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Typical block paving cost for a standard concrete block driveway is £95–£140 per m² inc VAT (England baseline), with clay or permeable options from £120–£170 per m² and natural stone setts from £170–£250 per m².

A 40m² concrete block driveway usually totals £4,500–£6,000 inc VAT including excavation, sub-base, blocks and compaction; add for edging and drainage where required. Region: UK (England baseline). Base date: Q4 2025. VAT: inc. Units: m², l/m, mm. GBP.

Use the calculator to size your budget, then sense-check scope and drainage. Planning a wider refresh? See preparing your property for sale and our home renovation estimates guide for programme and cost control.

• Cost Summary
• Assumptions and Methodology
• Detailed Cost Breakdown
• Programme and Durations
• Planning & Drainage Compliance (SuDS)
• Regional Variation
• Inclusions and Exclusions
• Risks and Allowances
• FAQs
• Sources
• Key Facts & Assumptions (At a Glance)

How Much Does Block Paving Cost?

Baseline ranges (England, Q4 2025, inc VAT): concrete blocks £95–£140/m²; clay/permeable £120–£170/m²; natural stone setts £170–£250/m². Edging typically adds £8–£15/m², and linear drainage to a soakaway about £5–£12/m². Regional factors (London/South East +10–20%) and ground conditions (deep dig/soft spots) are the biggest cost swings. For accurate quantities and set-out, see precise construction measurements.

* The above calculator includes:

• Cost of materials, including wastage
• Labour costs
• Overheads and profit margin
• Average UK rates (London rates require an uplift).

Cost Summary

• Concrete blocks (50–60mm): £95–£140/m² (typ. £120/m²).
• Permeable concrete blocks: £120–£170/m² (typ. £145/m²) due to open-graded sub-base.
• Clay pavers: £120–£170/m² (typ. £145/m²).
• Natural stone setts (granite): £170–£250/m² (typ. £210/m²).
• Edging uplift (rule-of-thumb): +£8–£15/m² depending on kerb type and perimeter.
• Drainage uplift (channels + soakaway): +£5–£12/m² where roads/paths can’t accept runoff.

Market context (Oct 2025): With Bank Rate at 4%, small-works pricing is broadly steady vs 2024; local labour availability and ground conditions dominate variance.

Assumptions and Methodology

Scope basis: Removal of existing surface, excavation to formation, geotextile as required, Type 1 sub-base (permeable: open-graded sub-base), laying course, blocks, cuts and compaction. Optional edging and linear drainage to soakaway. Normal access and waste removal via standard skip.

Build-up: Ranges include labour, materials, plant, prelims and contractor OHP, mapped to RICS NRM small works. Rates shown inc VAT. Units: m², l/m, mm. Base date Q4 2025 (England baseline).

Detailed Cost Breakdown

Programme and Durations

• Typical 40–60m² driveway: 3–5 working days including excavation, sub-base, laying and compaction.
• Permeable build-ups: Similar duration but require careful placement/compaction of open-graded aggregates.
• Lead times: 1–3 weeks typical; longer pre-Christmas and spring peaks.
• Weather: Avoid heavy rain/frost; keep laying course dry; protect works overnight.

Planning & Drainage Compliance (SuDS)

In England you usually don’t need planning permission for front gardens if you use a permeable/porous surface or direct runoff to a lawn/border. Impermeable surfacing over 5m² at the front may require permission. The National SuDS Standards (published July 2025) reinforce good drainage design/maintenance—householders should prioritise infiltration or on-plot attenuation where feasible.

• Permeable options: permeable concrete blocks, porous asphalt, gravel over open-graded sub-base.
• Impermeable with channels: capture to soakaway/rain garden; avoid discharge to highway drains without approval.
• Paperwork: A simple drainage note on your quote/drawings helps convey compliance during resale.

Regional Variation

Expect London/South East rates to run +10–20% versus baseline; parts of the North/Wales/Scotland can be −5–10%. Availability of experienced paver crews also affects price in peak seasons.

Inclusions and Exclusions

• Included: Labour, materials, plant, prelims, VAT; excavation, sub-base, blocks, compaction, tidy-up.
• Excluded: Tree root protection, utility diversions, retaining walls, new vehicle crossings/dropped kerbs, extensive landscaping, dewatering, contamination disposal.
• Client-supply: You can supply blocks/edgings—agree brand/strength/coverage and who is responsible for over-orders/returns.

Risks and Allowances

• Contingency: 10–15% for soft spots, extra waste and detailing changes.
• Drainage compliance: Budget for channels/soakaway if not going permeable.
• Inflation & rates: Bank Rate currently 4%; allow for local variance and seasonal demand.

FAQs

Is block paving cheaper than tarmac?

For small domestic areas, standard concrete block paving is often comparable or slightly higher upfront than tarmac but offers repairable modules and pattern options.

Do I need planning permission for a driveway?

Not usually if you choose a permeable solution or drain to soft landscaping. Impermeable surfacing over 5m² at the front may need permission—check your local authority guidance.

How thick should the sub-base be?

Commonly 100–150mm of compacted Type 1 for cars (site-specific). Permeable systems use thicker open-graded sub-base designed for infiltration and storage.

What pattern is best for driveways?

Herringbone at 45° or 90° gives strong interlock against vehicle turning; stretcher bond is faster but can show tracking.

How do permeable blocks work?

They use wider joints and open-graded sub-base to let water infiltrate and temporarily store before soaking away.

What about frost and de-icing salt?

Specify blocks compliant with BS EN 1338/1339/1344 as relevant; maintain drainage and joints to reduce freeze–thaw stress.

How long will it last?

With correct build-up and maintenance (re-sanding, occasional weed control), 20+ years is typical.

Is VAT charged on driveways?

Yes domestic driveways are standard-rated (20%). Our figures include VAT unless stated.

Sources

• Bank of England – Bank Rate overview.
• Planning Portal – Paving your front garden (permeable rule >5m²).
• GOV.UK – Permeable surfacing guidance.
• National SuDS Standards (England) – Published July 2025.
• Market pricing context – trade/consumer benchmarks for small works (e.g., skip hire and paving guides on UK trade portals).

Key Facts & Assumptions (At a Glance)

• Scope: Domestic driveways/patios; excavation, sub-base, blocks, compaction; optional edging/drainage.
• Units: m², l/m, mm; prices inc VAT.
• Base date: Q4 2025; England baseline; region factors ±5–20% typical.
• Compliance: Prefer permeable or drain to soft landscaping; impermeable >5m² at front may need permission.
• How we calculated: 2025 trade benchmarks mapped to RICS NRM; uplift rules for edging, drainage, ground and region.
• Contingency: 10–15% for unknowns.

Conclusion & Next Steps

For most homes, a well-detailed concrete block driveway lands between £95–£140/m² in Q4 2025; permeable or clay options cost more but can simplify planning and improve drainage.

Next step: Request a Custom Estimate and we’ll firm up quantities, drainage notes and a contractor-ready scope.