How Much Does a New Driveway Cost in 2026?

A professionally installed driveway in the UK will commonly cost between £45 and £120 per square metre, although premium materials, complex groundwork and drainage can push the final price higher.

This guide explains the indicative cost of resin, tarmac, block paving, gravel and concrete driveways, along with the preparation work and additional items that can affect your quotation.

Price guide reviewed July 2026. Prices are broad UK estimates rather than fixed quotations.

Average UK Driveway Costs Per Square Metre

The following figures provide a starting point for budgeting. They represent broad installed price ranges, but the amount quoted will depend heavily on the condition of the existing ground and the specification of the new driveway.

Driveway surface	Indicative cost per m²	Indicative 40m² cost	Relative cost
Gravel driveway	£40–£70	£1,600–£2,800	Lower
Tarmac driveway	£45–£80	£1,800–£3,200	Lower to medium
Resin-bound driveway	£60–£120	£2,400–£4,800	Medium to higher
Block paving	£70–£120	£2,800–£4,800	Medium to higher
Concrete driveway	£70–£110	£2,800–£4,400	Medium to higher

These calculations multiply the indicative square-metre rate by 40m². Small, complicated or restricted-access projects may have a higher price per square metre. Always confirm whether excavation, drainage, waste removal and VAT are included.

Example Driveway Costs by Size

The examples below show how the total can change according to driveway size. They use a broad installed rate of £60 to £110 per square metre and should only be used for early budgeting.

20m² Driveway

£1,200–£2,200

Approximately one vehicle

40m² Driveway

£2,400–£4,400

Typical two-car area

60m² Driveway

£3,600–£6,600

Larger residential driveway

100m² Driveway

£6,000–£11,000

Large drive or parking area

How Much Does a Resin Driveway Cost?

A resin-bound driveway will commonly cost approximately £60 to £120 per square metre. The lower end may be achievable when resin can be installed over a suitable existing base. A full installation requiring excavation and a completely new permeable base will cost more.

The aggregate colour, depth of the resin layer, condition of the base, edging design and size of the area will all affect the quotation. Small areas often cost more per square metre because contractors still need to cover delivery, machinery and mobilisation costs.

Read our resin-bound driveway guide

How Much Does a Tarmac Driveway Cost?

A professionally installed tarmac driveway will typically cost around £45 to £80 per square metre. Tarmac can be economical for larger areas because machinery, labour and material delivery costs are spread across more square metres.

Prices are influenced by excavation requirements, the depth and condition of the sub-base, the number of tarmac layers, access for machinery and whether decorative edging or drainage channels are required.

Read our tarmac driveway guide

How Much Does Block Paving Cost?

Block paving commonly costs approximately £70 to £120 per square metre. Standard concrete blocks are normally more affordable than clay blocks, natural stone sets or complicated multi-coloured designs.

Block paving involves considerable preparation and manual labour. Excavation, sub-base compaction, laying course material, edge restraints, block cutting and jointing should all be included within a properly prepared quotation.

Read our block paving driveway guide

How Much Does a Gravel Driveway Cost?

Gravel is generally one of the least expensive driveway surfaces, with indicative professional installation prices of approximately £40 to £70 per square metre. The final price will depend on the amount of excavation, sub-base construction, edging and whether a gravel-stabilisation grid is installed.

Although the surface material is relatively affordable, a gravel driveway still requires a correctly prepared and compacted base. Simply placing decorative gravel over soil or a failing surface is unlikely to produce a durable result.

Read our gravel driveway guide

How Much Does a Concrete Driveway Cost?

A standard concrete driveway may cost around £70 to £110 per square metre. Decorative, coloured or pattern-imprinted finishes can cost more because of the additional materials, preparation and specialist labour involved.

The specification should account for ground preparation, appropriate concrete depth, reinforcement where needed, movement joints, falls and surface water drainage.

Read our concrete driveway guide

What Affects the Cost of a Driveway?

Excavation and groundwork

Removing the old surface, excavating unsuitable ground and constructing a properly compacted sub-base can represent a substantial part of the total cost.

