How Much Does a New Driveway Cost in London?

There’s no denying the appeal of having your existing driveway improved, or even having a brand-new driveway installed. You have the choice of block paving or resin bound, a tarmac driveway or using a unique driveway material, all of which leave you with a convenient place to park.

But, it’s not as simple as finding driveway installers, getting planning permission and hoping for the best. Before you go ahead with your driveway plans, you need to know the average cost of a driveway and any additional costs, so you can budget accordingly. You’ll also need to know which materials are low maintenance, and which require more input from you going forward.

Average Costs for a New Driveway in London

There’s a lot that goes into the cost of a new driveway in London, such as the materials that you choose and the size of the space. The driveway cost in London ranges from £1,200 to £10,000 and higher, depending on your requirements.

Different Types of Driveway – Costs

There are a range of different types of driveways for you to choose from.

Asphalt Driveway

For an asphalt driveway, you should expect to pay an average of £90 per square metre. This amounts to around £8,100 for a large 90m2 driveway and £2,700 for a small 30m2 driveway.

Concrete Driveway

For a small concrete driveway of around 30m2, you can expect to pay between £2,700 and £4,800. This price rises as the size of the driveway increases, to between £5,000 and £9,500 for a 60m2 driveway, and between £8,000 and £14,000 for 90m2 concrete driveways.

Gravel Driveway

For small gravel driveways of around 30m2, you can expect to pay between £1,200 and £2,400. This price rises as the size of the driveway increases, to between £2,400 and £4,800 for a 60m2 driveway, and between £3,600 and £7,200 for a 90m2 driveway.

Paver Driveway

For a small paver driveway of around 30m2, you can expect to pay between £2,100 and £3,000. This price rises as the size of the driveway increases, to between £4,200 and £6,000 for a 60m2 driveway, and between £6,300 and £9,000 for a 90m2 driveway.

Cobblestone Driveway

The cost per square metre for a cobblestone driveway ranges from £85 to £125, but can exceed £300 per square metre for higher end materials or intricate designs. For a small driveway of around 20 square metres, you can expect to pay around £1,600 to £2,500 in total. A driveway of about 40 square metres tends to cost between £3,100 and £5,000, while a larger driveway ranges from £6,000 to £10,000​.

Brick Driveway

The cost of a brick driveway varies hugely, depending on the type of bricks you choose and the size of the driveway. For a low range driveway, you should expect to pay around £90 per square metre. This rises to £130 for a high quality driveway, with the average being £110 per square metre.

Crushed Stone Driveway

On average, you can expect to pay between £40 and £70 per square metre for a crushed stone driveway. For a small driveway of around 20 square metres, the cost tends to range from £800 to £1,400. For a larger driveway of around 50 square metres, the cost is usually between £2,000 and £3,500.

Factors Affecting Costs

When you are planning to install a new driveway, you need to understand the various factors that influence the overall cost. There are a lot of things that impact the cost of driveway installation including the materials you choose, the amount of labour required and the complexity of the driveway design.

Materials

The choice of materials can significantly impact the cost of driveway installation. Asphalt, concrete, gravel and pavers are all common options, and each comes with its own unique price. Asphalt and gravel tend to be slightly more affordable, while concrete and pavers are typically more expensive. Opting for high end materials, such as natural stone, can also increase costs. The materials you choose affect the initial cost of the driveway, but it can also impact long term maintenance and repair expenses.

Labour

Labour costs make up a substantial portion of the overall expense of a new driveway. The cost of labour can vary based on the complexity of the job, the tradesman’s experience and your local area. Highly skilled contractors are likely to charge more, but their expertise can ensure a higher quality finish and fewer future issues. Labour costs can also change depending on the demand for driveway services in your area. Though investing in a reputable team might be more expensive to begin with, it can save you money on repairs and maintenance in the long run.

Size

The size of the driveway will affect the total cost. Larger driveways require more materials and labour, which leads to higher expenses. Costs are typically calculated per square foot and while a larger driveway can provide more functionality and convenience, it also demands a bigger budget for installation and possible maintenance in the future.

