4 Cheap Driveway Ideas On a Budget

Are you thinking about updating your driveway but worried about the cost? You're not alone. Many homeowners want to enhance their home's kerb appeal without spending a fortune. Whether it’s a general tidy, or adding an extra parking space you don't have to break the bank to get a functional and stylish driveway. 

This blog explores some of the best cheap driveway ideas, from gravel and recycled driveway materials to creative DIY solutions. There are plenty of budget-friendly options that can transform your driveway into a welcoming entrance to your home…

This blog explores some of the best cheap driveway ideas, from gravel and recycled driveway materials to creative DIY solutions. There are plenty of budget-friendly options that can transform your driveway into a welcoming entrance to your home…

The best affordable new driveway ideas

Whether you're looking to save money or simply love the challenge of a good bargain, these economical driveway ideas will help you create a space that looks great and stands the test of time.

From revamping your existing driveway to starting from scratch, here are some of things you can do to revamp your driveway.

1. Properly maintain your driveway

If you already have a paved driveway that you can live with, but maybe it just needs some T.L.C, then your first cost-effective option is to maintain your existing driveway. Here are some things you can do for that…

Fill the joints - If your driveway is made from block paving, it’s vital to keep topping up the joints between the blocks so they stay sturdy. Jointing sand will do the trick. When you’re refilling, first clean the surface and leave it to dry. Then, scatter the sand across and – using a bristle broom – brush the sand into the joints. Sweep away any excess sand and you’ll have completely filled paving joints that can handle the demands of a busy driveway – even in the wettest seasons.

Remove weeds - Remove the weeds by hand with a little elbow grease to tear out their roots. Removing weeds is a simple tip that can restore any driveway to its former glory – ultimately saving you money in the long term.

Clean - Cleaning your driveway can remove the need for repairing and replacing paving. During the winter months, clean your paving every few weeks. Keep it clear of excess leaves during this time to prevent a build-up of dirt and debris. You can pressure wash your driveway or scrub it by hand using soapy water and a stiff bristle brush. For more information, check out our comprehensive guide to cleaning block paving.

Rinsing and repeating these each year will keep your driveway looking great year in year out.

2. Invest in practical paving channels

We all know how much it rains in the UK. In the wettest months of the year, keeping your paving clear of surface water is important to prevent ingress and damage.

You can do this proactively by adding paving channels along the edges. These channels divert excess water towards a defined waterway on your property—usually a drainage point.

If you’re looking for something that’s both practical and aesthetically pleasing, a Driveline drainage channel ticks both boxes. Available in a classic tumbled look, Drivesett Channels improve the appearance of your driveway by adding neat edges – while keeping your driveway free of surface water.

3. Bring a touch of nature to your driveway

While investing in gorgeous paving is undoubtedly appealing, you can achieve equally stunning results with simple and budget-friendly ideas. Incorporating a touch of nature alongside your paving or around the front of your property can bring about a charming transformation without burning a hole in your pocket.

If you have space on either side of your driveway, consider adding narrow flower beds to frame the edges. Planting small flowers of your choice not only enhances the visual appeal but also introduces a burst of colour and life to the surroundings. Alternatively, placing flower pots strategically along the top or sides of your driveway can add some lovely charm, plus, this idea makes for easier maintenance.

4. Install a cost-effective driveway

Perhaps you’ve exhausted all your ideas and energy on maintaining what you’ve already got. But it’s worth knowing that having a good driveway could help you in the long run…

Did you know that improving your home’s kerb appeal can increase its value by as much as 10%? This is according to a study by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

A study by Evolution Money also found that most people (93%) pass judgement on a property based purely on how it looks from the outside.

Spending money on your driveway can be seen as an investment.Here are two driveway options that you can do that can be implemented without planning permission, thanks to the fact they are permeable!

• Install a gravel driveway - Gravel is one of the cheapest driveway material options in the UK. The installation process is also relatively straightforward and can often be done as a DIY project, saving you even more money on professional labour costs.
  
  Another major advantage of a gravel driveway is its excellent drainage capabilities. The natural gaps between the gravel pieces allow water to seep through and disperse, preventing water from building up and reducing the risk of driveway damage over time, also meaning no planning permission is needed.
  
  Maintenance is also simple and inexpensive, usually involving regular raking and occasional gravel top-ups. Plus, with a variety of gravel types, sizes, and colours available, you can customise the look of your driveway to complement your home and landscape.
  
  
• Install a permeable paving driveway – permeable paving is a great option for a driveway. It’s designed to manage driveway drainage by allowing surface water to pass through the joints directly into the ground below, reducing the risk of flooding and not overloading drains. Choosing this for your driveway project means you won’t need any additional planning permission or drainage. Marshalls offer permeable driveway options, all have co-ordinating features to complete your driveway design.

Create your dream driveway with Marshalls

Are you ready to bring your dream driveway to life? At Marshalls, we're here to help you every step of the way. From high-quality paving products to expert guidance, we have everything you need to create a driveway that exceeds your expectations.

You can visualise your driveway options using our Outdoor Reality app, and design some options for your driveway with our design tools.

Get in touch with us today to explore our range of options and turn your vision into reality. Let's make your dream driveway a stunning reality together.

FAQs

What is the cheapest material for a driveway?

Gravel is often considered the cheapest material for a driveway. It's readily available and requires minimal processing, which keeps costs low. Additionally, gravel driveways can often be installed as a DIY project, reducing expenses. While gravel may not offer the same durability or aesthetic appeal as other materials, it remains a popular choice for budget-conscious homeowners seeking a functional, cost-effective driveway solution. The downside being that gravel driveways are noisy, can be dusty (effecting your property and plant life) and leave obvious tracks of impact from tyres if not regularly maintained, leaving your driveway a bit unsightly.

What is the easiest DIY driveway?

One of the easiest DIY driveway options is a gravel driveway. Gravel is readily available and requires minimal preparation compared to other materials. The process typically involves clearing the area, levelling the ground, and spreading the gravel evenly.

Unlike concrete or asphalt, which require specialised equipment and skills for proper installation, gravel driveways can often be completed with basic tools and manual labour. Additionally, gravel driveways offer flexibility and can be easily adjusted or expanded as needed.

Written By

Viki Harris

Viki Harris is Head of PR & Content at Marshalls, and has worked for the company since the start of 2019.
 
Read Viki's full profile here.