Resin, Block Paving or Tarmac? Choosing a New Driveway
How resin, block paving and tarmac compare on looks, drainage, upkeep and repairs, and the questions to ask before you choose a new driveway surface.
Choosing a new driveway usually comes down to three surfaces: resin, block paving and tarmac. Each looks different, wears differently and needs different upkeep, and the right choice depends as much on the existing ground and the slope of the drive as on the finish you like best.
Resin bound
Resin bound driveways are made by mixing the stone and resin together before laying, so every stone is coated. The result is a smooth, seamless surface that lets rainwater soak through into the ground, which means extra drains are rarely needed. It comes in a wide range of colours, from greys and buffs to browns and black, and can last up to twenty years with a brush and an occasional jet wash. Specialists in resin driveways in Rotherham recommend bound over resin bonded, where loose stone is scattered over a resin coat, because bonded is rougher and its stones can loosen over time.
Resin can sometimes be laid over an existing drive, but only if the base is sound. If it is not, it needs digging out and replacing first.
Block paving
Block paving remains one of the most popular choices because it can be laid in almost any pattern, from traditional end-to-end to herringbone, with borders, mixed colours and even house numbers set into the design. Damaged blocks can be lifted and replaced individually, which makes repairs simple. Local block paving contractors will check the slope first, because blocks suit gentle gradients but not steep ones.
Tarmac
Tarmac is quick to lay and practical, and as well as black it comes in red, green, beige and blue. It typically lasts 15 to 20 years with care, which means cleaning it regularly, repairing cracks promptly and seal-coating every few years. Because tarmac is not permeable, it may need a drainage channel or soakaway. Where the existing base is sound, tarmac resurfacing can give a tired drive a new surface without the cost of starting from scratch.
Questions to ask before you choose
- Is my existing base sound enough to overlay, or does it need replacing?
- Where will the rainwater go?
- Is the slope suitable for the surface I want?
- What edging and borders are included in the price?
Across South Yorkshire, from Wickersley and Maltby to Rawmarsh and Wath upon Dearne, many homeowners now combine surfaces, with tarmac or resin on the main drive and block paving borders to frame it.
The best driveway is the one that suits your ground, your budget and how you use it. For more on gardens, paving and outdoor spaces, see our landscaping category.
