Paving stones are as Australian as the humble barbeque and the Hills Hoist clothesline. Having a paved space in the backyard allows you to enjoy your outdoor space with friends and family and create a welcoming environment for all.   These pavers can be made from a range of materials, including concrete, sandstone and clay and come in a wide range of colours and designs. There is another option, though, in StoneSet permeable paving which is proving to be a gamechanger for Aussie yards.   If you are looking to pave a new driveway, walkway or entertainment space or you are building your dream home in Australia, this revolutionary new method of paving is something you should explore.

What is Permeable Paving?

While traditional pavers are solid as a rock, permeable options are porous which allows water to pass through them. The primary role of permeable pavers is to create a simple and effective rainwater drainage mechanism for your property. They are just as robust as traditional solutions, but offer a range of benefits that you won’t get with heavy concrete, brick or stone pavers.    Permeable paving is typically used for large walkways, driveways or entertainment spaces and include four layers to ensure protection and durability. A sand bed is laid down at the beginning to provide the base and ensure the structure won’t shift over time. Then a layer of fabric is applied to act as a filter for the water that will come through the pavers. On top of that, a thick gravel layer is laid which is nature’s method of filtering out harmful pollutants and stopping them from reaching the soil. Finally, the actual paving material is laid in a style and colour of your choosing.

The Key Benefits of Permeable Paving

Stormwater Management

Many Australians are well-versed in the devastation of floodwater. Monsoonal rain, cyclones and long wet seasons have delivered major floods to most regions of the country over the years which makes stormwater management critical for all Aussie homes.    Floods are serious and potentially fatal. Since records started in 1900, around 20 percent of all natural hazard deaths in Australia have been attributed to flooding.   When there is heavy rain, the surface water drains off into the sewer system. If this becomes overloaded or clogged by debris, the water will back up. If this stormwater sits on the surface of your yard, harmful pollutants from the sewer system can fester there as well.   Permeable paving acts like a giant sponge for your property. Instead of the water just sitting on top of the surface, the paving will absorb it and distribute it into the ground below. It is an extra layer of protection for your property during the wet season so you don’t need to rely on drainage and the sewer system alone.

They are Good for the Environment

Traditional stone pavers attract pollutants over the years. Rain deposits materials like heavy metals, fertilisers and hydrocarbons on them while general maintenance over the years leaves behind chemical residue. This is all washed away during wet weather into the sewer system and back into the environment.   Government research has shown that urban areas produce 90 per cent more stormwater entering natural water systems, with around 3000 gigalitres of average annual runoff. Which means a lot more toxins getting into our natural waterways.    Because permeable pavers are porous, there is less likelihood of these materials building up on the surface which means they won’t be washed away into Australian water systems. Adding a layer of gravel below the pavers acts as a natural filter as well, protecting groundwater supplies. 

They Will Save You Money

If you are building a new property or revamping your existing one, incorporating a drainage system can be expensive. On top of the initial installation, there are also ongoing maintenance costs which can mean ripping up your carefully curated lawn and replacing that as well.   Because permeable paving does the job of a drainage system, there is no need for that expense, mess and ongoing care. You can simply create an aesthetically pleasing feature for your yard and handle your draining challenges in one simple, affordable process.

They Will Keep Your Home Cool

The porous nature of permeable pavers means water travels through them and into the ground. However, a portion of the water is also evaporated, reducing the surface temperature of your outdoor space. These pavers are also more effective at reflecting heat than other materials creating a cool space during the summer months. The pavers have been engineered with high thermal conductivity so they can transfer heat to the ground faster than normal pavers, reducing heat output by 2.5 per cent to 5.2 per cent.

You Can Choose From a Wide Range of Materials

Aesthetics are important for any Aussie backyard and everyone has different tastes. Fortunately permeable pavers are available in a range of materials that all provide the same benefits for your yard.    So when you are looking at paving solutions for your Aussie home, take into consideration Australian conditions. Permeable pavers have been specifically designed to stand up to Aussie summers and wet seasons, providing valuable protection for your home and the local environment while also delivering a cool, aesthetically pleasing solution for your home.