Tarmac vs resin driveways: cost, looks and lifespan
Tarmac is usually cheaper per m² and copes well with heavy use; resin-bound gravel costs more but gives a decorative stone finish and is permeable when laid on a suitable base. Resin is often laid over existing tarmac, so many resin drives start as tarmac.
Cost
A new tarmac drive is typically £60–£95 per m² including VAT. Resin-bound surfaces generally cost more per m² on a new base, though a resin overlay on sound tarmac can be competitive.
Appearance
Resin shows the colour of the stone and looks decorative. Tarmac is uniform black or red, or textured if you choose tar and chip.
Drainage
Resin-bound is porous, but only drains well if the base beneath is permeable too. Standard tarmac is impermeable; porous asphalt is the permeable tarmac option.
Durability
Tarmac tolerates turning tyres, heavier vehicles and small movement well. Resin can scuff under sharp turns and needs UV-stable resin to avoid colour change.
Repairs
Tarmac repairs are straightforward. Resin repairs are harder to blend invisibly.
Questions
Can resin be laid over tarmac?
Yes, if the tarmac is sound, well drained and not too old or soft. Many resin overlays go onto existing tarmac.
Which is better for a sloping drive?
Both can work on slopes; tarmac is usually easier on steep or long drives.
Related services
New tarmac driveways
Full dig-out, compacted stone sub-base, binder course and a fine surface course, edged and drained.
FROM £60–£95 PER M² INC VATLearn more →
Permeable tarmac driveways
Open-graded porous asphalt on a deep permeable stone base, so rain soaks through on site.
FROM £80–£125 PER M² INC VATLearn more →Tar and chip driveways
Hot bitumen sprayed and dressed with rolled stone chippings for a gravel look that stays put.
FROM £45–£75 PER M² INC VATLearn more →Get a written tarmac quote
Send a postcode and a rough size and we'll arrange a survey. Every quote lists the layers, edging, drainage and VAT.
- Surface courseDEPTH + MIX
- Binder courseDEPTH + MIX
- Sub-baseDEPTH + MATERIAL
- Edges, drainage, VATITEMISED