A gravel driveway is a great addition to your home. Made from layers of gravel applied on top of a sub-base and weed-proof membrane, it’s a cost-effective, aesthetically pleasing and low-maintenance option for your driveway.

But how much should a gravel driveway cost? We’ll explain everything in this guide.

How much does a gravel driveway cost?

A standard-shape 50m² gravel driveway costs an average of £3,125. This includes your driveway specialist’s labour and all materials, including a weed-proof membrane and sub-base materials.

The exact cost of your gravel driveway will vary depending on a range of factors:

• Size: As you’d expect, the bigger the driveway, the more it will cost. However, you may pay less for materials per m2 if you have a particularly large space to cover

• Shape: Unusually-shaped or difficult-to-access spaces will cost more, as it will take a driveway specialist longer to install your new gravel driveway

• Gravel type: The price of gravel types vary based on durability, look and size

• Foundations and condition of the space: If you need to excavate an area for a new sub-base or the area is in poor condition, your driveway company will charge more for labour

• Whether you have an existing driveway: If you have an old, deteriorated driveway that needs to be removed before the new gravel can be laid, you’ll need to pay removal costs including a skip

• Your location: Where you live will affect the cost of your driveway, with areas in the south east of England and London being the most expensive. Check our price estimates further down the page to get an idea of how much a new gravel driveway will cost in your area

Is a gravel driveway cheaper than block paving?

Yes, a gravel driveway is much cheaper than block paving. Block paving is one of the most expensive types of driveway material, with an average driveway costing £5,140, but it requires less maintenance and generally lasts longer than gravel.

However, repair costs will be much higher as you’ll need to replace blocks or even entire sections of blocks, whereas gravel driveways tend to just need topping up with more gravel over time.

Pros and cons of a gravel driveway

Pros

• Affordable: Gravel is one of the most budget-friendly materials to use for your driveway

• Easy to maintain: You just need to sweep loose stones back into place every now and again

• Fast installation: A contractor can lay an average 50m2 gravel driveway in as little as 2 days

• Permeable: Rainwater will drain right away through the stones and into the ground, reducing water pooling and preventing flooding

• Can act as a burglar deterrent: Since gravel makes a sound underfoot, intruders may be less likely to walk up to your home in case they’re heard

Cons

• Susceptible to weed growth: Even with a weed-proof membrane, you’re likely to have to do some weeding to keep your gravel driveway tidy

• Can develop holes: Turning cars around and even general movement across a gravel driveway can cause dips and holes that you’ll need to sweep over to keep it level

• Difficult to clean: If you spill something like oil over gravel, it’s tricky to clean it off as you can’t pressure wash gravel driveways in the same way as other types

How much gravel do I need for my driveway?

How much gravel you need for your driveway will depend on the square metreage of your driveway and how deep it is. Most driveways need to have a depth of at least 50mm. For an average 50m² driveway at 50mm depth, you’ll need around 6 850kg bulk bags of gravel, or 5.1 tonnes. You may be able to buy gravel for your driveway in tonne bags too.

Make sure you ask your driveway specialist about how much gravel you need for your driveway if you’re buying the materials yourself.

How long will a gravel driveway last?

You may have seen people claiming that gravel driveways can last up to 100 years. While it’s true that the surface and foundation could last this long with proper maintenance, it’s important to note that you will need to top up your driveway’s gravel every 2 years or so.

Gravel will naturally disappear on people’s shoes and car tyres and will scatter around your property with movement. If you never topped up the gravel, it certainly wouldn’t last 100 years! Regular sweeping and weeding of your driveway will ensure that it lasts for as long as possible.

How do you prepare the ground for a gravel driveway?

To save money, you may want to prepare the ground for your gravel driveway yourself. It’s a labour-intensive task that should only be carried out if you’re fit and able and have some DIY knowledge.

There are a few steps to preparing the ground for a gravel driveway:

1. Measure up: Measure out the area that needs to be dug – it’s a good idea to mark it with string and posts so you can use them as a guide.

2. Prepare the area: Remove any turf, topsoil or any other debris from the space.

3. Dig out the area: Dig the area for your driveway down to a depth of at least 50mm for the gravel to sit on, and at least 150mm for the sub-base if your driveway specialists are creating one.

Now you’re ready for your driveway contractors to create the sub-base, add a weed-proof membrane and add your gravel!

Can I lay a gravel driveway over tarmac?

There is some argument over whether you can lay a gravel driveway over tarmac. Some driveway companies say that you can lay ‘gravel grids’ over tarmac (or concrete) to allow the surface to act as a sub-base, then add the gravel on top.

However, other experts say that this method could be dangerous as the gravel could roll around a lot, causing slips and falls. It’s best to get a range of quotes from different driveway companies to hear their opinions.

How to clean a gravel driveway

Gravel driveways can be difficult to clean, but there are a few things you can do to keep your gravel driveway looking as good as new:

• Use a gentle detergent: If you’ve got stubborn dirt or stains on your gravel, you can use specialist detergents. Usually, you simply apply to the area, leave for a few minutes then gently wash away using a hose or pressure washer on the lowest setting

• Rake regularly: Raking your gravel driveway will keep the stones looking tidy. It’ll remove leaves and other build-up and will help you to even out the stones. It’s a good idea to build up the gravel in the middle of your driveway to allow water to run off

• Keep weeding: Weeds will inevitably find their way into your gravel driveway, so keeping on top of your weeding will keep your driveway looking fabulous and protect the surface from damage

• Fill gaps: If you notice gaps in your gravel driveway after raking, it’s time for a top-up. Keep some extra bags of gravel handy to rake into your driveway when you notice holes forming

Do gravel driveways need planning permission?

No, gravel driveways usually don’t need planning permission. As permeable surfaces, they are SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) compliant, meaning that they help water drain in a way that mimics natural drainage to prevent flooding. If you’re unsure, speak with your local planning authority.

Now that you know how much a new gravel driveway should cost, it’s time to get some more accurate quotes. Post your job on HaMuch now and we’ll put you in touch with driveway specialists available in your area.

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