A driveway price depends far more on what happens below the surface than most people expect. The size of the area, how deep it has to be dug out, the depth of compacted stone underneath, the edging that holds it together, and how rainwater is dealt with usually account for a large share of the cost. The finish you choose then changes the total, as do access, waste removal and extras such as walls or a dropped kerb. A fair quote can only be given after someone has looked at your frontage.
Area and shape
The first number any installer needs is the area to be surfaced. Larger drives use more stone, more surfacing and more labour, but price does not scale perfectly with size. Machines, skips and setting-out cost roughly the same whether the drive is small or large, so compact frontages tend to look dearer per square metre. Curves, tapers and lots of cuts around manholes and steps take longer than a simple rectangle.
Excavation and taking away the spoil
Most new driveways start by removing the old surface and digging down to firm ground. The depth needed depends on the soil and the weight of vehicles, and clay soils that are common in parts of Northamptonshire can need extra attention. Everything dug out has to go somewhere, so the volume of spoil, the number of skip or grab-lorry loads and how close a vehicle can get to the site all feed into the price.
If an old concrete or tarmac surface has to be broken out, that adds time and disposal weight compared with digging up a lawn or gravel.
The sub-base
The compacted layer of crushed stone is what actually carries your car. It is laid in stages and compacted each time, and its depth is one of the main differences between a cheap quote and a durable one. Asking each installer how deep the sub-base will be, and what material they will use, is one of the best ways to compare quotes fairly.
Edging and kerbs
Without firm edges, a driveway spreads and loosens over time. Edging is set in concrete along every open side, and the length of edging needed can be surprisingly large on a long or curved drive. Decorative borders, contrasting bands and steps at the front door all add material and labour.
Drainage and the five square metre rule
Rules introduced in 2008 mean that new front garden hard surfaces larger than five square metres must either let water soak through or drain to a lawn, border or soakaway, unless planning permission is granted. That choice affects cost: a permeable build-up uses particular materials and an open-graded base, while a traditional surface may need channel drains and a soakaway dug into the garden. Where the drive slopes towards the house or garage, extra drainage is essential.
- Permeable surface and base
- Channel drains across the drive
- Soakaway crate or rubble pit
- Falls directing water onto a lawn or border
Choosing a surface
Different driveway finishes vary in material cost, labour time, the depth and type of base they need, and how they cope with weeds, oil and frost. Some are quick to lay on a prepared base, while others involve cutting and fitting many small units by hand. When comparing, ask what the surface needs underneath, how it drains and what maintenance it will need in five or ten years, not only the price per square metre.
Extras that change the total
Brick boundary walls, pillars, gates, lighting, steps and new planting beds are often added at the same time. A new or widened vehicle crossing over the pavement, known as a dropped kerb, needs approval from the highway authority and is priced separately, often with its own application fee. Lifting and resetting manhole covers to the new level is another frequent extra.
How to compare driveway quotes
Make sure every quote covers the same things: dig depth, sub-base depth and type, edging, drainage method, disposal of waste and what happens to manholes. A lower price that leaves out drainage or uses a shallow base is not a saving. George at Superior Build & Landscape will visit, measure the frontage and explain what is included, and our driveways page explains how we approach the work.
Frequently asked questions
Why do driveway quotes vary so much?
Mostly because of differences in dig depth, sub-base, edging and drainage. Check that each quote includes the same preparation before comparing prices.
Does the surface I choose change the price?
Yes. Surfaces differ in material cost, the base they need and how long they take to lay, so the finish has a big effect on the total.
Do I need planning permission for a new driveway?
Not usually if it is permeable or drains to a lawn or soakaway. An impermeable front surface over five square metres needs permission.
Is a dropped kerb included in a driveway price?
Normally not. A dropped kerb needs separate approval from the highway authority and is priced on its own.
Can I save money by keeping my old base?
Only if it is sound, deep enough and drains properly. Laying a new surface over a weak base usually leads to sinking and cracks.