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myImprinted Concrete Driveway Cost
At a glance
- The average cost to lay an imprinted concrete driveway is around £3,800
- The job will take approximately 5 to 7 days to complete
- NEW! Use our imprinted concrete driveway cost calculator for an instant estimate
- A complete pricing breakdown for a new imprinted concrete driveway, including materials and labour
- How long the job should take and a general overview of what is involved
- How to find and hire a driveway specialist
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Considering an imprinted concrete driveway and wondering how much it will cost?
The average UK homeowner will pay around £3,800 for a pattern imprinted concrete driveway, but factors such as the design, size, and location of your project can affect its cost, so it’s always worth comparing a few estimates.
If you're ready to start your project, it’s easy to get fast, free, no obligation quotes from local driveway specialists through MyJobQuote, or you can use our calculator below for a rough estimate, first.
Want to learn more before getting a quote? Our complete guide breaks down all the costs of installing a printed concrete drive - such as labour fees and the average imprinted concrete driveway costs per m², so read on to discover how much your imprinted concrete driveway could cost, and what factors will affect the final price.
£3,800
Table of Contents
- How Much Does a Printed Concrete Driveway Cost?
- Things to Consider When Installing Imprinted Concrete Driveways
- Why Choose Pattern Imprinted Concrete Driveways?
- Laying a Printed Concrete Drive Yourself
- Maintenance Costs for a Stamped Concrete Driveway
- Hiring a Professional to Lay an Imprinted Concrete Driveway Checklist
- FAQs
How Much Does a Printed Concrete Driveway Cost?
In the UK, imprinted concrete driveways typically cost between £80 and £95 per m² including materials and labour. Larger driveways usually work out cheaper per square metre due to economies of scale.
That means an average two-car driveway (50m²) usually costs around £4,000 to £4,750, while a smaller single-car drive (20 m²) should cost between £1,600 and £1,900.
Imprinted Concrete Driveway Prices
| Driveway's Size | Duration | Material Cost | Labour Cost | Total Cost (Materials + Labour) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40m² Coloured Patterned Drive | 5 Days | £1125 | £2625 | £3750 |
| 60m² Coloured Patterned Drive | 5 Days | £1500 | £3570 | £5070 |
| 100m² Coloured Patterned Drive | 7 Days | £2400 | £5500 | £7900 |
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Imprinted Concrete Driveway Cost Calculator
Things to Consider When Installing Imprinted Concrete Driveways
Imprinted concrete is a solid choice for a driveway as it ticks all the boxes; it’s durable, low maintenance, affordable and will add a dash of personal style to your home. So if you are considering a concrete imprint for your driveway, then you will need to consider a few things first, especially before hiring a specialist to come and carry out the work.
- Customising - There are hundreds of patterns to choose from, including the main pattern and the border and edging pattern. There are also dozens of colours to choose from, so think about which look will best match the exterior of your home.
- Utility services - Be aware of any utility services, such as gas and water, that may be running beneath the area you want to pave over. You will need to ensure they are not damaged during the excavation of your current driveway. Also, if you or anyone else may need to gain access to these pipes or cables in the future, it will be impossible without having to crack open the concrete.
- Planning permission - As concrete is not a permeable material, you may have to apply for planning permission from your local authority as it can be a flood risk if water has nowhere to drain to. However, as long as you have the correct drainage installed with your driveway, permission is not usually needed.
- Reducing cracking risk - After a number of years, some concrete surfaces have a tendency to crack due to general wear and the harsh weather conditions we often experience in the UK. However, the risk of this can be reduced by adding adequate crack control joints, which are cut into the concrete.
Are imprinted concrete driveways prone to cracking?
"Not if done correctly although I would advise a fully permeable resin system if budget allowed."
Why Choose Pattern Imprinted Concrete Driveways?
If you have a driveway that is showing signs of wear and tear, then you may want to consider going down the route of having a concrete drive installed - or more specifically an imprinted concrete drive.
I'm debating installing block paving but a friend has suggested imprinted concrete. Which is best?
"Block paving and imprinted concrete are both great ways to spruce up your drive way. But personally I would swing towards imprinted concrete simply because it is so much easier to maintain if it is sealed properly then you only need a quick jet wash every other month to bring it back to new."
Imprinted concrete driveways are one of the most popular outdoor home improvements homeowners are currently doing, as it is durable, low maintenance and affordable. The style of the imprint will also add a stylish and personal touch to your driveway, as there are hundreds of patterns to choose from as well as a number of interesting and exciting colours available.
Having an imprinted driveway can add a bit of personality to your home, whilst also relieving you of any maintenance headaches that may come with other driveways such as tarmac for example.
As mentioned, a concrete driveway by itself is always a solid option when choosing to redo your driveway. This is because it is usually an affordable option, as well as being low maintenance and durable, meaning it will last for years to come. Especially compared to something like block paving, which can be quite high maintenance with weeds and the fact that they are prone to sinking.
