Driveways / Patios / Paths in Essex (36)

On average, a block driveway costs around £100 per square metre. The final price depends on size, style, design complexity, and materials.

Your area's current block paving driveway rates can also affect the price.

Find out more about block paving costs here.

Installing a patio in Essex typically costs between £65 and £475 per m2, depending on the style and material you choose.

Here's a guide to average prices:

• Budget paving slabs: £70-£100 per m²
• Concrete patio: £65-£120 per m²
• Brick patio: £80-£140 per m²
• Raised concrete patio: £85-£275 per m²
• Natural stone or flagstone patio: £120-£475 per m²

A small garden patio with budget slabs might cost around £1,800, while a larger premium stone patio could come in at over £6,000.

Patio installation costs can increase if the area needs levelling, if you’re adding steps or drainage, or if access is tricky, which may be common in older areas of Essex.

For a 20x20 patio, expect to pay between £3,000 and £8,000, depending on the finish.

Choosing the best material depends on your budget, how you use your driveway, and the look you’re after.

Here are some of the top contenders:

Need a hand choosing? Checked driveway companies in Essex can help assess your space, drainage needs, and budget.

Not sure which to choose? Get advice from a tradesperson for driveways, patios and paths in Essex.

The most budget-friendly option for paving a driveway in the UK is gravel. Here's why it's a popular low-cost choice:

• Material costs are low (Often between £1,000 and £3,000 total)
• Installation is quick, meaning lower labour costs
• Drainage is built-in, so you won’t need to add a soakaway system
• Style options are surprisingly varied, with different gravel colours and textures available

However, gravel driveways do need regular raking and occasional topping up. They’re not ideal for sloped areas or households with wheelchair users.

Other lower-cost alternatives include tarmac and concrete, which start around £80 per m², and offer a smooth, durable surface with less maintenance.

If budget is your top priority, speak to a tradesperson about mixing materials or doing the work in phases, as they’ll often help you find the right balance between cost and quality.

In most cases, you won’t need planning permission for a driveway or patio, as long as:

• The area is under 5 square metres
• You use a porous material like gravel, block paving or permeable concrete
• Water drains naturally into your lawn or border

If your design includes impermeable materials and doesn’t provide proper drainage, you may need to apply for permission.

It’s a good idea to ask a driveway fitter in Essex for the current rules to ensure your design is compliant.

A standard driveway or patio installation usually takes 5 to 7 working days. This includes:

• Excavation
• Laying a sub-base
• Installing materials
• Edging and finishing

Larger or more complex projects (like raised patios or driveways with curves or slopes) may take up to 2 weeks.

Ask your tradesperson to build in drying or curing time, especially for concrete or resin surfaces. That way, you’ll avoid tyre marks and early damage.

The easiest way is to use Checkatrade’s search tool to find tradespeople in Essex.

Every tradesperson listed goes through up to 12 checks, including ID verification, insurance proof and customer reviews.

Look for driveway companies near you with:

• High review scores (our average is 9/10)
• Lots of completed jobs
• Photos of similar projects

Prefer someone to come to you? You can also Post a Job to alert checked trades in your area.

Here’s a smart way to plan:

• Measure your space by length x width = total square metre
• Compare material prices: Gravel is cheaper, stone is premium
• Factor in extras like drainage, sealant, edging
• Get three written quotes from trades in Essex
• Add a 10-15% contingency on top of your inital budget for any project surprises

Still not sure? Speak to a installer in Essex and get expert advice on materials, cost-saving ideas and timelines.

To reduce the chance of costly repairs later on, it's a good idea to keep your driveway or patio surface in good shape.

Here’s how to stay on top of it:

• Sweep weekly to keep it clear of leaves and rubbish
• Pressure wash twice a year to lift moss, dirt and grime
• Pull weeds as soon as they sprout
• Apply sealant every 2-3 years
• Make sure drainage is working properly

Got cracks or sunken patches? It might be time for a repair or resurface. If you're unsure, speak to a tradesperson in Essex using our search tool.