Your complete guide to driveway costs for every type of surface

How much does a new driveway cost? As the gateway to your home, a driveway is not just a functional necessity but a statement piece for your property's kerb appeal. For homeowners embarking on the journey of driveway installation or renovation, the burning question often revolves around price.

However, it's important to be able to get an estimate on the potential costs of your project, after all, you might have the most exciting driveway ideas for your property, but if they go beyond your budget, then you may have to re-consider. 

In the UK – where a blend of tradition and modernity characterises our homes – the answer is as diverse as the driveways themselves. From classic gravel drives reminiscent of bucolic rural countryside to sleek, contemporary block paving, the cost spectrum is influenced by multiple factors.

So let’s explore and dissect the nuances of driveway costs. From the choice of materials influenced by our climate, to the impact of local regulations and labour rates, we’ll demystify the process and empower you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions for your home. Buckle up as we navigate through the intricacies of driveway pricing, ensuring that the path you choose not only enhances your property but also aligns seamlessly with your budget.

Which factors affect driveway costs?

Several factors will have an impact on the overall cost of your project, so keep these in mind when making your design decisions:

• Material selection: Driveway cost is greatly impacted by the choice of material. Resin-bound surfaces, block paving, tarmac, concrete, and gravel are common alternatives. Every material’s price range varies according to availability, durability, and visual attractiveness.
• Material quality: Costs can be impacted by the thickness and grade of the material. Although more expensive, durable, high-quality materials frequently work better and last longer.
• Size: Driveway size and design complexity are significant factors. Larger driveways obviously cost more overall – since they require more labour and materials. Installation may become more complex and expensive if there are intricate designs, patterns, or curves to incorporate.
• Groundworks: Significant groundworks – excavation, levelling, or drainage improvements and services relocation – will add to the overall cost. New installations often involve more groundwork compared to replacements — especially if the area needs substantial preparation before the laying of the new driveway.
• Site accessibility: The ease of delivering building supplies and plant to the driveway might impact expense. Restricted access could mean more manual labour, raising overall labour cost. Accommodating a mini digger on site to access the drive will be significantly cheaper and quicker than manual labour.
• Extra features: While adding lights, borders, or landscaping can improve the appearance, it can also raise the expense of the project.
• Regulations and permits Complying with local regulations, obtaining permits, or obtaining planning permission – where required – will increase the project's cost. Make sure your driveway complies with regulations.
• Removal of the existing driveway: If a replacement driveway is required, any quotations should cover the driveway's removal and legal disposal. This process will raise the project's total cost.
• Drainage requirements: Additional drainage solutions may be required, depending on the site's particular requirements and building regulations. In order to avoid water collecting which can shorten the driveway's lifespan, proper drainage – such as an ACO channel and possibly a soakaway – is crucial.

Factor in driveway foundation costs

It is all well and good looking at the best driveway materials, but a driveway will only be as good as the foundations it’s laid upon. Much the same as a house is built on firm foundations, a driveway is no different — it’s built on a stone sub-base and sand.  

A typical driveway will need to take the weight of your car – and possibly the occasional delivery van – so it doesn’t have to be a full road construction. Nevertheless, it will require excavating to a firm strata, removing any clay or rock if present. All the drives we’re looking at will require a minimum of 150mm well compacted MOT Type 1 as a sub-base along with a weed membrane barrier to prevent weed growth.

 A driveway measuring 4.8 x 2.4m (11.52m2) should require five bags of MOT Type 1 Sub Base Bulk Bags (if excavating to a 150mm depth) costing approximately £425. A heavy duty weed membrane will cost £52 and cover up to 25m2.  

Factor in some simple plant machinery (such as wacker plate) from a tool hire company – approximately £64 for a weekend hire – and your base should be ready for the desired driveway material. 

How much does a gravel driveway cost?

