Whether you fancy an on-trend resin driveway or a classic block-paved one, you’ll need to know how much each type costs so you can make an informed decision. Our range of cost guides help you understand how much each type of driveway will cost to build, plus any extras such as gates or landscaping around your driveway.
If you’re on a tight budget, a gravel driveway is a great idea. A small gravel driveway costs around £1,800 on average. A driveway specialist will dig out the area, add a weed-proof membrane or layer, then add gravel on top. Gravel driveways are ideal for home security too, as the noise the gravel makes underfoot will deter unwelcome visitors.
If you want a premium-looking driveway that really shows off your home, you could spend thousands – if you have the budget! A large block-paved driveway of around 50 square metres could cost as much as £6,500, and if you want driveway gates too these come in at an average of £1,650. Driveway lighting could set you back another £500.
If you want a luxurious look that makes your home the best in the street, it can pay to use premium materials such as block paving and resin to increase the value of your home.
As we mentioned above, the cheapest type of driveway is a gravel driveway. Gravel is relatively cheap to buy, as is the weed-proof membrane that you should lay down. A gravel driveway is also pretty quick to install, meaning you save money on labour costs too. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that since the gravel is loose you’ll need to spend time brushing gravel back onto your driveway, and every few years you’ll probably need to add more gravel. You may also find that despite having a good weed barrier, you still need to weed your driveway periodically, so factor in these time costs into your budget.
It’s much disputed, but we think that paved driveways add the most value to your home. A good quality driveway can increase your property’s value by 5-10%, and paved driveways have that high-quality look when installed correctly. They should be installed by skilled tradespeople who know how to create a fantastic-looking driveway that really gives people the ‘wow’ factor when they drive up to your home. Paired with drive-over lighting and automatic gates, it could be the deciding factor for someone looking to purchase your home.
Generally, tarmac (or asphalt) and concrete driveways cost about the same to install. However, if you have a good base – for example, a level concrete base that just needs neatening up – a tarmac driveway can be cheaper. This is because the driveway company can lay the tarmac straight onto this base.
Another consideration to make is that although slightly more expensive than tarmac driveways, concrete driveways often last longer – potentially twice as long as a tarmac driveway. So while initial installation costs might be higher, a concrete driveway may be cheaper in the long term.