Brick Driveway Cost

A brick driveway is made using clay pavers, giving homeowners a durable, attractive and traditional-looking surface for parking and access.

Brick pavers come in a range of colours and can be laid in different patterns, making them a versatile choice for many UK homes. They are also hard-wearing, which makes them a popular option for long-lasting driveway installations.

In this guide, we’ll look at brick driveway costs, what can affect the final price and what to expect when hiring a driveway installer.

How Much is a Brick Driveway?

The average cost of a brick driveway is heavily dependent on the size of the area to be covered, the type of bricks used and the chosen pattern. Installation prices, including labour and materials, range from approximately £90 to £130 per square metre.

Factors which affect the cost of installing a brick driveway include:

• Driveway size: the larger the area, the more materials, labour and preparation will be required
• Type of brick: bricks range from budget-friendly to premium choices and come in various colours
• Laying pattern: homeowners can choose from a range of patterns, with the more complex taking longer and requiring more experience.
• Preparation & groundwork: preparation work, including excavation, varies in complexity and difficulty depending on the site conditions and soil type.

In addition to the above, other elements that affect pricing are regional labour rates and site access.

The cost of trades varies depending on where you live, with London and the southeast commanding the highest hourly and daily rates.

This is mostly due to the high cost of living in the capital and surrounding areas. The north of England and Wales are often more affordable when it comes to home improvement projects, such as a new driveway.

Costs are increased if there is restricted access to the site. Narrow gates or sloping ground can make using machinery difficult. In these cases, manual labour may be needed instead, which will raise your costs and increase the timescale of the project.

Brick Driveway Prices

If you’re unsure of brick driveway installation costs, the following gives you an overview of what to expect.

Supply Costs

Brick driveway costs are affected by the size of the driveway, the type, quality and colour of the bricks you use and the complexity of the chosen pattern. Below are the average supply costs for installing a brick driveway to help you budget.

Brick Pavers

The cost of brick pavers ranges from around £30 to £125 per square metre, with choices from budget to premium quality. The size and thickness of the bricks also affect how much you’ll pay.

Sub-base Aggregate

MOT type 1 is the most commonly used sub-base aggregate for driveway installations. Prices range from £50 to more than £100 per cubic metre, with a bulk bag of 850kg typically costing between £45 and £60. This amount covers 5 square metres to a depth of 100mm.

For large driveways, loose loads are more cost-effective. Prices vary, but an average price is £30 to £60 per tonne with costs falling as quantities rise.

Sharp Sand

In driveway installations, sharp sand is used as a bedding material for the bricks. It’s also used to mix concrete and create screed for levelling.

Sharp sand costs between £40 and £65 on average for a bulk bag of approximately 800kg-850kg. Loose loads cost from around £53 to £62 per tonne for larger driveway projects.

Jointing Sand

Kiln-dried sand is used between clay or concrete pavers to fill the gaps and lock the bricks together. The sand stops movement and prevents weeds; some brands even include additives which further inhibit weed growth. Prices for standard jointing sand are £5 - £8 for a 20 - 25kg bag, while weed-inhibiting sand retails for £14 - £17 for 20kg.

Specialist jointing compounds, also known as polymeric sand, are a mixture of fine sand and polymers. Like kiln sand, it’s swept over the pavers to fill the joints but is then moistened with water in stages to set the compound while still allowing it to flex slightly. A 20kg bag costs from £20 to £28.

Edging Restraints

Edging restraints are installed to prevent the spread and lateral movement of the driveway. These can be pre-cast concrete kerbs, steel restraints, concrete haunching or heavy-duty plastic, steel or aluminium paver edging. Concrete edging costs between £4 and £15 per linear metre, while aluminium or steel systems are priced at £10 to £30 per linear metre.

Weed-control Membrane

Heavy-duty weed membrane not only suppresses weeds but also prevents the sub-base and soil from mixing together during driveway construction. It comes in various thicknesses, with 125gsm being considered a premium grade for driveway installation. A 50 metre roll of 2 metre wide fabric costs around £40 - £60.

Drainage

Getting the drainage right during a driveway installation is critical for its success and lifespan. Channel drains are most frequently used and come in plastic or galvanised steel. Plastic options cost around £12 - £15 for a one metre length, while galvanised steel choices are more expensive at £15 - £40 per metre.

If you have a driveway that slopes down toward your house, channel drains leading to a soakaway are the best solution. A soakaway crate costs between £60 and £85 plus the cost of some weed membrane to wrap it in.

