RKG's service and guide pages repeatedly make the same point: drainage should be checked on site, not guessed after the surface has been chosen. The right answer depends on the driveway size, levels, ground conditions, existing drainage and whether the surface is permeable.
Quick answer
A driveway normally needs one clear water route: through a permeable surface and sub-base, across falls to a lawn or planting border, into a linear channel drain, into a soakaway or French drain, or into another compliant drainage arrangement. Non-permeable front drives over 5m² need particular care because water should not be directed straight onto the public highway.
Common driveway drainage routes
| Drainage route | When it may suit | Quote question |
|---|---|---|
| Permeable surface build-up | Resin bound, shingle or permeable block paving where the base is specified to let water pass through. | Is the surface and sub-base genuinely permeable? |
| Falls to a permeable border | Sites where water can be graded safely to a lawn, planting bed or other permeable area within the property. | Where exactly will the water run after heavy rain? |
| Linear channel drain | Non-permeable surfaces such as tarmac, or entrances where water must be intercepted before the pavement, garage or house. | Is the channel drain included, and where does it discharge? |
| Soakaway or French drain | Driveways or patios where water needs a below-ground route because borders or existing drains are not enough. | Is a soakaway or French drain needed for this site? |
| Revised surface choice | Front drives, slopes or flood-sensitive settings where a permeable finish may be simpler than adding drainage hardware. | Would resin, shingle or permeable blocks reduce drainage risk? |
How drainage changes by surface
Tarmac
RKG describes tarmac as non-permeable. That does not rule it out, but the quote should explain falls and drainage. The tarmac page says larger front-drive installations may need water directed to a permeable area, and it also references linear drains for SuDS compliance where needed.
Resin bound
RKG describes resin bound as permeable and SuDS-compliant when correctly specified. The important phrase is "correctly specified": the surface, base and levels all have to suit the site so water can pass through rather than pooling on top or running to the wrong place.
Shingle and gravel
Shingle is described as permeable and cost-effective. It still needs the right membrane, edging and stabilisation decisions so loose stone does not migrate into lawns, channels or the road.
Block paving
Block paving can use permeable systems, but the blocks and sub-base must be chosen for that. Standard block paving may still need falls, a drain or run-off to a permeable border.
Local situations that need careful water planning
- Sloped drives: water moves faster, so grip, edge restraints and interception points matter.
- Driveways near the house or garage: falls should direct water away from thresholds, walls and enclosed spaces.
- Thames-side or flood-sensitive areas: existing levels and storage need more attention before choosing the finish.
- Conservation areas: visible surface choice and drainage details may need extra care before work starts.
- Overlay projects: RKG's resin and resurfacing guidance says overlay only makes sense when the existing base is sound and drainage already works.
What should be written into the quote?
Ask for the drainage route in plain English. A useful quote should say whether the surface is permeable, how falls are set, whether a channel drain, soakaway, French drain or border run-off is included, and how edging and sub-base preparation support the chosen route.
If you are still choosing a surface, read the permeable driveway options guide, the planning and drainage guide, the sloped driveway surface guide and the sub-base preparation guide before comparing final quotes.