How Much Should I Pay to Have My Driveway Power Washed?
A clean driveway makes a big difference to the appearance and value of your home. While some people buy their own pressure washer, many prefer to hire professionals. But how much should you pay for driveway power washing in the UK? Prices can vary based on driveway size, material, region, and extra services.
This guide explores the average costs, what influences pricing, and how to decide if professional cleaning is worth it.
Why Pay for Professional Power Washing?
Before looking at costs, it’s worth understanding why UK homeowners choose professional cleaning:
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Better Equipment – Commercial washers are more powerful than domestic models, giving deeper results.
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Time-Saving – Professionals can clean in a few hours what might take a DIYer a weekend.
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Surface Protection – Experienced operators adjust pressure for tarmac, resin, or block paving to avoid damage.
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Additional Services – Many companies also re-sand block paving joints, treat weeds, or apply sealant.
Average Cost of Driveway Power Washing in the UK
The table below shows typical price ranges for standard domestic driveways:
| Driveway Size | Approx. Area | Average Price (UK) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | up to 20 m² | £75 – £120 | Suitable for small terraced homes |
| Medium | 20 – 50 m² | £120 – £200 | Typical semi-detached driveway |
| Large | 50 – 100 m² | £200 – £350 | Detached homes with double drive |
| Extra Large | 100+ m² | £350 – £600+ | Long driveways or private roads |
💡 Quick rule of thumb: Expect to pay £3–£6 per m² depending on surface, condition, and region.
Cost Factors Explained
1. Size of Driveway
The bigger the area, the more time and water required, and therefore the higher the cost. Most firms charge per square metre.
2. Driveway Material
Different surfaces require different care:
| Material | Price Range (per m²) | Special Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Block paving | £4 – £6 | Needs re-sanding after washing |
| Concrete | £3 – £5 | Straightforward, durable surface |
| Tarmac | £3 – £5 | Must use lower pressure to avoid damage |
| Gravel | Not usually power washed | Better cleaned by raking/replenishing |
| Resin-bound | £4 – £6 | Gentle wash; avoid high pressure to prevent loosening |
3. Condition of Driveway
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Light dirt/algae – Quick job, cheaper.
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Heavy moss, oil stains, or weeds – More prep and chemicals, costs rise.
4. Regional Variation
Costs differ across the UK:
| Region | Typical Range for Medium Driveway (20–50 m²) |
|---|---|
| London & South East | £150 – £250 |
| South West | £130 – £200 |
| Midlands | £120 – £180 |
| North West & North East | £100 – £160 |
| Scotland | £100 – £170 |
| Wales & Northern Ireland | £100 – £160 |
Urban areas with higher labour costs tend to be more expensive.
5. Extra Services
Many companies upsell additional treatments:
| Service | Added Cost | Why Consider It? |
|---|---|---|
| Weed removal | £20 – £40 | Stops regrowth between joints |
| Sanding block paving | £20 – £60 | Keeps blocks stable, prevents weeds |
| Sealant application | £5 – £10 per m² | Protects surface, enhances colour |
| Oil stain removal | £10 – £30 per stain | Specialist chemicals may be needed |
| Gutter/drain cleaning | £40 – £80 | Often offered as a package |
Cost Examples (Case Studies)
To make it easier, here are some worked examples for typical UK homes:
| Property | Driveway Type & Size | Service | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terraced house in Manchester | 15 m² block paving | Wash + light weed removal | £90 |
| Semi-detached in Birmingham | 35 m² tarmac | Wash only | £140 |
| Detached in Kent | 60 m² block paving | Wash + re-sand | £280 |
| Rural cottage in Devon | 120 m² resin-bound | Wash + sealant | £600 |
DIY vs Professional: Cost Comparison
Many homeowners wonder if it’s worth hiring a pro or buying a power washer themselves.
| Option | Upfront Cost | Ongoing Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIY with own pressure washer | £100–£400 machine | Water + electricity (£10–£20/year) | Long-term savings, flexible use | Time-consuming, risk of damage, storage needed |
| Hire professional | None | £120–£300 per visit | Fast, expert finish, no effort | Higher recurring cost |
| Hire a pressure washer (tool hire) | £40–£60 per day | Water + electricity | Test before buying, cheaper for one-off | Still DIY effort, collection/return hassle |
💡 Tip: If you’ll only clean once every couple of years, hiring a professional may be cheaper than buying and maintaining your own kit.