Driveway Sealant

Brick driveway sealant creates a durable barrier against moisture, prevents staining and protects against UV fading. A 25-litre tin of brick sealant for driveways costs around £150 - £170. This amount will cover up to 125sqm with one coat. Smaller areas may get away with a 5-litre container, which costs £30 - £50.

Supply costs vary depending on the size of the driveway, the quality of bricks and other materials chosen, as well as the finish required.

Additional Costs

In addition to the basic materials and work involved in creating a brick driveway, there are some extra costs to be considered. Not all will apply to every project, but they are useful to know, just in case.

Excavation

The cost of excavation is from around £15 to £30 per square metre to a depth of 150mm - 250mm. Prices vary depending on your location, site access, excavation depth and the soil type.

Site Clearance

Site clearance or removing the extracted soil/previous surface is an important part of the installation process. The amount of waste generated may require a grab lorry, which costs between £170 and £420 per load. Depending on their size, they can hold approximately 9, 14 or 16 tonnes of waste.

Skip Hire

Smaller driveway installations may only need a skip rather than a grab lorry. Costs per week vary depending on your location, but skip hire is typically about £120 for a 6-yard skip to £450 for a 14-yard skip.

Steps

Adding some outdoor steps to your new driveway will increase your budget by around £500 and £1,500. If you want to match them to your driveway, brick steps cost from £80 to £220 per square metre.

Gates

Installing driveway gates will cost between £600 and £6,000, depending on the material, automation and where you live in the UK. Electric gates are obviously more expensive to fit than manual ones, but they provide an extra level of security and convenience.

Threshold Adjustments

If your driveway is brand new, you may need to request permission for a dropped kerb on the public pavement. As well as the construction cost, you’ll have to pay a council fee, which varies across different local authorities. Total costs are approximately £1,000 - £3,000.

Sealing

The cost of sealing your driveway depends on the type of sealant used, the size of the area and regional labour rates. Cleaning the driveway is recommended before sealing for best results. For this combined service, you can expect to pay between £150 and £600.

Repairing Nearby Paths or Walls

Damage to nearby paths or garden walls can happen during a driveway installation. The cost to repair depends on the extent of the damage and the material, with prices ranging from £150 to more than £1,000.

No two driveway installations are ever the same, and there are many variables to take into account. An existing driveway may need to be removed first, or the ground levels may need significant work before installation. All of this adds to the cost, which is why it’s important to get several written, detailed quotes before choosing a contractor.

What are the Labour Costs and Timescales?

To homeowners, the two most important aspects of a new driveway installation are usually the cost and the time it takes to complete. Let’s take a look at the labour cost and timeframes for a brick driveway project.

Labour Costs

The labour costs of a driveway installation make up 30-50% of the overall project price. While labour rates vary across the country, the average cost is approximately £150-£200 per worker per day. Labourers and apprentices typically cost less.

Driveway contractors generally charge labour by the square metre with average costs of £60 - £120 per sqm for brick driveways.

Timescales

Factors which affect the timescale of the project include:

• Driveway size
• Amount of excavation & groundwork needed
• Chosen laying pattern including cuts and mitres
• Inclusion of drainage, e.g., channels or soakaway

Laying a brick driveway is a skilled job, and there are many different patterns to choose from.

The complexity of the design greatly affects how long the project takes, as planning, levelling, cuts and falls need to be considered at every stage of the installation. This attention to detail is necessary to get a good finish, but it does increase labour costs and timescales.

A small driveway can be completed in 2-3 days, while medium-sized areas can take 3-5 days. Larger projects or more complex designs can take up to 7 days or longer. Bad weather and long curing times for surrounding works can delay completion.

Cost Factors for a Brick Driveway

There are many cost factors when laying a brick driveway, and while some are obvious, others may not be if you’ve never had a driveway installed before.

Driveway Size

A clear cost contributor is the size of the driveway. This affects the amount of material needed, the degree of excavation required and the number of workers necessary to complete the work, all of which increase the price.

Type of Brick

Your choice of brick directly impacts the cost of your driveway. There is a very wide range to choose from in terms of quality, texture and colour. Costs vary from around £54 to £120 per square metre.

Laying Pattern

Although there are numerous possible arrangements for laying bricks, in general, driveways feature one of four patterns. These are Herringbone (45 or 90 degree), Running Bond, also known as Stretcher Bond, Basket Weave and Stack Bond, also known as Grid pattern.

Other variations include radial or circular patterns, random arrangements and soldier courses which form a frame or edge to the driveway, also adding strength. Intricate patterns or those that require lots of cuts are more expensive as they’re more labour-intensive and require time to do correctly.

