RKG's existing service and quote pages repeatedly mention the same foundations: ground conditions, excavation, MOT Type 1, compaction, edging, drainage and access. Those details are not cosmetic extras. They are the parts that support the driveway after the installers leave.
Quick answer
A durable driveway needs the existing surface or soil assessed, excavation to suitable ground, a correctly specified sub-base, firm edge restraints, planned drainage and compaction before the chosen finish goes down. The exact build-up changes by surface and site conditions, so it should be written into the quote.
What preparation details should appear in a quote?
| Preparation item | Why it matters | What to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Existing surface and excavation | Old concrete, tarmac, lawn or failed paving can change waste removal, depth and labour. | What is being removed, and how deep will the dig-out be? |
| Sub-base material | The sub-base carries vehicle loads and helps the surface stay level. | Is compacted MOT Type 1 or another specified base included? |
| Compaction and layers | A shallow or poorly compacted base can sink, rut or crack under regular use. | Will the base be compacted in layers, and does depth suit the surface? |
| Membrane or geotextile | Some specifications use a membrane to separate the base from the subgrade or support shingle installs. | Is a membrane needed for this ground and surface? |
| Edging and restraints | Edges help stop tarmac cracking, resin movement, block spread and shingle migration. | What kerbs, borders, hidden edging or restraints are included? |
| Drainage and falls | Water should not be sent toward the house, garage or public highway without a suitable route. | Where will water drain, and is a permeable surface or channel needed? |
How preparation changes by surface
Tarmac
RKG's tarmac page is the clearest published build-up: dig down to firm subgrade, grade falls to drainage, use heavy-duty membrane, lay 150mm MOT Type 1 in 75mm lifts, restrain the edges, then install binder and surface courses. It also notes that a fully engineered sub-base helps a hot-rolled tarmac driveway last 15–20 years before resurfacing.
Block paving
Block paving needs a stable foundation plus restrained borders, patterns, cuts and jointing. RKG's quote checklist recommends asking about excavation depth, sub-base type, compaction and edging because those hidden details can make two block paving quotes very different.
Resin bound
Resin is described across the site as a premium, smooth and SuDS-friendly surface when correctly specified. The base still has to be suitable before the resin finish is laid, and drainage/permeability should be confirmed in the written quote rather than assumed.
Shingle and gravel
RKG's service copy references shingle over membrane and edging, with optional stabilising grids in guide content. Preparation is usually quicker than some surfaces, but weak edges or missing stabilisation can let loose stone move into lawns, drains or the road.
Red flags when comparing quotes
- No excavation detail: the quote prices the visible surface but not the ground preparation.
- No sub-base specification: phrases such as "prepare base" are less useful than a stated material, depth and compaction method.
- No drainage route: especially risky for larger front drives or tarmac because non-permeable surfaces need water managed properly.
- No edging detail: edges are easy to under-specify but important on slopes, turning areas and loose-stone surfaces.
- No written guarantee: RKG's site states a 10-year written product guarantee; make sure the scope and exclusions are clear.
What to read next
Use the driveway quote checklist to compare written specifications, then read the planning and drainage guide if water run-off is a concern. For surface-specific preparation, compare tarmac driveways, resin bound driveways, block paving and shingle driveways.