New Driveway Cost: Block Paving, Resin & More
How much does a new driveway cost? Block paving starts from around £80 per m², a resin driveway from £60 per m², and tarmac from £50 per m². This guide compares all the main driveway types, explains the planning rules around permeable surfaces, and covers how to get a fair quote from a reliable contractor.
Quick answer
New driveways cost roughly £50 to £150 per m² installed, depending on the surface type and how much excavation is needed. A typical front garden driveway of around 40m² costs £2,500 to £6,000. Most jobs take 2 to 5 days to complete.
See full driveway cost guideWhat the job involves
What does a driveway installation involve?
Excavation and sub-base preparation
The existing surface is broken up and removed. The ground is excavated to the required depth - typically 150 to 300mm depending on the surface type and expected vehicle load. A compacted hardcore sub-base (MOT Type 1) is laid and compacted. This is the most important part of the job: a good sub-base is what prevents settling, cracking, and drainage problems over time.
Surface laying
The chosen surface is laid over the prepared base. Block paving is laid individually and then kiln-dried sand is brushed into the joints. Tarmac is rolled while hot. Resin-bound aggregate is mixed and trowelled. Pattern imprinted concrete is poured, stamped, and sealed. Edging restraints are fitted around the perimeter to prevent the surface from spreading over time.
Drainage
Proper drainage is essential. Where the driveway slopes towards the house or a public footpath, a channel drain or gully is required. On permeable surfaces - gravel, permeable block paving, or resin-bound - rainwater drains through the surface into the ground, which is why they do not require planning permission for front garden driveways over 5m².
Dropped kerb (if needed)
If you are creating a new vehicle crossing from the road, the kerb needs to be lowered and a proper vehicle crossover formed. This requires approval from your local council's highways department. The council's own highways contractor usually carries out the physical kerb work, at a fee set by the council. Your driveway contractor cannot do this part themselves.
Planning permission is required if you replace a front garden with an impermeable surface larger than 5m² - unless the surface is permeable (gravel, permeable block paving, or resin-bound). The Planning Portal front garden paving guidance explains the rules in full. Breaking this rule can result in enforcement action from the council.
Before you hire
Key things to consider
Permeable vs impermeable - the drainage law
Since 2008, planning permission is required for impermeable front garden surfaces over 5m². The rule exists to tackle flooding and drainage system overloading. Choosing a permeable surface - gravel, permeable block paving, or resin-bound aggregate - sidesteps this entirely and often looks just as good. Make sure your contractor knows which category their recommended product falls into.
The sub-base is what you are really paying for
The most common cause of a driveway failing early is an inadequate sub-base. A cut-price quote that skips proper excavation and base compaction will show cracks, settlement, and drainage problems within a few years. Ask your contractor to specify the depth of excavation and the type of base material they will use - and make sure it is in the written quote.
Vehicle weight affects the specification
If your driveway needs to take heavy vehicles - motorhomes, vans, delivery lorries - the sub-base and surface specification needs to reflect that. A standard residential driveway is typically built to support cars. Tell your contractor what will be parking on it and let them design accordingly.
Dropped kerb permission takes time
If you need a new vehicle crossing, factor in council approval time before booking your contractor. Council highways departments can take 8 to 12 weeks to process applications, and the kerb work itself is usually scheduled separately. Start this process before getting driveway quotes so you are not holding up the job.
Finding a contractor
How to find a good driveway contractor
- 1
Ask for a written quote with full specification
A proper quote should state the depth of excavation, the type and depth of sub-base, the surface material and thickness, any drainage included, and the edging detail. If a quote just says '40m² block paving - £3,200', ask them to add the detail. It protects both of you.
- 2
Check they can arrange the dropped kerb if needed
Not all contractors know the council dropped kerb process. A good contractor will guide you through the council application and should be able to co-ordinate the timing around your driveway installation. If they seem unfamiliar with the process, that is worth noting.
- 3
Look at previous work in your area
Ask for addresses of recent jobs you can view. A contractor who has laid a driveway on your road or nearby is relatively easy to check up on. Ring the homeowner if possible - most people are happy to tell you how the job went.
- 4
Make sure drainage is included
Ask specifically what drainage provision is included in the quote - particularly if the driveway slopes towards the house. Channel drains, gullies, and soakaways should be mentioned and costed. Drainage is often treated as an extra on cut-price quotes.
- 5
Get at least three quotes
Driveway pricing is highly variable. On identical jobs, quotes can differ by 30 to 50% between contractors. Three quotes gives you a clear picture of what is reasonable and what is not.
Guides
Driveway guides
Driveway Cost Guide
Full price breakdown by surface type and driveway size.
£50 – £150 per m²
Gravel Driveway Cost Guide
Gravel types, grid systems, and full installation costs.
£1,500 – £8,000
Resin Driveway Cost Guide
Resin bound vs resin bonded prices, colours, and how to save.
£1,600 – £2,800 (40m²)
Tarmac Driveway Cost Guide
Tarmac prices per m² compared to block paving and resin.
£40 – £60 per m²
Block Paving Cost Guide
Block paving prices per m², patterns, and installation costs.
£70 – £120 per m²
Concrete Driveway Cost Guide
Plain, exposed aggregate, and stamped concrete prices.
£50 – £90 per m²
Pattern Imprinted Concrete
Stamped concrete patterns, colours, and resealing costs.
£60 – £100 per m²
Types of Driveways Compared
7 driveway materials compared: costs per m², lifespan, and pros/cons.
Full comparison guide
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FAQ
Common driveway questions
Do I need planning permission for a new driveway?
If the surface is permeable - gravel, permeable block paving, or resin-bound - no planning permission is needed. For impermeable surfaces (tarmac, solid concrete) over 5m² in a front garden, planning permission is required. Conservation areas may have additional restrictions.
What is the difference between resin-bound and resin-bonded?
Resin-bound gravel is mixed and laid as a uniform surface - porous, smart-looking, and low-maintenance. Resin-bonded involves pressing loose stones onto a resin-coated base; the stones can shed over time. Resin-bound is the better product. Always confirm which system is being quoted.
How do I get a dropped kerb?
You need approval from your local council's highways department. They will assess the site, and if approved, their own contractor usually carries out the physical kerb lowering at a council-set fee - typically £1,000 to £2,500. Allow 8 to 12 weeks for the process.
How long will a new driveway last?
Block paving and pattern imprinted concrete can last 20 to 30 years with a good sub-base. Tarmac lasts 15 to 25 years. Resin-bound typically lasts 15 to 25 years. The sub-base quality is the biggest factor in longevity.
Can my driveway be resurfaced rather than replaced?
If the sub-base is still in good condition, resurfacing is often possible and significantly cheaper than a full dig-out. A tarmac overlay or resin-bound topping can go over many existing surfaces. Get a contractor to assess the base properly before deciding.
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