The short answer
Resin-bound driveways suit people who want a smooth, neat, permeable surface and are happy to pay more for it. Tarmac suits people who want a hard-wearing, practical surface at a lower cost, and who care less about appearance. Resin usually costs more to install, and its final quality depends heavily on the installer and the base underneath. Tarmac is cheaper and quicker to lay, but it looks plainer and can fade and crack over time.
How they differ
Resin-bound driveways are made by mixing small stones or aggregate with a clear resin and trowelling the mix onto a prepared base. The result is a smooth, solid surface with no loose stones. It comes in a wide range of colours and finishes. Because the mix is not sealed on top, water can pass through it, provided the base underneath is also permeable.
This is different from resin-bonded, where resin is spread on the base and stones are scattered over it. Bonded surfaces are rougher and can shed loose stones. Make sure a quote says which one you are getting.
Tarmac (asphalt) is a mix of aggregate and bitumen, laid hot and rolled flat. It sets as a dense, dark, uniform surface. It is a familiar choice for drives, car parks and roads. Standard tarmac is not permeable, so water runs off it unless the drive is designed with drainage. Porous versions exist but are less common and usually cost more.
Both need a properly prepared sub-base. Neither will last if the groundwork is rushed or the base is too thin for the vehicles using it.
Cost: what makes each more or less expensive
In general, resin costs more than tarmac for a similar area. The real prices homeowners paid are shown separately on this page, so use those to see how much of a gap there is in your area. The factors below explain why quotes differ.
What pushes resin costs up:
- The materials are more expensive, and the aggregate you choose affects the price.
- Installation is more skilled and slower. The mix has to be laid in suitable weather and finished carefully.
- A permeable base may be needed to keep the surface properly draining, which can add groundwork.
- Edging, patterns and borders add to the total.
What pushes tarmac costs up:
- Digging out and disposing of an old drive or poor ground.
- A thicker base for heavier vehicles.
- Raised kerbs, drainage channels or soakaways.
- Difficult access for machinery, which can mean more hand work.
What affects both:
- The size and shape of the drive. Curves and awkward corners take longer.
- Whether the existing surface is sound enough to build on.
- Your location and how busy local contractors are.
- Any extras such as new edging, lighting ducts or a dropped kerb.
The cheapest quote is not always the best value. With both materials, savings often come from a thin base or skipped preparation, and that shows up as cracks, sinking or patchy surfaces later.
Lifespan and upkeep
Resin can last a long time when it is laid well on a stable base. A good installation should stay smooth and colourful for many years. Upkeep is light: sweep regularly, wash it with a hose or a soft brush, and deal with weeds and moss early. Weeds can appear if debris collects on the surface. Problems tend to come from poor workmanship. These include a mix that was too wet or too dry, laying in poor weather, or a base that moves. Repairing resin can be awkward because a patch may not match the surrounding colour exactly.
Tarmac is tough and handles vehicles well. Over time it can fade from black to grey, soften in very hot weather, and crack at the edges or where tree roots push up. Oil from cars can stain or soften it. Minor repairs are usually simple and cheap, and some tarmac drives are resurfaced or sealed to refresh them. It needs less attention day to day, but it does age visibly.
In short, resin tends to look better for longer if it is installed properly, while tarmac is more forgiving to repair.
When to choose Resin driveway
Resin is usually the better choice if:
- Appearance matters to you and you want a smooth, modern finish in a chosen colour.
- You want a permeable surface that helps with surface water, and your ground and base can support it.
- You have a sound, stable area to build on, or you are willing to pay for the groundwork.
- You would rather sweep and rinse than live with a surface that fades and patches.
- You are happy to pay more at the start for a more refined result, and you can find an installer with a track record you can check.
It is a weaker choice if the budget is tight, the base is unreliable, or you expect heavy vehicles or frequent turning on a small area.
When to choose Tarmac driveway
Tarmac is usually the better choice if:
- You want the lowest sensible installation cost and a quick job.
- The drive is long or large and a resin finish would be hard to justify.
- Heavy or frequent vehicle use is likely.
- You prefer a plain, practical look and easy repairs.
- You are replacing a worn drive and want a simple solution with minimal fuss.
It is a weaker choice if you want a decorative finish, if you want a surface that stays looking new, or if drainage rules and surface water are a concern and you would need to pay extra for a porous version.
For either option, planning permission or building regulations may apply, particularly when you are surfacing a larger area at the front of a house. Rules on drainage can be involved. Check with your local council before work starts, and ask your installer how they will deal with water run-off.
Questions to ask a tradesperson
- Is this resin-bound or resin-bonded, or standard or porous tarmac?
- What base will you use, how deep will it be, and is it suitable for my vehicles?
- How will water drain from the finished surface?
- Do I need planning permission or other consent, and will you advise on this?
- What will you do about existing surfaces, tree roots and soft ground?
- What is included in the quote: edging, disposal of waste, and making good around the drive?
- What weather conditions do you work in, and what happens if it rains during the job?
- Can I see recent local jobs and speak to past customers?
- What guarantee do you give, and what does it cover in writing?
- How should I care for the surface, and when can I drive on it?
Compare at least a few written quotes with the real prices shown on this page. Differences in the specification usually explain differences in the price.