Your Guide To Driveway Costs Solihull in 2026
Your driveway is often the first thing people notice about your home. It sets the tone for your property, providing that all-important kerb appeal while serving a vital practical function every single day. If your current driveway is looking tired, cracked, or simply outdated, you might be considering a transformation to breathe new life into your home’s exterior.
But for most homeowners in Solihull, the biggest question isn’t about colour or pattern; it’s about cost. With material prices fluctuating and labour rates varying across the West Midlands, pinning down a precise figure can feel like a challenge. You want a durable, beautiful entrance to your home, but you also need a realistic idea of the investment required in 2026.
In this guide, leading driveway installers Ideal Building & Landscapes are cutting through the confusion to provide a transparent breakdown of driveway costs Solihull in 2026. We will explore the factors that influence the final price, compare material options, and help you budget for a high-quality installation that stands the test of time.
What Affects the Cost of Laying a Driveway?
Before looking at specific numbers, it is helpful to understand exactly where your money goes. No two driveways are identical, and several key variables will dictate the final quote for driveway costs Solihull you receive.
Size and Shape of the Driveway
It goes without saying that a larger area requires more materials and longer labour hours. However, the shape plays a surprisingly large role too. A straightforward rectangular driveway is relatively quick to install. In contrast, a driveway with curves, intricate borders, or awkward angles requires more precise cutting and detailed edging, which naturally increases the cost to lay a driveway near Solihull.
Choice of Materials
The material you choose is the single biggest influence on price per square metre.
- Tarmac: Often the most cost-effective option, offering a sleek, uniform finish.
- Gravel: Budget-friendly and great for security, though it requires maintenance.
- Block Paving: A mid-range to premium option that offers immense design flexibility.
- Resin Bound: Resin driveways are a popular modern choice that are highly durable, permeable, and long-lasting, typically sitting at a higher price point.
Ground Preparation & Site Clearance
This is the hidden work that ensures your driveway lasts for decades rather than years. If your existing driveway is old concrete that needs breaking up, or if the ground conditions are poor, such as the clay soil common in parts of Solihull, excavation costs will rise.
Correct sub-base installation is non-negotiable for a stable surface, and is one of the most common driveway installation mistakes homeowners can face. To learn more, see our post The Most Common Mistakes In Driveway Installation and How to Avoid Them.
Drainage & Planning Requirements
Solihull Council, like many local authorities, enforces strict rules regarding surface water runoff. To comply with Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) regulations, your driveway must either be permeable, like resin-bound or gravel, or have adequate drainage channels installed to direct water to a lawn or border.
Installing these soakaways and channels is an additional cost, but is essential for legal compliance and flood prevention.
To learn more about these regulations and sustainable driveways, see our post Everything You Need To Know About Permeable Driveways.
Edging, Lighting, and Borders
Finishing touches make a huge difference to the aesthetic. Contrasting brick edging, recessed lighting, or integrated planting borders add distinct character but will add to the final bill for driveway costs Solihull.
Many homeowners also choose to enhance their outdoor space further by adding patios or pathways alongside their new driveway for a cohesive look, which will also contribute to the driveway costs Solihull.
Typical Price Ranges for Driveway Materials (2026 Estimates)
As mentioned, one of the most significant factors contributing to driveway costs Solihull is your chosen material. To help you understand what costs you may be facing, we need to explore the driveways we offer and why they may be a good choice for you:
Tarmac Driveway
Tarmac remains a favourite for its durability and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, tarmac driveways are easy to maintain and can be repaired quickly if damaged, making them a practical long-term choice.
It is particularly good for larger areas where covering ground quickly is a priority. Modern tarmac can also be edged with block paving to give it a more premium lift without the high price tag.
To determine whether tarmac driveways are the right choice for you, see our post What Is The Best Driveway Material For My Home?
Block Paving Driveway
Block paving allows for endless creativity. Whether you want a herringbone pattern or a mix of colours, it is a robust choice. If a single block gets damaged, it can be replaced individually, which is a significant long-term benefit.
To learn more, see our post Block Paving Benefits: Why It’s the Perfect Choice for Your Driveway.
Resin Bound Driveway
Rapidly becoming the top choice for Solihull homes, resin-bound driveways offer a smooth, stone-finish look without the loose stones. To create a resin-bound driveway, aggregates are mixed with resin and then applied to the surface, forming a seamless and durable finish.