Most gravel driveway ideas can be laid on a DIY basis. Bags of gravel cost £150-190/bag. The depth of your driveway will determine how much a tonne of gravel will cover. Generally, a gravel driveway needs to be at least 50mm deep. If this is the depth – or something comparable – you're using for your driveway, a tonne of gravel ought to cover 10–15m2. If you want a tradesperson to carry out the works, then budget for a two-man team at £220 per day.

Concrete driveway costs

There are two types of concrete driveway, each of which will suit some front garden driveway ideas better than others. The first is unreinforced concrete poured and left to cure with no pattern apart from maybe a 100mm edge trowelled border. Concrete driveway installation typically costs £50–£70m2 and labour costs can range from £200–£350 per day, depending on the complexity of the job. 

The other option is concrete that’s embossed or patterned to mimic other materials and textures. This is called stamped concrete — sometimes referred to as imprinted concrete. There’s an abundance of patterns to choose from including wood, slate, flagstone and brick. 

Budget from £3,000 for a 35m2 driveway. My advice is that this is best left to the professionals. Remember to include an expansion joint in large areas of concrete driveway.

Resin driveway costs

Resin-bound driveways marry strength, longevity and aesthetics, presenting a surface that is not only adaptable but also requires minimal maintenance — perfect for anyone after ways to inject a little extra kerb appeal. This resilient solution is crafted from natural aggregates, marble, recyclable materials and quality resin, creating a sustainable and visually pleasing option for homeowners. 

Establish a budget ranging from £50–£75/m2. This should include material, installation and potential additional features. Once your budget is defined, seek a minimum of four quotes from reputable resin driveway installers. This step ensures a comprehensive understanding of market rates and services, empowering you to make an informed decision and entrust your project to qualified professionals.

Tarmac driveway costs

While tarmac is not always the first choice that springs to mind with those after front garden ideas, it actually has a huge amount going for it when it comes to driveways.

Tarmac is a very resilient, low-maintenance and aesthetically pleasing driveway option which is why many homeowners choose it. When laid correctly it won't need to be replaced for a number of years and requires zero maintenance. I’d also recommend this type of driveway being installed by a professional contractor and not on a DIY basis. Budget around £55-£70m2 and remember to consider kerb edgings to stop the tarmac from moving.

Block paving driveway costs

One of the most common types of driveway is block paving. When installed properly, it can be a beautiful feature of a home. Available in a variety of shapes and sizes from standard block size patterns, the material is manufactured from concrete or clay to cobbles and random setts. 

When it comes to how to lay block paving, it is laid on a bed of 75mm sand which is then compacted with a wacker plate. When the drive is complete, the block paving has kiln sand brushed into its joints to prevent movement and also weed growth. 

Clay blocks cost on average £85/m2, with concrete starting at £25m2. A concrete tumbled Tobermore Tegula Trio Brindle Block Paviour (three sizes per pack) will cost circa £48m2. Remember that the colour on a concrete block paviour will wash out over time. 

My clay paved ‘Castleyard mixture’ driveway was laid in 2005 in a herringbone pattern and is still the same colour 19 years later. It’s had a few power-washes and been resealed overtime, but is still in excellent condition. A 25kg bag of kiln dried sand will cover approximately 5m2 and will cost about £8.50 a bag.

*based on a typical driveway, sub-base excluded

Don't forget driveway installation costs

The supply of the materials is very likely to be costed based on the size, giving you a price per square metre, but it's common for labour for driveways to be costed as a day rate instead. You can expect this to be anywhere from £150 to £400 per day, depending on the company in question, the material used, the number of tradespeople required and other factors. 

Can you install a driveway on a DIY basis?

For certain driveway materials, DIY may be an option. For example, those looking at how to lay a gravel driveway will be pleased to hear that this is relatively easy, if not rather hard work.

However, this will primarily depend on the project's complexity, your level of expertise and the material you choose. If you decide to proceed with a DIY driveway project, start with a small area to gain experience and confidence. Consider these materials if you’re planning on saving costs by undertaking a DIY driveway project.

