The short answer
Choose resin-bound if you want a smooth, seamless surface that drains well and needs little weeding, and your existing base is sound or you are happy to pay for a new one. Choose block paving if you want a surface that is easy to repair in sections, suits awkward shapes and slopes, and can be lifted for access to pipes or cables. Neither is always cheaper: the price depends mainly on the groundwork, the materials you pick and how skilled the installer is. Whichever you choose, the quality of the sub-base matters more than the surface on top.
How they differ
Resin-bound driveway. Natural stone aggregate is mixed with a clear resin and trowelled onto a firm, stable base, usually porous asphalt or a suitable concrete. The result is a smooth, continuous surface with no joints. Water can pass through it, provided the base underneath is also permeable. Because it is hand-finished, the laying conditions matter a great deal. It needs dry weather and suitable temperatures, and the installer has to work quickly and evenly.
Block paving driveway. Individual concrete or clay blocks are laid on a compacted sub-base and a bed of sharp sand, then locked together with jointing sand and edge restraints. The surface is made up of many small units, so it can be laid in patterns and curves, and a single damaged block can be replaced. Standard blocks are not very permeable, but permeable block systems with wider joints and a different base are available.
Rules to be aware of. Planning permission or building regulations may apply to a new or replaced driveway, particularly at the front of a house. Surface water drainage is the usual concern, and a dropped kerb needs council approval. Check with your local authority, and ask your installer how they will handle drainage.
Cost: what makes each more or less expensive
It is better to think about what drives the price than to look for a single figure. You can see what other homeowners actually paid in the prices shown on this page.
What pushes resin up:
- A poor existing surface. Resin needs a stable, well-laid base, so if yours is cracked or uneven you may need a new one, and that can be the largest part of the bill.
- Specialist materials. Quality aggregate and resin cost more than basic alternatives, and cheap mixes tend to show in the finish.
- Skilled labour. Laying resin is less forgiving than laying blocks, so experienced installers often charge accordingly.
- Edging, drainage features and colour choices.
What pushes resin down:
- A good, permeable base already in place.
- A simple rectangular shape that is easy to lay in one go.
What pushes block paving up:
- Excavation and sub-base work, especially on a new driveway or where old material must be removed and taken away.
- Premium blocks, patterns, borders and curved cuts, which take more time and create more waste.
- Permeable systems, which need more stone and careful construction.
- Steps, slopes and retaining edges.
What pushes block paving down:
- Standard blocks in a plain pattern.
- A straightforward site with good access for machinery and deliveries.
In general, resin tends to be priced higher on surface and labour, while block paving tends to cost more in groundwork and time. On a site that needs a full new base either way, the gap between them can be small. Get itemised quotes so you can see where the money goes.
Lifespan and upkeep
Resin-bound. A well-installed resin driveway can last many years with little attention. Weeds struggle to take hold because there are no joints, and a regular sweep and an occasional wash with a hose or low-pressure washer is usually enough. The weak points are installation and the base. If the base moves or cracks, the surface can crack with it, and repairs are harder to blend in than on block paving. Heavy staining from oil or fuel should be dealt with promptly. Over time, direct sunlight can dull or yellow some resins, particularly cheaper ones, so ask about UV stability.
Block paving. Block paving is durable and flexible, and it copes well with minor ground movement. The main upkeep is dealing with weeds and moss in the joints, topping up jointing sand and cleaning from time to time. Cleaning can loosen sand, so it needs replacing. Blocks can sink, shift or stain where the base is poor, but you can lift and relay the affected area and reuse the blocks. Sealing is optional and can help with staining and weeds, though it does need redoing eventually.
In short, resin usually asks for less routine work, while block paving is easier to repair when something goes wrong.
When to choose resin
Resin is usually the better option if:
- You dislike weeding and want a clean, uniform look.
- Your existing base is sound, or you are prepared to pay for a proper new one.
- Drainage matters and you want a permeable surface, with the right base beneath it.
- The driveway is a fairly regular shape that can be laid in a single session.
- You are not likely to dig it up for utilities in the near future.
- You have found an installer who can show you completed jobs that are several years old.
It is a poorer choice if the base is unreliable and you want to avoid the cost of replacing it, or if you expect to need regular access beneath the surface.
When to choose block paving
Block paving is usually the better option if:
- You want to be able to repair or replace small areas without the patch being obvious.
- The driveway has curves, slopes or an irregular shape.
- Access to pipes, drains or cables under the surface may be needed in future.
- You prefer a traditional look and a choice of colours, patterns and borders.
- You are happy to do some routine maintenance, such as re-sanding joints and treating weeds.
- You want a surface that tolerates a degree of ground movement.
It is a poorer choice if you want a very low-maintenance surface and dislike the idea of weeds and moss appearing in the joints over time.
Questions to ask a tradesperson
- What base will you build or use, and why is it suitable for my ground and my vehicles?
- How will surface water drain, and does the design meet current rules for front gardens?
- Do I need planning permission, a dropped kerb or building regulations approval, and who arranges it?
- Can I see recent jobs and speak to past customers, including some completed several years ago?
- For resin: what products do you use, are they UV stable, and what weather conditions do you work in?
- For block paving: what block type, edge restraints and jointing material do you use, and is it permeable?
- Is the quote itemised, including excavation, waste removal, edging and drainage?
- What guarantee do you offer, in writing, and what does it cover?
- How long will the work take, and when can I use the driveway again?
Compare at least three itemised quotes and check them against the prices homeowners have paid in your area.