How this driveway calculator works
Driveways are priced by area: you enter the approximate size of the space and the finish you'd like, and the calculator works out a guide price from our standard per-square-metre rates. If you're not sure which finish you want, it shows all four side by side for the same area so you can compare.
Worked example
A two-car driveway in Woodbridge might be around 5 metres by 8 metres — 40 square metres. In resin bound, that's 40 m² × £145 per m² = £5,800 as a guide price. The same area in block paving works out at £4,400, and in tarmac or concrete at £4,200. If the shape is awkward, enter a rough total area instead and the calculator uses that.
Driveway prices per square metre
Our guide rates for the surface itself, per square metre:
- Resin bound: £145 per m² — smooth, permeable finish. Read about resin bound driveways.
- Block paving: £110 per m² — individual blocks in patterns and colours. Read about block paving driveways.
- Tarmac: £105 per m² — hard-wearing and quick to lay. Read about tarmac driveways.
- Concrete: £105 per m² — practical and long-lasting. Read about concrete driveways.
What can change the final quotation
The guide price covers the surface for the area you enter. Several other things affect the final quotation, which is why it's always confirmed after a site visit:
- Excavation — digging out the old surface or soil, and how deep the base needs to go.
- Drainage — channels, soakaways and keeping rainwater within your property, which matters for planning permission.
- Edging and borders — kerbs, edging restraints and decorative borders.
- Access — narrow entrances, steps and how close machinery can get.
- Site preparation and ground conditions — existing walls, slopes, soft ground and what lies underneath.
Many customers add a new dropped kerb at the same time so the access matches the new driveway — the dropped kerb cost calculator gives a guide price for that separately.
Frequently asked questions
Is the guide price the final price?
No. It's a budgeting guide based on the area and finish you enter. Your final quotation is confirmed after a free site visit and is subject to site conditions — excavation, drainage, edging, access, site preparation and ground conditions can all affect it.
Which surface should I choose?
Each has different looks, upkeep and drainage characteristics. Pick "not sure / would like advice" in the calculator to compare all four prices for your area, or read our guides to resin bound, block paving, tarmac and concrete driveways.
Do I need planning permission for a new driveway?
Sometimes. In England, paving more than 5 square metres of front garden usually needs planning permission unless the surface is permeable or water drains to a border or lawn within your property. Our driveway guide explains the rules, and we'll talk through drainage on the site visit.
Do I need to give my contact details to see a price?
No. The calculator shows your guide price instantly, with no name, phone number or email. The "continue" button only takes you to our free quotation, with your answers already filled in — nothing is shared with us until you choose to send it.
Do you cover my area?
We arrange driveways across Ipswich, Kesgrave, Felixstowe, Woodbridge, Stowmarket and Hadleigh and the surrounding villages — see the areas we cover. Finished projects are in the project gallery.