How Long Does Power Washing Take?
Time is another factor that can influence pricing.
| Driveway Size | Typical Time for Professional |
|---|---|
| Small (up to 20 m²) | 1 – 2 hours |
| Medium (20 – 50 m²) | 2 – 4 hours |
| Large (50 – 100 m²) | 4 – 6 hours |
| Extra large (100+ m²) | 1 full day |
Extra time may be needed for sanding or sealing.
Is Sealing Worth the Extra Cost?
After washing, some companies recommend sealing block paving, tarmac, or resin-bound surfaces.
Benefits:
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Prevents stains soaking in.
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Slows moss and algae growth.
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Enhances colour (especially for block paving).
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Reduces weed regrowth.
Downsides:
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Adds significant cost (£5–£10 per m²).
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Needs reapplying every 3–5 years.
| Driveway Size | Cost of Sealing (after wash) |
|---|---|
| 20 m² | £100 – £200 |
| 50 m² | £250 – £500 |
| 100 m² | £500 – £1,000 |
For high-end driveways, sealing is often a good investment. For plain concrete, you may skip it.
Questions to Ask a Contractor
Before hiring someone, UK homeowners should check:
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Are you insured? – Public liability insurance protects against accidents.
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Do you include re-sanding in the price? – For block paving, this is essential.
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What chemicals do you use? – Check for pet/plant safety.
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Do you charge per m² or fixed price? – Avoid vague quotes.
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Can I see before-and-after photos? – Look for real examples.
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Do you offer a guarantee? – Some firms promise results for a certain period.
Money-Saving Tips
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Bundle Services – If you also need patio or decking cleaned, negotiate a package.
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Get 3 Quotes – Prices can vary widely even within the same area.
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Ask About Off-Peak Discounts – Winter jobs may be cheaper when firms are less busy.
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Maintain Between Cleans – Regular sweeping and spot-cleaning reduce frequency of full washes.
Environmental Considerations
The UK has strict rules on water use and chemical runoff. Responsible companies should:
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Use eco-friendly cleaners where possible.
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Avoid chlorine bleach (harmful to plants/soils).
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Prevent dirty water entering storm drains.
Some firms use “soft washing” (low-pressure cleaning with biodegradable solutions) as an alternative.
When Not to Power Wash
While power washing is generally safe, there are times to avoid it:
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Old tarmac – Can crumble under high pressure.
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Loose gravel – Simply gets blasted away.
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Cracked concrete – Water can worsen cracks.
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Resin surfaces under 2 years old – May not have fully cured.
Always check with the contractor before booking.
Summary of Key Costs
Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
| Service | Typical Cost (UK) |
|---|---|
| Standard wash (per m²) | £3 – £6 |
| Small driveway (15–20 m²) | £75 – £120 |
| Medium driveway (30–50 m²) | £120 – £200 |
| Large driveway (50–100 m²) | £200 – £350 |
| Re-sanding block paving | £20 – £60 extra |
| Sealing (per m²) | £5 – £10 |
| Specialist oil stain removal | £10 – £30 per stain |
Conclusion
In the UK, the cost to have your driveway power washed typically falls between £120 and £300 for an average-sized home, with prices ranging from £3–£6 per m². The final price depends on size, material, condition, region, and whether you add extras like sanding or sealing.
For homeowners who want a quick, professional finish without the hassle of DIY, hiring a contractor is often worth the cost. But with clear expectations, smart questions, and a few quotes, you can ensure you’re paying a fair rate for a sparkling clean driveway.
Tags: Exterior cleaning, gutter cleaning, window cleaning, Patio cleaning, Driveway cleaning, pressure washing, Roof Cleaning