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Cold planing / milling – cost per m² – UK 2026 Rate Guide

Budget rate for supply & lay · typical budget rate before your adjustments

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Cold planing / milling
per m² · supply & lay
£7 – £44 / m²
What is it

Cold planing or milling is the controlled mechanical removal of an existing asphalt surface to a specified depth, profile and extent ready for resurfacing.

Rate guide
Standard 40 mm depth, contiguous area over 2,000 m²£9 – £14/m²
Shallow plane, 20–30 mm depth£7 – £12/m²
Intermediate plane, 50–75 mm depth£12 – £21/m²
Deep plane, approximately 100 mm depth£18 – £30/m²
Restricted access or small patchwork, up to 40 mm depth£22 – £44/m²
Labour output
Open carriageway, continuous run and good wagon turnaround5,000–9,000 m²/day
Urban road with moderate ironwork and traffic constraints2,000–4,500 m²/day
Short sections with frequent starts, joints and level changes800–2,000 m²/day
Broken-up patches or highly restricted working250–800 m²/day
Key rate adjusters
Mobilisation
A planer, sweeper and support crew typically create a minimum visit cost of £2,500–£5,000 before productive area is considered.
Planing depth
Each additional 25 mm of depth typically adds £2.00–£4.00/m² through reduced output, greater wear and increased arising volumes.
Quantity
Areas below about 500 m² can attract a 40–150% uplift because mobilisation and standing time are spread over limited production.
Waste haulage
Haul distance, wagon availability and recycling outlet charges can add £15–£35/t, broadly equivalent to £1.40–£3.20/m² at 40 mm depth.
Traffic management
Lane closures, night working and restricted possession periods commonly add £1.50–£6.00/m², with complex closures often priced separately.
Obstructions
Dense ironwork, kerb interfaces, ramps and hand-trimmed edges can increase the milling rate by 25–75%.
Quantity surveyor insights
  • Waste and buildability: Confirm asphalt composition, layer thicknesses and disposal classification from cores before fixing the budget; tar-bearing material can materially alter both outlet availability and disposal cost. Plan workable cut sequences around ironwork, joints and temporary ramps to avoid repeated trimming and remobilisation.
  • Scope and procurement: Define whether the package includes sweeping, loading, haulage, outlet charges, traffic management, permits, edge trimming and temporary ramping, as these are frequent scope gaps. Early engagement with specialist planing contractors can secure suitable plant capacity, coordinated wagon supply and potential value from recyclable asphalt arisings.

Estimate Anything AI answer · indicative budget rates · updated 31 August 2026

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