Concreting costs and know-how for UK homeowners
What should concrete work cost, how should it be built, and how do you pick someone to do it? Straight answers, with typical UK price ranges dated November 2026 and the sources behind them.
Start with what you are building
Most homeowner concrete jobs fall into a handful of types. Each has its own cost drivers and its own ways of going wrong, so pick the one that matches your job:
- Concrete driveway cost: the biggest job and the one where a thin base causes most failures.
- Garage and shed base cost: small areas, but ground and thickness still matter.
- Patio and slab cost: paths, patios and slabs for a hot tub or summerhouse.
- Footings and foundations: the part that holds up walls, and the part where you need proper advice.
- Pattern imprinted concrete: stamped finishes, costs and upkeep.
- Resurfacing old concrete: when a coating is enough and when to dig it up.
Typical prices at a glance (November 2026)
Published UK cost guides do not agree to the pound, which is normal. Two we read for this site give the following for a plain or lightly finished concrete driveway:
| Source | Plain concrete drive, fitted | Imprinted |
|---|---|---|
| BestBuilders cost guide (2026, ex VAT) | £60 to £80 per m² | £100 to £140 per m² |
| MyJobQuote (updated October 2026) | £85 to £130 per m² installed | Not split out |
| Checkatrade imprinted guide | Not covered | £25 to £130 per m², average £77.50 including VAT |
The spread is wide because jobs differ: how far the digger has to dig, whether a pump is needed, whether there is drainage to build, and whether VAT is included. A quote that sits far outside these ranges is not automatically wrong, but the contractor should be able to tell you why.
The four things that decide whether concrete lasts
- The ground and sub-base. Concrete does not fix poor ground. A compacted layer of crushed stone under the slab does most of the work for years to come.
- Thickness and mix. Driveways need a stronger mix and more depth than a garden path. See ready-mix, volumetric or DIY.
- Joints and curing. Large slabs without joints "will almost always crack", according to one UK ready-mix supplier's advice, and the first weeks matter. Read curing and cracking.
- Who does the work. Good groundwork is invisible once the concrete is poured, so check the person before you check the price. See choosing a concreter and the questions to ask.
Do you need planning permission?
For a front garden the answer often depends on one thing: whether the new surface lets water drain away. The Planning Portal says a new or replacement driveway generally does not need permission if it uses permeable surfacing, and that an impermeable surface over five square metres needs permission unless rain water drains to a lawn or border. Our page on front-garden paving rules sets this out, including dropped kerbs.
How to use this site
Read the cost page for your job, then the guide on how to brief a concreter. Take the questions page to the first visit. If you want to do some of the work yourself, the mixing page explains where DIY stops making sense. Every page that quotes figures lists where they came from, so you can read the original.
What we cannot tell you
We do not know your ground, your access or your local labour rates, and we do not recommend or rank businesses. For structural work, such as footings for a building, ask a qualified professional and your local building control. This is general information, not professional advice. You can reach us via the contact page.
Prices on this page are typical UK ranges and estimates as of November 2026. They vary by region, access, ground and the day you ask. Treat them as a way to spot an odd quote, not as a quote.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a concrete driveway cost in the UK?
Published guides in 2026 give roughly £60 to £130 per square metre fitted, depending on finish, access and whether VAT is included. A single-car drive of about 30 m² is often quoted between about £2,000 and £4,000. These are estimates as of November 2026; get written quotes.
Is concrete cheaper than block paving?
Plain concrete is usually cheaper to lay than block paving, but decorative finishes such as imprinted concrete can be similar in price. Concrete cannot be lifted and relaid, so repairs are more visible.
Do I need planning permission to concrete my front garden?
Not usually if the surface is permeable, or if rain water drains to a lawn or border. An impermeable surface over five square metres generally needs permission. Check with your local planning authority.
How long should new concrete take to dry?
Concrete cures rather than dries. It can usually take foot traffic within a day or two, but needs around four weeks to reach full strength, so keep vehicles off for as long as your contractor advises.