Ground Conditions

The condition of the ground is fundamental to the success of a brick driveway. An uneven surface, high water table or clay soil necessitates deeper excavation, specialised drainage solutions and a stronger sub-base.

Depth of Excavation

The depth of excavation for a brick driveway is determined by the current condition of the ground, the soil type and the expected vehicle load. Standard depths for new driveways are between 175mm and 300mm. Soft soils or those with high proportions of clay need deeper excavation.

Sub-base Requirements

MOT type 1 aggregate is typically laid to a depth of 100mm to 150mm, commonly in two layers, each of which is compacted separately. This method provides a substantially more robust base for the brick driveway.

Drainage

In addition to the correct gradient fall for rainwater runoff, drainage provisions are essential for a successful driveway. Water on the surface can damage the bricks through freeze and thaw cycles, erosion of the sub-base can lead to subsidence and moss and mildew will thrive on a damp surface.

Channel drains or a soakaway ensure drainage is effective and that you’re complying with SuDS requirements to manage surface water.

Edging

Driveway edging restraints prevent spread and lateral movement and are an integral part of the installation. Edging made from concrete, steel, aluminium or heavy-duty plastic can be used for this purpose. Costs vary depending on the amount of edging needed and the material it’s made from.

Site Access

When access to the site is difficult or restricted, there is a direct impact on the cost of the driveway project. Machinery that cannot be used has to be replaced with manual labour, which increases manpower costs and extends the timescale of the work.

Waste Disposal

Removing the existing surface and excavated soil is one of the biggest contributors to the cost of a brick driveway project, after labour expenses. It can represent 20% of the final cost.

Excavated soil also increases in bulk once removed from the ground, so one cubic metre in the ground can become 1.25 cubic metres once extracted, due to ‘soil swell’. Careful calculation of waste disposal costs is therefore recommended based on your soil type. Clay has a high swell factor, while sandy soil has a low one.

Property Location

Regional variations in labour rates and material costs are nothing new and apply to the majority of home improvement work. London and the southeast of England are between 15 and 25% more expensive for these types of projects.

Urban locations also incur higher costs because of parking restrictions, permit requirements and higher labour costs. Large machinery is also harder to use in narrow, busy city streets, which means using manual labour or hiring smaller machines, such as a mini-excavator. By contrast, remote rural locations may mean paying more for the delivery of materials.

Contractor Experience

Experience with laying a brick driveway is extremely important, and with that expertise often comes a higher price. An inexperienced builder may fail to put down an adequate sub-base, neglect to install drainage or use inferior products.

For such a large and expensive project, you’ll want it to last, and so paying for experience is worth every penny.

Getting several detailed quotes allows you to get an idea of a general cost for laying a brick driveway. It will also let you spot a low quote that may be using lower quality materials, skipping important parts of the process or generally cutting corners. That should be a red flag to any homeowner.

Building Regulations Related to a Brick Driveway

Most driveways don’t require Building Regulation approval. However, some aspects of the installation do need to comply with and meet certain standards for drainage and access.

Drainage - Part H of the Building Regulations

Approved Document H of the Building Regulations concerns drainage and waste disposal. Rainwater and runoff must not be allowed to accumulate close to the property and should discharge into a suitable system, such as a soakaway or surface water drain.

Permeable Surfaces

Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) requirements are designed to manage surface water. Using permeable surfaces for driveways, such as resin-bound gravel, porous concrete, or block paving, allows rainwater to go directly into the ground rather than overloading public drains.

Any driveway over 5 square metres should be constructed using a permeable surface. When using non-permeable materials, homeowners must have a soakaway, garden border or lawn for the water runoff. This provision must be within the property’s boundary.

Planning Permission

For the most part, driveways can be installed under permitted development. Situations where planning permission may be required occur where the driveway is bigger than 5 square metres, uses non-permeable materials and doesn’t have proper SuDS drainage in place.

Planning permission is also typically required if you’re creating a brand new entrance to your property, i.e., where the driveway meets the road.

Altering access - Part M of the Building Regulations

Changing access to your property, by either creating a new entrance or dropping the kerb outside your home, requires permission from the local authority.

In addition, any alterations must not make access to your home less satisfactory than before. This includes creating steps where there were none previously, as per Approved Document M of the Building Regulations.

Types of Brick Driveway

There are several types of brick driveways, with the term mainly referring to the shape of the individual blocks rather than the material they’re made from. While there are clay pavers, traditionally associated with brick driveways, the term can also cover other materials.

