One of the first questions homeowners ask when considering a new driveway is: “How much will it cost?”
While it’s a fair question, driveway surfacing costs can vary significantly depending on several important factors.
At Harrington Brothers Ltd, we believe in transparency and helping our customers understand exactly what they’re paying for.
In this guide, we break down the key elements that influence the cost of driveway surfacing, so you can make an informed decision and avoid unexpected expenses.
Why Driveway Surfacing Costs Can Vary So Much
No two driveways are exactly the same.
The final price depends on a combination of:
- Chosen surfacing material
- Size and layout of the driveway
- Condition of the existing surface
- Ground preparation requirements
- Drainage and edging needs
- Labour, equipment, and waste removal
This is why professional driveway companies like Harrington Brothers always carry out a site assessment before providing an accurate quotation.
1. Driveway Size and Surface Area
The most obvious cost factor is the overall size of the driveway.
Larger driveways require:
- More materials
- More labour hours
- Additional ground preparation
- Increased waste removal
Most driveway surfacing costs are priced per square metre, but this figure alone does not reflect the complexity of the job.
A small driveway with extensive preparation can sometimes cost more than a larger driveway laid on a solid base.
2. Choice of Driveway Material
The surfacing material you choose plays a major role in the overall driveway surfacing costs.
Tarmac Driveway Costs
Tarmac driveways are one of the most cost effective options and are commonly used for both residential and commercial projects.
Cost considerations include:
- Thickness of the tarmac layers
- Traffic load requirements
- Edging and kerb support
Tarmac is ideal for customers looking for durability and value for money.
Resin Bound Driveway Costs
Resin bound driveways typically have higher upfront driveway surfacing costs but offer a premium finish and long term benefits.
Factors affecting resin driveway pricing include:
- Type and colour of aggregate
- UV-stable resin quality
- Requirement for a solid base (concrete or tarmac)
At Harrington Brothers Ltd, we only use high quality materials to ensure long lasting results and colour stability.
Block Paving and Other Surfaces
Block paving, concrete, and decorative finishes vary widely in price depending on:
- Block type and pattern
- Jointing materials
- Labour intensity
3. Ground Preparation and Excavation
Groundworks are one of the most important and often underestimated driveway surfacing costs factors.
Proper preparation may include:
- Excavating existing driveways or soil
- Removing old tarmac, concrete, or gravel
- Disposing of waste legally
- Installing a new sub-base
If the existing ground is unstable or poorly installed, additional excavation and reinforcement may be required.
Harrington Brothers regularly encounters driveways where inadequate groundwork was the cause of premature failure.
4. Sub-Base Quality and Thickness
The sub-base is the foundation of your driveway and directly affects its lifespan.
A high quality sub-base typically involves:
- MOT Type 1 crushed stone
- Correct depth for vehicle load
- Mechanical compaction
Cutting corners at this stage may reduce initial costs but almost always leads to cracking, sinking and costly repairs later down the line.
5. Drainage Requirements
Drainage is a key factor in both cost and long term performance.
Depending on your property, this may involve:
- Linear drainage channels
- Soakaways
- Permeable sub-bases
- Gradient adjustments
Resin bound driveways are naturally permeable, which can reduce the need for additional drainage and help comply with Sustainable Drainage (SuDS) regulations.
6. Edging, Kerbs, and Finishing Details
Edging not only improves appearance but also reinforces the driveway structure.
Common edging options include:
- Concrete kerbs
- Block paving borders
- Granite or stone sets
While edging adds to the initial cost, it significantly extends the lifespan of the driveway by preventing edge breakdown.
7. Access, Location, and Site Constraints
Practical site considerations can also influence price, such as:
- Difficult access for machinery
- Restricted working space
- Manual labour requirements
- Parking or traffic management
Harrington Brothers Ltd regularly works on challenging sites across Essex, London, Hertfordshire and Kent, including narrow driveways and shared access roads.
8. Labour, Experience, and Equipment
Professional driveway installation requires skilled labour and specialist equipment.
Experienced contractors:
- Install surfaces correctly the first time
- Reduce the risk of failure
- Work efficiently and safely
Choosing an experienced company like Harrington Brothers Ltd ensures your investment delivers long term value.
9. Repairs vs Full Resurfacing Costs
In some cases, full resurfacing may be more cost effective than repeated repairs.
Repairs Are Suitable When:
- Damage is localised
- The base remains stable
Resurfacing Is Often Better When:
- The surface is over 15 – 20 years old
- Cracks and drainage issues are widespread
- Previous repairs have failed
At Harrington Brothers, we always provide honest advice based on long term performance, not short term fixes.
Why Cheap Quotes Can Cost More in the Long Run
Extremely low quotes often indicate shortcuts such as:
- Insufficient excavation
- Poor quality materials
- Inadequate drainage
- Minimal compaction
These shortcuts can result in premature failure, meaning the driveway needs replacing far sooner than expected.
Why Choose Harrington Brothers Ltd?
Harrington Brothers Ltd is a trusted driveway and road surfacing company serving Essex, London, Hertfordshire and Kent.
- Clear, detailed quotations
- High quality materials
- Experienced installation teams
- Long lasting results
We focus on delivering value, durability, and honest advice – not cutting corners.
Get an Accurate Driveway Surfacing Costs Quote
If you’re considering a new driveway or resurfacing project, the best way to understand the true driveway surfacing costs is through a professional assessment.
Contact Harrington Brothers Ltd today for a free site visit and no-obligation quotation tailored to your property and requirements.
