How Much Does Block Paving Cleaning & Sealing Cost in London? (2026 Prices)
Professional block paving cleaning and sealing in London costs approximately £10–£20 per square metre for the full service (cleaning, re-sanding and sealing). Cleaning alone starts from around £4–£7 per m². The final price depends on the condition of your paving, the type of joint sand used, and the sealant finish you choose.
Price Table — Three Service Tiers
| Service Level | Per m² | Typical Driveway (40m²) |
|---|---|---|
| Clean only | £4–£7 | £160–£280 |
| Clean + kiln-dried sand re-sand | £6–£10 | £240–£400 |
| Clean + polymeric sand re-sand | £8–£12 | £320–£480 |
| Clean + re-sand + penetrating sealer (natural look) | £10–£16 | £400–£640 |
| Clean + re-sand + topical sealer (wet look) | £12–£20 | £480–£800 |
| Add: oil stain treatment | £3.50–£7.50 | Per stain |
| Add: efflorescence treatment | £2–£4 | Area-dependent |
What Affects the Price
Condition of Paving
Light maintenance cleans cost less than heavy restoration of long-neglected paving.
Stain Severity
Organic growth (algae, moss) costs least to treat. Efflorescence needs specific acidic cleaners. Oil, rust and paint need specialist chemicals and may require multiple applications.
Joint Sand Choice
Kiln-dried sand is the budget option. Polymeric sand costs more but resists erosion and weeds far better. See our block paving page for the science behind this.
Sealant Type & Finish
Penetrating sealers (natural look) vs topical sealers (wet look) — different price points and durability.
Number of Coats
Most jobs use two coats for full protection — affects material cost.
Stripping Old Sealant
If your paving was previously sealed, removing the old coating before reapplication adds to the job.
Understanding Sealant Options
| Sealant Type | Finish | Durability | Cost Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penetrating / impregnating | Natural look | 3–5 years | £ |
| Water-based acrylic | Subtle sheen | 1–3 years | ££ |
| Solvent-based acrylic | Wet look / colour enhancing | 3–5 years | £££ |
| Polyurethane | Various | 5+ years | ££££ |
We work with trusted UK sealant brands including Resiblock, Smartseal and Seal'n'Lock.
How to Compare Quotes
A vague quote for "cleaning and sealing" is a red flag. Before accepting a quote, ask:
- Does the quote specify cleaning, re-sanding, and sealing separately?
- What sand are they using — kiln-dried or polymeric?
- What sealant brand and product?
- How many coats are included?
- Is stripping old sealant included, if needed?
- What guarantee do they offer on the work?
Is It Worth It?
Repeated cheap pressure washing without sealing gradually degrades the joints, which can eventually mean paver failure and an expensive relaying job. One proper clean, re-sand and seal lasts 3–5 years and protects the investment in your driveway — a far better return than annual budget washes alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sealing only, without a clean, costs roughly £5–£10 per square metre.
3–5 years depending on the sealant type and traffic levels.
Yes, but it may need old sealant stripped first, which adds to the cost.
Natural (penetrating) sealers don't change the appearance. Wet-look (topical) sealers darken and add sheen to the surface. See our block paving service page for full detail.
Yes for long-term weed prevention and joint stability — it sets firm when wet and resists erosion far better than standard kiln-dried sand.
Get an Itemised Quote
Free, no obligation — we'll break down exactly what's included.