Compare Driveway Costs: Concrete vs Tarmac vs Block Paving 2026
Tarmac is the cheapest driveway material in 2026, block paving the most expensive, and concrete sits in between. But the cheapest upfront option is not always the best value — block paving lasts longest and adds the most kerb appeal, while tarmac wins on speed and price. Here is the full side-by-side comparison of cost per m², lifespan and maintenance so you can pick the right surface for your budget.
Cost comparison per m² (2026)
As a 2026 guide: tarmac £50–£80/m², concrete £60–£100/m² (more for patterned or imprinted), and block paving £80–£150/m². For a typical 40 m² driveway that is roughly £2,000–£3,200 for tarmac, £2,400–£4,000 for concrete and £3,200–£6,000 for block paving, including a proper sub-base. Those ranges include excavation, a compacted sub-base and edging, but usually exclude removing an old surface, a new dropped kerb and any drainage upgrade, so add those as separate line items. Two other surfaces are worth a look: gravel is the budget choice at roughly £40–£70/m² but needs edging and topping up, while a resin-bound surface sits at the premium end (around £90–£130/m²), is naturally SuDS-permeable and gives a smooth, weed-resistant finish. Our driveway cost guide breaks every material down by size and region.
Lifespan and maintenance
Tarmac lasts around 15–20 years and is easy to patch but can soften in heat. Concrete lasts 30–40 years and is low-maintenance but can crack and is hard to repair invisibly. Block paving lasts 30–40+ years, individual blocks can be lifted and replaced, but it needs occasional re-sanding and weeding. To reach those lifespans you have to maintain each surface: tarmac benefits from resealing roughly every five years to stop it drying out and cracking; concrete should be laid with control joints and a slight fall so it drains and cracks predictably; and block paving keeps its finish best if you top up the jointing sand and apply a sealer every few years, which also helps resist weeds and oil stains. Skipping maintenance is the main reason a driveway fails years early.
Which is best value?
For the lowest upfront cost and a quick install, tarmac wins. For the best long-term value and resale appeal, block paving is hard to beat despite the higher price. Concrete is the middle ground — durable and low-maintenance, especially in imprinted form that mimics paving for less. It is also worth comparing on whole-life cost rather than the install price alone: divide the quote by the years of expected life and add rough maintenance over that period, and a longer-lasting surface often works out cheaper per year even when it costs more up front. If a permeable, low-maintenance finish matters most — for example to meet SuDS drainage rules without a soakaway — resin-bound is the surface most worth pricing alongside the three main options.
How to choose
1. Set your budget and area
Measure in m² and set a budget — the starting point for any comparison.
2. Weigh cost against lifespan
Divide the price by expected years of life to compare true value, not just headline cost.
3. Consider drainage and SuDS
Non-permeable driveways over 5 m² may need planning permission or a permeable surface to meet SuDS rules.
4. Get three like-for-like quotes
Compare the same material, sub-base and area so you judge quality, not just price.
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