The Forgotten History of Wooden Streets (And Why They Might Make a Comeback)

For most people, the idea of paving a street with wood seems bizarre or even primitive. But in truth, wood pavers were once at the heart of some of the most advanced urban areas in the world. They offered not only a practical solution to 19th-century infrastructure challenges, but also a rare combination of softness, resilience, and environmental harmony.

This blog dives deep into the long-forgotten history of wooden streets, the factors that led to their rise and fall, and the reasons why now—more than a century later—they may be poised for a powerful, purposeful comeback.

Where It All Began – The Origins of the Wood Paver

Pre-Industrial Roots and Early European Examples

Before the world was paved with asphalt, cities were experimenting with various forms of surfacing to handle foot and carriage traffic. Ancient civilizations like the Romans used stone slabs and cobbles, and while effective, these surfaces were hard on the body—human or animal. In damp climates, cobblestones were slippery and noisy. The problem wasn’t solved until the 18th and 19th centuries, when timber became a more accessible, workable urban material.

In countries like Russia, Sweden, and Finland, where coniferous forests stretched endlessly, early examples of wood pavers appeared in the form of round log cross-sections laid flat into compacted earth. These rudimentary surfaces were relatively easy to maintain, and the wood’s ability to absorb shock made them ideal for horse-drawn carts on rough terrain.

These were the precursors to more engineered systems that would define urban streets in the decades ahead.

The Nicolson Pavement – An American Innovation

The real breakthrough came in 1848 when a Boston inventor named Samuel Nicolson patented the Nicolson Pavement. His innovation involved placing rectangular wood blocks upright so the end grain was exposed to traffic. These blocks were packed tightly together in a sand or pitch base, often tar-sealed to keep out moisture.

This simple idea revolutionized urban street design. The Nicolson method was widely adopted in cities like Chicago, Detroit, and New York, where it offered a quiet, forgiving surface ideal for horses and carriages. At one point, Chicago had over 60 miles of wood-paved streets.

(Nicolson pavement, alternatively spelled "Nicholson" and denominated wooden block pavement and wood block pavement, is a road surface material consisting of wooden blocks. Samuel Nicolson invented it in the mid-19th century. Wooden block pavement has since become unfavored because of its poor surface quality and high cost of maintenance.)

Why Wood Pavers Were Once Essential

Urban Quiet and Comfort

One of the most compelling reasons cities turned to wood paving was the incredible reduction in street noise. Anyone who has heard the echoing clatter of iron-rimmed wheels on stone knows how deafening it can be. Wood pavers, by contrast, absorbed sound and reduced vibration. In an era before insulation and double-glazed windows, this was crucial to maintaining peace in dense urban neighborhoods.

Hospitals, schools, and churches in the late 19th century were often surrounded by wooden streets—not out of luxury, but because silence was a functional necessity.

Improved Safety for Horses and People

Before the automobile age, horses were essential to urban mobility. But city paving wasn’t designed for them. On stone or early concrete roads, horses frequently slipped and suffered broken legs, leading to painful deaths and lost labor.

Wood pavers changed that. The natural texture of end-grain wood provided traction, even when wet. The material was less abrasive on hooves and easier on joints. This reduced injuries and extended the working life of horses—a significant economic and ethical win at the time.

Natural Beauty and Warmth in a Growing Industrial World

Wooden streets softened the look of cities. As buildings grew taller and cities expanded rapidly due to industrialization, the charm and organic aesthetic of wood became even more desirable. Wood pavers took on a beautiful patina as they aged, darkening with tar and time while maintaining their natural grain and structure. The effect was visually calming, especially compared to the flat, mechanical appearance of early concrete.

In today's terms, we might call it "biophilic design"—but in the 19th century, it was simply the appeal of bringing a human touch to rapidly hardening environments.

Accessibility and Affordability of Timber

In North America especially, timber was cheap and abundant. Species like longleaf pine, cedar, and even oak were readily available. This made wood paving a cost-effective choice for expanding cities. Workers could install blocks quickly using simple tools, and worn sections could be easily replaced.

The fact that wood pavers could be made locally also stimulated regional economies—an overlooked benefit that’s gaining new relevance today in conversations about localized, low-carbon supply chains.

What Went Wrong – The Decline of Wood Paving

Vulnerability to Rot, Wear, and Moisture

Despite their charm and benefits, early wood pavers were not perfect. When installed without proper drainage or sealing, they were prone to rot, especially in wetter climates. Poorly maintained wooden streets could become waterlogged and soft, leading to ruts and displacement. Moreover, wood could warp, swell, and shrink depending on the season—complicating maintenance. It wasn’t the material that was flawed, but rather the installation practices and the lack of technological advancement to treat the wood properly at the time.

