Which driveway material lasts longest?

Well-laid block paving and resin bound surfaces both tend to outlast tarmac before needing significant work, but all three depend far more on sub-base quality than on the surface material itself.

Is resin bound driveway more expensive than block paving?

It varies by supplier and site, but the two often sit in a similar mid-to-upper price range. The bigger cost swing for resin is whether the existing base needs full replacement or just an overlay.

Which material needs the least upkeep?

Tarmac generally needs the least regular attention, though it can show wear sooner. Block paving needs occasional re-sanding of joints; resin needs very little beyond keeping it clear of moss and debris.

Can I mix materials, like a resin border on a tarmac drive?

Yes, combining materials for borders or edging is common and can reduce cost compared to using the pricier material across the whole area.

Block paving vs resin vs tarmac: comparing driveway costs and durability

By Janice · Updated 2026-06-27

Most people choosing a driveway material end up comparing three real options: tarmac, block paving, and resin bound surfacing. Natural stone is a fourth option but it’s a different price bracket again and usually chosen for look rather than value. Here’s how the three mainstream choices actually compare once you get past the marketing.

Tarmac

Tarmac is generally the fastest and least expensive way to cover a larger area. It’s laid hot, compacted, and ready to use within a day or two of curing. The trade-off is that it shows its age faster than the alternatives: edges can crumble if not properly restrained, and a poorly compacted base will telegraph through as rutting or cracking sooner than it would under block paving. Reviewers in this area consistently point to sub-base preparation and edge restraint as the difference between a tarmac drive that looks tired after five years and one that’s still solid after fifteen.

Block paving

Block paving costs more to lay because it’s a labour-intensive job: individual blocks, hand-laid to a pattern, on a compacted sub-base and bedding layer. That labour cost buys you a surface that can be repaired block by block rather than resurfaced wholesale, and one that comes in enough colours and patterns to suit older Regency-era properties and newer builds alike. Herringbone patterns cost more to lay than a simple stretcher bond because of the extra cutting and precision involved, but they also distribute vehicle load better, which matters on a driveway that sees daily use.

Resin bound surfacing

Resin bound systems (aggregate mixed with a clear resin binder, trowelled to a smooth, permeable finish) sit in a similar price bracket to block paving for a like-for-like job. The deciding cost factor isn’t really the resin itself, it’s whether your existing base is sound enough to overlay or needs digging out and rebuilding first. A sound base keeps the cost down considerably; a full rebuild pushes it toward the top of the range. Done well, resin gives a clean, low-maintenance finish that drains through the surface rather than needing separate channels, which also helps with permeable-surface drainage rules.

Three driveway surface samples side by side showing tarmac, block paving and resin bound finishes for comparison

Side-by-side comparison

	Tarmac	Block paving	Resin bound
Typical cost position	Lowest for large areas	Mid to upper	Mid to upper, base-dependent
Install speed	Fastest	Slower, more labour	Moderate, depends on base prep
Repairability	Full patch or resurface	Block-by-block	Patchable, but hard to hide the join
Look and colour range	Limited (usually black/red)	Wide	Wide, aggregate-dependent
Drainage	Needs designed falls or channels	Can be laid permeable	Naturally permeable when specified

So which one is right for you

If budget per square metre matters most and you’re covering a large area, tarmac usually wins on price. If you want a surface that can be repaired in sections and offers more design choice, block paving is the stronger long-term pick despite the higher install cost. If you want a smooth, modern finish with less ongoing maintenance and don’t mind paying for base prep if it’s needed, resin bound is worth shortlisting and asking a specialist installer about directly.

Whichever material you’re leaning toward, get quotes that separate groundwork from surfacing cost. That’s where the real price difference between contractors usually sits, not in the material rate itself. You can see how we score and compare local contractors on our methodology page, or head back to the Cheltenham paving contractor directory to browse by material and job type.

FAQ

Which driveway material lasts longest?: Well-laid block paving and resin bound surfaces both tend to outlast tarmac before needing significant work, but all three depend far more on sub-base quality than on the surface material itself.
Is resin bound driveway more expensive than block paving?: It varies by supplier and site, but the two often sit in a similar mid-to-upper price range. The bigger cost swing for resin is whether the existing base needs full replacement or just an overlay.
Which material needs the least upkeep?: Tarmac generally needs the least regular attention, though it can show wear sooner. Block paving needs occasional re-sanding of joints; resin needs very little beyond keeping it clear of moss and debris.
Can I mix materials, like a resin border on a tarmac drive?: Yes, combining materials for borders or edging is common and can reduce cost compared to using the pricier material across the whole area.