If you’re trying to solve a yard drainage issue, you’ve probably heard the terms French drain and trench drain. While they sound similar, these are two very different systems—and choosing the right one can make or break your solution.
In this guide, we’ll explain the differences between French drains and trench drains, when to use each, and how to decide which one fits your yard drainage needs best.
🧱 What Is a French Drain?
A French drain is a gravel-filled trench that contains a perforated pipe. It’s designed to redirect subsurface water (water that soaks into the ground) away from problem areas.
Key Features:
- Buried underground
- Wrapped in landscape fabric to prevent clogging
- Ideal for soggy yards, hillsides, or behind retaining walls
🚧 What Is a Trench Drain?
A trench drain (also called a channel drain) is a surface-level drainage system with a visible grate. It’s used to quickly collect and redirect surface water runoff from hardscapes like driveways, patios, and walkways.
Key Features:
- Installed at surface level
- Covered with a slotted or grated top
- Typically connected to underground drain pipes
⚖️ French Drain vs. Trench Drain: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | French Drain | Trench Drain |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Subsurface (underground) | Surface (runoff) |
| Best Use Case | Soggy lawns, hillsides, wet soil | Driveways, patios, walkways |
| Installation Depth | Deep (6–18 inches or more) | Shallow (4–8 inches typically) |
| Visibility | Hidden beneath gravel/soil | Exposed with visible grates |
| Maintenance | Low (flush occasionally) | Moderate (keep grates debris-free) |
| Cost (DIY) | Moderate to high | Low to moderate |
✅ When to Use a French Drain
Choose a French drain if you have:
- A soggy lawn that never dries
- Water pooling near a foundation
- Water seeping into a basement or crawl space
- Drainage problems on a slope or hillside
- Clay or compacted soil that drains slowly
🔗 Learn more: Fixing Standing Water in Your Yard »
✅ When to Use a Trench Drain
Choose a trench drain if you need to:
- Collect water runoff from a concrete driveway or patio
- Prevent water from entering your garage
- Direct water away from paved walkways
- Capture heavy rainfall before it spreads
💬 Can You Use Both?
Yes. Many homes use a combination of French drains and trench drains for full coverage. For example:
- Install a trench drain at the edge of your driveway to catch runoff
- Use a French drain in the backyard to solve soggy lawn problems
Together, they can form a complete yard drainage system.
🛠️ DIY or Hire a Pro?
- Trench drains can often be installed DIY with basic tools and a drain kit.
- French drains usually require deeper digging, proper slope calculation, and may benefit from professional installation—especially if tying into downspouts or sump pumps.
🧭 Final Thoughts: Which Drain Should You Choose?
Choose a French drain if you’re battling soggy soil, underground saturation, or seepage issues.
Choose a trench drain if your main issue is fast-moving surface water on hardscapes.
Still unsure? Reach out to a local yard drainage expert for an on-site evaluation—or browse our other DIY yard drainage tips to get started.