Whether you’re looking to install a new driveway or simply resurface your current one, having a rough idea of the cost will help you know what is and isn’t in your budget.
If you need a cost-effective drive that does the job, then a tarmac or gravel one is your best bet. Starting from around £1,200, tarmac drives will typically last around 20 years before they start showing real signs of wear, whereas gravel drives can last up to 100 years if they’re well maintained.
For those with larger budgets, block paving instantly adds kerb appeal and can increase the value of your property, but it’ll set you back anywhere from £2,000 – 9,000.
Want accurate quotes for your new driveway?
Post a job and local driveway installers will get in touch to provide a quote. It’s free, fast and no obligation.
Contents
How much do new driveways cost?
We asked users of My Local Toolbox the cost of their new driveways to help give you an idea of how much you could end up paying. The table below shows average approximate costs to buy and install a new driveway.
These are ballpark costs – post a job to get accurate quotes from driveway installers near you.
Driveway material | Small (30m2) | Medium (60m2) | Large (90m2) |
Tarmac | £1,200 – 1,800 | £2,400 – 3,600 | £2,700 – 5,400 |
Concrete | £2,700 – 4,800 | £5,000 – 9,500 | £8,000 – 14,000 |
Block paving | £2,100 – 3000 | £4,200 – 6,000 | £6,300 – 9,000 |
Gravel | £1,200 – 2,400 | £2,400 – 4,800 | £3,600 – 7,200 |
Resin | £1,500 – 2,400 | £3,000 – 4,800 | £4,500 – 7,200 |
Get quotes |
What factors affect the cost of driveways?
The cost of driveways can vary greatly depending on several factors.
Location
The cost of labour and materials are often much more expensive in London and the southeast compared with towns and cities further north.
The cost of labour can range from £150 to £300 a day. Although if the job is set to last for a few days, there might be a slight discount on a daily rate.
Removing existing driveway
Removing an existing driveway is one of the biggest jobs and can take up a huge chunk of the budget. Depending on the size of your current driveway and the type of material used, it can cost a few hundred pounds or a few thousand pounds.
If you do have to remove your existing driveway, then you’ll also have to factor in the cost of skip hire, which could be around £200.
Preparation of groundwork
In order to get the most out of your new driveway, it is important that the groundwork and drainage are prepared properly. This preparation comes at a cost and can vary depending on what needs to be done. However if corners are cut it will affect the longevity of your new driveway.
From levelling the ground to building sub-bases, preparation costs can be anywhere from £15 to £20 per square metre.
Here is an idea of what sort of preparation your driveway installer might need to do:
- Excavate the area to the required depth (this can vary depending on the material and expected load)
- Level the ground
- Install a drainage channel and soakaway
- Install a sub-base to provide stability and aid drainage
- Set up wooden or metal forms along the edges to contain the material during installation
- Install edge restraints, particularly for block paving, to maintain shape and prevent shifting
- Lay a fabric over the sub-base for added stability and to prevent weed growth
Free Service
Size of driveway
Understandably, the bigger the driveway, the higher the price tag. Nowadays, many families have 2 cars, therefore the cost of a 2 car driveway will inevitably be higher than a 1 car driveway.
Type of materials used
The cost of driveway materials used will have a huge impact on price. We take a look at the main driveway material options and compare their material and labour costs.
Block paved driveway cost factors
- Material cost: The cost varies depending on the material (natural stone, brick or concrete) and the design. High quality paving stones are expensive.
- Labour cost: Installing paving stones is labour-intensive. Each stone must be laid individually which requires time and skill to produce an even driveway, therefore expect to pay a higher labour cost for this type of material.
- Preparation: Must be done precisely to ensure longevity and prevent shifting of the paving blocks. This often includes multiple layers of sub-base, sand and edge restraints.
Concrete driveway cost factors
- Material cost: Moderately expensive. However it depends on what type of concrete you have as there are many different design options. Patterned or stamped concrete can increase the cost significantly.
- Labour cost: Pouring and finishing concrete requires skilled labour to ensure a smooth and durable finish, therefore labour costs will be at the higher end.
Resin driveway cost factors
- Material cost: Resin-bound driveways are expensive but usually less expensive than block paving and some types of concrete.
- Labour cost: Labour costs can be high for this type of driveway because a skilled driveway installer is necessary.
Gravel driveway cost factors
- Material cost: Gravel is inexpensive, with prices varying on the type and size of gravel used.
- Labour cost: Installation is relatively straightforward as it just involves spreading and compacting the gravel. Therefore, labour costs should be on the lower end or zero if you do it yourself.
- Maintenance: Gravel needs regular maintenance, such as levelling and refilling.
Tarmac driveway cost factors
- Material cost: Tarmac is the cheapest material for a driveway.
- Labour cost: Tarmac driveways are quicker and easier to install than concrete or block paving driveways, which helps keep labour costs down.
- Maintenance: Tarmac driveways do need sealing every few years to extend their lifespan.
Complexity of the design
The complexity of the design will have an affect on the cost of your new driveway.
For instance, if you go for block paving, there are various different patterns you can have. The more complex the design, the longer and harder it is to install, resulting in higher labour costs.
Additional driveway costs
These may include:
- Skip hire: Approximately £200.
- Planning permission fee: Prices vary depending on the job and where you live.
- Extra features i.e. landscaping and lighting: Price dependant on how creative you are.
- Site accessibility: You may need to have hedges or trees cut back to allow access for heavy machinery.
- Adding a dropped kerb: Can range from £1,100 – 1,800.
- Protective sealant: Some materials, such as asphalt, concrete and resin-bound driveways need a sealant to protect them from oil, water and UV damage, which would cost around £200 – 400.
Driveway cost FAQ’s
Do I need planning permission?
Legislation brought in in 2008 means homeowners must get planning permission for a new driveway, unless:
- It’s less than five square metres in size or;
- It’s made from a permeable material or;
- There’s natural drainage for rainwater or;
- You’ve installed a soakaway and drainage channel.
Your driveway must meet at least one of the above criteria to avoid planning permission.
Is installing a new driveway worth the cost?
Installing a new driveway offers numerous advantages:
- Improves kerb appeal
- Adds value to your property
- Enhances functionality
- Lowers car insurance premiums
What is the cheapest driveway?
The cheapest driveway option you can have is typically a gravel driveway. Gravel is inexpensive and is easy to install, therefore keeping the labour costs down.
Can you lay a new driveway over an existing one?
Yes you can lay a new driveway over an existing one but you have to consider the following factors:
- Condition of existing driveway: It needs to be structurally sound and have no drainage issues.
- Material compatibility: Tarmac over concrete or block paving over concrete could work.
- Height and level: The new layer will raise the driveway’s height, which might affect entrances to garages and drainage.
- Permits and regulations: Check building regulations for compliance.
To get quotes from driveway experts near you post a job now.
Free Service
About our data
We survey home owners about the driveway quotes they receive, and driveway contractors about how much they charge. We use this data to help create our driveway cost guides.
Author
Written by, Adam Clark, trade specialist at My Local Toolbox.