Porous Rubber · Pervious Pavement

Pervious Rubber Pavement for Paths and Patios

Pervious rubber pavement is the single-layer form of porous rubber: recycled tire rubber granules bound together and troweled in place with open voids, so rainwater soaks through instead of running off. We install it for walkways, patios, courtyards and school blacktops across San Diego, Orange, Riverside and Los Angeles Counties.

Pervious rubber pathway with concrete edging

Quick Answer

What is pervious rubber pavement?

Pervious rubber pavement is a seamless paving surface made from larger recycled rubber granules mixed with a binder and troweled in a single layer. The gaps between the granules let rainwater pass straight through to the base, so the surface drains and dries quickly instead of holding puddles.

It is the most open, fastest-draining of the three porous rubber systems we install. It suits pedestrian and recreational paving such as walkways, patios, courtyards, play-area paths and school blacktops, and it is firm enough for strollers, wheelchairs, bicycles and light vehicles.

Pervious pavement at a glance

System: A single layer of recycled tire rubber granules bound with a binder
Finish: Open, textured granular surface
Base: Compacted crushed base for drainage; concrete or asphalt also possible
Drainage: Rainfall passes through the surface to the base
Colors: Black, brown, brick red, tan, green and gray, pigmented to resemble asphalt or stone
Traffic: Pedestrians, strollers, wheelchairs, bicycles, skateboards and light vehicles

Applications

Where pervious rubber pavement is used

Pervious pavement fits outdoor surfaces that people walk, roll and play on, especially where puddles, runoff or hard paving are a problem.

Walkways

Paths and walkways

Seamless routes through parks, campuses and common areas that keep draining while it rains.

Outdoor living

Patios and courtyards

A softer, slip-resistant alternative to concrete for patios, courtyards and seating areas.

Schools

Blacktops and play-area paths

Resurface hard play yards and the paths that lead to play equipment. Under the equipment itself we specify poured-in-place rubber.

Recreation

Walking and jogging loops

A comfortable, quick-drying surface for recreational walking and jogging routes.

Pool areas

Pool decks and surrounds

A textured surface that stays walkable when wet, laid to the shape of the deck.

Service routes

Light-vehicle paths

Service paths and routes with light vehicle traffic. We confirm the expected traffic during the site review so the base is specified for it.

Why Porous Rubber

Why pervious rubber works for paving.

Rigid paving sheds water and cracks as the ground moves. Pervious rubber handles both differently.

Drains as it rains

Water passes through the open surface into the base, reducing puddles and surface runoff.

Flexes with the ground

Tolerates small ground movement and root growth instead of cracking like concrete.

Slip-resistant

A textured surface that stays walkable when wet.

Comfortable underfoot

More give than concrete or asphalt for walking and play.

Seamless, any shape

Poured in place, so it follows curves, slopes and edges without joints.

Recycled tire rubber

Made mostly from recycled tire rubber, giving used tires a second life.

Base & Drainage

The base decides how it drains.

Pervious rubber pavement only drains through when the layers beneath it can take the water. We specify the base for each site after looking at the soil, slope and how the area will be used.

Compacted crushed base

The usual choice for full drainage: water passes through the rubber into the aggregate and subsoil.

Over concrete or asphalt

Possible where existing pavement stays. The surface no longer drains through, but keeps its give and traction.

Edges and borders

Paths are often bordered by concrete curbs or other edging that defines the shape of the pour.

Slopes and transitions

It can follow slopes and bends; we check grades and transitions to adjacent paving during the site review.

Benefits & Limitations

What pervious pavement does well, and where it doesn’t fit.

A clear view of both sides helps you decide whether pervious rubber pavement suits your site.

Strengths and limitations of pervious rubber pavement
Topic	Strength	Limitation to plan for
Drainage	Water passes through when it is laid over a compacted crushed base	Over concrete or asphalt, water no longer drains through; the pores must be kept clear of debris
Surface	Open, textured, slip-resistant finish	The granular texture is less smooth than an EPDM wear layer
Use	Pedestrians, strollers, wheelchairs, bicycles, skateboards and light vehicles	Not a fall-height safety surface; under play equipment we specify poured-in-place rubber
Color	Earth tones that resemble asphalt or stone	A wider color range needs a two-layer system with an EPDM wear layer
Upkeep	Damaged spots can be repaired and worn areas resurfaced	Needs regular sweeping and weed removal to keep draining

Want a smoother, more colorful finish? A two-layer system with a colored EPDM wear layer is often used for sidewalks. See rubber sidewalks

Design & Materials

Choosing the right build-up.

Pervious pavement is one of three porous rubber systems. We recommend the one that fits your traffic, drainage and look.

Most open

Single-layer pervious pavement

Larger recycled granules for the fastest drainage, pigmented to resemble asphalt or stone.

Smoother finish

Two-layer with an EPDM wear layer

A recycled-rubber base topped with colored EPDM for a smoother surface and more color choices.

Natural look

Bonded rubber mulch

Shredded recycled rubber bonded into a porous, natural-looking surface for nature paths and tree wells.

Our Process

How a pervious pavement project runs.

Every project follows the same five steps we use across all of our surfacing work.

