How Much Does Driveway Replacement Cost in the UK? (2026)

A new driveway is one of the most impactful improvements you can make to the kerb appeal and functionality of your home. It is also one of the larger garden/exterior investments, with costs ranging from under £1,000 for a small gravel drive to £15,000 or more for a premium block paving or resin installation.

Average Driveway Costs Per Square Metre

Material	Supply and Install (per m2)
Loose gravel	£20 – £50
Resin-bound gravel	£60 – £100
Tarmac (asphalt)	£40 – £80
Concrete	£60 – £100
Block paving	£80 – £140
Porcelain paving	£100 – £160
Imprinted/pattern-imprinted concrete	£70 – £110

For a standard 30m2 double driveway:

• Gravel: £600 – £1,500
• Tarmac: £1,200 – £2,400
• Resin bound: £1,800 – £3,000
• Block paving: £2,400 – £4,200
• Porcelain: £3,000 – £4,800

Driveway Materials Compared

Loose Gravel

Cheapest option. Self-draining (permitted development in England). Requires minimal preparation. Disadvantages: stones track into the house, can spread onto road, requires periodic replenishment, not suitable for steep driveways.

Resin-Bound Gravel

A layer of natural aggregate (pea gravel, quartz, etc.) mixed with a clear resin and trowelled to a smooth, permeable surface. Very popular in 2026 because it looks premium, is genuinely SuDS-compliant (permeable), and is low maintenance. Available in a huge range of aggregate colours and blends.

Tarmac

Fast to install, smooth, and durable. The material of choice for large driveways and where speed of installation matters. Less attractive than block paving or resin but functional and cost-effective. Needs sealing after some years to prevent cracking.

Block Paving

The most popular premium choice. Individual blocks (traditionally clay or concrete, now also porcelain) are laid on a compacted sand bed over a sub-base. Highly durable, repairs easily (individual blocks can be replaced), and looks excellent with varied laying patterns. Requires periodic weed and moss management in joints.

Porcelain Paving

Large-format porcelain slabs give a modern, high-end look. Very low maintenance and highly frost-resistant. Higher material cost and more demanding to lay correctly (mortar bed rather than sand). Growing rapidly in popularity.

Pattern-Imprinted Concrete

A continuous concrete slab is stamped with patterns (cobblestone, brick, flagstone) and coloured to look like more expensive materials. Cost-effective alternative to block paving. Cannot repair a section if damaged must replace the entire slab.

What Else Affects Driveway Cost?

Sub-Base Preparation

A sound sub-base is essential for all paved driveways. Standard is 150mm of MOT Type 1 compacted aggregate. Existing sub-base in good condition may be reusable; poor ground needs full excavation.

Old Driveway Removal

Breaking out and removing concrete or block paving: £400 – £1,200 depending on area. Disposal costs (skip hire): £250 – £450.

Size and Shape

Larger and more complex driveways cost more. Curves and feature edging add cost.

Dropped Kerb

If you do not have a dropped kerb (vehicle crossover) in the pavement, you need permission and installation from the local highway authority. Cost: £400 – £2,000 depending on the local authority.

Planning Permission for Driveways

In England, you can pave over your front garden for a driveway without planning permission as long as you use a permeable surface (gravel, porous resin, permeable block paving with open joints) OR direct water to a permeable area (lawn or border). If you lay an impermeable surface (solid concrete, mortar-bedded slabs) with no permeable drainage area, planning permission is required for front gardens over 5m2.

This rule was introduced to address flood risk from surface run-off caused by widespread garden paving.

Getting a Fair Driveway Quote

• Obtain three written quotes for the same specification
• Ask what sub-base depth is included
• Confirm whether old driveway removal is included
• Ask about edging detail and any necessary drainage works
• Check the guarantee offered on both materials and workmanship
• Verify the contractor is registered with TrustMark or a manufacturer scheme (Marshalls registered, for example)