What does block paving cost per square metre?
| Concrete block (standard) | £85–£140 per m² |
| Tumbled or cobble-effect | £100–£160 per m² |
| Permeable block | £105–£170 per m² |
| Clay pavers | £115–£170 per m² |
| Granite setts (for comparison) | £140–£250 per m² |
| Laid on a sound existing base | £60–£85 per m² |
These are installed prices including VAT at 20%. Unless stated, they include the dig-out and taking the soil away, a new MOT Type 1 sub-base, the sand bed, the blocks, a standard edge course bedded in concrete, and jointing. Breaking out an old hard surface is extra. They are UK guide figures; London and the South East are higher, and Yorkshire, the North East and Wales lower.
How much does a whole drive cost?
| 30 m² single drive | £2,550–£4,200 |
| 50 m² double drive | £4,250–£7,000 |
| 80 m² large drive | £6,800–£11,200 |
Small drives cost more per square metre, because set-up, plant hire, waste and edging do not shrink with the area. Below about 25 m², expect 10 to 20 per cent more per square metre.
What extras can add to the price?
- Breaking out an old tarmac or concrete drive: £10–£40 per m²
- Extra skips or grab loads for an old surface or a deep dig: £230–£450 per load
- Extra kerbs, raised edging or a contrasting border beyond the standard edge: £20–£50 per metre
- Channel drain: £60–£120 per metre (a typical run £350–£1,000)
- Soakaway: £900–£2,000
- Dropped kerb construction: £1,000–£3,000, plus the authority's fee of £55–£500
- Steps: £180–£350 per step
- Herringbone at 45 degrees, curves and circle features: a few per cent more labour
Your quote should list each of these on its own line, so you can see what you are paying for.
Why do block paving quotes vary so much?
Mostly because of what is under the blocks. A low quote can mean a shallow dig, a thin sub-base, edging laid on sand rather than concrete, or no plan for drainage. Those drives often look fine on day one and start to dip within a few years.
Compare quotes on the specification, not just the total: the depth of dig, the sub-base thickness and material, how it is compacted, the laying course, the edging, the falls and where the water goes.
Is VAT included in block paving prices?
Work on a driveway at an existing home is standard-rated for VAT at 20%. Some price guides show figures before VAT, which makes them look cheaper; ours always include VAT. Firms below the VAT threshold do not charge it.
How long does a block paved drive take?
A typical 50 m² drive takes three to six working days: one to three days for the dig-out and sub-base, then one to three for laying, cutting and jointing. Drainage, a dropped kerb tie-in or a busy herringbone with lots of cuts can add a day or two.
More questions
Is block paving cheaper than tarmac?
No. Tarmac usually costs less per square metre. Block paving costs more but can be repaired a block at a time and offers far more patterns and colours.
Is block paving cheaper than resin?
Resin over a sound existing base is often cheaper; on a new base the two are often similar. See our block paving vs resin guide.
Does block paving add value to a house?
Off-street parking is valued by many buyers, and a tidy, well-built drive helps kerb appeal. We do not put a figure on it, because it depends on the street and the house.
Reviewed 9 November 2026. Sources include the BS 7533 series, Interpave and manufacturer laying guidance, GOV.UK, gov.wales, gov.scot and nidirect planning guidance, and the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013.
Related services
Block paving driveways
A new block drive built from the sub-base up, in the pattern and colour you choose.
From £85 per m²Learn more →
Permeable block paving
A block drive that lets rain soak through, so the surface itself manages the water.
From £105 per m²Learn more →
Replacing tarmac or concrete with block paving
Break out a tired tarmac, concrete or gravel drive and rebuild it in block paving.
From £95 per m²Learn more →