Driveway cost per m² in the UK (2026)
In 2026 a new driveway typically costs £40 to £180 per m² fully installed, depending almost entirely on the surface you choose. A typical UK driveway of 40 m² therefore lands somewhere between £2,000 and £7,000. This guide gives the rate for each surface, explains what should be included underneath it, and lists the extras that turn a tidy quote into a bigger bill.
- Cheapest: gravel, from around £40 per m²
- Most popular: block paving, £90–£150 per m²
- Excavation and sub-base should be inside the rate - check it is
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2026 driveway prices by surface
The rates below are typical UK supply-and-fit prices per square metre for a domestic driveway, including excavation, a standard sub-base and the surface itself, on a straightforward site with reasonable access. London and the South East sit at the top of each range.
| Surface | Cost per m² (2026) | Typical lifespan | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gravel / shingle | £40 – £70 | 10–20 years with topping up | Cheapest, naturally permeable, needs edging and occasional raking |
| Tarmac / asphalt | £50 – £90 | 15–20 years | Fast to lay, good for large or awkward shapes; can soften in extreme heat |
| Concrete (plain) | £60 – £110 | 20–40 years | Very durable; needs movement joints, can crack if poorly laid |
| Pattern-imprinted concrete | £90 – £140 | 15–25 years | Needs periodic resealing; repairs are visible |
| Resin-bound | £70 – £130 | 15–25 years | Permeable, smooth, but only as good as the base and the installer |
| Block paving (concrete) | £90 – £150 | 20–30 years | Individually repairable; permeable options available |
| Clay pavers | £120 – £170 | 25–40 years | Colour does not fade; higher material cost |
| Natural stone / porcelain | £130 – £200+ | 30+ years | Premium appearance, premium price, needs skilled laying |
Resin-bound is not the same as resin-bonded
Resin-bound mixes aggregate through the resin and is trowelled to a smooth, permeable finish. Resin-bonded scatters aggregate onto a resin layer, giving a rougher, non-permeable surface that is cheaper but less durable. Quotes sometimes blur the two. Ask which one you are being priced for.
What a typical driveway costs in total
| Driveway size | Gravel | Tarmac | Resin-bound | Block paving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small (20 m², one car) | £800 – £1,400 | £1,000 – £1,800 | £1,400 – £2,600 | £1,800 – £3,000 |
| Average (40 m², two cars) | £1,600 – £2,800 | £2,000 – £3,600 | £2,800 – £5,200 | £3,600 – £6,000 |
| Large (70 m²) | £2,800 – £4,900 | £3,500 – £6,300 | £4,900 – £9,100 | £6,300 – £10,500 |
Larger driveways usually attract a slightly lower rate per square metre, because setting up, delivering plant and removing spoil are partly fixed costs spread across more area.
What the rate should include
- Excavation to a firm formation and removal of spoil
- A geotextile separating membrane
- A compacted granular sub-base, typically around 100–150mm for cars, laid in layers
- Laying course and the surface material itself
- Edge restraints, haunched in concrete
- Jointing, compaction and a basic clean-up
Excavation and sub-base are where cheap quotes save money, and they are exactly where you cannot afford to. Almost every driveway that sinks, ruts or cracks failed underneath rather than on the surface.
Extras that are usually not included
| Extra | Typical 2026 cost | When you need it |
|---|---|---|
| Dropped kerb / vehicle crossing | £800 – £2,500 | Creating or widening access across the footpath; requires council approval |
| Soakaway or drainage crate | £600 – £2,000 | Where an impermeable surface is used on a front driveway |
| Channel / linear drain | £60 – £120 per metre | Across the entrance, or where the drive falls towards the house |
| Removing an existing concrete slab | £15 – £40 per m² | Where the old surface is thick or reinforced |
| Retaining walls or steps | £150 – £400 per m² | Sloping sites |
| Extra sub-base for soft ground | £15 – £35 per m² | Clay, made ground, or heavy vehicle use |
Check the drainage position before you choose a surface
In England, paving a front garden of more than five square metres normally needs planning permission only if the surface is impermeable and there is no provision to drain water to a permeable area within the property. Choosing gravel, permeable block paving or resin-bound over a permeable build-up usually avoids both the application and the cost of a soakaway. Rules differ elsewhere in the UK - check with your local authority.
What moves your price up or down
- Access: if a digger and grab lorry cannot reach the drive, labour costs rise sharply
- Ground conditions: soft or clay ground needs a deeper sub-base
- Levels: slopes mean retaining, steps and more careful drainage
- Shape: curves, circles and lots of cutting add labour, especially with block paving
- Region: London and the South East commonly run 15–30% above northern rates
- Time of year: resin in particular cannot be laid in wet or very cold conditions
Getting a price you can trust
Ask three local installers to quote the same area, the same surface and the same drainage solution, and insist that each quote states excavation depth, sub-base material and depth, membrane, edging detail and the named product. Then divide by the square metres and compare like with like. A quote well below the others is nearly always a shallower base, not a better deal.
For how to check an installer's accreditation and spot the common driveway scams, read our guide to choosing a driveway company.
FAQs: driveway cost per m² (UK, 2026)
How much does a new driveway cost per m2 in 2026?
Typically £40 to £180 per square metre fully installed, depending on the surface. Gravel is cheapest at around £40 to £70, block paving runs £90 to £150, and natural stone or porcelain sits at £130 to £200 or more.
How much is a driveway for two cars?
A typical 40 square metre driveway costs roughly £1,600 to £2,800 in gravel, £2,000 to £3,600 in tarmac, £2,800 to £5,200 in resin-bound and £3,600 to £6,000 in block paving, before extras such as a dropped kerb or drainage.
What is the cheapest driveway surface?
Gravel, at around £40 to £70 per square metre installed. It is also naturally permeable, which usually avoids the need for planning permission on a front driveway, though it needs edging and periodic topping up.
Does a driveway quote include excavation and the sub-base?
It should, but always confirm in writing. The quote should state excavation depth, spoil removal, membrane, sub-base material and depth, and edge restraints. Inadequate base preparation is the most common reason driveways fail early.
How much does a dropped kerb cost in 2026?
Commonly £800 to £2,500 including council application and approved contractor costs, varying widely by local authority and the width of the crossing. It is a separate job from the driveway itself and is rarely included in an installer's quote.
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