So you want to know what a concrete driveway is going to cost?

Concrete driveway cost estimation can be one of the most important aspects of a driveway project. Plan this stage incorrectly, and it’s very easy to exceed your budget before the concrete has even had a chance to dry.

The good news? Breaking down the costs isn’t hard at all. If you understand the main factors that impact the total, you can plan your project with confidence and avoid those nasty budget surprises along the way.

In this guide, we will give you the breakdown that you need to work out your own concrete driveway cost estimation.

Here’s what we’ll cover

The Actual Cost of Materials
Labour Costs
Hidden Costs People Don’t Expect
Tips To Save Money on Your Project

So let’s dive right in…

Why Concrete Driveways Are A Great Investment

Concrete driveways are one of the most popular driveway materials in the UK.

This is because they are durable, low-maintenance and can look amazing for decades. Industry statistics show that a well-installed concrete driveway can last 25 to 50 years if it is properly maintained.

That is an incredibly good return on your investment.

The problem is that most homeowners get stuck right at the beginning…

They just don’t understand the cost breakdown. This leads to confusion, budgeting incorrectly and in some cases, choosing the wrong contractor entirely.

Okay. Let’s get into it then.

Where To Start When Costing a Concrete Driveway

The first thing to consider when working out your concrete driveway installation cost is that there are three main areas where costs come from.

These are the materials, the labour and any additional costs that might be applicable for your project.

We’re going to break these down properly so you know exactly what you’re looking at.

The Actual Cost of Materials

Materials are often one of the first things homeowners look at when pricing a project.

Here’s a list of the primary materials that you will need to factor into your budget:

Concrete mix
Reinforcement such as rebar or mesh
Sub-base aggregate
Formwork materials
Sealant for finishing the surface

The concrete mix itself is often between £65 and £85 per cubic metre. For a standard driveway, you would require 5-10 cubic metres of concrete, depending on the size and the thickness.

The concrete mix alone is therefore somewhere between £325 and £850.

The next cost is reinforcement. Reinforcement such as rebar can cost between £1 and £3 per metre. Mesh sheets will be around £40-50 each.

Expect to budget between £100 and £600 for reinforcement, again, depending on the size of your driveway.

Something Important To Note Here

The finish will have a massive impact on the total price. A basic flat-poured concrete driveway is going to cost around £18 to £25 per square metre. Pressed or patterned concrete driveways will cost between £27 and £32 per square metre.

Quality also plays a role. Cheaper concrete will save money upfront but may start to crack more quickly. Investing a little more in higher-quality materials will protect your investment over time.

Labour Costs

Labour is one of the areas where costs can vary the most.

Installation by a professional team can cost between £50 and £75 per square metre. Some contractors will charge a daily rate instead, between £280 and £390 per day.

Installation for a small single-car driveway can take 2-3 days. A four-car driveway will take a week or longer.

Here’s how it’s worked out:

Multiply the size of your driveway by the per-metre rate. So, a 40 square metre driveway at £60 per square metre would be £2,400 on labour alone.

Contractors in London and the South East will often charge 20% to 50% more for labour compared to other areas. It is always worth getting several quotes to get an understanding of the local rates.

Complexity also affects cost. Sloped driveways are more work and therefore more expensive to build. Curved or designed driveways take longer to formwork, adding to the labour costs.

Hidden Costs People Don’t Expect

This is where many homeowners are caught out…

Site preparation for a driveway can add between £10 and £20 per square metre. This will cover the excavation, grading and gravel base layer.

Drainage can also be overlooked. The law in the UK states that any non-permeable surface area over 5 square metres needs to have proper drainage. This means installing drainage systems that can cost between £200 and £1,000.

Waste removal is another often-overlooked expense. Skips for waste removal from old surfaces cost between £180 and £234, depending on the size of the skip.

Sealing and finishing can add longevity, but at an extra cost. Planning for resealing every few years will help to maintain the surface and extend the lifespan.

Drop kerb installation is another cost if needed. Drop kerbs cost around £600 and require council approval.

Tips To Save Money on Your Project

Smart planning and preparation will allow you to reduce the costs of your concrete driveway installation significantly.

Here are some tips to get you started:

Go for a simple, over-elaborate design with patterns
Get a minimum of three quotes from different contractors
Time your project for the autumn or winter months when demand is lower
Ask about package deals that include both materials and labour

DIY prep work can also save you some money. Clearing the area and making sure that there is easy access for delivery vehicles will all save contractor time and money.

DIY installation is NOT recommended, however. The last thing you want is for poor installation to cause cracking, drainage problems and high repair bills down the line.

Professional installation ensures the correct compaction, reinforcement and finishing. It’s worth the investment.

A survey by Ideal Homes showed that 84% of homebuyers see a driveway as a potential deal-breaker when buying a property. This investment really pays off.

Getting Quotes to Nail Down Your Cost

The best way to get a handle on your exact costs is to get quotes.

Reach out to several local contractors and give the same information to each. State your driveway dimensions, what finish you want and any special requirements you have.

Quality contractors will want to visit your property to quote. They will be able to check the ground conditions, access points and drainage needs. Be wary of anyone who will give you a quote sight unseen.

Compare those quotes carefully. The cheapest isn’t always best. Check exactly what is included and do your research on the contractor.

Pulling It All Together

Concrete driveway cost estimation really isn’t all that complicated.

Break it into materials, labour and additional expenses. Add in a line item for hidden costs like drainage and waste removal. Get a number of quotes and focus on quality over the lowest price.

A standard concrete driveway will cost somewhere between £2,500 and £8,000, depending on the size and specification.

Here’s a quick recap of what we’ve covered:

Materials will cost between £65 and £150 per square metre
Labour runs at between £50 and £75 per square metre
Additional costs can add between £500 and £2,000
Quality installation will protect your investment

Concrete driveways are one of the most valuable additions over their lifetime. With the right planning and budgeting, you can completely transform your property’s entrance for a price that won’t break the bank.

Now you have all the information you need to estimate your project yourself!