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myGravel Driveway Cost
At a Glance
- The average cost of installing a gravel driveway is around £3,000.
- The job will usually take 2 days to complete.
- Check out our gravel driveway cost calculator to find out how much a gravel driveway costs.
- A breakdown of pricing information, including what to consider before starting, as well as what's involved in such a task.
- How long the job will take, and a general overview of what types of jobs can be performed.
- How to find and hire a driveway installer.
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Trying to find out how much a gravel driveway costs?
This complete cost guide covers everything you need to know about gravel drive prices, including the cost of gravel, how much driveway gravel you need per m², and installation costs.
You can expect to pay around £3,000 on average for new gravel driveway.
Just need a quote?
We have a variety of local driveway installers we can connect you with so you can get a driveway installation quote that's quick and easy!
Read on to find out more!
Gravel Driveway Cost Calculator
£3,000
Table of Contents
How Much Does a Gravel Driveway Cost?
Gravel driveways give a rustic, natural look to any home, and the cost-effective benefits of the installation make them a popular choice for UK homeowners.
Typically, laying a gravel driveway will cost around £3,000. This is based on an average-sized driveway using mid-range materials.
Installing a gravel driveway is not a particularly difficult task for more experienced DIY enthusiasts, and it could prove the most cost-effective if you were to tackle this on your own, as you will only be paying for the materials and not any labour costs.
Doing it yourself means the task will take you longer to complete than it would be if you hired a tradesman - around 2 days. If you could arrange for all the materials and tools to be delivered and ready before you start work, then it is possible to do this over the course of a weekend.
However, the trouble is misjudging how much base layer and gravel you need to cover the area and depth appropriately.
Our view is to probably leave this one to a trained specialist, as you will need someone to excavate, remove and replace the existing base layer, as well as adding materials such as weed-blocking membrane.
What types of gravel can I use on a driveway?
"Any gravel works as long as the hard standing and drainage is adequate. A permeable resin drive is an excellent choice."
Gravel Driveway Prices
| Job Description | Duration | Material Cost | Labour Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replace gravel only (40m²) | 1 Day | £1,000 | £400 |
| Small (20m²) | 1 – 2 Days | £1,400 | £600 |
| Medium (40m²) | 2 Days | £2,200 | £700 |
| Large (80m²) | 2 – 3 Days | £3,600 | £900 |
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Things to Consider When Installing a Gravel Driveway
Installing a gravel driveway may seem like a simple task, but there are several aspects to consider before undergoing this task, whether you’re hiring a tradesman or doing it yourself.
DIY or Professional?
The first thing to consider is whether you are confident enough in your DIY skills to do it yourself, or if you should seek a specialist tradesman.
We recommend consulting a tradesman and assessing your options. However, if you want to be assured the job is done properly, hiring a licensed specialist would be best.
Evaluate Project Costs
Before undertaking your project, it is a good idea to go over the project's costs first. This would mean doing your research and weighing up the costs of the materials, equipment, and disposal costs, especially if it’s cheaper to do it yourself, as well as the costs of labour.
My drive is on a slope. How do I keep the gravel in place and not washed down when it rains?
"You would be better off using the hard plastic grids - also, put a concrete flat top edging across the bottom of your driveway, then put a slightly larger stone in, spread evenly, and then add a smaller stone."
Weighing up the costs of the gravel and other materials is essential, as you want to ensure you are getting quality but still within a budget. The cost of disposal is also important, as this will depend on the original material used and the amount, as well as the size of the area being excavated.
Identify Underground Utilities
Also, before any excavation is done, you will need to identify any buried services such as gas or water. If you are unsure about this, then you should contact a specialist. Most of the time, excavation must be done before installing a gravel driveway, so this is an unavoidable step, but it will save you from any possible damage costs.
Research Your Driveway Specialist
Before hiring a tradesman, it is important to know their credentials. Do they know how to locate buried services? Are they knowledgeable about the sub-base layer and what material to use? Can they identify any issues with drainage and rainwater? These are just a few questions to consider.
It is essential you are happy and satisfied with your hired tradesman and the job they are doing.
Is a Gravel Driveway a Good Choice?
A gravel driveway is a favourite among many homeowners as it can add rustic charm to a property, and is fairly easy to maintain once installed. If you've previously had a tarmac or concrete driveway cracking or showing signs of wear, a gravel driveway is a simple solution if you don't want to worry too much about maintenance or wear over time.
When comparing a gravel driveway against the cost of a concrete driveway there's a difference of around £1,000 depending on the exact size of your drive.
While the cost of a tarmac driveway is less than gravel installation, tarmac can develop potholes over time, and will need re-sealing every 3 to 5 years, bumping up your maintenance costs.
Replacing a cracked or worn-out concrete or tarmac drive is much more costly than maintaining and replacing a gravel driveway, saving you money in the long run.
Let's take a closer look at the pros and cons of gravel driveways:
Pros
- ✔ Easy to maintain
- ✔ Cost-effective to install with minimal ongoing maintenance costs
- ✔ Simple to install with minimal downtime
Cons
- ✖ Misjudging the depth of the sub-base can lead the driveway to sink (a problem most common in DIY gravel driveways)
- ✖ Weeds can grow through the gravel driveway, requiring attention
- ✖ Requires regular raking and topping up of stones to maintain the appearance
What can you do to prevent weeds from growing through a gravel surface in a driveway?
