And if you’re contemplating cracked tarmac, weedy gravel or concrete that has seen better days, you’re not alone. Every year thousands of UK homeowners are moving to resin bound surfaces.
However, what no one seems to tell you in the beginning is: resin bound driveways are not just a new type of paving.
They’re a total game-changer that could get rid of your drainage issues, end your weed struggles and maybe even significantly increase your home’s value. And they have a price tag that might make you wince.
You’re in all probability questioning if they’re definitely worth the cash. You need to get a sense of what you’re in for before you commit.
The Real Cost of Resin Bound Driveways in 2025
You’re going to be paying somewhere around £80 to £150, a square meter for a good quality installation. That puts an average UK driveway at between £2,500 and £4,500.
Expect to pay in the region of £6,000 for your 50sqm driveway. Yes, that’s a significant investment. However, a correctly laid resin bound surface is good for 20 to 25 years, with virtually no maintenance.
The per-meter cost of your steel project is in your own hands. Smaller drives cost more per square meter because fixed costs — equipment, setup, minimum labour — spread out over less area. Here’s what you can expect:
A driveway covering 20 square meters costs £1,600 to £3,000. Ideal for terraced houses or small properties where every penny will go towards the most effect.
A 40-square-meter installation is £3,200 to £6,000. This applies to most semi-detached properties and is the hit spot for cost-effective.
Larger projects, covering around 50 square meters, range from £4,000 to £7,500. These are usually suitable for sites for detached houses with large front gardens and more than one parking space.
The Pros
- It’s durable. What you are buying is a surface that can deal with anything British weather can throw at it. The elements to which other surfaces simply succumb to, such as freeze-thaw, heavy rain and scorched summers, are barely an irritation to the practically indestructible resin bound surface when it’s laid and prepared correctly.
- Maintenance requirements are refreshingly minimal. You will sweep or vacuum it regularly, and rinse it off when it gets nasty. That’s essentially it. Compare that to block paving (never-ending weeds to remove), gravel (perpetual raking), tarmac (cracks to fix and reseal).
- The permeable nature solves multiple problems simultaneously. Water drains through instead of running off, reducing flood risk and complying with Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS) regulations. You avoid planning permission headaches that plague impermeable surfaces.
- Resistance in weeds can take away one of homeowners’ most hated headaches. With the flat, sealed surface, there is little to no chance for the weeds to take hold. A little light manual removal will see off occasional breakthroughs but you’re not trying to fight a constant battle against growth as with a traditional paved surface.
- It’s versatile in design so you can coordinate it with every style of home. Pick from dozens of different aggregate mixes, colours and textures. Create subtle elegance with neutral tones or make bold statements with contrasting borders and patterns.
- Safety improvements are great. The floor is not slippery to walk or drive on. No more slippery spots when it rains, or icy in the wintertime.
- Installation speed is nice too. The majority of residential driveways are two to five days depending on size and complexity. It’s not weeks of construction chaos.
The Cons
- The upfront cost can be the largest obstacle for homeowners to overcome. Resin bound surfaces are far more expensive than standard tarmac or concrete. You’re paying a premium price for premium performance.
- You can’t DIY this one. It is carried out using specialized equipment, the right weather and some skill. Incorrect installation also makes warranties null, and causes early failure of the system.
- If you frequently park light commercial vehicles, boats or caravans. Cracking may occur after excessive weight is applied to it over time. The vast majority of residential use is constraint-free, but be aware of your own limitations.
- Quality varies widely in the industry and that’s risky. The absence of standardized governing laws results in a high degree of variability in the installation offered by contractors. Do your homework and go with people who have a track record.
- There are the potential maintenance issues, if not maintained. Relatively easy to look after, lack of care can lead to the growth of moss and algae which can cause a slippery surface. Regular cleaning prevents these problems.
Maintenance Advice That Actually Works
Sweeping will keep them clean and maintain the porosity that makes these surfaces special. Don’t allow leaves, dirt, or organic matter to collect.
Periodic washing with normal water helps keep dust and light stains plus dirt away. For tough stains, wash with a mild detergent, and warm water. Stay away from the harsh chemicals that might harm the resin matrix.
Pressure washing requires caution. Apply at low to moderate pressure (up to max. 150 bar) at a safe distance. And too much stress to forward pressure or intimate contact can break the resin holding the planer together.
Weed and moss are easy to control, provided you attack early. Pull out any weeds that take hold by hand. For moss or algae, apply mild detergent or specialized removers, then rinse thoroughly.
Stain removal techniques vary by stain type. Oil and grease respond to quick blotting followed by mild detergent cleaning. Rust stains often yield to lemon juice and salt treatment. Always test cleaning methods on inconspicuous areas first.
Making the Right Decision for Your Property
For the majority of homes, a resin bound driveway can be viewed as a solid long-term investment.
It is because of the durability, minimal maintenance and aesthetic value that the initial investment is worth it for homeowners who know they’ll be sticking around for a while.
Consider your specific circumstances carefully. Heavy commercial use, severe budget restrictions, or going to be moving soon may favor other solutions. But for your average domestic use, resin bound from us offer far more value.