Block-style Brick Pavers

These are typically made of clay or concrete and are designed to be durable as well as decorative. While they look like bricks, they have the thickness of a block, which provides a long-lasting driveway surface.

Block-style brick pavers come in a variety of colours and textures, making them suitable for modern and traditional homes. The cost of clay brick pavers is higher than for concrete options.

Clay Bricks

Clay bricks or pavers are a kiln-fired, high-density material for driveways. Pavers differ from building bricks in the way that they are made. The manufacturing process makes them very strong, able to handle extreme weather and tolerate heavy loads.

As their colour comes from the clay they’re made from, it doesn’t fade, so they maintain their looks long term. Clay is also a sustainable and low-maintenance material. Clay pavers cost around £55 - £70 per square metre.

Concrete Bricks

Concrete block pavers are designed to be hard-wearing and durable, offering a range of colours, textures and sizes for every type of driveway. They provide stability even under heavy loads and daily traffic and are easy to maintain.

The ability of concrete driveway blocks to mimic clay bricks makes them a popular choice for many homeowners. Concrete bricks are budget-friendly at around £20 - £50 per square metre.

Tumbled Bricks

For homeowners who want a rustic or aged look, tumbled bricks provide the right aesthetic. They feature softer edges due to mechanical tumbling and mimic weathered stones or cobbles.

Tumbled blocks are durable and versatile, giving both traditional and modern homes an elegant touch. Prices range from around £35 to £60 per square metre.

Laying Patterns

The pattern of your brick driveway is not just a way of making it pretty to look at. It also provides stability to the bricks and prevents movement. The strongest pattern is herringbone, which solidly interlocks the bricks and is ideal for high-traffic driveways.

Other choices are basket weave, stretcher, running bond and stack bond. Circular and radial designs are often popular for smaller driveways and parking areas. Remember, the more complex the pattern, the higher your costs are going to be for labour and materials.

Decorative Finishes

As well as choosing the pattern for your brick driveway, there are also other ways to give it a decorative finish. Contrasting borders using different-sized blocks or colours is a commonly used method of making it a feature of your home rather than just a functional space.

Metal edging can be used for a contemporary feel, or adding small areas of gravel for a mixed material look breaks up large expanses of bricks. Adding decorative touches to your brick driveway will affect your budget.

Alternative Types of Brick Driveway

If you like the look of a brick driveway for your home but are considering other options, check out the alternatives.

Block Paving

Block paving has the advantage of mimicking bricks while often being made of concrete. These blocks provide the look of a natural material while having the durability of a manufactured one. The lifespan of block paving is around 20 - 30 years, as long as it’s properly installed.

Maintenance is mostly concerned with weed removal, regular sweeping and treating oil stains as soon as they appear. Overall, the cost of block paving is £90 - £130 per square metre, including materials and labour.

Resin-bound Gravel

Resin-bound gravel offers a neat, clean look for your driveway and has the added bonus of being permeable. It comes in a variety of colours to match any property aesthetic.

Lifespan for a resin-bound driveway is 15 - 25 years, depending on quality and professional installation. With regular cleaning and maintenance, this lifespan can be significantly extended. The overall price for this type of driveway is £50 - £140 per square metre.

Tarmac

Tarmac, also called asphalt, is a budget-friendly option costing around £45 - £80 per square metre. It has a smooth, uniform appearance and comes in black, grey, red, blue or green. Lifespan is typically short, at 12-20 years, as it is very prone to weather damage.

For maintenance, regular sweeping or the use of a leaf blower to remove debris is less harsh than using a pressure washer. Cleaning can be done with a low-pressure hose, and repairs are commonly carried out using cold-lay tarmac.

Concrete

No longer a drab grey slab with no significant features, today you can have coloured, textured or stamped concrete for your driveway. It’s a strong material lasting 20 - 40 years, but it can be prone to freeze-thaw cycle cracking.

Maintenance includes sweeping or using a leaf blower for debris removal and a pressure wash once a year. Cracks should be repaired promptly, and sealing a concrete driveway helps to prevent frost damage. Oil stains should be cleaned as soon as they appear.

The cost of concrete depends on the type you use, i.e., smooth or stamped, plain or coloured. Prices range from £40 to £150 per square metre.

Cobblestone

Cobblestone driveways offer a rustic and charming aesthetic for your property. Characterised by small, uneven stones, this driveway material lasts for more than 50 years when properly installed and maintained.

Brushing with a stiff broom helps to keep the cobblestone clean, and a low-pressure wash once a year to remove moss and algae lifts its appearance. The cost of a cobblestone driveway is around £70 to £130 per square metre.

