What Manhole Cover Do I Need? A Straightforward Guide

If you're replacing an old manhole cover - or planning a new driveway, patio or internal floor - you might be wondering:

Which cover do I actually need?

With so many options, it can feel more complicated than it should. So we’ve put together this simple, no-nonsense guide to help you figure it out fast. No jargon. No overthinking. Just clear answers based on where the cover’s going and what it needs to do.

1. Is it going to be seen - or filled in?

Start by asking: Do you want to see the cover once it’s installed?

If you don’t, that means you’re looking for a recessed manhole cover—one that can be filled with the same finish as the surrounding surface.

• Block paving or slabs?
  You’ll want a Block Paving Recessed Cover. It’s built for driveways and patios.

• Turf or lawn?
  Go for a GrassTop Cover. These support drainage and let grass grow right through.

• Loose gravel?
  A Gravel Recessed Cover holds the stones in place and keeps the surface stable.

• Indoor tiled floors?
  Use a Seamless Tile Recessed Cover. These sit flush with your floor and look tidy once tiled in.

Each of these options blends into the surrounding finish but still gives access when you need it.

2. Is it inside—or in a space that needs to stay sealed?

If the cover is indoors, or in a basement, garage or utility room, odour and water control becomes important. In these areas, a standard cover often isn’t enough.

What you need is a sealed or locking cover, designed to stop smells or moisture escaping.

• A Double Sealed Aluminium Cover handles most indoor jobs.

• A Triple Sealed Aluminium Cover gives an extra layer of protection.

• For more sensitive spaces like wet rooms or kitchens, Odour & Watertight Covers are the best fit.

They include rubber gaskets and screw-down lids for a clean, secure seal—without making the cover hard to lift or use.

3. Is it in a driveway or trafficked area?

If the cover is visible and will have cars or vans driving over it, strength matters more than looks. That’s where solid top or ductile iron covers come in.

• Solid Top Covers are a visible flush-fit cover—ideal for utility areas, yards and paths.

• Ductile Iron Covers are made to withstand heavy traffic, with options up to road-spec load ratings.

If you’re replacing a cover that’s been cracked or sunk from use, this is probably the category you’re looking for.

4. Is corrosion resistance important?

In some settings—like swimming pool areas, food prep spaces or commercial kitchens—you’ll want something that doesn’t rust, is easy to clean and meets hygiene standards.

• Stainless Steel Covers are built for these environments.
  They’re available in different depths and are often specified in cleanrooms, commercial washdowns or decorative interiors.

5. Still unsure about sizes or what else you might need?

Here’s the good news: most covers are built around standard chamber openings. That means it’s usually enough to measure the clear opening (the width and height of the hole, not the lid) and decide what kind of surface finish you’re working with.

Need to adjust the depth or make a non-standard size work?
That’s where accessories come in—like chamber risers, reducing rings or lifting keys. But you don’t have to figure that out upfront. Get the main cover right first, and you can add the extras as needed.

Final Thoughts

Manhole covers aren’t complicated—but getting the right one first time will save you hassle down the line. Start with where it’s going, how visible it needs to be, and whether it needs to be sealed or traffic-rated.

You can browse the full Access Chamber Covers collection for quick filtering - or contact us if you’ve got an unusual job and want to check before ordering.