Driveway cost in the UK (2026 guide)
Published guides put a new driveway at roughly £30 to £175 per square metre in 2026, depending on the material. Gravel and tarmac are the cheapest, resin sits in the middle, and block paving costs the most. A typical two-car drive of about 50 m² often lands between £2,500 and £8,000.
The guides disagree by up to double for the same material, so use the ranges as a benchmark, since real prices depend on your site. Get written quotes that state what is included.
Driveway cost at a glance
| Material | Installed cost per m² | Source note |
|---|---|---|
| Gravel | £30 to £80 | MyJobQuote and a comparison table |
| Tarmac | £45 to £90 | Several 2026 guides |
| Concrete | £60 to £130 | MyJobQuote and others |
| Resin-bound | £70 to £140 | e-architect, MyJobQuote |
| Block paving | £70 to £175 | Trade guide, MyJobQuote |
For a single drive of about 40 m², one trade guide gives £4,500 to £8,000 for block paving, £3,500 to £7,000 for resin, and £2,500 to £5,000 for tarmac or concrete. Those totals include digging out, the sub-base and basic drainage, but not gates, walls or lighting.
Cost by material
Gravel
Gravel is cheap and quick, and it drains well, although it needs care. It needs edging to hold it in, and it can move under tyres.
Tarmac
Tarmac gives a smooth, hard surface at a modest price. Quality depends on the sub-base, so ask how deep it will be.
Resin-bound
Resin-bound surfaces are smooth, permeable and long-lasting, with a typical life of 15 to 20 years in one guide. They need a sound base, so a poor existing surface adds cost.
Block paving
Block paving looks smart and repairs easily, because you can lift single blocks. It costs the most, and permeable types cost more again.
What changes the price
- Size. Small jobs cost more per square metre.
- Existing surface. Removing an old drive adds cost.
- Sub-base depth. A deeper base costs more but lasts longer.
- Access. Tight access slows the work.
- Location. London and the South East are dearer.
- Extras. Edging, drainage, kerbs and lighting add up.
Rules to check
Because of drainage rules, paving more than five square metres of front garden in England with a hard surface needs either planning permission or a permeable surface, or drainage to a lawn or border. A dropped kerb needs your council’s permission. Ask your installer to confirm what applies in your area, and get it in writing.
How to save
Compare at least three quotes that show groundwork, drainage and materials separately, because that is where quotes differ. Choose a simple shape. Avoid winter if you can, since wet weather slows work. Ask what guarantee the installer gives and who stands behind it.
Getting quotes
To compare, send us your job and we will pass it to local builders and landscapers. We do not vet them, so check each one with our guide to finding a tradesman you can trust. You can also read about builders near you.
Where these figures come from
We checked MyJobQuote, e-architect, Trade2base and a 2026 tarmac guide in October 2026. Several are contractor or lead-generation sites. Supplier-only prices are not comparable, so we used installed prices only, while noting outliers.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a resin driveway cost?
Guides suggest about £70 to £140 per square metre installed, so a 40 m² drive is roughly £3,500 to £7,000 in one trade guide.
How much does block paving cost per m²?
Between about £70 and £175 per square metre installed, according to different guides. Permeable block paving costs more.
What is the cheapest type of driveway?
Gravel and tarmac are usually the cheapest. Compare installed prices, not supply-only prices.
Do I need planning permission for a new driveway?
Not always. In England, a hard surface over five square metres in a front garden needs a permeable surface or drainage, or planning permission. A dropped kerb needs council permission.