Asphalt driveway cost guide

It’s easy to see why asphalt driveways are popular. They’re reasonably cheap and quick to lay and offer a smooth, uniform appearance. And if properly installed, an asphalt driveway is low maintenance and very durable.

Asphalt and tarmac are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference. Where tarmac uses natural tar, asphalt is made from crushed gravel and bitumen.

How much does an asphalt driveway cost?

The cost of a new driveway doesn’t only depend on the surface material. You’ll also need to budget for excavation work and laying the foundations.

It can cost more if you’re installing an irregular shaped or very large driveway. But if you’re only overlaying an existing asphalt driveway, you can expect the price to be cheaper.

Because of the specialist plans and skill required, a lot of the cost is due to deliveries and having a particularly skilled gang on site. Surfacing companies often charge a minimum day rate of around £800.

For maximum effect, look to replace any driveway drains, gullies and manhole covers as part of the work. Re-using an old gully or manhole cover can often take the shine off a new drive. Ensure that your driveway contractor uses the correct loading on any manhole covers, particularly if your drive has heavy vehicles on it at any point. Similarly, look to use new kerbs/edgings and consider a linear drain to remove any water from the driveway in the long term. This can cost around £100 per linear metre.

Ensure that your contractor allows disposal of any spoil. It might not look much but will be a large cost to get rid of! Expect to pay circa £200-£250 for a grab truck to take away a load of soil with a single driveway using one, maybe two loads, dependent on depths

All things considered, you can expect to pay around £50 to £80 per square metre for a standard asphalt driveway. If you’re looking for asphalt driveway cost per square foot, this would be around £4 to £6.50 per square foot.

Porous asphalt driveway cost

Porous asphalt allows water to drain through the surface to the stone and soil below, providing drainage. It can cost from £60 to £90 per square metre.

Stamped asphalt driveway cost

Stamped asphalt offers all the same benefits as standard asphalt, like durability and low maintenance. But it also has the added bonus of a greater decorative appeal. It can mimic the effect of more expensive driveway options, such as block paving. It involves ‘stamping’ a pattern onto the asphalt surface using a grid and a plate compactor. This can cost between £80 and £100.

Resurface asphalt driveway cost

If you already have an asphalt driveway but it’s seen better days, you can have it resurfaced. This means a new layer of asphalt will be installed over the top. It can be considerably cheaper than having a new driveway installed. This is because all the excavation and foundation work has already been done when the first driveway was installed.

You can expect to pay around £15 to £30 per square metre for asphalt driveway resurfacing.

FAQs

How long does it take to install an asphalt driveway?

It should take around one to two days for a single driveway, but this can extend to around four to five days for a more substantial area.

How long until I can drive on my new asphalt driveway?

You’ll need to be patient for around one to seven days before parking your car on your new driveway. Just to be on the safe side, it’s recommended to leave it at least three days.

Do I need planning permission for an asphalt driveway?

Whether or not you need planning permission for a new driveway often depends on the drainage situation. If you haven’t installed drainage or don’t use porous materials, and excess water will drain onto public space, you’re likely to need planning permission. It’s best to speak to your local authority for more advice.