Gravel is a popular and relatively easy alternative for driveways. Find out what gravel driveway cost per square metre you can expect in the UK and how to save money. Plus: Get free estimates!
What does a gravel driveway cost per sqm in the UK?
The average cost of a gravel driveway ranges between £60 – £100 per square metre in the UK. The size of the area is very important. The price per square metre decreases as the area increases. A 30 sqm driveway will be more expensive per sqm than a 60 sqm gravel driveway.
ON AVERAGE: £60 – £100 PER M2
The cost of the materials is around £35 – £55, while the labour costs are around £25 – £45 per sqm. The labour includes the excavation and removal of the earth, the construction of a sub-base of gravel and sand, and the desired top layer. The choice of gravel will also affect the cost. If the area needs to be levelled (maximum 10% slope), additional costs will also be incurred and a honeycomb stabiliser will be required.
Below we have prepared a cost example for a 30 sqm gravel driveway. The driveway is located in a suburb of Manchester and the installation takes two days. All figures on this page are for guidance only including VAT and may vary.
Example: Gravel driveway cost – 30 sqm
1 m2 | 30 m2 | |
|---|---|---|
Material costs (gravel, sand, weed membrane, curbs, honeycomb stabiliser) | £40 | £1,200 |
Labour cost incl. excavation, waste removal | £30 | £900 |
Total cost | £70 | £2,100 |
Saving tip: Compare gravel driveway prices in your area!
There are now platforms that help you compare prices of contractors and find the best value for money in your area quickly and easily. A recommendable service is that of Bark. It only takes a few clicks to fill out the form. Whether you accept one of the offers or leave it at the price overview is up to you. The service is non-binding and free of charge.
Which factors influence the cost of a gravel driveway?
There are a number of factors that influence gravel driveway costs. We have summarised the most important ones here:
- How large is the total area?
- What is the total amount of gravel to be purchased?
- Are edging stones necessary?
- What type of gravel and what grain size is required?
- What exact material properties should the gravel have?
- Where will the gravel be purchased (e.g. wholesaler, DIY store)?
- What are the delivery costs for the material?
- The region in which the gravel driveway is to be constructed
- What is the hourly rate of the specialist company?
What are the biggest advantages of a gravel driveway?
1. Comparatively cheap
Compared to completely paved driveways, the gravel variants are significantly less expensive. No special machines are needed and the material is comparatively cheap. Likewise, less specialised personnel is needed and the work is completed more quickly.
2. Large design selection
You can choose from a wide variety of looks, as gravel can be found in many different colours and shapes. So it is possible to use a rustic variant for a romantic country house or go for completely grey or white gravel that suits a modern house.
3. No planning permission is required
Another advantage of a gravel driveway is that no planning permission is required as gravel is a permeable material that allows drainage. Planning permission is required for non-permeable materials.
What are the layers of a gravel driveway?
Optimally, the layers consist of a weed membrane, a 30 – 50 cm thick gravel layer (can be cheaper gravel and serves as sub-base) and a 6 cm thick layer of sand so that the desired gravel does not connect with the sub-base.
Then, soil honeycombs are laid as stabilising elements with a thickness of approx. 3 cm. Finally, a 2 cm thick top layer of gravel is laid on top. The desired decorative gravel is used here. The edges are to be additionally provided with angle stones so that the floor does not press apart under the load of a car.
Be careful with slopes and gravel driveways
Slopes of up to 10% can still be covered with gravel. However, a larger slope is no longer sustainable and would inevitably lead to a small landslide in the long run, after which a complete refilling would be necessary. Highly resilient honeycomb panels provide the necessary stability in case of a slope.
Installing a gravel driveway: How long does the work take?
In most cases, the installation of a gravel driveway takes between 1-3 days. This mainly depends on the size of the area. The time span given assumes that the required materials have already been ordered and delivered in advance.
Can I build the gravel driveway myself and save costs?
In principle, this is possible, but special skills and knowledge are required. This is especially true for the construction of the sub-base. Excavation must also be carried out at the correct depth. Know-how is also required for a slope.
Compare gravel driveway costs in your area and save money
Even in the same city the gravel driveway costs can vary significantly from company to company. To save time and effort and to find the best price-performance ratio in your area, it is worthwhile making a price comparison. You can use the free price comparison below.
