GraniteCrete: the natural path

I’m a big sucker for pavers.  The Old World look that they give, the geometry…yet, here is another green alternative to concrete that I have fallen in love with: GraniteCrete.  Whether you’re in need of a new driveway, landscape path, or even a patio area, consider using the organic feel of GraniteCrete.

One of the reasons that I love pavers is because of their porous nature.  GraniteCrete is also porous, allowing water to naturally seep into the ground and preventing unnecessary runoff to drains and sewers.  Oil and other chemicals on our driveways can be broken down naturally by the bacteria in our soil before reaching our water table.  Keeping our groundwater clean is important for the root systems of our trees. GraniteCrete will also reduce the affects of flash flooding, and lessen the urban heat-island effect.  Runoff can cause erosion to the land and your landscape over time.

With all of that said, GraniteCrete has been installed in residences as well as harsher settings such as the California coastline (which, amazingly enough, did not require maintenance for 5 years at the high tide line).   It is made up of the remains from stone quarry manufacturing.  You can install GraniteCrete on up to a 30% slope, and it exceeds OSHA’s friction standards.   You’ll find support and LEED credits available when you choose to use the natural path surface of GraniteCrete.

For the DIY installer, you should be able to obtain the material from your local landscape contractor.  The ready mix can be purchased by the bag.  Because no rebar, special equipment, or professional skills are required for installation, you’ll find it easy to install a professional surface on your first attempt.  Amazingly, GraniteCrete is less expensive than both concrete and pavers at just over $1 a square foot.

GraniteCrete currently offers 6 standard colors: natural, adobe, sand, brown, used brick, and new brick. Custom colors are also available.  To see more GraniteCrete examples, click here and watch an informative video.

I can’t wait to try GraniteCrete on our next landscaping adventure.  Maybe I’ll even create a patio with a combination of pavers, natural stone, and GraniteCrete.  What other alternatives to asphalt and concrete are GetWithGreen readers using, and how do you rate them?

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