Driveway Cost Calculator for Block Paving, Resin & Tarmac

Our calculator uses a Google aerial map so you can measure your driveway, patio or path from above. You mark each corner, we calculate the area and perimeter, and you tell us about the surface you want and the existing site. We then produce a transparent guide-price range using the configured measurement and site allowances. The written quotation then confirms the actual base condition, access, drainage and finishing work.

The biggest factors are the area, the chosen surface, and the condition of what's already there. A sound base that simply needs a new wearing course costs far less than a failed surface that must be dug out and rebuilt. Edging, drainage, access, slope, steps and waste removal all add to the cost too.

A full installation excavates the area and builds a new sub-base before the surface is laid - the right choice for grass, soil, or a failed surface. An overlay lays a new surface over an existing sound base, which is quicker and cheaper but only suitable where the base is genuinely stable and well-drained. Our resin bound driveway page explains both routes.

Most driveway failures come from a poor base, not the surface itself. That's why the calculator asks about the existing surface and its condition, and why a site survey is essential before any fixed price.

Since 2008, new driveways generally need to manage surface water - either with a permeable surface or with drainage such as channel drains or a soakaway. See our drainage and edging service for details.

Resin-bound pricing depends on the base and aggregate; block paving on the block choice, cutting and edge details; and tarmac on area and access for the laying machinery. Larger areas usually cost less per square metre. Patios in porcelain or natural stone are priced on the laying detail.

• Resin pricing changes with the base specification, full installation versus overlay, aggregate choice, edging and UV-stable system. Read the resin driveway cost guide.
• Block paving depends on excavation, sub-base depth, block range, laying pattern, cutting, edge restraints and jointing. Read the block paving cost guide.
• Tarmac depends on area, machinery access, base preparation, binder and wearing courses, drainage and retained edges. Read the tarmac driveway cost guide.
• Patios and paths are affected by excavation, the laying bed, slab or resin choice, cuts, steps, falls and access through the property.

Edges hold the surface in place. New steps, awkward changes in level and recessed inspection covers add skilled detailing, while narrow access can increase handling and waste-removal time. The calculator asks about these items because they can materially change the work even when two driveways have the same measured area.

The result states its VAT treatment beside the guide range. Any drainage adjustment, soakaway, uncertain base or unusual access that cannot be priced responsibly online is marked for confirmation during the free site survey.

The online figure is a guide. Only a free site visit can confirm the base, levels, drainage, access and exact measurements needed for a fixed written quotation. Aerial measurement is never treated as exact.

We install driveways and patios across Somerset, Bristol and Devon. Not sure if we cover you? Get in touch or request a quote.