Driveway sealing cost is usually asked alongside a bigger question: is it actually worth paying for? Sealing isn't essential, but on the right surface it genuinely extends the time between cleans and keeps a driveway looking better for longer.
This guide covers sealer types and their prices, typical lifespan, cost per m², and an honest comparison of DIY versus professional sealing.
Sealer types and prices
There are a few main sealer types: acrylic sealers (the most common, giving a natural or slightly enhanced finish), polyurethane sealers (more durable, often used for a glossier wet-look finish), and resin-based sealers for block paving that also help lock jointing sand in place. Acrylic sealing typically costs £4-£7 per m², while polyurethane and premium block paving sealants run £7-£12 per m².
For a medium driveway around 30-40m², that puts professional sealing at roughly £150-£450 depending on sealer type, on top of the cleaning that should always happen first, since sealing over a dirty surface just traps the dirt underneath.
How long sealing lasts
A decent quality sealer properly applied typically lasts 2-4 years before it needs reapplying, though this depends on traffic, weather exposure and sun exposure, which breaks sealants down faster on south-facing driveways. Cheaper, thinner sealants may only last a single year, especially in a wet climate.
Signs it's time to reseal include the surface losing its sheen, water no longer beading on the surface, and moss or weeds starting to reappear in joints that had previously stayed clear.
DIY versus professional sealing
DIY sealing kits are available and can work reasonably well on a small, simple driveway if applied carefully in dry, mild weather, following the coverage rate on the tin closely. The main risks are patchy application, applying too thick a coat (which can peel), or sealing over a driveway that wasn't properly cleaned and dried first, which traps dirt and moisture under the new coat.
Professional sealing tends to give a more even finish, uses commercial-grade product that often outperforms DIY tins, and is typically applied straight after a professional clean while the surface is properly prepped, which is genuinely difficult to replicate with a domestic pressure washer and a weekend to spare.
Is sealing worth it for your driveway?
For block paving, the answer is usually yes, since sealing directly protects the jointing sand that keeps the whole surface stable, and re-sanding without sealing means the sand washes out again within a year or two anyway. For natural stone or porous concrete, sealing reduces staining and makes future cleaning easier, which matters most if the driveway sees regular oil drips or heavy footfall.
For plain tarmac, sealing in the paving sense isn't typically used, though tarmac restorer products (covered in our tarmac driveway cleaning guide) serve a similar protective and cosmetic purpose. If you're unsure whether your specific surface benefits, ask for an honest recommendation rather than a blanket upsell.
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