Quick Answer
A new driveway in the UK costs £40–£80/m² for gravel, £50–£100/m² for tarmac, £80–£150/m² for block paving, and £80–£160/m² for resin-bound. A typical 40m² driveway costs £1,600–£6,000 fully installed in 2026, depending on material.
A new driveway improves your home's kerb appeal, adds value, and provides a practical, weatherproof surface for parking. With a wide range of materials available in 2026 — from traditional gravel and tarmac through to premium resin-bound and porcelain — there's a driveway option to suit every property and budget.
Driveway costs depend on the size of the area, the material you choose, whether you need a new dropped kerb, and how much excavation is involved. Getting the material choice right for your usage, planning rules, and aesthetic preferences is the key decision before requesting quotes.
All prices below are based on 2026 UK market rates and include supply and installation. Ready to compare quotes from local driveway specialists? Post your driveway job on GetQuickHelp for free.
In this guide
Driveway Materials Comparison
| Material | Installed Cost/m² | Lifespan | Permeable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gravel (loose) | £40 – £80/m² | Indefinite (topped up) | Yes |
| Tarmac (standard) | £50 – £100/m² | 20–30 years | No |
| Tarmac (coloured) | £70 – £120/m² | 20–30 years | No |
| Block paving (concrete) | £80 – £130/m² | 25–30 years | Permeable options available |
| Block paving (clay/brick) | £100 – £180/m² | 30–50 years | No |
| Resin-bound gravel | £80 – £160/m² | 15–25 years | Yes |
| Resin-bonded gravel | £50 – £100/m² | 10–15 years | No |
| Porcelain | £150 – £250/m² | 30+ years | No (unless jointed) |
Block paving remains the most popular premium driveway material in the UK. It's attractive, durable, and individual blocks can be replaced if damaged. Clay brick block paving is more expensive than concrete but lasts longer and doesn't fade as much over time.
Resin-bound driveways have grown massively in popularity because they're permeable (no planning permission issues for front gardens), look very smart, and are weed-resistant. However, they can be damaged by sharp edges or heavy vehicles, and repairs are visible. There's also an important distinction between resin-bound (aggregate mixed into resin — permeable, durable) and resin-bonded (aggregate spread onto resin surface — not permeable, cheaper, shorter lifespan).
Tarmac is the most cost-effective hard surface for large driveways. It's quick to install, durable, and can be resurfaced if it becomes worn. The main downside is that standard tarmac is black and not permeable. Coloured macadam top coats are available for a premium.
Total Cost for Typical Driveway Sizes
| Driveway Size | Gravel | Tarmac | Block Paving | Resin-Bound |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20m² (1 car) | £800 – £1,600 | £1,000 – £2,000 | £1,600 – £3,000 | £1,600 – £3,200 |
| 40m² (2 cars) | £1,600 – £3,200 | £2,000 – £4,000 | £3,200 – £6,000 | £3,200 – £6,400 |
| 60m² (large) | £2,400 – £4,800 | £3,000 – £6,000 | £4,800 – £9,000 | £4,800 – £9,600 |
Dropped Kerb Costs
If you're creating a new driveway on a road with a continuous kerb, you'll need a dropped kerb (vehicle crossover) to allow cars to exit the pavement. This requires permission from your local council (highways department) and is a separate cost to the driveway itself:
| Dropped Kerb Type | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Council application fee | £150 – £500 | Varies by local authority |
| Council-instructed installation | £800 – £2,500 | Many councils require their own contractor to do the road works |
| Pavement crossing (private contractor) | £300 – £800 | Some councils allow private contractors |
| Total (application + works) | £1,000 – £3,000 | Budget separately from driveway cost |
💡 Tip
Never drive over a kerb or pavement without an approved dropped kerb — doing so is illegal and can result in prosecution by your local council. Always apply before having your driveway installed.
What Affects the Cost of a New Driveway
| Factor | Impact | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Material choice | Very high | Gravel vs resin-bound — up to 4× cost difference per m² |
| Driveway size | High | Larger areas are more cost-effective per m² due to fixed setup costs |
| Removing existing surface | Medium | Skip hire + excavation adds £300–£800 |
| Drainage requirements | Medium | Channels, soakaways, or connection to drain adds cost |
| Edging and borders | Low-medium | Granite setts edging adds £30–£60/linear metre |
| Location | Medium | London labour premium 20–30% |
| Gates / pillars | High | Adding gates or stone pillars adds £1,000–£5,000+ |
Planning Permission for Driveways
In England, paving over a front garden requires planning permission unless the surface is permeable — this is due to rules introduced in 2008 to manage surface water run-off. Permeable surfaces that don't require planning permission include:
- Gravel (loose stone allows water to drain)
- Resin-bound aggregate (fully permeable)
- Permeable block paving (with permeable jointing sand)
- Grass or other planting
Non-permeable surfaces (standard tarmac, standard block paving, concrete, porcelain) require planning permission for a front garden driveway. However, if you can direct run-off to a lawn or border (not onto the road or a neighbouring property), you can avoid the planning requirement.
For more on planning rules, see our guide on planning permission for home improvements. For a related project, see our guide on patio installation costs in the UK, and for guidance on hiring the right people, read our article on questions to ask before hiring a tradesperson.
Before committing to a contractor, make sure you also read our guide on how to hire a builder in the UK — the same principles apply to driveway contractors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a new driveway take to install?+
A standard tarmac or gravel driveway can be completed in 1–2 days. Block paving typically takes 2–5 days depending on size and pattern. Resin-bound driveways take 1–2 days for laying but need 24–48 hours curing time before use.
Do I need planning permission for a new driveway?+
For rear or side driveways, no planning permission is needed. For front driveways in England, planning permission is required for any non-permeable surface over 5m² that doesn't drain to a lawn or planted area. Permeable materials (gravel, resin-bound, permeable block paving) are exempt.
What is the cheapest driveway option in the UK?+
Gravel is the cheapest driveway surface at £40–£80/m² installed. It can look attractive, drains naturally, and deters intruders (crunching noise). The downsides are that gravel migrates onto roads and pathways, and weeds can grow through if not laid on a quality membrane.
How long does a tarmac driveway last?+
A well-laid tarmac driveway should last 20–30 years with minimal maintenance. Cracks can develop over time, especially with temperature cycles, but can usually be repaired at low cost. Re-surfacing (without removing the base) typically costs £20–£40/m² and can add another 15–20 years.
What is the difference between resin-bound and resin-bonded driveways?+
Resin-bound: aggregate (gravel) is mixed through a resin and laid as a seamless surface — it is permeable, durable, and does not require planning permission. Resin-bonded: aggregate is scattered onto a resin-coated base — it is not permeable, cheaper, but less durable and tends to shed surface stones over time.
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