How Much Does a Concrete Driveway Cost in 2026? (UK)
A UK concrete driveway in 2026 costs £55-£110/m² fitted. A standard reinforced slab drive sits at £55-£75/m², pattern-imprinted concrete (PIC) at £80-£110/m², and polished or exposed-aggregate finishes from £95/m² up. For a typical 40m² driveway expect £2,800-£4,400, a 60m² £4,400-£6,600 and a 80m² £6,000-£8,800. Add £600-£2,500 if you need a new sub-base, drainage upgrade or SuDS-compliant soakaway. This guide gives the full 2026 ladder by size, finish, base prep and access.
Concrete Driveway Cost by Size & Finish
Standard reinforced slab (most common)
£55-£75/m². Mesh-reinforced 100mm slab on 150mm Type 1 sub-base. Brushed or float finish. The cheapest compliant option for a typical UK driveway.
Pattern-imprinted concrete (PIC)
£80-£110/m². Colour-hardened and imprinted with a stone or brick pattern. Sealed every 3-5 years. Premium kerb appeal at mid-range cost.
Exposed aggregate or polished
£95-£140/m². Decorative aggregate pre-mixed into the slab and washed back before set. Long-life finish, minimal upkeep, premium architectural look.
SuDS-compliant permeable concrete
£90-£130/m². No planning permission required for any size as it meets Sustainable Drainage rules. Required if you remove an existing impermeable surface and exceed 5m².
Base prep & drainage
£15-£35/m² if existing base is poor, £600-£2,500 for new drainage / soakaway. Always priced separately on quotes — confirm what is included.
Removal of existing surface
Tarmac £8-£14/m², block paving £12-£18/m², old concrete £18-£28/m². Skip and disposal £180-£320 typical.
Common Questions
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