Permeable Concrete Services

When looking for trusted permeable concrete suppliers, look no further than 2 Brothers Concrete & Pumping.

We offer a complete supply and delivery service tailored to commercial and domestic projects across the region. Delivered via our state-of-the-art volumetric trucks, we mix your preferred design on-site - so you only pay for what you need.

Permeable concrete, also known as no-fines concrete, is engineered with reduced fine aggregates and only uses coarse materials like gravel and crushed stone.

This creates a naturally porous structure, allowing rainwater to pass directly through the slab and into the ground below. It’s a highly effective solution for reducing surface water runoff and complying with SUDS guidelines.

The concrete is typically held together by a thin layer of cement paste, offering reliable structural integrity while maintaining permeability. It’s a popular choice for driveways, pathways, patios, and public spaces where drainage, durability, and compliance are key.

Permeable concrete is ideal for applications where effective drainage and surface water management are essential. Commonly used for domestic driveways, footpaths, patios, and car parks, it allows rainwater to filter through the surface, reducing the risk of flooding and supporting SUDS.

It's also well-suited to public spaces, cycle paths, and low-traffic areas where water pooling could pose a safety risk.

However, permeable concrete isn’t suitable for every situation. It lacks the density and load-bearing capacity of traditional concrete, so it’s not recommended for heavy-duty applications such as HGV access roads, industrial yards, or reinforced structural foundations.

In these cases, standard concrete with a stronger compressive strength or reinforced concrete using steel mesh or fibres would be more appropriate.

For high-wear decorative areas, resin-bound or block paving may offer a more visually appealing and durable alternative. Our team can advise on the best solution based on your specific project needs.

Installing permeable concrete requires careful preparation and layering to ensure effective drainage and long-term performance.

First, the area is excavated to the required depth and a compacted sub-base is laid, typically using clean, angular stone to promote water infiltration. A geotextile membrane may be added to prevent soil migration while allowing water to pass through.

Next, the permeable concrete, consisting of coarse aggregates, cement, and water with little to no sand, is mixed on-site, often using a volumetric mixer for optimal consistency. The concrete is poured directly onto the sub-base and spread evenly, avoiding overworking, which could clog the open pores.

Once levelled, it’s compacted using a roller or plate compactor to bond the coarse aggregates without sealing the surface. No additional finishing (like trowelling) is required, preserving the porous structure.

The slab is then left to cure, typically for 7 days, under damp conditions or with curing compound.

Like standard concrete, permeable concrete consists of cement, coarse aggregates and water.

The coarse aggregates allow small gaps to form in the concrete, which enable water to pass through.

Permeable concrete is made using coarse aggregates specifically, which creates voids that allow water to run through.

The biggest benefit of no-fines concrete is that it allows water to soak through, meaning there is a lower risk of surface flooding.

No-fines concrete is often used for the following:

• Car parks
• Driveways
• Pathways
• Hard shoulders on roads
• Playgrounds and sports courts