Whether yours is a sweeping, long driveway that creates a grand approach to your home, or something more modest that simply does the job of giving you somewhere to park your vehicles off the road, the materials you use to finish it are one of the most important elements of your entire driveway design.
While aesthetics should most certainly play a part in choosing the right surface for your driveway, there are other things to take into account too – durability, maintenance and, of course, cost all need to be considered.
Resin driveways, arguably a relative newcomer on the scene, are now a hugely popular option and have an awful lot going for them. If this is something you are considering, check out what the experts have to say about their pros and cons before making your final decision.
What is a resin driveway?
One of the biggest driveway mistakes people make is to fail to do their research when it comes to materials.
It is important to begin by looking at exactly what resin driveways are – largely because there are two different types: resin-bound, and resin-bonded.
Stephen Evans, founder of Costwise UK, explains the difference between the two. "Resin-bound mixes the stone through the resin and is trowelled smooth. It is permeable, SuDS-friendly and what almost every domestic installer fits. Resin-bonded scatters stone onto a resin layer for a rougher, non-porous finish, which usually needs separate driveway drainage or planning consent."
If you are unsure which to choose, the majority of experts will point you in the direction of resin-bound, something Daniel Wickham, owner of First Impression Driveways, wholly agrees with. "Resin-bound driveways are the best because they provide a flat, strong and aesthetic finish while remaining permeable, allowing water to drain away properly."
Danny has 15+ years experience in the industry, installing driveways and landscaping across Middlesbrough and nearby areas.
Stephen Evans is founder of Costwise UK, an independent UK guide to what home improvements really cost.
How are resin driveways installed?
Whether you are resurfacing an existing space or turning your front garden into a driveway, you need to think about installation. Some driveway materials, such as gravel, are more straightforward to lay than others.
"Generally, resin-bound driveways are applied by creating a solid base first (usually concrete or tarmac), before mixing the resin and aggregate together and spreading evenly to create a smooth, seamless finish," explains Daniel Wickham.
"The process usually starts out with a site survey and planning stage, then whatever groundwork or preparatory base will be needed for the resin-bound surface to be installed upon is carried out, followed by the installation team laying down the raw materials of the resin-bound surface," he continues.
"In terms of timings, this largely depends on the size of the driveway and the state of your existing surface, but simple resin installations can often get completed very quickly – sometimes within days.
"Typically, following installation, you would wait until the surface was fully cured before being able to drive on it," adds Daniel. "For most, that means not using cars for at least 24 - 48 hours, although the exact timing can vary based on temperature and installer methods."
Do you need planning permission for a resin driveway?
In the majority of cases, planning permission for a driveway won't be required, although this is largely dependent on the materials you are using and how they facilitate driveway drainage, as well as the size of the driveway.
"Permeable resin-bound surfaces that let water drain through usually need no planning permission," picks up Stephen Evans. "A non-permeable surface over 5m² that drains to the road might do – and that is one of the reasons most people should be fitting resin-bound rather than resin-bonded."
Other permeable materials to consider include gravel, and certain types of block paving that allow water to drain through the joints.
How much do resin driveways cost?
When it comes to new driveway costs, resin does have some drawbacks, particularly if it is cheap driveway ideas that you are after.
According to Stephen Evans, resin driveway costs sit somewhere in the middle of driveway materials as a whole, more expensive than gravel or tarmac, but less so than block paving or imprinted concrete.
"Expect to pay £40 - £70/m² supplied and fitted, typically about £55/m²." says Stephen. "On a typical 50m² drive that's roughly £2,000 - £3,500. The single biggest swing is what is underneath: laying over a sound existing base keeps you near £40/m², and a new permeable sub-base adds roughly £25 to £45/m²."
Stephen is also keen to highlight that this investment often won't add as much value as it costs. "At £40 - £70/m² a resin drive will not add its cost back to the house price in most cases. It is money spent on kerb appeal and daily use, not an investment."
How long will a resin driveway last?
You really want to ensure your driveway ideas stand the test of time and that you won't be having to do the job again any time soon.
Most guarantees on professionally installed resin driveways fall between 10 - 20 years and, according to Daniel Wickham, this is a great option for homeowners after a long-lasting finish. "Correctly installed, with UV-stable materials, a resin driveway is long-lasting, hardwearing and resistant to significant colour fading. The main points to note are that it needs to be fitted on a solid, correctly laid sub-base by a competent installer."
Stephen Evans agrees that it all comes down to high-quality materials and good installation techniques. "It lasts well, with two real caveats. Cheaper resins that are not UV-stable can yellow or fade in sunlight, so it is worth asking specifically what resin is being used. Lighter aggregates show oil marks and moss more readily than darker blends – and bear in mind that, in some cases, the surface can feel slippery when wet."
Driveway lights for your resin driveway
Place these stylish LED bollard lights along your resin driveway to safely lead you home
This set of two stainless steel post lights are IP44 rated and can be dimmed when used with the correct LED bulbs
What type of homes do resin driveways suit?
Practicality aside, it is important to take into account what your driveway materials will do for the kerb appeal of your home. Not all materials suit certain types of houses. For example, period style homes and cottages often sit well with gravel driveway ideas and might not suit the sleeker, more modern appearance that resin delivers.
That said, Daniel Wickham is keen to point out that, thanks to the wide range of colours and designs available, this is an option that appeals to both homeowners after modern driveway ideas, as well as those looking for something a little more classic. "There is a selection of shades and resin is compatible with both traditional or modern homes," he says.
"It offers a cleaner, more premium-looking surface than gravel or concrete, and definitely provides a more decorative finish than tarmac," adds Daniel.
FAQs
How much maintenance does a resin driveway require?
For those who like to take a hands-off approach to home maintenance, one of the main factors they will take into consideration when choosing a new driveway will be how much looking-after it requires.
This is where resin really comes into its own. For example, unlike gravel, it won't move over time, making it perfect for those after sloping driveway solutions.
"Unlike block paving it has no joints for weeds to come through," says Stephen Evans, although he goes on to point out that repairs can be tricker than with some other materials. "Block paving wins on repairability, because you can lift and relay individual blocks, while a resin repair means patching a seamless surface."
For many people, gravel is the ideal driveway material – affordable, easy and quick to install and SuDS-compliant. However, it is really helpful to look into ways to stop gravel moving if you want it to stay looking its best. And, while your driveway plans may not require planning permission, make sure you establish if they will still need to meet the requirements of driveway building regulations.