How long do imprinted concreve drives tend to last?
"Hi Over fifteen years if the builder done it properly. I have done a lot and I have some pictures. Thanks"
Laying a Printed Concrete Drive Yourself
Even for an experienced DIY enthusiast, concreting a drive is a task they will probably struggle with and should probably leave to a professional. You can take on the challenge, however, you are likely to encounter some problems.
For example, if you have a sloped driveway, then there is the risk of the concrete ‘puddling’ at the bottom, creating a basin which won’t allow adequate drainage.
As for the concrete, for a typical sized single car driveway, you will still need a considerable amount of concrete – much more than the typical bag mix you can purchase. If you are only experienced in handling smaller quantities of concrete, or if not at all, we would recommend hiring a specialist.
What you can probably do yourself, is reseal the driveway with a sealant every few years. When installing a pattern concrete driveway, an acrylic based sealant is often laid on top very added protection.
After a couple of years, this will start to wear, so it will need resealing as a form of maintenance. You can do this by purchasing an acrylic based sealant and applying it yourself. Start this by cleaning your driveway quite thoroughly, ensuring anything from dirt to grease and oil is cleaned up and your driveway is rinsed with clean water.
Once completely dry, begin applying the sealant, ensuring you only use a thin layer so that it doesn’t pool in the imprinted joints. It will also be easier for thin layers to bind to the old sealant.
Maintenance Costs for a Stamped Concrete Driveway
The main long-term maintenance cost for stamped concrete is applying an imprinted concrete sealer. This protective coating helps preserve the colour, protects the surface from weather damage, and reduces the risk of cracking or surface wear.
Most driveways should be resealed every 3 to 5 years. In the UK, professional resealing typically costs around £4 to £8 per m². For an average 50m² driveway, this usually works out to between £200 and £400.
However, one of the main benefits of an imprinted concrete driveway is its low maintenance requirements. Unlike block paving, which often needs weed removal and re-sanding, stamped concrete forms a continuous surface that is easier to keep clean.
Basic maintenance simply involves sweeping away leaves and debris and occasion washing with water or a mild detergent to remove dirt, oil, and tyre marks. Keeping the surface clean helps prevent staining and keeps the colour looking fresh.
While imprinted concrete is durable, damage can occasionally occur due to heavy loads, ground movement, or age. Small cracks can often be repaired with specialist fillers, usually costing around £100 to £300 depending on the severity.
If the surface becomes badly worn or faded, resurfacing may become necessary. This involves repairing the surface and applying a new coloured coating and sealant. Resurfacing typically costs around £40 to £70 per m², which is cheaper than installing a completely new driveway.
Overall, stamped concrete driveways remain one of the most time and cost-effective driveway options to maintain. Compared to block paving or gravel, a patterned concrete driveway generally has lower ongoing maintenance costs because there are no joints where weeds can grow.
Hiring a Professional to Lay an Imprinted Concrete Driveway Checklist
- Check for any underground utilities such as gas or water pipes before starting any work.
- Enquire with your local authority for planning permission if you're not sure.
- Choose from hundreds of patterns for your concrete driveway and a handful of colours to create a personal style.
- Imprinted concrete is low maintenance, however, a sealant will need to be re-applied every few years.
- Specialist tradesmen and specialist companies will offer varying prices for the same job - be sure to shop around for the best deal.
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FAQs
How long does it take to lay an imprinted concrete drive?
For a specialist, installing a patterned concrete drive should take about 5 to 7 days to complete. The job will include excavation of the current drive and ground beneath, laying a new sub-base, laying the concrete and then imprinting the pattern.
How long does it take for a concrete driveway to dry?
For you to be able to walk on the concrete driveway, you will need to leave at least 24-36 hours for the concrete to dry. However, you will need to leave at least 7 days for concrete to dry completely before you park any vehicles.
Can installing a patterned concrete driveway be done as a DIY project?
If you have the necessary experience and know-how, especially with concrete, this could be a rewarding task. However, because of the nature of the job, which includes precision and timing, we would not recommend taking this on as a DIY project. Leave this to a professional to ensure you get the best results.
Do you need planning permission for a concrete drive?
Concrete is a non-permeable material, meaning water cannot escape it, therefore you will have to apply for planning permission from your local authority. However, if your drive is under 50m2, you will not need to apply. If you are still unsure, always check with your local council.
How long will an imprinted concrete driveway last?
An imprinted concrete driveway should last for at least 15 years, but can last for 20 to 30 years with regular maintenance.
How much does an imprinted concrete driveway cost in the UK?
The average cost to lay an imprinted concrete driveway is £3,800, but this will vary significantly depending on the size of the driveway and how much labour costs in your area.
Is imprinted concrete cheaper than paving for a driveway?
Imprinted concrete is usually more expensive than paving because of the labour involved in creating the pattern on the concrete. However, it is low maintenance and adds a personal touch to your home's exterior.
