Turf blocks — 12 places to find it

Is there a variety of breeze block that can be used for a driveway or patio? Yes: It’s called turf block or grid block or turfstone, and  I am pretty sure it’s been around for decades. Turf block is an interesting alternative for use in areas where conserving water, reducing the effects of flooding, and minimizing storm flow to municipal drainage systems are concerns — online, I see it written up by some water conservation districts. By its very design, turf block is permeable — some of the rain water can drain into the ground via the open spaces vs. flow off into municipal storm sewers.  Oh — and I think these are cool looking too!

The question — “Can I use breeze blocks to make a patio floor?” — came in on my recent major update 29 companies that sell breeze block — 75+ designs. While you could conceivably use decorative breeze blocks to make a walkway, driveway, driveway buffer area, etc., I know that a kissing cousin — called turf blocks or grid blocks — also had been invented with these purposes in mind. When I first saw turf blocks during my breeze block research, I recognized it immediately. Like a flashback to my childhood. Could it be that Grandma had it at her house in California? Maybe that’s where my spark of excitement came from when I first saw it! 

To help readers get started if they wanted to search this out, I jumped online and found at quite a few places to. Honestly: I bet you can get it nationwide, it’s so basic. If my search didn’t turn up your region, I recommend using the search term “turf block” and then your city or state and see what the google turns up.

Note #1 — there are several different designs.

And note #2, as I know this is going to come up in a comment if I don’t say it here: I am not an expert, but it seems like the irregular nature of this as a walking surface could make trips and falls a concern. So: Consult with a pro and consider your options accordingly.

Where to buy turf blocks

#1 — Check your local big box stores and local companies that sell pavers. 

• I could see them for sale at Menards (operates in only certain regions, I think). 
• Belgard offers turf blocks and I’m guessing they market to a broad swath of the U.S. 

Southern California:

• RCP Block has a somewhat different design with their Bella Vista Turf Blocks. They have six retail location in Southern California.
• Air Vol Block is based in San Luis Obispo, They’ve been in business since 1962 🙂
• Acker-Stone makes turf block and looks like it serves the Arizona and California markets.

Florida and other markets as far north as Raleigh:

• Tremron — “Tremron manufacturers and distributes brick pavers, retaining walls, and hardscape products to the Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, Miami, Daytona, Lakeland, Atlanta, Savannah, Valdosta, Hilton Head, Columbia, Charleston, and Raleigh markets. “
• A1 Block Corp. — based in Orlando — manufacturers and sells turf block, along with 10 designs of breeze block.
• Flagstone Pavers of Brooksville makes its own diamond turf block.
• Carroll’s in St. Pete.

Virginia:

• Boxley Hardscapes is a manufacturer based in Roanoke and Lynchburg, Va.

South Carolina:

• Low Country Paver manufacturers turfstone. Contact them for dealers.

East Coast, Midwest, and into Ontario:

• Unilock — Their turf block is called “Turfstone”. They serve a wide swath of the Midwest, East Coast, and into Ontario:

Do any readers have turf block driveways, walkways, or patios?

Does this story make you want one?

And, let me know if you find any more manufacturers or retailers!