It is fully permeable, meaning no planning permission is usually required for drainage, and it looks stunning against both modern and traditional properties. These driveways come in a range of colours, as we explore in our post How to Choose the Perfect Resin Driveway Colour for Your Property, and can offer a range of benefits.
Gravel Driveway
Gravel is the cheapest way to cover a large area. It provides a satisfying crunch underfoot, which acts as a deterrent to intruders, and offers a traditional appearance that can complement a range of Solihull homes.
However, it does require regular raking and top-ups to keep it looking pristine. This may contribute to the overall driveway costs Solihull when looking at the long-term picture.
Average Driveway Costs Solihull in 2026
To give you a clearer picture of the total driveway costs Solihull you may face, here are some typical price brackets for a full installation based on driveway size:
Small Driveway (approx. 30m² – 1 car)
- Tarmac: £2,000 – £3,000
- Block Paving: £2,800 – £4,000
- Resin Bound: £3,500 – £5,000
Medium Driveway (approx. 60m² – 2 cars)
- Tarmac: £4,000 – £6,000
- Block Paving: £5,500 – £7,500
- Resin Bound: £6,500 – £9,500
Large Driveway (approx. 90m² – multiple cars)
- Tarmac: £6,000 – £9,000
- Block Paving: £8,000 – £11,000
- Resin Bound: £9,500 – £14,000
Permits, Regulations and Local Considerations in Solihull
One of the benefits of working with a local driveway company like Ideal Building & Landscapes is our familiarity with Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council regulations.
Generally, you do not need planning permission if the driveway uses a permeable surface, such as gravel, resin-bound, or porous blocks, that allows water to drain through. If you choose a non-permeable surface like tarmac, you must install drainage to direct water to a permeable area on your land.
If you are paving over a front garden significantly, or if your property is listed or in a conservation area, which is common in parts of Olton or Knowle, stricter rules may apply. We always assess this during our initial site visit and provide a clear outline of what can be done.
How to Get an Accurate Quote For Driveway Costs Solihull
An online guide is a great starting point, but the only way to get a firm price is through a professional site survey, which you can easily arrange by contacting our team. Providing details such as the area size and photos of your driveway will help us ensure your quote is as accurate as possible.
To complete the initial consultation process, simply fill out our enquiry form with your project details. We also encourage you to discuss your specific needs and preferences with our team before proceeding, so we can tailor our service to your requirements.
When asking for a quote, ensure you ask:
- Does this quote include waste removal (grab lorries/skips)?
- What depth of sub-base will you install? (This is crucial for durability).
- Is the drainage solution SuDS compliant?
- Do you offer a guarantee? At Ideal Building & Landscapes, we offer a 5-year guarantee for many driveways and paving projects.
Tips to Save Money Without Compromising Quality
To reduce your total driveway costs Solihull, consider the following:
- Keep the Design Simple: Curves and complex patterns increase labour time. Straight edges are cheaper to install.
- Mix Materials: Use expensive block paving as a border feature around a cheaper tarmac or gravel centre.
- Plan Ahead: Labour rates can be higher in peak spring/summer months. Booking your installation for autumn or winter might offer more flexibility.
- Combine Projects: If you need a patio or pathway done too, having the team on-site for both can reduce overall setup and transport costs.
Conclusion
Investing in a new driveway is a significant decision, but one that pays dividends in daily convenience and long-term property value. Whether you prefer the modern sleekness of resin or the timeless appeal of block paving, understanding the costs involved allows you to plan with confidence.
At Ideal Building & Landscapes, we have spent decades helping homeowners in Solihull and beyond transform their outdoor spaces. We believe in honest pricing, proper preparation, and a finish that makes you proud to pull up to your home.
If you are ready to explore the possibilities for your property, we would love to help.
Contact Us Today
Contact us today to book your free site survey and quote
FAQs
What’s the cheapest driveway option in Solihull?
Gravel is generally the most affordable option upfront. It is easy to lay, and the materials are cost-effective. However, tarmac is the cheapest hard-standing solid option.
Do I need planning permission to lay a driveway in Solihull?
Not usually, provided the surface is permeable or drains water within your own property boundary. If you are creating a new access drop kerb onto a public road, you will definitely need permission from the council. Resin-bound paving can often be installed over existing surfaces such as concrete or asphalt, as long as they are deemed suitable and structurally sound.
How long does it take to install a driveway?
A typical medium-sized driveway (60m²) takes about 5–7 days. This includes 1–2 days for excavation and groundwork, followed by the installation of the sub-base, drainage, and final surface.
