How Much Does a Permeable Driveway Cost?

Permeable driveway costs

Here are some average costs based on size/area and split between labour and materials.

What are the factors which influence the cost of a new permeable driveway?

• The material you choose
• The type of sub-base you install
• Whether there is an old driveway to be removed
• Skip and equipment hire
• The slope or gradient on the driveway
• Access to the site
• Extras like edging or kerb stones and lighting
• Where you live in the UK – cities are generally more expensive than rural areas and London and the Southeast have the highest labour charges

What is a permeable surface?

A permeable surface is a material or membrane that allows liquid to pass through it. In the context of driveways, permeable materials usually permit water to soak through into a loose aggregate sub-base and drainage system beneath, although small driveways probably won’t need a drainage system.

The best permeable driveway surfaces

Resin

There are two types of resin driveway surface, one is permeable, and one is not. Their names are quite similar, so it is really important to get the right one.

Resin-bound driveways are permeable, but a resin bonded surface is not. So, what’s the difference?

Resin-bound surfacing is made from a blend of loose aggregate in which every piece has been coated with a clear, polyurethane resin. Think of this like coated gravel. Resin-bound surfaces have a smooth finish and no loose stones whilst still retaining the look of a traditional gravel driveway. It is a frost and weed resistant surface that requires little maintenance if correctly and professionally laid, although this will increase the overall permeable resin driveway cost.

Resin bonded surfacing is not permeable. It is made by sprinkling loose stones onto a coat of resin. It must be laid on a non-porous asphalt or concrete. Resin-bonded surfacing requires the installation of drainage and a soakaway to remove any rainwater from the driveway.

Gravel

A loose aggregate driveway is still a very popular choice of driveway material and is also very economical to install. A gravel driveway complies with modern urban, sustainable drainage systems and is a natural porous surface that requires only a small amount of maintenance and has no real cleaning requirements.

There are large gaps between each individual piece of gravel which create a natural drainage system that allows rainwater to safely filter though into the soil below your driveway surface. There are downsides to gravel driveways, principally the loss of gravel over time as movement over the surface redistributes the stones creating bare patches and piles of gravel which can be hard to walk or drive over. This can be alleviated by using plastic grids. Also, gravel is not the easiest surface to walk on for some people who have mobility issues and for those pushing buggies or wheelchairs.

Block paving

Unless you add an impermeable sealant, block paving is a super choice when it comes to a permeable driveway material. The sand in the gaps between the blocks allows water to soak into the soil underneath the surface.

Block paving should be installed with a sub-base of permeable aggregate which will help protect your driveway from flooding. Block paving is very durable. It is essential to install a weed mesh or membrane to prevent grass growth and unwanted plants between the slabs.

Permeable block paving is visually appealing when compared to plain concrete but also provides more surface area for the rainwater to soak into the sub-base thanks to the gaps between the blocks. If the blocks are sealed, then they are easy to keep clean and have a high load-bearing strength for regular traffic and/or heavier vehicles.

What are the advantages of permeable driveway materials?

Permeable materials are more eco-friendly as they allow water to pass through into the soil naturally. This reduces flooding risk but also allows rainfall to behave as nature intended, passing through the subsoil into the layers below. This is called groundwater recharge.

One of the reasons towns and urban areas are prone to flooding is that there is nowhere for the water to escape to. More and more of the UK is being covered in an envelope of hard surface materials and so this has in itself increased the risk of flooding. Combine this with climate change and you have the perfect storm.

Driveways and block paving areas like patios made from permeable materials allow for rainwater harvesting plus sustainable urban drainage systems. They also prevent excessive run-off during severe weather events which can pool and cause damage to your driveway surface and even contribute to flooding inside your home.

The drawbacks of non-permeable driveway surfaces

Non-permeable driveway surfaces not only promote a build up of water during bad weather, but they often require more maintenance than a porous or permeable surface.

Non-permeable surfaces hold water until a higher temperature allows it to evaporate. This can result in your driveway being permanently covered in puddles which can freeze when the temperature drops and make it unsafe. Standing water will ultimately damage your driveway and can be hazardous to users particularly small children or elderly family members.

If you choose to install a non-permeable driveway, then you will require planning permission from the council. There may be conditions imposed upon the planning consent which could require the installation of a drainage system that discharges the water to a collection point or soakaway on your own land. If you choose a permeable surface, then there is no requirement for either planning permission or additional drainage unless you choose to harvest the rainwater for other uses.

Impermeable surfaces are harder to clean and any cleaning agents you do use and then wash off will be unable to drain away.

Over time, with no rainwater draining into the sub-layer below, the subsoil will shrink, and this can lead to cracks and splits forming on the surface of the driveway.

Other planning considerations

For a driveway with a permeable surface, planning permission is not usually required but check with your local planning department if you are unsure.

There can be other triggers for planning permission and one of these is the requirement for a dropped kerb. This may be a new dropped kerb, or it could be an extension to an existing one because you are making the current driveway wider. Even if the driveway does not require planning permission, the dropped kerb will, raising the permeable driveway cost.

If you have a listed house and/or one in a conservation area, then you may need consent for your new driveway under the listing’s regulations. These are mostly concerned with interference to the appearance of the house and the land around it which is also included under the property’s listing. There can be restrictions imposed on design and the choice of materials and sub-base.

Permeable driveway versus non-permeable driveway

Generally, permeable driveways are considered to be the better environmental option, but you may dislike the choice of surfaces available or the one you do like might be outside your budget.

Bear in mind that a non-permeable driveway material could result in the requirement for an additional drainage system and a planning application, all of which is money which could be put towards the permeable driveway cost.

The best permeable driveway surface

The answer to this question depends upon your personal preference, what you like to look at and the style of your house, not forgetting your budget. There is enough of a choice of permeable driveway surfaces for everyone to find something to suit their taste and pocket.

If you live in a location which is prone to flooding, either because of the local climate or the geography surrounding your house or both, then you may want to consider both a permeable driveway surface and additional drainage for excessive run-off. Your driveway contractor should be able to advise you on this.

Checkout this time lapse video of a permeable driveway installation:

If you want to know more about permeable driveway costs per type, learn more about Resin, Asphalt and Gravel driveway costs.

Frequently Asked Questions