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  4. Focus on: Resin Driveways Part 1

Driveway & Paving

Advice on driveway installations, block paving, patios and exterior surfacing options.

Driveway & Paving

Focus on: Resin Driveways Part 1

When it comes to adding kerb appeal to your home, driveways can make a significant difference. A driveway tells a lot about the kind of person you are, which gives a message about how you maintain your home, both inside and out.

When it comes to adding kerb appeal to your home, driveways can make a significant difference. A driveway tells a lot about the kind of person you are, which gives a message about how you maintain your home, both inside and out.

Driveways are one of the unsung heroes of the home, providing valuable space for parking, charging electric vehicles, kids playing and families socialising. There was a time when the only choices for a new driveway were tarmac, paving, or gravel. Today there is a new kid on the driveway block and it is disrupting the way that we think about driveways: resin. Resin is becoming an increasingly popular medium for crafters and architects alike, allowing precise formation of shapes and offering a durable finish. In this series we look at the basics about resin driveways, the pros and cons of investing in a resin driveway, and how resin measures up with the more conventional methods in terms of price as well as functionality.

What kind of resin is used in resin driveways?

Although it may seem as though resin can be used for nearly everything these days, there are different types of resin, which are suitable for different purposes. Most driveway installers will use either epoxy or polyurethane resin. Epoxy resin is incredibly common now; it is relatively low cost and easy to work with, however, it doesn’t have the same weight bearing capacity of polyurethane, which is generally more suited to driveways as it can cope with higher weight loads and is more resistant to scratches.

Resin bonded vs resin bound

Resin driveways are usually resin bound, or resin bonded. There is a subtle difference in the two. Resin bound surfacing involves a mix of gravel (or other plastic, marble or any solid material) and resin which offers a durable, flexible surface. Resin bonded paving is slightly different in that resin is first poured on a base before the gravel or other solid material is scattered on the surface and pressed into the resin layer.

Resin bonded driveways tend to be a little bit cheaper than resin bound, however unlike resin bound surfaces, resin bonded ones have a non-permeable top layer. This means that it is more likely to be susceptible to puddles and could cause long term problems. Additionally, the solid components in resin bonded surfaces can work free, leaving holes in the surface. For this reason, resin bound driveways are more popular despite the higher cost.

Reasons to install a resin driveway

The general rule of thumb with home investments is to invest in the best that you can afford. If you are considering resurfacing your driveway, a resin one could be a low maintenance, highly durable, affordable solution.

Follow Trust A Trader on Facebook or Twitter for next week’s blog, where we take a closer look at the pros and cons of resin driveways.

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Looking for more driveway & paving advice?

Find clear, practical answers to common driveway & paving questions, helping homeowners understand everyday issues, know what checks they can carry out safely, and when it is best to contact a qualified professional.

  • Do I need planning permission to pave my front garden?

    If you're using a surface that drains naturally - gravel, permeable block paving, porous tarmac - you're usually covered by Permitted Development, no application needed. If you're going for a solid, impermeable surface over more than five square metres, you may need planning permission. Rules are stricter for listed buildings and conservation areas. Worth checking with your local authority before you start.

  • What is the best driveway material for the UK climate?

    Our wet winters and freeze-thaw cycles mean you want something durable with decent drainage. Block paving handles heavy use well and looks good for years when maintained.

    Resin-bound gives a clean, modern finish and drains naturally. Tarmac is practical and reliable, if less exciting to look at. Loose gravel drains brilliantly but scatters. The right choice comes down to budget, how much maintenance you're up for, and what you want the finished look to be.

  • How do I stop weeds growing through block paving?

    Weeds grow through the jointing sand between blocks, not the blocks themselves. Polymeric jointing sand - the type that sets firm - significantly reduces the problem. A weed membrane during installation helps too.

    For an existing driveway getting overrun, a professional can re-sand the joints and treat them. Left alone, weeds will eventually displace blocks and cause real damage to the surface.

  • How long does a new driveway installation take?

    Most residential driveways take two to five days. Resin-bound can sometimes be quicker; block paving with intricate patterns or edging might take a bit longer. The groundwork stage often takes longer than people expect. Your contractor should give you a clear timeline upfront and flag anything that might affect it.

  • How do I know if my driveway needs repairing or fully replacing?

    A few isolated cracks or a handful of damaged blocks? Targeted repairs are usually fine. But if cracking or sinking is widespread, the sub-base has failed, drainage is consistently poor, or the whole surface is looking tired, a full replacement is going to be more economical than a series of patch-up jobs.

    Get a specialist to check the sub-base - if that's gone, any surface repair is just a temporary fix.

  • Is a resin driveway worth the investment?

    For many homeowners, yes. It looks clean and contemporary, drains naturally (which means it's SuDS-compliant and avoids planning permission issues), and doesn't scatter the way gravel does.

    The catch is that quality varies a lot - a poorly mixed or laid resin surface can bubble, discolour, or crack within a couple of years. A good UV-stable resin, installed by someone experienced, should last fifteen years or more. It's one of those jobs where the installer matters as much as the material.

  • What is the difference between block paving and tarmac?

    Block paving uses individual bricks laid over a compacted sub-base - it looks great, adds kerb appeal, and individual blocks can be lifted and replaced if something goes wrong. The ongoing battle is the joints - weeds and moss love them. Tarmac is a bound surface laid all in one go - faster to install, tough on heavy vehicles, and generally the more affordable option.

    It's harder to repair seamlessly and can soften slightly in extreme heat. Which works better for you depends on how much you care about looks versus cost, and how much maintenance you're up for.

  • How do I maintain my driveway to extend its lifespan?

    Keep it clear - leaves and debris left to rot will stain and damage most surfaces. Blocked gutters draining onto the driveway will cause problems too. For block paving, re-sand the joints every few years and apply a good sealer.

    Tarmac benefits from a specialist sealant every three to five years to protect against cracking. Deal with any cracks or sunken patches sooner rather than later - a small problem that gets through a hard winter tends to come back as a much bigger one.

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