply runs through the gravel and membrane – completely porous.
you can use any of the below:
- Brick & Cement
- Haunched concrete
- Tanalised timber
- Specialist edging
- Tarmacadam (for ramping to existing surfaces)
Can you install it on an old drive / concrete base?
Yes, the semi-permeable membrane which is moulded into the underside of the product will help stop weeds growing.
Yes, to -43C and +80C
Ensure that the honeycomb is always covered with a thin layer of gravel (approx 10mm). If you can see the honeycomb this is when it can become damaged. You may need to top up the gravel on heavily trafficked areas.
Yes. Whilst there is no rutting and aggregate migration you will still need to occasionally rake the gravel. If you can see the honeycomb you should rake gravel to completely cover the honeycomb, thus preventing damage.
Yes. StablePAVE ECO, StablePAVE TRADE and StableGRASS provide a porous paving solutions which returns water back to the environment instead of diverting to drainage systems or causing the flooding problems of traditional pavement installations. StablePAVE is completely recyclable and uses 100% recycled material which is UV and heat resistant, therefore it does not easily degrade which could lead to toxins leaking into the environment.
Yes. Non stabilised gravel surfaces are difficult for people with mobility impairments to negotiate and therefore should be avoided, StablePAVE products allow a natural look, yet offer a stabilised finish, easy passage for foot traffic, vehicles, pushchairs, bicycles and wheelchairs. StablePAVE meets all the criteria specified in 'Approved Document M' and is regularly and consistently considered secure and approved by Building Control when used with the following stipulations:
- Angular aggregate is used as opposed to rounded aggregate
- Aggregate is no bigger than 10 mm
- Our recommended coverage is not exceeded
Yes. Water travels through the honeycomb, gravel and geo-textile membrane across the complete surface so this is a true porous paving product. Pervious surfaces can be either porous or permeable. The important distinction between the two is:
Porous
Porous paving - A permeable surface allowing the passage of water through voids within, rather than between, the paving blocks/slabs.
Porous surface - A surface that infiltrates water to the sub-base across the entire surface of the material forming the surface, for example grass and gravel surfaces, porous concrete and porous asphalt.
Permeable
Permeable pavement - A paved surface that allows the passage of water through voids between the paving blocks/slabs.
Permeable surface - A surface formed of material that is itself impervious to water but, by virtue of voids formed through the surface, allows infiltration of water to the sub-base through the pattern of voids, e.g. concrete block paving.
Yes. StablePAVE products are compatible with Sustainable (Urban) Drainage Solutions as it is a porous surface. SuDS can be either porous or permeable.