Waste removal

Broken concrete, paving, soil and other excavated material must be loaded, transported and disposed of appropriately.

Drainage

Channel drains, soakaways, permeable construction and alterations to existing levels can add to the cost but may be essential.

Access and site conditions

Restricted access, steep slopes, poor ground, tree roots and limited space for machinery can increase labour and installation time.

Edging and design

Contrasting borders, curves, steps, recessed covers and detailed patterns require additional materials and labour.

Location

Labour, delivery and disposal costs vary across the UK. Prices can be higher in London, the South East and locations far from material suppliers.

Possible Additional Costs

The following work may be charged separately unless it is expressly included within the contractor’s written quotation:

Removal and disposal of the existing driveway
Additional excavation or correction of soft ground
Drainage channels, soakaways and new pipework
Kerbs, steps, retaining walls and decorative borders
Relocating inspection covers or installing recessed covers
Removing trees, roots, walls or planting
Widening the entrance to the property
Applying for or constructing a dropped kerb
Lighting, gates, security posts and landscaping
VAT where it has not already been included

Can an Existing Driveway Be Resurfaced?

Resurfacing may be possible when the existing base is stable, correctly shaped and free from serious movement. For example, some resin or tarmac surfaces can be installed over a suitable existing concrete or tarmac base.

Resurfacing should not be used simply to hide a failed foundation. Extensive cracking, sinking, poor drainage or movement may indicate that excavation and complete reconstruction provide better long-term value.

Planning Permission and Driveway Drainage

In England, planning permission is not normally required when a new or replacement front driveway uses a permeable surface or directs water to a lawn, border or another permeable area within the property.

Traditional impermeable surfacing covering more than five square metres may require planning permission when water is not directed to a permeable area. Different rules, local restrictions and additional requirements can apply, particularly for listed buildings, conservation areas and properties requiring a new dropped kerb.

Homeowners should check the requirements applying to their property with the relevant local planning authority before work begins.

Read the government guidance on permeable front gardens

What Should a Driveway Quotation Include?

Do not compare quotations using the final price alone. Check whether each contractor is allowing for the same preparation, materials and finished specification.

The measured driveway area
Removal and disposal of the existing surface
Proposed excavation depth
Sub-base material and compacted depth
Edging restraints and borders
Surface material, depth, colour and finish
Drainage and management of surface water
Adjustment of inspection covers and utility access
Estimated start date and installation time
Payment stages and deposit requirements
Workmanship and material guarantees
Confirmation of whether VAT is included

Find a Driveway Contractor

Once you have considered the surface, likely budget and preparation required, use the Driveway Directory to find contractors serving your area.

Contractors in England Contractors in Wales

Driveway Cost Questions

What is the cheapest type of driveway?

Gravel is generally the least expensive professionally installed driveway surface. However, the overall cost still depends on excavation, the sub-base, edging, drainage and the use of stabilisation grids.

How much does a two-car driveway cost?

A two-car driveway of approximately 40m² might cost around £2,400 to £4,800, depending on the chosen material and groundwork. Complicated preparation or premium finishes can increase this figure.

Why do driveway quotations vary so much?

One quotation may include complete excavation, a new sub-base, drainage and waste removal, while another may only allow for resurfacing. Compare the full written specification rather than the headline price.

Is a larger driveway cheaper per square metre?

It can be. Fixed costs such as machinery, delivery and site setup are spread across a larger area. Site conditions and the amount of preparation will still affect the price.

Should I accept the cheapest driveway quote?

Not automatically. Check the excavation depth, sub-base, surface specification, drainage, waste removal, insurance and guarantees. A cheaper quotation may exclude work included by another contractor.

About This Price Guide

The figures on this page are indicative consumer budgeting ranges compiled from published UK trade price guides. Actual contractor quotations will vary according to location, site conditions, specification, material prices and the work included.

Reference sources:

This guide does not constitute a contractor quotation, planning advice or a guarantee of the price available in a particular area.