HEXpave Permeable Paving Technical Specs

One of the best features on any property is a patio. This space is the perfect spot to catch up with friends over coffee, have evening barbeques with the family, or even get some office work done on your laptop during the day.

While a patio may seem like an overwhelming task to complete on your own, we have a simple, easy solution for making it possible—introducing the HEXpave Paving System. In Canada, where the ground is constantly shifting due to the freeze-thaw cycle, a flexible and permeable system like HEXpave is ideal for preventing the cracks and heaving often seen with traditional concrete. Before you start, here is what you need to consider.

Make sure to prepare the ground

Before laying down your HEXpave, it is essential to prepare the ground. Proper preparation ensures your patio remains level and drains effectively during heavy rain or spring snowmelt.

Clear the area: Remove all large rocks and debris. This is important because any abnormalities in the ground can prevent your grid from laying completely flat.
Compact the base: Once the ground is clear, compact your dirt or gravel sub-base as tight and flat as possible. A solid foundation is the secret to a long-lasting patio.
Water the base: Before laying the grid, gently sprinkle the ground with some water. This helps the base settle and makes the final installation a little smoother.
Layout: Begin placing your pavers down according to your design.

Note: If you need to cut your grid to fit a specific shape, you can use a hand saw or a table saw. However, keep in mind that you will not be able to connect another grid to a side that has been cut.

Connect the pavers

Once your pavers are laid out to your liking, it is time to connect them. While this might seem tedious at first glance, it is relatively quick and straightforward.

Male and female connections: Each grid has two different ends—one male and one female. When connecting the units, insert the ends of the male clips into the female connection points.
Secure the lock: To ensure you have safely secured each unit, hold down one grid and pull the neighboring one toward it. When you hear a snap, that means you have successfully fastened the two grids together.

For more detailed information on the connection and cutting process, please refer to our HEXpave Grid Installation Guide.

Anchoring is optional

Before anchoring your HEXpave grids, it is essential to know that this is an optional step for most patio projects. Anchoring is typically only required if you are creating a walking path on a significant incline or installing empty grids on top of a grassy surface. Since a patio is generally a flat, filled surface, you can move straight to the filling stage.

Filling your grids

When it comes to filling your grid, there are a few different styles to choose from depending on your aesthetic goals:

Gravel: If you choose to overfill the grid with gravel, keep in mind that the top layer will remain loose. For a more stable, long-lasting installation, we recommend filling the gravel flush with the top of the grid.
Soil and grass: If you prefer a green look, fill each grid to the brim with soil, plant your grass seeds, and water regularly.
Sod: If you are using sod, fill the grids to the top with soil first, then lay your sod strips on top. This provides a stable root base while keeping the surface reinforced.
No fill: You can leave the grids empty for a modern, industrial look. However, if they are lying on top of grass with no fill, you must anchor them down to ensure they are secure and do not "float" or shift.

Easy to install lightweight paving system

Vodaland Canada has been manufacturing and designing terrain solutions for over 20 years. We provide top-of-the-line customer service as well as high-quality products built to reinvent any environment.

If you are ready to start your DIY patio project and want to ensure you have the right materials for the Canadian climate, contact us today for more information or visit our website to place an order.

DIY Guide