Today, these challenges are addressed with innovation and material choice. ProFlow Permeable Pavers are made from Black Locust—one of the most rot-resistant hardwoods in the world. Naturally durable and requiring no chemical treatment, Black Locust can last over 50 years even in ground contact, resisting moisture, fungal decay, and insect damage. Combined with modern permeable installation methods that manage drainage and prevent waterlogging, ProFlow pavers offer the beauty of wood with the performance and longevity that early wooden streets lacked.

Fire Hazard in a Tightly Packed City

In some cities, especially those with dry climates or wooden buildings nearby, streets made from untreated or tar-soaked wood were a serious fire hazard. The Great Fire of Toronto in 1904 was partly blamed on the flammability of wood pavers. These concerns led many municipalities to mandate the removal of wooden paving materials, especially near commercial districts.

Today, this would be mitigated by using fire-resistant hardwoods like Black Locust, but at the time, such innovations were not widely understood or available.

The Industrial Rise of Asphalt and Concrete

The final nail in the coffin came with the mass adoption of automobiles. As cars became the norm, cities required even flatter, more durable surfaces. Asphalt and concrete promised lower maintenance, faster installation, and industrial scalability. The nuanced benefits of wood—quietness, resilience, comfort—were now seen as unnecessary in a world dominated by machines.

By the 1930s, most wood-paved streets had been replaced or buried under new layers of synthetic paving.

The Quiet Survivors

Despite this rapid disappearance, a few wood-paved streets have survived—often buried under modern roads or preserved by historical societies.

In Detroit, for instance, a portion of 19th-century wood block paving can still be found on a quiet residential street, offering a glimpse into a forgotten mode of urban living. Philadelphia, once home to over 300 miles of wood streets, has begun efforts to uncover and restore sections for historical preservation. In Sydney, wooden paving survives in alleyways of The Rocks, a historic district near the harbor.

These surviving patches are more than urban curiosities. They are living examples of how long-lasting and effective wood pavers can be when properly maintained.

Why the Wood Paver Deserves a Comeback

Sustainability and Carbon Storage

Unlike concrete and asphalt, which emit carbon during production, wood pavers made from responsibly harvested sources act as carbon sinks. Trees absorb carbon dioxide throughout their lives, and that carbon remains stored in the wood after harvest.

Using durable hardwood species like Black Locust, which requires no chemical treatment and is naturally Class 1 rot-resistant, makes modern wood pavers both ecological and resilient.

Permeability and Water Management

Today, cities are facing an urgent stormwater crisis. Hard surfaces funnel rainwater into overwhelmed sewer systems, leading to floods and water pollution. Wood pavers, when installed over permeable sub-bases, allow water to infiltrate the ground.

This makes the modern wood paver a low-impact development (LID) tool, supporting green infrastructure goals and reducing runoff.

Urban Cooling and Climate Adaptation

Hardscape surfaces trap heat, contributing to the urban heat island effect—a problem worsening each year with climate change. Wood, however, has low thermal conductivity. It does not store or radiate heat like asphalt, making wood-paved areas cooler to walk on, even in summer.

Imagine shaded rest areas, bike paths, or public plazas designed with wood pavers—spaces that cool the city instead of heating it.

Modern Treatment Techniques and Durability

With today’s technology, wood pavers can be kiln-dried, thermally modified, or naturally treated without the need for toxic preservatives. And with species like Black Locust, which resists rot and pests naturally, the lifespan of a wood paver now rivals or exceeds that of conventional materials.

A Vision for the Future – What We’re Building at Proflow

At Proflow Permeable Pavers, we’re not just making a product—we’re reviving an idea. Our wood pavers, made from naturally durable Black Locust, are designed to last, breathe, and sequester carbon—all while offering beauty and function.

We believe in creating public spaces that don’t sacrifice the planet for performance. Whether it’s a horse trail, urban plaza, or shaded microforest, a wood paver can form the foundation for livable, climate-resilient infrastructure.

We don’t kiln-dry our pavers. We don’t use oils or toxic treatments. Instead, we work with nature, not against it—and we believe cities can, too.

It’s Time to Walk on Wood Again

The history of wooden streets isn’t just a curious footnote—it’s a blueprint for how we once built with nature, and how we could do it again.

As climate pressures rise, as cities overheat, and as people crave more sensory, sustainable experiences in public space, the wood paver offers a compelling solution—one rooted in the past, but ready for the future.

Let’s walk softer. Let’s build smarter. And maybe—just maybe—the next time you stroll down a city street, it will be wood beneath your feet.