• Gravel: In smaller spaces, gravel driveways are best as a DIY driveway. Excavating the space, laying down a base layer, then distributing the gravel are the steps. Be sure to also include adequate maintenance and drainage.
• Concrete: A competent DIY enthusiast might be able to construct a basic concrete driveway with a basic design. But handling concrete calls for expertise and familiarity with the curing procedure. It is advised to seek professional guidance for larger areas or more complex designs.
• Tarmac, resin, block paving: These drives are best left to the professionals due to the processes and equipment involved. Seeking professional assistance is often the safer and more reliable option.

Driveway maintenance costs

Although not an initial expense, your driveway may require routine sealing and upkeep to guarantee its longevity. This is recommended for block paving. Incorporate future costs for sealants, repairs, or resealing into your overall budget. Resiblock’s popular superior matt block paving sealer (five litre) costs from £75 and will cover 10m2 of paving.

Factoring in planning permission fees for driveways

Unless the surface is SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) compliant – which comes into effect in 2024 for residential developments – there will be an additional cost. You must apply for planning permission for driveways for any surface larger than 5m2 between your property and the highway if you’re building a new driveway or replacing an impermeable surface with a permeable one. 

Any water runoff must be appropriately managed away from public drains on your land. This might require installing a drainage system such as a soakaway, french drain or SuDS system.  Planning permission depends on your individual circumstances and Permitted Development may apply in some situations, so always check with your local authority to see what’s required. 

Be aware of hidden driveway costs

It's crucial to take additional costs into account when designing a new driveway in addition to the basic construction costs. The following are some potential additional budgeting costs.

Gates: You’ll have to pay extra to erect driveway gates if you want privacy or security. The total cost will depend on the kind of gate, its size, material and whether it’s automated or manual. There are many choices of metal or timber gates – either manufactured or bespoke. Also consider manual or automatic gate control. 

Anti-theft bollards/posts: Adding anti-theft elements to your driveway can increase security. The type of anti-theft gadgets and their installation procedure will determine the final cost. It could be an automatic rising ‘Intellipost 500’ bollard from £1,950 or a Bison stainless steel removable bollard – which simply slots in manually – from £295.

Landscaping: Adding landscaping features to your driveway can improve its overall appearance and increase the appeal of your home and the completed driveway. This may involve adding flowers, shrubs or trees to the driveway's borders. Consider the amount that plants, soil, mulch, and any potential requirement for professional landscaping services in your overall budget. 

Outdoor lighting: Installing some great driveway lighting ideas alongside your driveway can improve visibility, safety and the character of your property. Choose from ‘drive over’ lighting (from £40 each) or lighting posts (from £70 each) to accentuate your driveway. Lighting styles and the intricacy of installation will determine the final cost.

Turntables: A fantastic concept for little driveways that can't provide a comfortable spot in which  to turn around. After parking on the circle, drivers simply turn their car 180 degrees with a manual or powered turntable. Turntables which range from £12,500 upwards can be a great driveway idea when space is limited and busy roads are dangerous for reversing into. But before making any decisions, consult your electrician and groundworkers; thhe turntable’s motorised mechanism needs to be wired in, buried, and installed correctly. For a stylish and practical addition, the materials can be matched to the majority of driveway designs, including permeable tarmac and block paving.

Tim Phillips

Tim Phillips is an experienced senior quantity surveyor and estimator and has worked in the construction industry for over 35 years. He has worked on many varied projects in this time, for corporates, public bodies and private residential clients, managing multi-million budgets. 

For the past 13 years, Tim has worked on a freelance basis, whilst managing his rental property portfolio. He has extensive experience of undertaking his own full-scale house renovations. He is also a speaker and expert at the Homebuilding & Renovating Shows.

Remember that good driveway design is about more than just the materials you choose to finish it off with. You will also need to bear in mind its size, the visibility requirements and take into account leaving space for items other than just cars — such as bin and cycle storage. Don't forget good lighting, gateways, landscaping and accessibility either.