Site Preparation

Site preparation is a key part of the driveway installation process that can significantly influence the overall cost of the project. It includes tasks such as excavation, removing old driveways or landscaping, and ensuring proper drainage. If the installation site has challenging conditions – such as poor soil quality, significant slopes or existing structures that need removal – preparation costs can rise.

Design Complexity

The complexity of the design also plays a significant role in determining installation costs. Simple, straight driveways are generally less expensive to install than those with intricate patterns, curves or additional features. Custom designs require more detailed planning and skilled labour, which increases both the time and cost of the project.

DIY Vs Hiring a Professional

There are two ways to approach having a new driveway installed in London; you can hire a tradesman, or you can tackle things yourself. There are pros and cons to each approach, and the right route for you will depend on your budget and driveway installation skills.

The Pros of Professional Driveway Installation

• Expertise – Professional tradesmen bring years of experience and specialised driveway knowledge to the table. They are able to handle unforeseen challenges and ensure the driveway is installed to a high standard.
• Efficiency – Professionals can usually complete a driveway project much faster than a DIY effort. Their experience and access to a team mean they can work efficiently and meet deadlines, with minimal delays.
• Quality – Hiring a professional tradesman often comes with a guarantee of quality. This gives you peace of mind that the job will be done correctly, in a way that means it’ll last for many, many years.

The Cons of Professional Driveway Installation

• Expense – Professional installation is more expensive due to labour costs and potentially higher material costs. But, this investment often results in a more durable, long lasting and visually pleasing driveway.
• Less Control – When hiring a tradesman, you have less control over the project. This can sometimes lead to dissatisfaction with the final product, especially if you are faced with issues of miscommunication.
• Finding a Tradesman – The process of finding a skilled tradesman can be challenging and time consuming. It requires thorough research, looking at reviews and asking for recommendations.

The Pros of DIY Driveway Installation

• Cost – One of the main advantages of a DIY driveway project is the cost savings. By eliminating labour costs, you can reduce the overall expense of the project.
• Control – Laying a driveway yourself gives you complete control over every aspect of the project, from planning and design to execution. You can customise the driveway to your exact specifications without needing to share your vision with anyone else.
• Learning – Completing a major project like this on your own can be hugely satisfying, especially if you haven’t done anything like it before. It also provides an opportunity to learn new skills and gain experience.

The Cons of DIY Driveway Installation

• Time – DIY projects often take longer than professional installations. You may need to spend more time learning techniques, buying materials and fixing problems along the way.
• Quality – Professional tradesmen bring expertise and experience to a project, which tends to mean that the results are higher quality and more durable than a DIY approach. A DIY project might lack the same level of craftsmanship, potentially leading to issues like uneven surfaces.
• Equipment – Laying a driveway requires specific tools and equipment that you might not already own, and buying them can add to your overall project costs.

Finding Someone to Lay You a New Driveway

Finding someone to lay you a new driveway in London requires a small amount of research, to ensure that you choose a reliable and skilled tradesman. One way to start your search is by exploring online directories, such as The Page, which provides a comprehensive list of local tradespeople, allowing you to filter your search based on specific criteria such as your location and requirements. This helps you to narrow down your options to a few potential contractors.

You can also get recommendations from friends, family and neighbours, who can provide a trustworthy perspective on the quality of work and customer service you can expect. If they were happy with the service provided, there’s a high chance that you will be equally pleased.

It’s a good idea to ask for examples of past projects before you choose a tradesperson, to give you a good idea of the type of service that they offer, and the quality of the finish. This approach ensures that you will make an informed decision and choose the right professional.

The Page

Finding a tradesperson to lay you a new driveway in London has never been easier, and it’s all thanks to The Page. At The Page, we have a whole host of tradespeople for you to choose from, all of which are skilled and experienced.

When you need a skilled tradesman, simply send us an enquiry detailing your project. We will then match you with a curated list of tradesmen who are perfectly suited to your specific needs, taking your requirements into account.

Each tradesman in our network has been personally met, thoroughly vetted and had their previous work assessed to ensure the highest standards of quality and reliability. You can choose any of our selected tradesmen, knowing that you are guaranteed a high quality service.