Imprinted concrete, sometimes called stamped concrete or pattern imprinted concrete, is a great way to create a unique driveway that perfectly matches your home’s style. But how much will an imprinted concrete driveway cost? Read our guide to find out everything you need to know.

How much does an imprinted concrete driveway cost?

How much an imprinted concrete driveway costs will depend on a number of factors, but the average cost of a 50m² imprinted concrete driveway is £4,150.

A number of things will impact the final price of your stamped concrete driveway – some you can control, while others you can’t:

• Size: Most driveway specialists will charge per m², so the bigger the driveway, the higher the cost. A 50m² driveway should fit at least 2 cars

• Shape: If your driveway, or the space you want to put your driveway, isn’t square or rectangular, it will be more difficult to lay. Therefore, expect your labour costs to be higher

• Whether you have an existing driveway: If you have an existing driveway that needs to be removed, you’ll have to pay more for labour and for waste removal, including hiring a skip

• Pattern and colour: You can choose from a range of patterns and colours for your imprinted concrete driveway, but some cost more than others. Some dyes will be more expensive while some patterns will be trickier to complete, raising labour costs

• Your location: Where you live will impact the cost of your imprinted concrete driveway; you’ll pay the most in London and the south east of England. See further down the page for more accurate estimates for an imprinted concrete driveway in your area

Imprinted concrete driveway cost per m²

The average imprinted concrete driveway cost per m² is £83. This figure includes labour and materials.

If you have a larger driveway, particularly if it’s 100m² or above, you may pay a lower cost per m2 than if you had a smaller driveway. This is because tradespeople can often get discounts from builders’ merchants for higher quantities of materials.

What is an imprinted concrete driveway?

Imprinted concrete driveways are concrete driveways that are stamped with a pattern, to give the impression of block paving, cobblestones and much more. An imprinted concrete driveway allows you to add some of your personality to your home’s exterior, offering great kerb appeal.

Your driveway company will use pattern mats to stamp your chosen design into freshly-laid concrete. You can choose from hundreds of designs for both the main driveway and the border or edges, and there are lots of colours to choose from too. Some colours will be more expensive than others, and bold colours run the risk of going out of fashion, so make sure you choose wisely if you want to keep your driveway for a long time.

Is stamped concrete cheaper than paving?

Stamped concrete is generally cheaper than block paving. This is because there are fewer materials involved and it’s quicker to lay since your specialist won’t have to lay individual blocks. However, block paving is generally cheaper to repair as you can replace individual blocks if they get damaged, so it’s worth thinking about this when you’re deciding on which driveway material to choose.

Advantages and disadvantages of imprinted concrete

Make sure you consider all the pros and cons of an imprinted concrete driveway before you make your final decision on whether it’s the best material for you:

Advantages

• Customisable: Choose from hundreds of patterns and an array of colours

• Low maintenance: Sweeping and gentle cleaning every now and again is all you’ll need to do

• Durable: Well-laid imprinted concrete driveways can last 20 years or more

• Weed resistant: Unlike block paving, there are no joints for weeds to seed and grow

Disadvantages

• Risk of cracking: Make sure your driveway company add crack control joints to help reduce the risk and appearance of cracks due to harsh weather conditions

• Impermeable: Rainwater won’t soak through an imprinted concrete driveway, so your driveway specialist will need to add adequate drainage to make it SUDs compliant

Is pattern imprinted concrete slippery?

Pattern imprinted concrete generally isn’t any more slippery than other driveway surfaces when it’s wet. The imprint usually gives the surface a texture, helping to increase the grip, and your driveway specialist should add a sealant which contains an anti-slip compound.

How long before you can drive on imprinted concrete?

Imprinted concrete needs to cure before you can drive on it. While you can probably walk on your imprinted concrete driveway the morning after it’s been laid, it’s recommended to leave it to cure for at least 48 hours to 5 days before you drive your car onto it.

All contractors use different products, so make sure you ask yours about when it’s safe to drive and walk on your new driveway.

How do you maintain imprinted concrete?

Imprinted concrete is easy to maintain. You should sweep your driveway every now and again and can use a garden hose or pressure washer on the lowest setting to prevent dirt build up. Don’t use high pressure on the surface as this could remove the sealant on your driveway prematurely.

It’s best to have your driveway re-sealed every few years to protect it from the weather and reduce colour deterioration. Ask your driveway company how often they recommend you have your imprinted concrete driveway re-sealed.

Do you need planning permission for imprinted concrete?

Most of the time, you won’t need planning permission for an imprinted concrete driveway – as long as you have the right drainage installed with it. Since imprinted concrete is non-permeable, it can contribute to flooding in urban areas when water can’t drain away.

As long as you can direct rain or surface water to a naturally draining area, like a lawn or soakaway, then you shouldn’t need planning permission. If you’re unsure, make sure you check with your local planning authority.

If you’re ready to get a new imprinted concrete driveway, get quotes with HaMuch now. We’ll put you in touch with driveway companies in your area who will be happy to give you an accurate price.

Estimates for common driveway specialist jobs;

Rates for other trades