How Much Do Driveways Cost?
How much can you expect to pay for a driveway?
You can expect to fork out between £1,000-£12,000 for your driveway depending on the size.
The cost of a new driveway installation will vary depending on the type of driveway, the size of your driveway and its current condition.
Which is the most expensive driveway?
Block paving driveways are becoming extremely popular because they look great! But they do come with a higher price tag than other types of driveways.
What if you're keeping to a strict budget?
Tarmac and gravel driveways are the cheapest driveways and start off from around £1,000 to £7,000.
If you're looking to get a more accurate price for your new driveway, we can help connect you with local driveway specialists.
New Driveway Prices
See the table below for average costs for different types and sizes of driveway:
| Driveway Material | Small (30m²) | Medium (60m²) | Large (90m²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tarmac | £1,350-£3,200 | £2,700-£4,800 | £4,200-£7,300 |
| Concrete | £2,700-£4,000 | £5,500-£8,000 | £8,250-£11,800 |
| Block paving | £1,200-£4,200 | £2,550-£8,000 | £3,750-£12,200 |
| Gravel | £1,050-£2,500 | £2,100-£4,800 | £3,150-£7,100 |
| Resin | £1,230-£2,200 | £2,610-£5,200 | £4,440-£7,800 |
- How Much Do Driveways Cost?
- What are the Supply Costs for a Driveway?
- Types of Driveway Cost
- Dropped Kerb Costs
- What are the Additional Costs of a Driveway?
- Tradesmen Costs for a Driveway Installation
- Driveway Maintenance Costs
- Driveway Repair Cost
- How Long Does It Take to Install a Driveway?
- How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Driveway?
- FAQs
- Sources
What are the Supply Costs for a Driveway?
If you would prefer to install your driveway yourself, then you will need to consider the following supply costs for different types of driveway.
| Driveway Material | Supply Cost (m²) |
|---|---|
| Tarmac | £40 to £70 |
| Concrete | £85 to £120 |
| Block paving | £35 to £120 |
| Gravel | £30 to £70 |
| Resin | £26 to £40 |
Types of Driveway Cost
Choosing a driveway material can be a hard decision to make, so to help you decide, here is a breakdown of the different types of driveway along with their costs.
Gravel Driveway Costs
A gravel driveway is made up of loose aggregate including rocks, stones, clay and sand. This is one of the most affordable driveways costing around £1,050 to £7,100, with a lifespan of up to 100 years if it is looked after properly.
The main issue with a gravel driveway is that it will need to be maintained regularly, as gravel can be displaced easily so replacement will be required. You may also have to pay for pothole repairs, as gravel driveways tend to soak up a lot of water.
Pros:
- Affordable – it is the cheapest of the available options
- Can have a long life span of 100 years if correctly maintained
- It comes in a variety of aggregates and colours to suit everyone
Cons:
- It must be regularly maintained
- Gravel is easily displaced so you will have to replace some gravel
- You may have to pay for pothole repairs
Tarmac Driveway Costs
A tarmac driveway is made up of tarmacadam which is a mixture of aggregate or crushed stone and tar. The typical tarmac driveway cost is around £1,350 to £7,300, depending on the size of the driveway, making them one of the most affordable driveway options which can be installed in just one day. The speedy installation is due to the fact that tarmac driveways can be installed over existing driveways.
A downside of a tarmac driveway is that it does not last as long as other driveway options such as concrete, so it may need replacing after 20 years or so. There are also limited design options, so it may not be the best option if you are looking for a unique driveway design.
Pros:
- Affordable – it is one of the cheapest of the available options
- It has quick installation times
- It can be installed over existing driveways
Cons:
- It does not last as long as other options
- Limited design options
Concrete Driveway Costs
A concrete slab driveway is one of the most durable and long-lasting options which has a lifespan of around 50 years or more. Concrete is also extremely robust so it can handle the weight of heavy vehicles without the worry of damage. The average concrete driveway cost tends to range from £2,700 to £11,800 which may seem expensive; however, they do offer great value for money.
You will also need to consider the maintenance in your overall imprinted concrete driveway cost, as this type driveway requires annual maintenance including sealing. It is also not the most aesthetically pleasing material, so if you are looking to enhance the look of your exterior it might not be the best choice.
Pros:
- Robust and durable
- Long life span of around 50 years
- It can handle extreme weights being parked on it
Cons:
- It can be expensive
- It requires annual maintenance
- Not always the most aesthetically pleasing
Resin Driveway Costs
There are two types of resin driveway – resin-bound and resin-bonded – the first made up of aggregate mixed with resin and the second aggregate placed on top of resin. The average resin-bound driveway cost is around £1,230 to £7,800, making it one of the most affordable options and is also quick and easy to install.
