We’ve all seen it. After a classic Aussie downpour, the driveway becomes a shallow lake, and the patio has more puddles than usable space. Water runoff is a significant problem for homeowners, leading to soggy lawns, erosion, and contributing to the pollution of our local waterways.
Modern building trends point towards an elegant solution: permeable paving. This innovative approach allows rainwater to soak through the surface and safely filter into the ground. But when you think of a beautiful, timeless driveway or path, your mind probably goes to classic brick pavers. So, where do they fit into this picture? Are brick pavers permeable?
The answer is likely not what you think, and it holds the key to creating a stunning paved area that is both beautiful and brilliant at managing water.
The Straight Answer: It’s All About the System
Let’s get straight to the point. A single, traditional clay brick paver is not very porous. Water doesn’t easily pass through the dense, fired clay of the brick itself. If you were to lay these pavers and seal the joints between them with mortar, you would have a completely non-permeable, sealed surface.
However, this doesn’t mean you can’t use brick pavers to create a fully permeable surface. The crucial distinction is this: permeability comes from the entire installation system, not just the paver itself. By constructing the right foundation and using the correct jointing material, your classic brick paving can become a high-performance, water-permeable surface.
How a Permeable Brick Paver System Actually Works
A Foundation Built for Drainage
Unlike traditional paving that sits on a dense bed of sand and compacted road base, a permeable system uses a deep sub-base made of open-graded aggregate. This means layers of different-sized, clean-crushed stone that create small voids, or gaps. This base acts like a hidden reservoir, holding rainwater and allowing it to slowly percolate into the soil below.
The Gaps That Guide the Water
The pathways for the water are the joints between the pavers. These are intentionally left slightly wider and are filled with a small, clean aggregate (like fine gravel or specialised sand) instead of mortar. This filler material keeps the pavers locked in place while allowing water to flow freely through to the aggregate base below.
The Role of High-Quality Clay Pavers
For a system like this to last, you need pavers that won’t shift or break under pressure. The exceptional strength and durability of high-quality clay pavers, like the extensive range available at BuildMart Australia, make them the perfect choice. They provide the timeless aesthetic and the structural integrity needed for a long-lasting, permeable installation.
Key Benefits of a Permeable Brick System in Australia
✅ Solves Drainage Dramas: Eliminates puddles and uncontrolled water runoff on your driveway and patio. The surface remains usable and safer, even immediately after heavy rain.
✅ Meets Council Requirements: As water management becomes more critical, many local councils across Australia now encourage or even mandate the use of permeable surfaces for new builds and renovations.
✅ Eco-Friendly and Sustainable: By allowing rainwater to filter naturally into the ground, you significantly reduce the amount of polluted stormwater running off your property and into local drains and rivers.
✅ A Healthier Garden: Instead of sending precious rainwater down the drain, a permeable system recharges the groundwater on your property, providing passive irrigation to your lawn and garden beds.
✅ Timeless Style & Durability: You don’t have to compromise on looks. You get the classic, elegant aesthetic of brick that adds value to your home, combined with modern functionality. With BuildMart’s diverse range of colours and styles, you can find the perfect paver for your project.
Permeable vs. Traditional Paving: A Quick Comparison
Feature: Sub-Base
Permeable Paver System: Open-graded aggregate (allows water through)
Traditional Paver System: Compacted road base & sand (impermeable)
Feature: Joint Filler
Permeable Paver System: Small, clean stone or specialised sand
Traditional Paver System: Mortar or polymeric sand (seals joints)
Feature: Water Flow
Permeable Paver System: Passes through joints into the ground
Traditional Paver System: Runs off the surface into drains
Feature: Maintenance
Permeable Paver System: Keep joints clear of organic debris
Traditional Paver System: General cleaning, occasional weed removal
Start Your Permeable Project with BuildMart Australia
Ready to combine the timeless beauty of brick with the modern benefits of permeability? At BuildMart Australia, we are your partners in building smarter, more sustainable outdoor spaces.
Our extensive collection of high-quality clay and concrete pavers provides the perfect foundation for a durable and stunning permeable system. Whether you’re planning a driveway, a garden path, or a new patio, our team has the expertise to help you select the right materials for the job.
Don’t let drainage dictate the enjoyment of your outdoor area. Contact our expert team today for advice, or browse our complete paver collection online to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use permeable brick pavers for a driveway?
Absolutely. When installed with a properly engineered sub-base designed to handle vehicle loads, a permeable brick paver system is an excellent and durable choice for driveways.
Is a permeable system more expensive to install?
The initial material and installation costs can be slightly higher than for a traditional system due to the deeper excavation and specialised aggregate. However, this is often offset by the savings on installing separate, expensive drainage systems like channel drains or soakwells.
How do I maintain a permeable paver surface?
Maintenance is straightforward. The primary goal is to keep the joints from clogging with soil or organic debris. Regular sweeping or using a leaf blower is usually sufficient. If needed, the jointing aggregate can be topped up over time.
Conclusion
So, are brick pavers permeable? While the brick itself is not, it is a key component in a sophisticated permeable paving system that offers the best of both worlds. You get the enduring aesthetic and proven durability of classic brick, combined with a modern, environmentally-friendly solution to water management.
By choosing to build a permeable surface, you create a safer, drier, and more sustainable property that looks incredible for years to come.