Many homeowners consider driveway installation an expensive endeavour, often relegating it to the back of their home improvement lists. A well-laid driveway will increase the value of the property as well as be an attractive feature.

However, there are several factors to consider regarding the cost of a driveway.

There are four types of material used for constructing a driveway.

1. Gravel

This is usually the cheapest type of material for a driveway. The driveway is built by dumping lots of gravel and then levelling it. It is not suitable for small children, as the gravel is very hard on small feet. The tiny pieces can also be picked up and swallowed by curious children. The advantage of gravel is that it is simple to lay and maintain; neither does it crack.

2. Asphalt

This will look like a tarred road. It is cleaner than gravel dust and is simple to repair if cracks develop. Asphalt will last about twenty years. The disadvantage is that it only comes in black. It will also need resealing every three or four years.

3. Brick

You may also know this as paving. It is more expensive because to look good, it needs to be laid by a professional who knows what they are doing. The advantage is that you can add on more bricks if you want to extend the driveway. There are also plenty of appealing designs to choose from. The disadvantage is that weeds grow through the bricks, so you need to weedkill every year.

4. Concrete

According to Buller Driveways, this is the most popular method of driveway construction. Not only is it durable, lasting up to forty years; it is also easy to clean, does not need resealing, and comes in several different colours. Concrete can crack in very low temperatures, which is a disadvantage.

The Foundation

Though not required, laying a foundation will help in the long run. It will provide a solid base on which to lay bricks as well as gravel, so it should prevent any cracks and sinking.

You Should Factor In The Cost Of The Following:

Prices will vary in different regions of the UK.

• Mini digger to do the digging and scraping: £150 a week
• Skip to remove rubble: £60 per week
• Weed liner: £40 per square metre
• 8” base: £50 per tonne

The Costs

• Gravel driveways will run you between £1,000 and £1,500 depending on the length of the drive.
• Asphalt will set you back between £50 and £80 per square metre. Be aware of getting quotes which offer you less than this, as the asphalt may be of an inferior mixture and will not last as long, meaning you will incur further costs when it needs repairing.
• Brick or paving will cost you between £65 and £100 per square metre. Again, you should be aware of a quote that comes in at less than £55 per square metre, as it may not be long-lasting and will need to be repaired sooner.

Concrete should set you back between £1,700 and £2,500 for a 50-square-metre driveway. You should plan to pay between £35 and £50 per square metre.