"Installing a membrane would help, and re-gravel, it would make a big difference."
Gravel Driveway Building Regulations and Planning Permission
Do you need planning permission for a gravel driveway?
The answer to this depends on the driveway material, the drainage systems in place, and the size of your driveway.
Planning permission isn't required if:
- You plan to use permeable materials for your driveway (gravel, permeable concrete, etc.), allowing water to drain naturally into the ground.
- You have, or will, incorporate a SuDS (sustainable drainage system) into your driveway (such as a soakaway).
- The total driveway area is under 5 square metres.
Planning permission is required if:
- You're using non-permeable materials for your driveway (tarmac, concrete, etc.) with no drainage system, totalling 5 square metres or more in area.
- You're planning on altering kerbs or footpaths.
If you're unsure, it's best to speak to a professional who will be able to advise you or check directly with your council's local planning department.
What building regulations are there for a gravel driveway?
For most gravel driveway installations, there are no formal building regulations that need to be officially signed off.
However, there are certain criteria that should be met during the project to ensure it follows recommended guidelines. This involves ensuring there is sufficient drainage in place, to guide excess water away from neighboring properties without flooding the roads, as well as using suitable materials to enable the driveway to remain stable and durable.
Laying a Gravel Driveway Yourself
Laying a gravel driveway can be a tricky and time-consuming project, and not one that should be taken on unless you have the knowledge and confidence to do so. As not only do you need to cover the area with gravel, but a new driveway will also require excavation work and to ensure there's sufficient drainage.
We recommend getting at least 3 quotes from local tradesmen to assess your options, and with the help of MyJobQuote, you can find a reputable paving and driveway installer within your area.
The job will take a professional around 2 days to complete. If you are still thinking of doing the job yourself, or wish to follow how an experienced tradesmen would go about it, here is a step-by-step guide:
Before the Work Begins
- Locate Underground Services — Before excavation begins, it's essential to check for any buried utilities such as gas, water, or electrical lines.
- Hire a Professional if Needed — If you're unsure about locating underground services yourself, it’s advisable to hire a qualified professional to carry out this step safely.
I want to install a grid base for my gravel driveway. What brands are easy to install and durable enough for general domestic use?
"All of the honeycomb grids are pretty much the same, and are very good to help prevent gravel from moving."
During the Installation
- Excavate the Area — Remove existing materials such as topsoil, slabs, or concrete, and ensure any soft spots are dug out, as they won’t support vehicle weight.
- Set the Depth and Lay the Membrane — Excavate to a depth of around 150–200mm allowing space for the sub-base and a 50mm gravel layer. Once excavated, lay down a weed-proof membrane to prevent weeds while allowing water to drain through.
- Install and Compact the Sub-Base — Add a layer of hardcore, including crushed rock of various sizes. This creates a solid, permeable foundation. Compact the sub-base using a roller or compactor, both of which require skill and experience
- Lay the Gravel — Spread across the surface evenly, keeping the layer no deeper than 50mm. If you require additional depth, increase the sub-base rather than the gravel layer.
After the Installation
- Final Checks and Waste Removal - Along with clearing any remains of the old driveway and clearing debris, the area will need to be cleaned down and it's worth testing the drainage works as required.
What are the pros and cons of resin-bonded gravel? Should I use it, or would you recommend against it? Is it particularly dear?
"It's the most expensive finish you can have, but it's true to the saying you get what you pay for! Maintenance-free and lasts."
Checklist: Hiring a Gravel Driveway Specialist
When the time comes to hire a gravel driveway specialist, it's important you make the right decision about who to hire. Here's what you should keep in mind:
- Gather at least 3 quotes from different driveway experts to compare pricing to ensure you get a fair deal.
- Look at the traders' online profiles, reading customer reviews and looking at photographs/videos of their past work to get an idea of their quality.
- Get an itemised quote so there are no hidden costs, being sure to ask if waste removal and skip hire are included in the fee.
- Be sure to ask if they're able to locate underground services such as gas and water before they begin excavation.
- Ask about drainage systems and rainwater management, and what will be put in place to manage these.
- Remember to enquire about the layer of sub-base they're planning to use, and if the material is suitable. The most common is MOT type 1.
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FAQs
Why should I get a gravel driveway?
A gravel driveway is easy to maintain and is a simple long-term solution if you do not wish to keep repairing solid driveways such as concrete or tarmac, as these materials tend to crack and wear out over time. This will save you unnecessary costs in the long run.
How can I maintain my gravel driveway?
As a driveway is fairly low maintenance, it won't wear out quickly over time. However, you'll need to remove any weeds that break through the membrane and rake the gravel regularly to ensure an even distribution - this may also require occasionally topping up with extra gravel.
How long will a gravel driveway last?
With proper maintenance, it should be at least 15 years until any significant work is required. Over time the gravel may become compacted, hence needing topping up, and eventually the base layer may require repair or replenishment.
What type of material is best for a gravel driveway?
Crushed limestone or granite are commonly used, although pea gravel, river rock, and recycled concrete options are also popular. When choosing the best material, as well as price point, consider durability, appearance and maintenance.
How much gravel will I need?
The amount of gravel you need depends on the size and depth of your driveway. As an estimate it is recommended to budget for approximately 1 tonne of gravel per 10 to 12 square metres for a standard depth of 50mm (which is usually laid on top of the sub-base).