If you have any heavy commercial vehicles you will need to avoid parking on a resin driveway as it cannot withstand a massive amount of weight. A resin-bonded driveway also requires a significant amount of maintenance, so you may need to consider that in your overall resin bonded driveway cost.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Quick and easy to install
- It looks aesthetically pleasing
Cons:
- It cannot withstand heavy commercial vehicles being parked on it
- It requires a significant amount of maintenance
Block Paving Driveway Costs
Block paving is a type of driveway made up of decorative bricks. One of the biggest benefits of choosing block paving is that it offers an array of designs which can help your driveway stand out. A typical block paving driveway cost is around £1,200 to £12,200, which is one of the more high-end price ranges, although it is worthwhile in the long run, as repairs are generally low cost.
The driveway paving cost can be considerably more expensive if you choose specialist blocks, which many prefer considering budget blocks tend to fade over time. It is also susceptible to weed and moss growth, so it will need to be maintained regularly.
Pros:
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Any repairs are usually low cost
Cons:
- It is one of the more expensive options
- It takes longer to lay than other options
- It’s susceptible to weed and moss growth therefore requires regular maintenance
Dropped Kerb Costs
Another important element you need to consider in your new driveway cost budget is kerb dropping which will involve lowering it to allow a vehicle to park on the driveway in a safe and easy manner. If your home is located on a main road, then you will have to apply for planning permission with your local council.
The average cost of dropping a kerb is around £800 to £1,200, although the final cost will depend on how many kerbs need to be dropped along with the depth it needs to be lowered to.
What are the Additional Costs of a Driveway?
There are various other costs you need to consider when having a driveway installed, including:
Weed Membrane Costs
To prevent wood growth on your driveway, you will need to have weed membrane installed. This normally costs around £30 to £50 per roll, and it is definitely worthwhile to prolong the lifespan of your driveway.
Driveway Gate Costs
To finish off your driveway and enhance the privacy of your home, you may want to consider installing a driveway gate. This job normally costs around £350 to £1,000 for a wooden gate, £150 to £400 for a metal gate, while an electric gate is normally priced at £7,000 to £9,000.
Extensive Groundwork Costs
Before installing a new driveway, it is important that the ground is prepared first to ensure that the driveway installation will be long-lasting. This tends to cost around £15 to £20 per square metre, which will involve excavating any soil and levelling out the ground.
Removal of Existing Drive Costs
One of the biggest jobs involved in driveway installation is the removal of the existing driveway. This can cost around £500 to £1,500, although this will vary depending on the material you choose and how big the driveway is. This will involve ripping up the floor material and removing it using a skip hire service which may cost around £200 to £250.
Security Lighting Costs
Another way to enhance the security near your driveway is by installing high-quality securing lighting to protect your property and family. The cost to install security lighting ranges from £100 to £150 for a 30-watt security light, while motion censored lighting costs around £150 to £200.
Tradesmen Costs for a Driveway Installation
One of the most important cost elements you need to consider is labour, which will vary depending on whether the tradesperson is self-employed or works for a business, the location, as well as the type of driveway they need to install.
Driveway installers tend to quote an estimate of around £150 to £200 per day to complete the job, although this varies depending on your location and the size of the company you choose.
Driveway Maintenance Costs
To ensure your driveway installation is worthwhile and long-lasting, you need to consider the following driveway maintenance costs.
Tarmac Driveway Maintenance Costs
To prevent your tarmac driveway from damage, you should consider applying a sealant. You can hire a professional to seal your driveway which will cost around £8 to £13 per square metre.
Concrete Driveway Maintenance Costs
Concrete driveways are quite low maintenance as they do not need to be resealed as often as other options. If you do want to reseal your concrete driveway, this is usually the same price as tarmac driveway sealing. You can also consider sealing it yourself by purchasing sealant for around £3 to £6 per litre.
Block Paving Driveway Maintenance Costs
Block paving can last around 10 years or more, if looked after properly. One way to do this is by applying sealant to the driveway surface to protect it from oil stains or other types of damage. The average cost of block paving sealant is around £5 to £7 per square metre.
Gravel Driveway Maintenance Costs
Gravel driveways are made up of loose rocks or stones which can easily be displaced if the driveway is not looked after. To maintain it, you should try to clear it regularly with a high-quality rake, which will cost around £40 to £70.
Resin Driveway Maintenance Costs
Resin driveways already contain a sealant and can, therefore, be more permeable than other driveways. However, in the winter you should maintain your resin driveway by applying de-icing salt, which will prevent ice and snow sticking to the driveway. This normally costs around £0.70 to £1 per kg.
Driveway Repair Cost
After a while your driveway may have scuffs or small holes on the surface, which may make you want to pay out for a replacement driveway, however, you might just need some small repairs. Here is a guide for different types of driveways and the cost of repairs.
