Resin vs tarmac vs block paving: which driveway is best?

There is no single best driveway. Each surface wins in a different situation, and many of our jobs combine them, for example tarmac or resin with a block border. Here is how they compare for homes around Sale, Trafford and South Manchester.

At a glance

	Resin-bound	Tarmac	Block paving
Guide cost	£60 – £130 / m²	£45 – £90 / m²	£70 – £130 / m²
Look	Smooth, stone finish, many colours	Dark, uniform, practical	Patterns, borders, traditional
Drainage	Permeable on a permeable base	Needs falls and a drain	Needs falls, or use permeable blocks
Joints and weeds	None	None	Joints need re-sanding
Repairs	Patch repair possible, colour may vary	Easy to patch	Lift and re-lay single blocks
Best for	Kerb appeal and avoiding planning questions	Long drives, car parks, budget	Period homes, patterns, access to services

Cost figures are typical UK 2026 guide prices, not an MKB price list. See the driveway costs guide for what moves a price.

Resin-bound driveways

A smooth surface made of natural stone mixed with clear resin. It is permeable when laid on the right base, so rain drains straight through and it normally stays inside the front garden planning rules. It has no joints for weeds. It is more expensive than tarmac and needs a sound base, so laying it over a failing old drive is a false economy. See the Daltex resin colours we install.

Tarmac driveways

Usually the most cost-effective, especially on longer drives, and quick to lay. It suits modern homes and practical access. Standard tarmac is not permeable, so it needs falls and a drain or soakaway, and over 5 m² of front garden it normally needs permission unless the water drains within your property. Ask us about premium asphalt options on the tarmac page.

Block paving driveways

The classic choice for patterns, colours and borders. It is strong, and a damaged block can be lifted and re-laid, which helps when utilities need access. The trade-off is the upkeep of the joints and the need for a properly compacted base. Permeable block paving costs more but drains through the joints. See block paving driveways.

Which should you choose?

• Want the smartest finish and low upkeep? Resin-bound.
• Long drive or tight budget? Tarmac, with a block or resin border if you want a lift.
• Period house or want a pattern? Block paving, ideally tumbled or permeable.
• Sloping drive or poor drainage? Fix the levels and drainage first, whichever surface you pick. See driveway drainage.

Not sure? Try colours on a photo of your own drive with the driveway visualiser, then call 07890 053070 and we will price two options side by side, free.