Resin driveways are a fantastic option for your home. Durable, low-maintenance and aesthetically appealing, this driveway material is becoming more and more popular every year. So how much will a resin driveway cost? And what are the different types? We’ll explain all in this guide.

How much does a resin driveway cost?

A resin driveway of 50m² will cost an average of £6,500. However, there are many factors that affect the cost, including whether you choose a resin bound or resin bonded driveway, the condition of the area, the size of the aggregate (gravel) you choose and how deep your sub-base needs to be.

The final cost of your resin driveway will come down to a few things:

• Type of resin driveway: Resin bound driveways are more expensive than resin bonded driveways

• Condition of the area: Do you have an existing driveway that needs to be removed? Is there lots of rubble, debris or weeds in the area? Will the driveway specialists have to do extensive preparation work?

• Aggregate size: Generally, the larger the size of the gravel you choose, the more expensive it is

• Required depth of sub-base: The deeper your driveway specialists need to dig, the longer it will take, therefore driving up the labour costs

• Edging: Are there existing edges that the driveway will be laid up to or will you need new edges installed?

• Your location: One of the biggest factors affecting the cost of your resin driveway is where you live. Prices are highest in London and the south east, while costs in northern England and Scotland tend to be cheaper

Take a look at our table further down the page to get an idea of how much it costs to have a resin driveway installed in your location. To get an accurate price, it’s best to post a job with HaMuch and get quotes from driveway specialists in your area.

Resin driveway cost per m²

The average resin driveway cost per m² for resin bound driveways is £130, while for resin bonded it’s £90. This cost includes all materials and labour.

However, for just material costs, resin bound driveways cost an average of £35 per m2, while resin bound cost around £65 per m2. However, we wouldn’t recommend trying to lay a resin driveway yourself, as it can be tricky.

What is a resin driveway?

A resin driveway is a type of driveway that uses a mixture of UV-stable resin and aggregate (gravel) to create a surface to park your car on. Resin offers a strong, low-maintenance surface for your driveway, which is why they’re becoming more popular.

There are two different types of resin driveway: resin bound and resin bonded. While it sounds like these terms could be used to describe the same thing, they’re actually very different.

Types of resin driveway

Resin bound driveways

Resin bound driveways involve a driveway specialist making a mixture of UV-stable resin and aggregate to spread on a prepared surface, creating the look of a gravel driveway but without the maintenance of sweeping the stones!

Within the resin-aggregate mixture, there are tiny holes which allow water to soak through. This makes resin bound driveways SUDs (Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems) compliant, meaning that you shouldn’t have to apply for planning permission. It also reduces the risk of flooding on your driveway and within your local area.

Advantages of resin bound driveways

• Permeable and SUDs-compliant: Rainwater will drain off your driveway and reduce the flood risk in your community compared to an impermeable surface

• Low maintenance: A power wash every now and again is all you’ll need to do

• Weed resistant: Weeds can’t seed between gaps like with block paving or gravel driveways

• UV resistant: You shouldn’t notice a change in colour or breakdown of materials due to the sun

• Slip resistant: Reduce the risk of slips and falls outside your home

• Frost resistant: The textured surface prevents the driveway from becoming icy in winter

Disadvantages of resin bound driveways

• Cracking: Very high foot and vehicle traffic may cause cracking over time

• Staining: Light-coloured resin bound driveways may suffer from staining from tyre marks or oil

• Regulations: There are no formal regulations around resin bound driveways, meaning that any installer can try their hand at laying a resin bound driveway. Make sure you read reviews from previous customers and get a number of quotes before choosing a driveway specialist

• Cost: More expensive than resin bonded driveways

Resin bonded driveways

Resin bonded driveways are typically cheaper than resin bound driveways. This is because it takes less time to lay them. With a resin bonded driveway, your driveway specialist will spread a UV-stable resin on the prepared surface, then scatter aggregate on it before it cures. The final look will be similar to a resin bound driveway, but you may find that some stones come loose over time as they’re simply on the surface of the resin rather than being mixed in with it.

Another difference between resin bonded and resin bound driveways is that resin bonded driveways are impermeable. Spreading the resin on first creates a thick layer that water can’t pass through. That means that you’ll need appropriate drainage installed, such as a French drain or other suitable system, to be compliant. You may need to apply for planning permission for a resin bonded driveway – always check with your local building control if you’re unsure.

Advantages of resin bonded driveways

• Cost: Cheaper than resin bound driveways

• Low maintenance: A gentle power wash is all that’s required

• Weed resistant: Weeds can’t grow through the impermeable surface

• Slip resistant: The textured surface helps prevent slips and falls

Disadvantages of resin bonded driveways

• Impermeable: Water can’t drain through the surface, so you’ll need appropriate drainage installed and possibly planning permission

• Not frost resistant: Unlike resin bound driveways, resin bonded are not frost resistant

• Not smooth: While resin bound driveways have a slight texture, they’re generally smooth. Resin bonded driveways will have a rough surface with some loose gravel

What is the life expectancy of a resin driveway?

You can expect a resin bound driveway to last 25 years or more, when installed properly and maintained well. Resin bonded driveways could last a similar time, but may require more gravel as it becomes loose and gets taken away on tyres and shoes.

Do resin driveways add value to your home?

Yes, resin driveways add value to your home. A great-looking surface that requires very little maintenance, buyers are more likely to pay more for a home with a well-kept resin driveway. You could add 5-10% to the value of your home with a resin driveway.

Do weeds come through resin driveways?

You shouldn’t have weeds come through a resin driveway. The resin prevents weeds from being able to permeate the surface, and there aren’t any gaps for weeds to seed in, unlike a block paved driveway.

However, you may find that moss grows on your resin driveway if there are spots that aren’t exposed to sunlight often. Gentle power washing and removal of any surface water can help prevent moss growth.

Do resin driveways crack?

Resin driveways shouldn’t crack if they are installed properly with UV-stable resin and are used in a normal domestic setting. However, resin driveways can crack if they are used extensively, for example around a commercial property where many vehicles come and go.

Ultimately, a well-installed and regularly-maintained resin driveway shouldn’t be prone to cracking any more than any other type of driveway.

Can you resin over concrete?

Yes, you can resin over concrete, which is ideal if you want to upgrade your concrete driveway to a resin one. The concrete base should be in good condition with no cracks, lumps or drainage issues. Since concrete isn’t porous, to keep the permeable properties of a resin bound driveway you’ll need to ensure the concrete base has appropriate drainage.

Which is cheaper: a resin or tarmac driveway?

A tarmac driveway is cheaper than a resin driveway. An average 50m² tarmac driveway will set you back around £3,250.

While tarmac is cheaper, resin driveways add more kerb appeal, and therefore potentially more value, than a tarmac driveway. And if you choose a resin bound driveway, you’re doing your small bit for the environment by having a porous surface that helps prevent localised flooding.

Can I pour resin over my gravel driveway?

You can pour resin over your gravel driveway, but you need to do it properly for it to be effective. You can buy pour-on gravel binders to create a hard and smooth surface, but the gravel should be clean and dry before you apply it.

While you can pour resin over a gravel driveway, you should consider whether it’s the most cost-effective option. A resin driveway created in this way is likely to need top-ups more often, and won’t last as long as a professionally-installed resin bound or resin bonded driveway.

Now you understand the pros and cons of both resin bound and resin bonded driveways, it’s time to get some quotes to help you compare prices in your area. Post a job on HaMuch now to get quotes from local driveway specialists.

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