Standard Gravel

Gravel has a lot of advantages as a driveway material. It can look high-end, acts as a security feature and is relatively cheap, costing around £30 to £70 per square metre.

However, maintenance can be difficult. Gravel tends to migrate, moving around and needing to be regularly raked to prevent low spots. It’s tricky to weed and needs regular top-ups, usually every 2-3 years, but its functional lifespan is well over 30 years.

Hiring Contractors Checklist for a Brick Driveway

Finding the right contractor to lay your brick driveway need not be a headache, and there are ways to locate the best person or company for the job. Take a look at our checklist to see what you should be asking potential driveway contractors.

Checklist

Checking experience with brick or block-style driveway installation

Clearly, you’ll want someone who has experience laying a brick or block-style driveway. This is not a DIY friendly task; therefore, neither is it suitable for someone with no prior knowledge or expertise. Laying a brick driveway is a skilled job; make sure the person you hire is adequately qualified.

Asking to see previous work

The best way to make sure that the contractor you choose is the right one is to ask to see previous jobs that they have done. Most reputable companies will be more than happy to point you toward past clients so you can check out their work. If a contractor refuses, be aware.

Confirming whether excavation and waste removal are included

Checking the details of your quotes is very important. Take the time to read each one carefully and ask questions about anything that you’re not sure of. Confirming that excavation and waste removal are included is essential, as they are not cheap jobs and can add significantly to your budget.

Checking how drainage will be handled

It’s not just vital to the success of your driveway installation; drainage is also a Building Regulation issue, so check with your contractor how it’s going to be handled. Make sure you understand what will be done and how, including whether it’s included in your quote.

Understanding the sub-base specification

The sub-base specification varies depending on several factors, such as the surface material, including whether it’s permeable or not. In addition, different soil types demand varying depths of sub-base, and finally, the expected load on the driveway determines the size and depth of the aggregate.

Asking about guarantees

You should ask about workmanship guarantees, which are typically 5+ years or Insurance Backed Guarantees, which provide protection if the contractor ceases trading.

Enquire as to whether drainage and sub-base failure are included in any guarantee, and if the materials used are covered by a manufacturer’s warranty. If you think you may sell the property in the future, check if the guarantee can be transferred to new owners.

Getting a Written Quote

No matter what home improvement work you are looking to do, any quotes should be in writing and be fully detailed. Only with a written quote can you see the scope of the work and the agreed price. This prevents changes to fees further into the job unless agreed with you, as the client. Once you accept a quote, it becomes a legally binding contract.

Comparing More Than One Installer

Obtaining several quotations helps you get an idea of average prices and allows you to compare the costs and services that are included. It also allows you to negotiate with your preferred company to achieve a better price.

Removing a Brick Driveway

Taking out an old brick driveway is reasonably straightforward, but it is nevertheless a labour-intensive job.

Lifting Bricks

The difficulty of lifting out the bricks depends on whether they are set in sand or mortar. Sand-set bricks can be removed by blasting the jointing sand with a pressure washer and lifting them out.

Bricks set in mortar need more work. The mortar can be broken up with a hammer and cold chisel, an SDS drill or an angle grinder. Usually, once the first brick is out, the process becomes easier. If you intend to replace the bricks, more care is needed when removing them.

Removing Old Sand & Sub-base

Depending on the size of the area, the sand can be removed manually with shovels or with a mini-digger. The compacted aggregate or sub-base will be harder to extract and may require a breaker to loosen the material sufficiently to remove it.

Re-using Materials

To save on costs, you may reuse some materials, such as the sub-base and the old bricks. Make sure that you have enough aggregate to provide a strong foundation, typically at least 150mm. This needs to be re-compacted into two separate layers of 75mm.

If you’re reusing the bricks, make sure they’re strong enough, remove any old mortar and consider sealing them to increase their lifespan. Where bricks are clearly not suitable for reuse as a driveway material, they can be recycled for use on a garden path or border.

Removal Costs

The cost to remove an old brick driveway depends on the size of the area, regional labour rates and how much waste is removed. Access can increase costs if there is no room for machinery, as this increases labour needs. Skip or grab lorry hire may be necessary depending on the volume of materials removed.

When is Removal Necessary?

If the foundations of the driveway have failed, it will need to be removed. Similarly, drainage problems can lead to the collapse of the edging, which affects the integrity of the whole driveway. Deterioration of the bricks, such as spalling due to long-term weather exposure, is another reason for removing a brick driveway.

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