Concreter › Concrete driveway cost in the UK
Concrete driveway cost in the UK
A concrete drive typically costs about £60 to £130 per square metre fitted, depending on finish, access and who you ask. Here is how that breaks down and what to check in a quote.
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.
Price per square metre
Two UK cost guides we read give different but overlapping figures. BestBuilders' 2026 guide gives £60 to £80 per m² for plain broom-finished concrete, rising to £100 to £140 for stamped (imprinted), excluding VAT. MyJobQuote, updated in October 2026, gives £85 to £130 per m² installed, and £60 to £90 per m² for supply only. If you are VAT registered or not, make sure each quote says whether VAT is in the price.
Totals for common sizes
MyJobQuote's installed totals are a useful sense check:
| Drive size | Roughly | Installed total (MyJobQuote, Oct 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| 30 m² | One car | £2,500 to £4,000 |
| 60 m² | Two to three cars | £5,500 to £8,000 |
| 90 m² | Four to six cars | £8,300 to £12,000 |
MyJobQuote says a 30 to 60 m² drive usually takes two to four days, longer if the weather turns or drainage needs building.
Where the money goes
BestBuilders breaks a plain drive down per square metre. These are its figures, not ours, and they are a guide to proportions rather than a price list:
- Excavation and removal of spoil: about £8 to £14, digging roughly 200 to 250 mm.
- Sub-base: about £10 to £14 for around 150 mm of compacted crushed stone.
- Edge formwork and mesh: about £6 to £10.
- Concrete and placing: about £25 to £35 for a 100 to 125 mm slab. Pumping adds a flat charge when the lorry cannot reach.
- Finishing and joints: a few pounds for a broom finish, much more for stamping.
- Curing and sealing: a few pounds.
Notice how much of the bill is the work you cannot see once it is finished. That is where a cheap quote usually saves money, and where cracking and sinking start.
What is often not included
- A dropped kerb. This is a separate application to your council, not part of the concreting. See front-garden paving rules.
- Drainage runs, soakaways or channel drains.
- Decorative edging, steps and retaining walls.
- Removing an old drive. Breaking out and skip hire can add a lot to the total.
- Regional uplift. BestBuilders says London and the South East add around 10 to 15 per cent.
What a good drive looks like underneath
For a normal domestic car drive, the guides we read describe a sub-base of about 150 mm of compacted stone, then about 100 to 125 mm of concrete, with steel mesh and joints at regular intervals. A stronger grade of concrete is used for vehicles; one UK guide suggests C30 for driveways. Read more on grades in ready-mix, volumetric or DIY.
Ways to keep the price sensible
- Get three written quotes that describe the same specification: depth of excavation, sub-base, concrete grade, mesh, joints, finish and edge details.
- Pick the season. MyJobQuote suggests late spring or early autumn, when it is dry and mild.
- Keep the shape simple. Curves and awkward corners add labour.
- Decide on drainage first, so you do not need planning permission by accident.
Concrete or something else?
Plain concrete is hard wearing and low maintenance. The downsides, per MyJobQuote, are that de-icing salt can damage the surface and that it cannot be lifted and relaid like block paving. If it fails, resurfacing may help, or it has to be broken out. For a decorative look see imprinted concrete. When you are ready to talk to people, use our guide to choosing a concreter.
Frequently asked questions
How thick should a concrete driveway be?
The cost guides we read describe about 100 to 125 mm of concrete over about 150 mm of compacted stone for a normal car drive. Your contractor should confirm this for your ground.
How much is a concrete drive for one car?
A single-car drive of about 30 m² is quoted at roughly £2,500 to £4,000 installed in one guide updated October 2026. This is an estimate, not a quote.
Is the dropped kerb included?
Usually not. A dropped kerb is applied for through your local authority and is priced separately.
When is the best time to lay a concrete drive?
A dry, mild spell in late spring or early autumn is recommended by one cost guide. Avoid frost and very hot, windy days.