Driveways / Patios / Paths in London (93)

Here’s the average cost to build a driveway in London;

• £120 - resin-bound driveway

• £60 - gravel driveway

• £50 - £130 - driveway build per square metre

• £80 - £100 - tarmac driveway per square metre

• £80 - £110 - concrete driveway

• £100 - £250 - driveway extension

The price of your new driveway depends on its size, materials, and local prices.

Get at least three written quotes to know you’re paying a fair and accurate price.

Find more info in these guides: driveway resurfacing costs and brick driveway cost.

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.

Average prices per square metre for a patio in London are;

• £70 - £100 - budget paving slabs

• £120 - £475 - a flagstone patio

• £65 - £120 - a concrete patio

• £85 - £275 - a raised concrete patio

• £80 - £140 - a brick patio

The cost to lay a patio or garden path depends on its size, design, materials, and amount of prep work.

Tarmac - is sleek, hardwearing and affordable. It’s also easy to install and a popular option for driveways in the UK.

Concrete - is another durable and hardy option. When properly installed, a concrete driveway can last up to 30 years. Consider an imprinted concrete driveway for a more interesting look that keeps the weeds away.

Block paving - is low maintenance, looks great, and can increase property value. Block paving allows water to drain through the gaps and soak into the ground or run into drains. By reducing flood risks, it’s an environmentally friendly option.

Gravel - is another cost-effective and easy-to-install driveway material that comes in many styles. It’s also environmentally friendly, letting water drain through it into the ground or nearby drains.

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

Driveway builds larger than five square meters or constructed with non-porous materials will require planning permission.

In contrast, you do not need planning permission for driveways designed to drain efficiently, such as those made of gravel, block paving, or porous concrete. Driveways that allow water to run off naturally into a lawn or garden border also do not require planning permission.

Need more planning permission advice? Find it here.

Installing a driveway or patio can take five to seven days. This timeframe includes excavating, subbase installation, and laying the new driveway or patio.

However, the exact time frame for installing a driveway varies depending on its size, style, and complexity.

Finding qualified and experienced tradespeople is especially important for big outdoor projects.

Here’s the best methods for finding driveways, patios, and paths in London.

1. Use Checkatrade

Use a professional search directory like Checkatrade. Finding experienced professionals to reinvent your outdoor space is quick and easy.

Head to our website to see thousands of trusted tradespeople approved and verified by us.

Ready to get started? Search for driveways, patios and paths in London now

2. Ask other tradespeople

Good tradespeople like to work with other reliable professionals.

Ask any reliable tradespeople you know or have worked with before if they can recommend driveways, patios or path services in London.

A good tradesperson will likely help you find another good tradesperson.

3. Check online reviews

Search the internet for online reviews to find experienced tradespeople.

It’s a great way to see what people think of a professional's services. Then, you'll know what to expect when the work begins.

Remember to cross-check your reviews on Checkatrade.

Gravel is one of the cheapest options for driveway paving due to its low material costs and inexpensive installation.

The average cost of a gravel driveway is between £1000 and £3000, depending on the gravel type and the driveway size. The price can be lower for smaller driveways using a simple style of gravel.

You’ll also need to account for excavating, drainage, and subbase costs.

Try these key steps to plan and budget for an outdoor project;

• Think about what you need from your driveway to find the best materials
• Measure the length and width of your space to calculate the total square footage to get accurate quotes
• Compare material costs to find the best option for your budget and style
• Factor in the cost of base and finishing materials, like membranes, compacted soil, subflooring, edging or sealants
• Research labour rates in your area
• Arrange visits with tradespeople to get at least three quotes for driveways, patios, and paths in London

Make chatting to a professional part of the plan. If you’re unsure which material or style suits your driveway, patio, or path, they can help you decide.

Regular cleaning and maintenance can keep your driveway, path or patio looking great for many years.

Here are some maintenance steps;

• Regularly sweep away dirt and other debris like leaves and rubbish
• Use a pressure washer to remove dirt, moss and algae once or twice a year
• Pull out or kill weeds as soon as you see them
• Apply anti-moss treatments to shaded or damp areas
• Stop water pooling with adequate drainage
• Seal the surface every couple of years to protect against stains and weather damage

Some homeowners also notice cracks in their driveway or patio. Cracks can signify something more serious. Causes can include settling or sinking from improper installation or rotting.

Get professional advice before these cracks become expensive to repair.

If your driveway or path is under warranty, contact the professional who installed it. If not, get help finding a trusted tradesperson to repair or rebuild your driveway.

Try a quick search here or post a job with just a few details - our top professionals will contact you directly.