Want a puddle-free driveway this winter? These expert-approved drainage tips are easy, affordable and surprisingly stylish

While it might not be one of the most glamourous aspects of your landscape design, driveway drainage is absolutely vital if you want this area to perform well, stand the test of time and, of course, do justice to the overall kerb appeal of your home.

Drainage needs to be planned in alongside your driveway ideas – the materials you choose as well as the overall design of the space you intend on using to park your vehicles and access your house all play a role here. Additionally, there are certain sections of the building regulations you'll need to adhere to.

The good news is that getting your driveway drainage spot on need not mean sacrificing the good looks of your home's approach – in fact, in many cases, it can do the very opposite, enhancing its visual appeal. We asked the experts how to get this all-important aspect just right to help you on the way.

1. Get the sub base just right

Before anything else, you need to ensure that you look at the surface your driveway will be laid on top of. This is one of the most common driveway mistakes and failure to do so could result in a driveway that looks uneven and bumpy all too quickly.

'A thin or badly compacted sub-base means dips appear over time,' explains Jack Hamer, managing director at Silvermere Landscapes. 'Those low spots are where puddles form that cause issues in winter. We tend to use a decent depth of MOT Type 1, well-compacted so the surface stays stable. Preparation is critical!'

Keep in mind that whatever type of driveway materials you opt for, some kind of crushed aggregate sub-base will be required and, if you intend on using gravel, you should also install a good weed membrane to cut down on maintenance.

Jack Hamer

Jack is managing director of Silvermere Landscapes, a Surrey based landscaping firm known for designing and building high-end outdoor spaces. With a background in both hard and soft landscaping, Jack has a strong eye for detail and a practical approach that keeps projects looking good and performing well for years.

2. Use attractive permeable driveway materials

Permeable driveway materials allow water to pass through and drain away and, while not always essential, in some cases they are a requirement of the building regulations.

'New or replacement driveways over 5m squared have to be permeable (allow liquids to pass through) or must drain to a soakaway/rain garden on your land,' explains Tom Polkinghorne, director at Creations Building & Landscaping.

'Permeable block paving looks just like standard block paving but the joints and sub-base are designed so water soaks through rather than runs off,' picks up Jack Hamer. 'To most people it just looks like a nice modern driveway.'

Another attractive permeable option is good old gravel which comes in all kinds of colours and designs. Team it with a permeable membrane or geotextile fabric beneath to aid with drainage. Finally, don't discount porous asphalt or a resin bound driveway.

Shop permeable driveway materials

Tom Polkinghorne

Tom Polkinghorne is the director of Creations Building & Landscaping, a Reigate-based firm delivering driveways, paving, brickwork and full garden makeovers across Surrey for over 25 years. He combines hands-on craftsmanship with clear project management to create durable, well-finished outdoor spaces for homes and businesses.

3. Design the driveway slope carefully

Nothing is going to ruin the kerb appeal of your home faster than a driveway full of unsightly puddles – the way around this is to design your driveway with a subtle slope.

'If the driveway is too flat, or slopes back towards the house, water will just sit there,' explains Jack Hamer. 'We normally build in a gentle fall away from the property towards a drain or a soakaway.'

It is important to make sure that the slope is carefully calculated here if you want it to work as it should in getting the water away from your driveway and home.

'The drainage angle for a driveway typically ranges between 1% to 2%, or 1/8″ to 1/4″ of slope per foot,' explains Turrou Landesmann, director of trading at Drainage Superstore. 'This slope is designed to ensure effective water run-off and prevent standing water on the driveway surface.'

Turrou Landesmann

Turrou Landesmann is trading manager at Drainage Superstore, a company that was launched in 2009 as an online supplier with knowledgeable customer service.

4. Install discreet channel drains

Channel drains are a really popular and effective method of dealing with excess water on a driveway – plus they are more affordable than some of the alternatives. They are installed to sit pretty much flush with the surface of the driveway and from there, direct the water that flows into them to wherever you choose – a soakaway, elsewhere within your garden landscaping scheme and so on.

Channel drains can be located wherever makes sense on your driveway – to either side, at its base or even in the centre. Just be sure to check the 'maximum weight load' as this determines how much weight they can support.

'Slim ACO style channel drains in a matching or similar colour to the paving can blend in really well especially if they’re laid in a straight line across the drive or around the edge of the house,' advises Jack Hamer.

5. Include planted areas in your driveway design

For maximum kerb appeal you want to try to avoid vast, unbroken stretches of the same hard landscaping material. Instead, aim to incorporate planted areas or mix and match driveway materials for a more thoughtful look. This is also a good idea when looking at improving garden drainage in general

'Drainage doesn’t have to look ugly or tacked on,' says Jack Hamer. 'A solid paved area down the middle with gravel or decorative stone down the sides looks smart and gives somewhere for water to drain. Add some low planting and it softens the front of the house and hides angles.'

