Patio & WalkwayDrainage Solutions

For paver patios, low-profile channel drains like NDS Mini Channel or Slim Channel work well because they sit at the same level as the pavers. The channel can be installed at the patio edge or at transitions. Some systems offer paver-slot grates that hold a cut paver piece, making the drain nearly invisible.

Install drains at the lowest points of your patio where water naturally collects. Common locations include: along the house foundation (to protect the structure), at patio edges where water would run onto landscaping, at transitions between the patio and other surfaces, and at any low spots where puddles form.

It depends on your situation. Trench (channel) drains are best for intercepting surface water runoff—water you can see flowing across the patio. French drains handle subsurface water and help with drainage in areas with high water tables or poor soil drainage. Many patios benefit from both: a trench drain at the surface and a French drain around the perimeter.

NDS and ACO offer numerous decorative grate styles including: wave patterns, botanical/leaf designs, contemporary bars, stone-texture patterns, and paver-slot options that hold cut pavers. Grates come in colors like sand, gray, black, and terracotta to match various hardscapes. Cast iron grates provide a more traditional look.

Yes, most patio drainage systems are DIY-friendly. Channel drains like NDS Mini Channel and Spee-D Channel feature modular designs that connect easily. You will need to dig a trench, set the channel at the right level, secure with concrete or compacted base, and connect to an outlet pipe. Basic landscaping and plumbing skills are helpful.

Install a trench drain between the patio and your house foundation to intercept water before it reaches the structure. The drain should span the full width of the patio at that edge. Connect the drain to a pipe that routes water away from the foundation to a safe discharge point (lawn area, dry well, or storm drain).

Polymer (plastic) drains from NDS are the most popular for residential patios due to their low cost, ease of installation, and corrosion resistance. For upscale installations, polymer concrete (ACO) or decorative cast iron grates add aesthetic appeal. Stainless steel is excellent but typically overkill for residential patios.

Install a channel drain at the patio perimeter to capture runoff before it erodes adjacent landscaping. Alternatively, use a French drain along the edge to handle both surface and subsurface water. For severe erosion, combine surface drainage with proper grading and erosion control measures in the landscape.