Tarmac Driveway Repair Costs
If you have had your tarmac driveway for a long time, it may have dents or scuffs, which cannot be repaired, so you may want to opt to resurface it. This just means installing another layer of tarmac on top of your old driveway, which usually costs around £40 per square metre.
Concrete Driveway Repair Costs
Concrete is one of the most durable driveway materials, however, after a while it may be susceptible to cracking. To fix cracks or holes that are less than ¼ inch wide, you can fill the cracks yourself with a concrete crack filler which costs around £8 to £16.
Block Paving Driveway Repair Costs
If you notice that any of the bricks in your block paving are loose, then this may be caused by failed or empty joints that need to be re-pointed. This will involve removing the old mortar with a knife if there is any there, followed by cleaning the area and replacing it with new mortar. This can be done on a DIY basis; all you need is a sharp tool and some paving mortar which costs around £20 to £30 per tub.
Gravel Driveway Repair Costs
Over time potholes can start to form in gravel driveways which are not only unsightly but also inconvenient and can cause damage to car tyres. To repair potholes, you should first remove any debris from the area to ensure the area is level before filling in the hole with new gravel which will need to be compressed. This can be quite a labour-intensive job, so you may want to hire a professional to repair your potholes, who will charge around £150 to £200 per day.
Resin Driveway Repair Costs
If you have any small areas of damage on your resin driveway then this can be chiselled out and repaired. While it is only a small job, it can be quite complicated, as it is important the same resin is used, and the edges of the damaged area need to be feathered to ensure a smooth finish. To hire a professional for this job, you should expect to pay around £150 for a resin driveway repair.
How Long Does It Take to Install a Driveway?
The overall cost of installing a driveway will depend on the time spent on the job, which is usually determined by the size of the driveway and the material used. To help you understand the time frame, take a look at the below table which sets out the durations of different driveway installations.
| Driveway Material | Small (30m²) | Medium (60m²) | Large (90m²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tarmac | 1 - 2 days | 2 - 3 days | 4 - 5 days |
| Concrete | 1 - 2 days | 3 - 4 days | 4 - 5 days |
| Block paving | 1 – 3 days | 3 - 4 days | 4 – 7 days |
| Gravel | 1 - 2 days | 2 – 3 days | 3 - 4 days |
| Resin | 3 – 5 days | 1 – 2 weeks | 2 – 3 weeks |
How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Driveway?
If you want to replace your driveway, then the existing driveway will need to be removed. The cost of removal is normally priced at £400 to £700 for a tarmac driveway and the removal of a resin driveway cost ranges from £150 to £450. The cost of driveway removal for other materials including gravel tends to cost around £150 to £250, while removing a concrete driveway will range from £500 to £1,500 and block paving could cost up to £600.
FAQs
Q: What is the cheapest driveway surface?
A: The cheapest driveway surfaces include tarmac and gravel with starting prices from £1,050. However, out of the two, gravel is the most affordable, as a large 90m² driveway only costs up to £7,100, while a tarmac driveway exceeds this with £7,300 for the same size driveway.
Q: How much value does a driveway add to a house?
A: Installing a driveway can actually add on 5-10% onto the value of the property, so you may want to consider adding or replacing your driveway to improve your home’s selling prospects.
Q: How deep do you have to dig for a driveway?
A: For a typical domestic driveway, you should expect professional driveway installers to dig a depth between 200 to 250mm below the paving level.
Q: How often do you need to clean your driveway?
A: The amount of driveway maintenance required will depend on the type of driveway you have; however, you should try to clean your driveway as often as possible. This involves removing leaves, debris, dirt and more, as this will prevent staining and any other damage, while also prolonging the lifespan of your driveway.
Q: When should a driveway be sealed?
You should avoid sealing your driveway until at least six to twelve months after it has been installed. The reason for this is that you need to give the driveway materials a chance to settle in. After a year is up, you should try to reseal your driveway every two years to ensure it is protected from damage.
Sources
- https://londonlovesproperty.com/how-to-maintain-a-tarmac-driveway/
- https://www.paving.org/index.php/block-paving-cleaning-prices/
- https://limitlesspavingandconcrete.com/asphalt-vs-concrete-driveways/#maintenance
- https://resinbondedaggregates.com/blog/resin-bound-maintenance-guide
- https://jetwashseal.co.uk/dont-damage-your-tarmac-when-cleaning-your-driveway/
- https://www.easymixconcrete.com/news/clean-driveway/
- https://www.marshalls.co.uk/gardens-and-driveways/blog/how-to-clean-block-paving
- https://www.resininstall.co.uk/resin-driveways/how-to-clean-a-resin-bound-surface.html
- https://www.concretenetwork.com/concrete/concrete_driveways/repair.html
- https://www.southwayconstruction.co.uk/blog/tarmac-v-block-paving-driveway-which-is-best/
- https://resintop.co.uk/resin-driveways-pros-and-cons-to-consider/
