Geo Cell: Why Contractors Are Choosing TRUEGRID® Pavers

A driveway paved with TRUEGRID geo cell pavers and gravel.

Contractors across Northern California are facing increasing pressure to build smarter, not just for structural performance, but for sustainability, long-term maintenance, and water management. Whether it’s for equipment yards, jobsite access roads, fire lanes, or commercial parking lots, TRUEGRID® geo cell pavers offer a technical and environmentally responsible alternative to traditional concrete or asphalt.

At Stevenson Supply & Tractor Co., we’re proud to offer TRUEGRID, a rugged, American-made geo cell paving system designed to stabilize soil, control runoff, and handle the demands of heavy construction traffic. Let’s break down how geo cell systems work, when to specify TRUEGRID, and why they’re fast becoming the contractor’s go-to for permeable paving.

What is a Geo Cell Paving System?

A geo cell paving system consists of a cellular structure (often made from recycled HDPE) that locks aggregate or other fill material into place. The cells distribute loads laterally across the subgrade, preventing rutting, soil displacement, or ponding.

TRUEGRID® Difference

TRUEGRID pavers feature a patented, modular honeycomb grid design with integrated connectors, making installation fast, consistent, and highly scalable. The system uses open cells filled with gravel or other permeable aggregate, offering both strength and drainage.

 

Why Use TRUEGRID Instead of Asphalt or Concrete?

Factor

Asphalt/Concrete

TRUEGRID® Geo Cell

Drainage

Requires slope and storm drains

Fully permeable, reduces runoff

Load Bearing

High strength but cracks over time

Handles up to 8000 psi when filled

Installation Time

Curing & compaction required

Instant use after fill & compaction

Maintenance

Prone to cracking and patching

Minimal, no re-sealing or striping

Environmental

Impervious, contributes to heat island

100% recycled plastic, LEED eligible

What TRUEGRID is Particularly Suited for

  • Laydown yards & staging areas
  • Equipment or vehicle parking pads
  • Temporary access roads for heavy machinery
  • Oil & gas site stabilization
  • LEED-compliant commercial hardscapes
  • Emergency vehicle access lanes

Engineering Specs that Matter to Contractors

Contractors need systems that are more than marketing fluff, TRUEGRID delivers real-world specs:

🔹 Compressive Strength

TRUEGRID PRO PLUS™ can withstand over 8,000 psi when properly filled, making it suitable for Class 8 truck traffic, forklifts, and tracked equipment.

🔹 Permeability

Over 100% pervious surface when filled with clean ¾” aggregate, TRUEGRID eliminates the need for stormwater detention in many cases.

🔹 Installation Rate

TRUEGRID pavers install at a rate of 1000–1500 square feet per man-hour, and can be compacted with standard plate compactors or drum rollers.

🔹 Temperature Resilience

Unlike asphalt, which softens above 140°F, TRUEGRID remains stable from -58°F to 194°F, ideal for NorCal’s seasonal extremes.

🔹 Lifetime Durability

UV-resistant and resistant to degradation from fuels, de-icers, and solvents, TRUEGRID doesn’t chip, spall, or buckle under pressure.

Subgrade & Installation Best Practices

TRUEGRID doesn’t cut corners, and neither should you. For optimal load capacity and longevity, follow this 3-layer system:

1. Subgrade Prep

  • Excavate to 6–12” depending on load.
  • Compact subgrade to at least 95% Proctor.
  • Optional: geotextile separator for clay or silty soils.

2. Base Layer

  • Install 4–8” of clean crushed angular stone (3/4” recommended).
  • Compact in lifts, using water to reduce dust and enhance settlement.

3. TRUEGRID Installation

  • Snap panels together, no clips or rebar.
  • Fill with clean gravel or decorative stone.
  • Compact and top-dress to level the surface.

Installation Tip

Install edge restraints (concrete curbs, steel edging, or heavy timber) to maintain shape over time, especially in high-turn or soft-soil areas.

Stormwater Management Benefits

TRUEGRID isn’t just tough, it’s part of your SWPPP compliance toolbox.

  • Reduces surface runoff by up to 100%
  • Increases groundwater recharge
  • Eliminates need for costly detention ponds
  • Keeps EPA off your back during rainy season inspections


This makes it ideal for sites under erosion control regulations, especially near wetlands, drainage courses, or sensitive habitat.

TRUEGRID vs Other Geo Cell Brands

Feature

TRUEGRID

Generic Geo Cell Systems

Made in USA

❌ (often imported)

Locking Mechanism

Patented Snap-Fit

Weak overlap tabs

Weight Rating

8,000+ psi

Often 2,500–4,000 psi

Fill Versatility

Gravel, soil, or sod

Limited compatibility

Fire Lane & Emergency Use Rated

Not always tested

Contractor Case Study: Equipment Yard in Napa County

One of our general contractor clients in Napa County needed a durable parking solution for equipment trailers, while maintaining stormwater compliance for county permits. They installed TRUEGRID PRO PLUS™ over 8” of compacted Class II base with ¾” crushed drain rock fill. The result?

  • Zero ponding in winter
  • Zero rutting after 18 months of skid steer use
  • Passed fire lane inspection without issue


The entire install took just two days with a crew of four.

Build Stronger. Drain Smarter.

TRUEGRID pavers aren’t just a green solution, they’re a contractor-grade system engineered for high traffic, rapid installs, and long-term results. Whether you’re bidding a municipal site or upgrading your own yard, geo cell systems are the future of heavy-duty permeable paving, and TRUEGRID leads the way.

Visit Stevenson Supply & Tractor Co. to get a live demo, browse fill options, or talk through soil prep with our team. We stock TRUEGRID locally and can get your crew what they need without the wait.

Stop paving the old way. Build with confidence. Build with TRUEGRID.

Contact us online or give us a call at (707) 575-3335 today!

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