The right driveway material depends on your budget, your home’s style and how much maintenance you’re willing to do. Here’s how the four most popular options compare — plus an important rule about drainage you can’t ignore.
The four main options
- Gravel (£20–£40/m²): cheapest and naturally permeable, but it scatters and needs topping up.
- Tarmac (£45–£80/m²): hard-wearing and quick to lay, though plainer and softens in extreme heat.
- Block paving (£100–£150/m²): smart and repairable (lift and replace individual blocks), but can develop weeds and sinkage if poorly laid.
- Resin bound (£90–£140/m²): smooth, modern and permeable, but must be installed on a sound, porous base by a skilled fitter.
For exact figures by size, see our driveway cost guide.
The permeable surface rule (don’t skip this)
Since changes to the rules, if you pave a front-garden area larger than 5m² with a traditional impermeable surface that drains to the road, you’ll need planning permission. You can avoid this entirely by using a permeable surface — gravel, permeable block paving or porous asphalt — or by directing rainwater to a lawn or border. Crucially, a permeable top over an old solid concrete base does not comply; the sub-base must drain too.
Which should you choose?
- On a tight budget: gravel.
- Best value for durability: tarmac.
- Best looks and resale appeal: block paving.
- Modern, low-maintenance and compliant: resin bound.
Compare driveway quotes
Prices and quality vary hugely between installers, so always compare. Use the form above for free, no-obligation quotes from trusted local driveway specialists.