Puddles on a paved surface are a common problem – and most people assume the solution is a channel drain at the edge or a carefully graded slope to guide water away. With PaveDrain, there is a different approach: the drainage happens across the entire surface, through the joints between tiles, directly into the ground below. No channel. No slope. No connection to the sewer system.
When it comes to paving drainage, there are two fundamentally different methods. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right solution for your project.
Channel drainage collects water at a single point or along a linear channel at the edge of the paving, and pipes it away to the sewer or a soakaway. It works – but it requires careful installation, a fall in the surface to direct water toward the channel, and an ongoing connection to the drainage system. The channel also needs regular clearing to stay effective.
Permeable paving drainage works differently. Instead of collecting water at the edge, it allows water to seep down through the joints between tiles across the whole surface. The water enters the ground directly beneath the paving through a layered pebble sub-base, which acts as a natural reservoir – absorbing the water gradually and releasing it into the ground below. There is no need for a fall in the surface, and no need to pipe water away.
PaveDrain is a permeable paving drainage system. It is a spacer placed between tiles that creates and holds a controlled 20 mm open joint – giving rainwater a consistent, uniform entry point across every square metre of your paving.
The secret to PaveDrain lies in what happens beneath the surface. The open joints between tiles – maintained at a precise 20 mm by the spacer – allow water to pass through immediately as it falls. Below the tiles is a layered pebble sub-base: coarse pebble at the bottom, a middle layer above, and a fine screed as the top layer. Crucially, no sand is used – sand would gradually fill the voids and reduce drainage over time.
This sub-base structure functions as a rainwater reservoir. During heavy rain or a cloudburst, the reservoir absorbs the water and releases it gradually into the ground below. The result is a paved surface that dries quickly after rain, with no puddles forming on the surface.
Because drainage is distributed evenly across the whole surface rather than channelled to one point, there is no need to lay the paving on a slope. This makes PaveDrain particularly practical for terraces, driveways and paths where a perfectly level surface is important – both functionally and visually.
For the correct performance, the open joint area should represent 10-14% of the total paving surface, in line with traffic class T2. Use the PaveDrain calculator to find out how many spacers your project requires.
PaveDrain is suitable for most tile paving projects where local drainage is the goal:
For inspiration, take a look at the PaveDrain project gallery.
Conventional drainage channels pipe rainwater away – usually into the municipal sewer system. PaveDrain does the opposite: it returns rainwater directly to the ground where it falls, replenishing the water table rather than loading the sewer.
This local drainage approach means your paved surface does not tax the municipal drainage network. In some areas, this qualifies property owners for a reimbursement of up to 40% of their sewer connection fee – worth investigating before starting your project. Note that disconnecting from the municipal sewer must be carried out by an authorised professional such as a sewer master. Contact your local municipality for details on what applies in your area.
The spacer itself is made from 100% PEHD – Polyethylene High-Density plastic. PEHD is completely non-toxic, resistant to temperatures between −50°C and +100°C, and manufactured by PaveSystems in Denmark as part of a circular economy model where worn-out products are reprocessed rather than discarded.
Before choosing your paving drainage solution, consider how the surface will be used. A terrace for walking is different from a driveway that takes vehicle traffic – and that affects both the tile choice and the spacer specification. The PaveDrain product page walks through the different PaveDrain variants and their applications.
Once you know your project dimensions, the PaveDrain calculator makes it straightforward to work out exactly how many spacers you need. A free brochure is also available to download from the product page.
If you have questions about your specific project, the PaveSystems team is always happy to help.
Do you need help finding the right solution for you?
Contact Us +45 8637 7133 or send us an email via the form here for a non-binding chat about the possibilities.
