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Curious about the cost of a job or what the process of patio or driveway replacement entails? We’ve covered some of the main projects below.
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If you’re looking to give the exterior of your home a revamp, then a patio or driveway replacement might be the answer you’ve been looking for.
When deciding which type of surface you should choose, there are a few things to consider. Where a driveway is a practical space for you to park your car, a patio is a place for you to relax and unwind, and both can help improve your home.
You should consider the size and layout of your new driveway as this will impact the type of driveway materials you should use. For example, if your new driveway is on a slope, then you’ll want a material that offers an anti-slip surface, whereas, for square drives, block paving may be an attractive addition to your home’s exterior.
Ultimately, your personal preference and budget will dictate your decision.
It’s important to remember that the cost of your new driveway will also be impacted by the size and type of surface you choose.
If you’re on a budget, it can be tempting to go for the cheapest option but creating a new driveway with the right material can increase your kerb appeal – and more importantly, increase the value of your home.
A driveway needs to be tough and durable but should also work cohesively with your home.
Before you hire a driveway contractor, you should check out our cost guides for more information.
When choosing your driveway surface, you should think about the installation and maintenance costs, as well as how much value it could add to your property. The most popular types of driveway material include:
Asphalt driveways offer a low-cost solution compared with other driveway surfaces. Highly water-resistant, asphalt is an ideal long-term solution, although asphalt does require more maintenance than concrete.
Block paving is an easy way to add instant kerb appeal to any home. Block paving is typically made of bricks that are slotted together to create an appealing driveway. Because paved driveways tend to be a lot less slippery than concrete, they’re ideal for driveways on a slope.
Concrete driveways are a traditional choice, especially for urban and suburban settings. Also known as ‘cement driveways’, concrete driveways are cost-effective, quick and easy to install, and low maintenance.
Made from a mix of rock, sand, and clay, gravel provides a compact and sturdy driveway material. Like asphalt, gravel is a low-cost option, however, maintenance is more intensive than other materials. Gravel is available in a wide range of colours making it ideal for both modern and period properties.
A resin bound driveway is a combination of materials, such as gravel and stone, mixed with Polyurethane resin. Resin driveways provide a permeable solution that adheres to the Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS) standards.
Tarmac is a low-maintenance and highly durable driveway material. Made from a tar and chip composition, tarmac is easily recognisable and often even cheaper than asphalt.
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The right patio material can help transform a lifeless outdoor space into a stylish oasis of calm. Depending on the surface and layout you choose, you can either create a sleek and contemporary outdoor area or you can create a more homely country cottage feel.
Whether you have a sun-drenched spot crying out for an al fresco dining space or a sheltered courtyard, a new patio can instantly lift an unused space.
Ideally, your new patio will be low maintenance and long-lasting. Factors such as location, size, budget, and personal preference will impact which patio surface you choose.
Block paving provides an aesthetically pleasing outdoor space. However, it can be expensive to install, especially if you opt for an elaborate blocked pattern.
Easy to maintain and relatively low cost. Concrete can also be used as a patio base and decorative tiles can be laid on top.
There are many different types of flagstones available. Ranging in size, shape, and colour, you’re sure to find a style that suits your tastes. Whilst flagstones help provide an attractive patio space, they are more costly than other patio materials.
Gravel is a great cost-effective material for creating a patio space. Water permeable and great at controlling weed growth, gravel provides a low-maintenance patio solution.
Tile is a sought-after patio material thanks to its easy-to-clean and aesthetically pleasing qualities. Typically, tiles are placed onto a base, like a concrete slab. However, when wet, tiles can become extremely slippery.
You will need to apply for planning permission if you want to replace or install a driveway or patio to the front of your property unless:
If you are changing visibility on the road or adding a drop kerb you will also need to apply for planning permission. If your property is listed, you should check to see if your property falls under Article 4 directions for listed buildings.
Because of the rise in urban flooding, SUDS guidance states that permeable materials should be used to allow for natural drainage, and/or directing water away from an impermeable surface to a border rain garden or soakaway when replacing or installing a new driveway or patio.
If the material is impermeable and a drainage system isn’t being utilised, planning permission will be required.
There are several reasons why you might install a new driveway or patio, but the predominant reasons include:
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Generally, a new driveway or patio doesn’t require building regulation approval, however, you will need to make sure any changes you do make do not affect access to the dwelling.
Any materials you use will need permeable, or a soakaway will need to be installed.
The length of time it takes to install a new driveway is very much dependent on the materials you choose and the size of the drive.
Typically, you can expect:
| 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 |
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We cover the whole of the UK, but here's a list of top areas for driveway and patio contractors where we see the most demand.
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