Designing drainage for style and function

How to Include Drainage Without Compromising Style

Drainage is essential for any concrete patio in the UK, but done badly, it can ruin the finish or stand out like a sore thumb. No one wants visible gullies, cracked slopes, or awkward puddles.

This guide shows how to integrate proper drainage that protects your patio while keeping the look clean, modern and intentional. These are functional choices, made beautiful.

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Design-First Drainage Tactics for UK Patios

Drainage shouldn’t be an afterthought. These six ideas let you control water flow and stay true to the look of your patio, even in rainy British gardens.

Build in a Subtle Slope

The simplest drainage method is a gentle slope that guides water away from your home. A well-poured patio needs only a 1:80 fall (about 1.25 cm per metre), barely noticeable to the eye. This can be done across the whole slab or within segmented bays that each drain independently. A professional finish ensures the slope works without warping the design.

Use Discreet Slot Drains

Slot drains are narrow linear channels that blend into the patio surface. Unlike bulky traditional gratings, they have slim openings and can be powder-coated to match concrete tones. Placed along key edges or in front of thresholds, they collect runoff without visually disrupting the layout. Look for ones with removable covers for easy cleaning.

Incorporate Drainage into Expansion Joints

Expansion joints, which prevent cracking, can be doubled up as drainage lines. A small slope toward these channels lets water follow the natural divide in the concrete, especially if a small gravel strip or hidden gully sits underneath. This keeps water away from the surface without needing obvious drains.

Use a French Drain Border

A French drain is a trench filled with gravel or stones over a hidden pipe. Around a patio, these can form a tidy border against fences, walls or garden beds. Visually, it’s just a neat gravel strip, but it carries away excess water efficiently. This is especially useful on patios with retaining walls or built-up edges.

Plan Water Escape Routes

Wherever water collects, especially in recessed corners or near structures, there must be a way out. Plan run-off to existing garden drains, soakaways or permeable areas. A seamless edge leading into a gravel bed or lawn avoids pooling without needing visible drainage hardware. Make sure these run-off paths don’t back up during heavy rain.

Blend Drains into the Layout

If you need more visible channels, make them part of the design. Use dark concrete or brick borders around a slot drain to create symmetry. Run them along expansion lines or pattern joints. With a little planning, even practical drainage features can look deliberate, or even elegant.

Smart Drainage Features That Still Look Great

Decorative Gravel Strips

Hide drainage edges by bordering with contrasting stones or slate chippings.
Improves water flow while doubling as a low-maintenance design feature.

Slot Drain Covers

Modern slot systems have covers that match patio colour or texture.
Opt for brushed metal or concrete inserts for a seamless appearance.

Discreet Fall Lines

Precision-poured concrete with invisible slope guides water away subtly.
Prevents puddling without breaking the symmetry of large patio bays.

Integrated Drain Tiles

Use a tile or stone with open joints in a narrow border to direct water flow.
Useful between patio and lawn without needing a metal drain channel.

Raised Edge Outlets

Create low kerbs or raised concrete borders to guide water to designated escape points.
Helps define zones visually while offering built-in drainage flow control.

Drainage Behind Seating

Install discreet channels behind fixed benches or along wall bases.
Keeps splash zones dry without breaking up the open floor design.

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s possible, but much easier and cheaper to plan drainage from the start. Retrofitting often involves cutting into concrete or lifting sections, which can disrupt the finish. If you're experiencing pooling, discreet surface slot drains or gravel borders may be added as a workaround.

Patios typically need a slope of 1:80 (about 1.25 cm per metre) to allow rainwater to drain away without causing pooling. This is gentle enough to be unnoticeable underfoot but effective at preventing surface buildup.

While it’s difficult to make it invisible, clever design can hide or integrate drainage beautifully. Slot drains, gravel strips, or integrated border slopes keep the surface clean while still directing water where it needs to go.

No, you don’t need planning permission for patio drainage in most domestic cases. However, you must comply with building regulations regarding runoff, especially if water is directed toward the house or neighbouring properties. Surface water should never be discharged into the foul drain system.