Project Discovery

We learn how the area is used and what you want solved, such as puddling or cracked paving.

Site Evaluation & Planning

We measure the area and check slopes, drainage, existing paving and nearby trees.

Design & Specification

We recommend the system, base, thickness and colors, then provide a written estimate.

Preparation & Installation

The base is built or existing pavement prepared, then granules and binder are mixed on site and troweled in place.

Final Review & Care Guidance

After the surface cures, we walk it with you and explain simple care to keep the pores open.

Timing depends on the size of the area, base work, weather and cure time. See our process

Project Gallery

Porous rubber paths and surfaces.

Porous rubber paths, slopes and play-area surfacing from our project photos.

Curving porous rubber pathway with a concrete curb on a hillside, with a play structure in the distance

Tan porous rubber pathway along a hillside with a concrete curb

Tan porous rubber path at the base of concrete steps beside a play structure

Curving porous rubber pathway with a concrete border through a landscaped slope

Porous rubber pathway winding through a hillside garden

Tan porous rubber surface under a wooden play structure on a hillside

Porous rubber surfacing on a slope beneath a wooden play structure beside concrete steps

Curving porous rubber path edged with a concrete curb

FAQ

Pervious pavement questions, answered.

Common questions about pervious rubber pavement, its base, where it fits and how to care for it.

Talk to a surfacing specialist

Get help choosing, designing and scoping the right surface.

(888) 902-3777

What is pervious rubber pavement?

Pervious rubber pavement is a single layer of larger recycled tire rubber granules mixed with a binder and troweled in place. Open voids between the granules let rainwater drain through to the base.

How is it different from concrete or asphalt?

It is flexible and porous. Water passes through it instead of running off, it has more give underfoot, and it tolerates small ground movement and root growth instead of cracking. It is used for pedestrian areas and light vehicle traffic.

What base does pervious rubber pavement need?

For full drainage it is installed over a compacted crushed aggregate base. Base requirements vary by region and soil, so we specify the base for each project after the site review.

Can it be installed over existing concrete or asphalt?

Yes. Over concrete or asphalt the surface no longer drains through, but it keeps its flexibility, resilience and slip resistance.

Is pervious rubber pavement suitable for playgrounds?

It works well for school blacktops, play-area paths and walkways around a playground. Directly under play equipment, where children can fall from height, we specify poured-in-place rubber, whose cushion depth is matched to the equipment’s critical fall height.

What colors are available?

Single-layer pervious pavement comes in black, brown, brick red, tan, green and gray, pigmented to resemble asphalt or stone. A two-layer system with an EPDM wear layer offers more colors.

How do you keep it draining?

Sweep or blow off leaves and dirt so the pores stay open, remove weeds that grow through, and wash stains with a mild detergent and a soft brush. Small damage can be repaired, and worn areas can be resurfaced.

Where do you install pervious rubber pavement?

We install porous rubber throughout Southern California, including San Diego, Orange, Riverside and Los Angeles Counties. See all areas served.

Free Estimates

Planning a path, patio or courtyard?

Tell us about the area and how it’s used. We’ll recommend a porous rubber system and base for your site and send a free estimate.

Request an Estimate

Let’s talk about your porous rubber project.

Our playground surfacing specialists are here to assist you at every stage of the process, from choosing the right product to design and installation.

1Share your projectSite type, location and what you have in mind.
2We follow upA specialist reviews your needs and next steps.
3Get your estimateA recommended surface system and scope for your site.

Call us

(888) 902-3777

info@playgroundsafetysurfacing.pro

Service area

San Diego, Orange, Riverside & LA Counties

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Pervious Rubber Pavement for Paths and Patios

What is pervious rubber pavement?

Where pervious rubber pavement is used

Paths and walkways

Patios and courtyards

Blacktops and play-area paths

Walking and jogging loops

Pool decks and surrounds

Light-vehicle paths

Why pervious rubber works for paving.

Drains as it rains

Flexes with the ground

Slip-resistant

Comfortable underfoot

Seamless, any shape

Recycled tire rubber

The base decides how it drains.

Compacted crushed base

Over concrete or asphalt

Edges and borders

Slopes and transitions

What pervious pavement does well, and where it doesn’t fit.

Choosing the right build-up.

Single-layer pervious pavement

Two-layer with an EPDM wear layer

Bonded rubber mulch

How a pervious pavement project runs.

Project Discovery

Site Evaluation & Planning

Design & Specification

Preparation & Installation

Final Review & Care Guidance

Porous rubber paths and surfaces.

Related surfacing solutions.

Porous Rubber Surfacing

Rubber Sidewalks

Trails & Paths

Poured-In-Place Rubber

Our Process

Project Gallery

Pervious pavement questions, answered.

What is pervious rubber pavement?

How is it different from concrete or asphalt?

What base does pervious rubber pavement need?

Can it be installed over existing concrete or asphalt?

Is pervious rubber pavement suitable for playgrounds?

What colors are available?

How do you keep it draining?

Where do you install pervious rubber pavement?

Planning a path, patio or courtyard?

Let’s talk about your porous rubber project.

Request my free estimate