French Drains in Kensington designed to keep gardens and basements drier year-round. We install discreet drainage runs with correct gradients, gravel fill and reliable outlets. Ideal for W8 and W14 properties where water has nowhere to go.
Response within 24 hours
Standing water near patios, lightwells and lawns is a common headache around Kensington Gardens and Kensington High Street. A properly built French drain collects excess groundwater and channels it away before it damages planting, paving or brickwork. We install a neat trench system with perforated pipe, gravel fill and a geotextile membrane to prevent silting. The result is a garden that drains quicker after heavy rain and stays usable.
Kensington’s stucco townhouses, mansion blocks and period conversions often come with compact rear gardens, lightwells and older drainage layouts. In areas such as South Kensington and Holland Park, access can be tight and levels can be tricky, so gradient design matters. We plan routes that protect mature planting and work carefully around services and foundations. Our approach suits everything from communal gardens to private courtyards behind W8 and W14 homes.
Every installation starts with a site survey to map water flow, outlet options and fall across the garden. We then complete trench excavation, lay the perforated pipe, wrap with geotextile, and finish with clean gravel fill for long-term performance. Where needed, we create multiple runs to intercept water from different zones and connect to a suitable outlet. Homeowners choose Fine Landscaping for tidy workmanship, clear communication and a 10-year warranty on our drainage installations.
In the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, gardens often sit below street level and are bordered by retaining walls, which can trap groundwater. We design french drains kensington area installations to suit tight side passages, basement lightwells and shared access points. Parking and loading can be restricted near Earl's Court and Kensington Palace, so we plan deliveries and spoil removal to minimise disruption. Our finishes are chosen to complement period detailing and elegant garden layouts.
Rated 4.9/5 from over 280 verified reviews
Costs vary with length, depth, access and where the outlet can connect. As a guide, smaller runs for a courtyard or lightwell might start around £1,200–£2,500. Larger systems with multiple runs, deeper trench excavation or difficult access can be £3,000–£7,500+. We’ll survey the site, confirm the best route and provide a detailed, itemised quote before any work starts.
Most straightforward installations take 1–2 days, including excavation, pipework, gravel fill and reinstatement. Larger gardens, multiple runs or deeper trenches can take 3–5 days. Timescales depend on access (especially through narrow side returns), the amount of spoil to remove, and whether we’re connecting to an existing soakaway or a new outlet. We’ll agree a schedule that suits your household and neighbours.
French drains are usually classed as garden drainage and don’t require planning permission, as they’re below ground and don’t change the building’s appearance. However, rules can differ for listed buildings, properties in conservation areas, or where work affects party walls and shared boundaries. We check constraints, discuss outlet options, and can coordinate with your managing agent where needed. If any approvals are required, we’ll flag them early.
Yes. We provide a 10-year warranty on our French drain installation workmanship, covering correct installation of the perforated pipe, geotextile membrane, gravel fill and connections. The warranty is valid when the system is used as designed and basic maintenance is followed. It doesn’t cover damage from third-party works, major ground movement, or blocked outlets caused by external debris. We also provide practical maintenance guidance at handover.
We tailor the design to your garden’s levels and water source. Options include different pipe diameters, clean angular gravel grades, and full geotextile wrapping to reduce silt. We can add inspection points for easier maintenance, create multiple runs for separate problem zones, and connect to a soakaway or suitable surface water outlet where permitted. We’ll explain the pros and cons on site and recommend what suits your property best.
Get your free, no-obligation quote today.