Guide to laying a new driveway in 2023

A new driveway can add between 5-10% to the value of your home, so if you’re considering moving it’s well worth the cost. There are lots of different materials you can choose for your new driveway, and that will determine how much it costs. But how much should you budget?

Your new driveway will cost anywhere between £2,400 and £9,500 for a medium-sized driveway of 60 square metres. The material you go for, the size of your driveway and whether you’ll need an existing driveway dug out are all factors to consider when budgeting for a new driveway. In this guide, we’ll take you through all the things you need to be aware of when it comes to how much a driveway costs, including what to discuss with the builder.

Benefits of a new driveway

There are lots of benefits of a new driveway. Whether you’re planning on moving soon or you’re going to stay put for a little longer, there are plenty of reasons to get a new driveway installed:

Increase kerb appeal

A beautifully-laid driveway looks stunning and gives visitors and prospective buyers a great first impression.

Lower insurance premiums

Having private off-road parking tends to bring your home insurance premiums down. Your car is less likely to get damaged, vandalised or stolen if it’s parked on a driveway away from the street.

Convenience

It’s so much more convenient to have your car parked outside your house on a driveway. Gone are the days when you’re running late for work and you’re desperately trying to remember where you parked the car on your street! 

What is the cheapest option for a driveway?

Generally, asphalt (or tarmac) is the cheapest driveway material. Laying a driveway is very labour-intensive, so that’s where most of the cost lies. Tarmac driveways are the quickest to install, so are normally the cheapest. Expect to pay between £1200-£5500, depending on the size, for an asphalt driveway.

Driveway options and their costs

The cost of labour for your new driveway will depend on the type of material you choose, how long it takes and where you are in the country. Here are the supply costs of a new driveway so you can get an idea of how much money you need to put aside.

Block paving driveway costs

Block paving is made up of decorative bricks, which means that you can choose from an array of patterns. You can go for something subtle or choose a design that makes your driveway stand out from your neighbours’! While it has a relatively low supply cost, there is a lot of skill involved and it takes one of the longest times to install, so it is one of the most expensive options.

Resin driveways

There are two different types of resin driveway: resin bound and resin bonded. Resin bound driveways are made up of aggregate (gravel) that is mixed with resin and then laid on the surface, while resin bonded driveways involve putting down a layer of resin and sprinkling aggregate over the top. Resin bound driveways are more hardy as the gravel is mixed in with the resin, while you’ll find that the aggregate in resin bonded driveways may become loose over time and need relaying.

Gravel driveway costs

Gravel driveways are made up of rocks, stones, clay and sand. It’s laid on top of a prepared surface and doesn’t take long to install, making it a cost-effective option. However, you’ll need to maintain a gravel driveway regularly as the gravel will displace easily and need replacing.

Tarmac driveways

Tarmac is the name given to a type of asphalt, which is made up of aggregate or crushed stone and tar. This type of driveway is quick to install and can be laid over existing driveways, which normally makes it the cheapest option for a driveway. However, they don’t last as long as other types of driveway; you should expect to have to replace it after around 20 years.

Concrete driveway costs

Concrete driveways are one of the most long-lasting options; they should last around 50 years. They’re perfect if you have heavy vehicles as they can withstand a lot of weight. If you choose a pattern imprinted driveway, you’ll need to maintain it every year with new sealant, so it’s worth considering how much time you have to carry out repairs. 

Additional new driveway costs

As well as the materials needed to install your new driveway, there are a number of other costs you might want to consider when you’re having a driveway installed.

Removal of an existing driveway

One of the most costly parts of having a new driveway laid can be the removal of an existing one. The driveway company will need to rip up the material and dispose of it in a skip - it could cost anywhere between £700 and £1750 for removal and disposal.

Groundwork costs

If you don’t have a driveway currently, you’ll need to make sure that the ground you want the driveway to be laid on is prepared properly. Groundworkers will excavate the soil and level out the ground, which can cost around £15 to £20 per square metre.

Weed membrane

Driveways can look scruffy very quickly if weeds are allowed to grow. To help prevent them from growing through, you’ll need a weed membrane laid before the driveway is installed. You should expect to spend around £30 to £50 per square metre.

Driveway gates

If you really want to finish off your driveway, you can get gates installed. This will usually be done by a separate company and it could set you back as much as £1600 if you choose electric gates. Metal gates are the most cost-effective option at around £400.

How long does it take to lay a new driveway?

How much your driveway costs will depend on how long it takes to install, which is usually determined by the size of the driveway and the material you choose. Take a look at the table below to see how long each material takes to lay, depending on the size of the driveway.

Get quotes to lay a new driveway near you

You want to make sure that your driveway lasts a long time and can withstand stains and bad weather, so it needs to be installed properly. Make sure you get a range of quotes from reputable driveway installers so you get an idea of how much you should pay.

Post a job on HaMuch to get competitive quotes from a range of driveway companies now.

Estimates for common driveway specialist jobs;

Rates for other trades