RKG's existing access and quote guidance says a final price is confirmed after the site visit, once access, ground conditions, layout and drainage have been measured. That makes parking layout a practical SEO topic: homeowners often know they need more usable space before they know whether resin, tarmac, blocks or shingle is the right finish.
Quick answer
Start with the number of vehicles you need to park every day, then check how those vehicles enter, turn or reverse, where the new surface meets the house and pavement, where rainwater will go, and what edging or sub-base work is needed. RKG's public estimator examples use 20m² for one car, 40m² for two cars and 60m² for three or more cars, but the site visit should confirm the real measured layout.
Parking layout checks before choosing a surface
| Planning point | Why it matters | Site-visit question |
|---|---|---|
| Number of vehicles | A one-car layout, two-car layout and 3+ car layout can change the area, turning route and drainage design. | Will the measured layout work for daily parking, not just the surface sample? |
| Turning and reversing | Some plots need a clear reversing line; others need space to turn without crossing planted edges or loose stone. | Where will each car enter, stop and leave? |
| Levels and thresholds | RKG's drainage guidance says water route and levels should be agreed before work starts. | How will the driveway meet doors, garage thresholds, walls, kerbs and the pavement? |
| Surface restraint | Tarmac, resin, block paving and shingle all need suitable borders or edge restraints for a crisp, stable finish. | What kerb, block border, hidden restraint or shingle edging is included? |
| Access for work | Existing RKG service pages note that tight access or side-return-only access can slow deliveries and add labour. | Can machinery and materials reach the work area, or does the quote include hand-moving materials? |
How parking needs can change the surface decision
A bigger driveway often makes drainage and edging more important. Permeable surfaces such as resin bound, shingle or a correctly specified permeable block system can help when water needs to pass through the construction. Non-permeable tarmac can still be a strong, low-maintenance option, but the quote should explain falls, drains or run-off to a permeable area where needed.
If the main aim is more parking space, compare this guide with the access and layout checklist, driveway drainage solutions and sub-base preparation guide before choosing the finish.
Can an existing driveway be widened?
It may be possible, but the quote should not treat widening as a cosmetic add-on. The new and existing areas need compatible sub-base preparation, edge restraint, levels and drainage. RKG's resurfacing guidance already says overlay only makes sense where the existing base is sound and drainage works; the same caution applies when adding parking space beside an older driveway.
What should be written into the quote?
Ask for the measured area, parking layout assumptions, excavation and compacted sub-base, edging, drainage route, access assumptions and expected installation timeline in plain English. That keeps the quote tied to how the driveway will be used, not just the square metre price of the chosen surface.