RKG's current service pages already explain the main drainage trade-offs: resin bound and shingle are permeable options, block paving can be specified as a permeable system, and standard tarmac needs a designed water route. This guide pulls those facts into one practical decision page for homeowners comparing surfaces before a free site visit.
Quick answer: which surfaces are permeable?
| Surface | Permeability | Best-fit notes |
|---|---|---|
| Resin bound | Permeable when installed on the right base | Premium smooth finish, 15–25 year lifespan, very low maintenance and strong where drainage and appearance both matter. |
| Shingle and gravel | Permeable from day one | Most cost-effective surface, quick to install, but loose stone needs edging and may need stabilising grids on sloped or heavily used drives. |
| Permeable block paving | Available when specified as a system | Traditional patterned look with repairable sections; the blocks and sub-base both need to be chosen for permeability. |
| Tarmac | Not permeable as standard | Strong fit for long or sloped drives, but larger front drives need falls, channels, soakaway or run-off to a permeable border. |
When permeability should lead the decision
Permeability matters most when a front drive is larger than 5m², when there is nowhere obvious for water to drain, or when a site has awkward levels. RKG's planning guidance is conservative: non-permeable surfaces over 5m² normally need water directed to a permeable area or a compliant drainage solution rather than the public highway.
How each option changes the quote
Resin bound
Resin bound is the premium permeable option in RKG's range. Existing pages describe it as UV-stable, smooth, jointless and SuDS-compliant when the base is designed correctly. It suits homeowners who want a clean finish and lower day-to-day maintenance, but it sits at the higher end of the guide-price range.
Shingle and gravel
Shingle is naturally permeable and the lowest-cost driveway surface RKG currently lists. It is especially practical where budget and drainage are priorities. The trade-off is movement: angular stone, firm edging and optional honeycomb stabilising grids help keep the surface tidy under daily car traffic.
Permeable block paving
Block paving is the flexible middle ground: it offers patterns, borders and future repairability, and permeable systems are available. The key is specification. A standard block installation may still need drainage, while a permeable block system needs the correct sub-base as well as the right paving.
Tarmac with designed drainage
Tarmac is not a permeable surface, but that does not rule it out. RKG's tarmac guidance points to planned falls, linear drains, soakaways or run-off to a permeable border where needed. It can still be the practical choice for long, simple or sloped driveways when drainage is included in the quote.
Questions to ask before choosing
- Where will water go? The answer should name the surface build-up, falls and final drainage route.
- Is the surface itself permeable? Resin and shingle are; block paving depends on the system; standard tarmac is not.
- Does the gradient change the answer? Slopes can favour tarmac for grip or require larger resin aggregate, strong block edging or shingle grids.
- What maintenance will keep drainage working? Resin needs debris cleared, block paving joints need care, and shingle may need topping up.
Where to read next
If planning permission is the main worry, read the driveway planning and drainage guide. If surface choice is still open, compare resin vs block paving, tarmac vs resin, or block paving vs shingle. For a sloped entrance, start with the sloped driveway surface guide.