What is the Cheapest Option for a Driveway?

Gravel is the cheapest driveway material you can buy, costing between £35 to £55 per square metre. For a typical two-car driveway of 30 square metres, you’re looking at around £2,500 fully installed.

But cheap doesn’t always mean best value. A driveway that needs replacing in five years isn’t actually saving you money. We’ll show you the most affordable options and be honest about what works, what doesn’t, and where spending a bit more now saves you later.

Gravel wins the affordability contest. For a 30-square-metre driveway, materials cost £1,050 to £1,650, with installation bringing the total under £2,500.

Crushed rock gravel is cheapest at £35-£45 per square metre. For something smarter-looking, pea gravel or self-binding gravel costs £45-£55 per square metre.

The reality: Gravel shifts around and needs occasional topping up, especially after heavy rain. You’ll hear every visitor arriving (which some love for security, others find annoying). But it drains water naturally, so no expensive drainage systems needed. Repairs are simple – just add more stones.

Use edging to keep it contained and it can look surprisingly smart.

Best for: Long driveways, anyone who doesn’t mind regular maintenance for serious savings.

If you’re considering gravel, give us a call. We’ll advise on the best type for your property and install it properly.

Plain concrete costs £50 to £60 per square metre. For a 30-square-metre driveway, that’s around £3,000-£3,750 installed – more than gravel upfront, but it can last up to 50 years. Work that out and you’re paying about £60-£75 per year.

Concrete handles freeze-thaw cycles well and the smooth surface makes clearing snow easier. Standard flat concrete looks industrial, but a simple broom finish adds texture. Imprinted concrete mimics paving at £80-£100 per square metre – still cheaper than actual block paving.

Best for: Families needing a smooth, durable surface that’ll handle daily use for decades.

Tarmac costs £40 to £70 per square metre, or £2,500-£3,500 installed for a standard driveway. The real advantage is speed – installed in two days, cured within a week.

It’s the same material used for roads, so it handles traffic well. The smooth black surface looks professional and needs little maintenance beyond sweeping and occasional resealing.

The catch: it needs drainage systems because it’s non-permeable, which might require planning permission. Expect 15-20 years of life with proper care.

Best for: Anyone wanting a neat, professional driveway quickly.

A proper cheap driveway installed correctly will serve you well. Rushed shortcuts cost more long-term.

The trick is not trying to make your driveway look like something it isn’t. Well-maintained gravel looks better than poor block paving every time.

Sometimes spending an extra £500 now saves £2,000 in repairs later. Need help assessing your property? Contact us for an honest site assessment.

…if you’re practical. Hire a mini digger (£100/day) and compactor (£50-£80/day), and you’ll save £500-£800 on labour. No specialist skill needed.

Getting it right requires experience. Mistakes are expensive and permanent. Small areas might be manageable, but full driveways need professionals.

The equipment and skill required make this professional territory.

The real question is whether saving £800 is worth it if you end up with an amateur result that needs fixing in three years. But if you’re genuinely capable, DIY gravel is viable.

A good middle ground: do the groundwork yourself and get professionals for the surface material.

Landscaping work is cheaper in winter when demand drops. Be flexible and you can negotiate better rates.

Every curve and design feature adds cost. A straight rectangular driveway is significantly cheaper.

Regular light upkeep prevents costly repairs. Seal concrete every few years, keep gravel topped up, clean black spots off paving before they spread.

Every square metre you don’t install saves money and maintenance. Do you actually need it that big?

The cleaning methods that work for stopping your patio from going green work just as well for concrete and tarmac driveways.

Driveways over five square metres using non-permeable materials (concrete or tarmac) need planning permission unless you include drainage to lawn or border areas.

Gravel driveways almost never need permission – they’re naturally permeable. Most professional installers sort drainage as standard, but check if you’re DIYing or using a general builder.

We’ve been working around Aylesbury and across Buckinghamshire for nearly 30 years. While we’re known for fencing, we’ve installed countless patios and paved areas throughout the region.

We understand local soil conditions and drainage challenges, which makes a real difference when advising on driveways. We won’t sell you the most expensive option – we’ll help you make the right choice for your property and budget.

If your ground needs extra preparation, we’ll tell you upfront. If there’s a way to save money without compromising quality, we’ll find it.

Want honest advice about your driveway project? Get in touch – no obligation to proceed.