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.
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.
| 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 |
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.
Preparation of groundwork
In order to get the most out of your new driveway, the ground will have to be prepared properly. This preparation comes at a cost. From levelling the ground to building sub-bases, preparation costs can be anywhere from £15 to £20 per square metre.
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.
You’ll also have to factor in the cost of skip hire, which could be around £200.
Size of driveway
Understandably, the bigger the driveway, the greater the cost.
Type of materials used
The cost of driveway materials used will have a huge impact on price. Gravel and concrete tend to be the cheapest type of material, whereas block paving is perhaps the most expensive.
Additional costs
Additional costs can be anything from skip hire, to planning permission. You may even need to have hedges or trees cut back to allow access for heavy machinery.
Driveway FAQs
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.
To get quotes from driveway experts near you post a job now.