If you a short on space, consider using plants that take up little of your driveway's footprint, such as neat box hedges or climbing plants – you don't have to incorporate large flowerbeds to make the space look attractive.

6. Install a hidden soakaway

If you are after driveway drainage that remains hidden from view, a soakaway is the perfect choice.

'A soakaway is an underground storage area designed to collect rainwater and allow it to gradually disperse into the ground,' explains Turrou Landesmann. 'While it’s an environmentally friendly option that will help reduce your carbon footprint, you should keep in mind that soil conditions must be suitable for efficient water absorption.'

A hole in the driveway will be dug before being filled with rubble, gravel or plastic crates designed specifically for the job. The hole will then be covered with a permeable surface material and water should be directed into the soakaway.

7. Consider fitting a French drain

French drains have many benefits. While they are the ideal way to overcome a waterlogged garden, they also work brilliantly as a method of driveway drainage.

'A French drain is a gravel-filled trench with a perforated pipe that collects water and channels it away from the driveway,' explains Turrou Landesmann. 'This is a brilliant option for driveways that are located on slopes or in areas with poor soil drainage.'

Even better, many DIYers tackle the task of installing a French drain on a DIY basis very successfully – just ensure you choose the right location for it before breaking ground.

'Choose a location for the trench that’s naturally downhill, or create your own slope by digging the trench at a 1% gradient,' advises Turrou Landesmann. 'This will allow gravity to do its part in draining the water away to your chosen destination.'

8. Opt for a resin driveway – but choose carefully

For anyone after a low-maintenance driveway material and a crisp, modern finish, resin driveways can be the perfect choice. That said, there are some disadvantages of resin driveways to be aware of – one being that not all are permeable, meaning drainage will need to be carefully designed.

If resin is a material you are considering you will be pleased to learn that the majority are permeable, adding to their fit-and-forget appeal.

Make sure you are opting for a 'resin bound' driveway as opposed to the cheaper alternative, 'resin bonded' as the latter will usual be non-permeable.

FAQs

Why is driveway drainage so important?

Whether you are constructing a driveway from scratch or upgrading an existing one alongside your front garden ideas, ensuring water can effectively drain away is key – not only to ensure the useability and longevity of your driveway but also in the way it impacts your surroundings.

'Making sure surface water doesn’t run off your drive into the road or a neighbour’s property is critical,' explains Jack Hamer.

Putting proper drainage into place prevents flooding, damage to the surface of the driveway or other areas of your property, and the erosion of materials. Additionally, bear in mind that pooling water can, in freezing temperatures, pose a safety risk. And, finally, failure to ensure good drainage could, depending on the size of your driveway, mean you are at risk of ignoring important building regs.

Does my driveway need drainage?

All driveways need some form of drainage if they are to remain puddle free. The kind of drainage, however, depends on the size of the driveway and the materials you wish to use to cover it with.

'If you install a new driveway over 5m² using a non-permeable surface, such as like standard block paving or tarmac, you need to make sure the water drains to a permeable area within your boundary, such as a lawn, flower bed or soakaway rather than onto the the road or neighbour's property,' explains Tom Polkinghorne.

'If you want a big area of non-permeable surfacing that drains straight to the road, you’ll usually need planning permission for driveways,' adds Jack Hamer. 'Most people avoid that by using permeable materials or adding proper drainage channels and soakaways on their own land. However, I recommend always checking in with your local council. It saves a headache down the road (literally!)'

What’s the best drainage for a driveway?

Using a permeable surface material is the best way to ensure your driveway drainage is spot on. Materials such as gravel, permeable block paving, porous asphalt and resin bound gravel are all safe bets.

In areas prone to waterlogging, on large driveways or in locations that experience high rainfall, it will also be wise to consider additional drainage methods such as soakaways.

How do I divert water run off from my driveway?

This is where building in a slope can help – and can even be done when simply resurfacing a driveway. You want to safely direct water away from your home, off your driveway and into a dedicated area where it can slowly disperse.

'The choice of slope depends on various factors, including local drainage conditions, the type of driveway surface and the volume of rainfall in your area,' explains Turrou Landesmann.

Of course getting the slope right is just part of the solution – the diverted water still needs somewhere to go.

'You’d be surprised how many drives look smart but have no drainage at the lowest point,' reveals Jack Hamer. 'We suggest one of the following:

• Linear channel drains across the front of garages or in front of the house.
• Soakaways with metal crates or filled with clean stone.
• Permeable sections such as gravel strips so the water can actually disappear before spilling over.

Gravel is one of the most popular of all the available driveway materials – affordable, available in a huge range of designs and easy to lay on a DIY basis. However, be sure to look into all the pros and cons of gravel driveways before making your final decision.