Choosing a new driveway surface means weighing up looks, cost, durability and maintenance, and with several options on the market it is easy to end up unsure which one actually suits your home.
This guide compares the main driveway surfaces homeowners across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset consider, including Resin Driveway Surfacing, block paving, gravel and tarmac, so you can weigh up the practical differences before you commit.
Most South West homeowners choosing a new driveway are weighing up one of five options: resin bound, resin bonded, block paving, gravel or tarmac. Each has a different balance of cost, appearance, durability and upkeep, and the right choice depends on your budget, how the drive is used and how much maintenance you want to take on.
Resin bound is a mixed system: stone chippings are blended with a clear resin, then trowelled as a single, porous surface, available in a wide range of finishes on our Resin Colours page. Resin bonded applies resin to an existing base, then scatters loose aggregate into the wet resin for a textured finish. Resin bound is the more popular choice for driveways because it is porous, resists loose stones and gives a smooth, consistent finish. Resin bonded suits steep drives or quick refreshes where immediate grip matters more than a uniform look.
Block paving uses individual concrete or clay blocks laid in a pattern over a compacted sub-base. It gives a classic, textured look and individual blocks can be lifted and replaced if damaged, which is a genuine advantage over some other surfaces.
Gravel is usually the cheapest option to lay and gives a traditional, informal look that suits period properties. It drains well naturally, but it is also the highest maintenance surface on this list.
Tarmac and concrete are the most common budget surfaces for larger areas, giving a smooth, uniform finish that is quick to install. Neither offers much in the way of design flexibility compared with resin or block paving.
Seen side by side, the trade offs become clearer:
| Surface | Typical Cost (per m²) | Typical Lifespan | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resin bound | £50 to £90 | 15 to 25 years | Low |
| Block paving | £60 to £100 | 20+ years | Moderate |
| Gravel | £25 to £50 | Ongoing, needs topping up | High |
| Tarmac | £20 to £50 | 15 to 20 years | Low to moderate |
Cost is only part of the picture. A cheaper surface that needs frequent repairs or replenishing can end up costing more over ten years than a correctly specified resin bound driveway installed once, over a properly prepared base.
In the South West’s wetter climate, permeability and how a surface copes with heavy rain are worth weighing heavily. Resin bound performs well here because it drains through the surface rather than pooling on top, while still giving a neat, low maintenance finish that suits most house styles from period cottages to new builds. If your priority is the lowest possible upfront cost and you are happy with ongoing upkeep, gravel is worth considering. If you want a traditional look with the option to lift and replace individual sections, block paving is a reasonable middle ground.
You can see real examples of finished resin driveways in our Resin Driveway Ideas: Colours, Patterns and Designs to Boost Kerb Appeal guide.
We have installed and maintained resin surfaces across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset for over 30 years, all backed by a 10 year guarantee. If resin bound looks like the right fit after reading this, our team can talk you through the costs, the finish options and the best time of year to get it done.
If you are still weighing up your options, a free site survey is the most reliable next step. We will look at your existing surface, your budget and how the drive is used, and give you a straightforward recommendation, whether that is resin or another surface entirely. Contact Us to arrange a survey.
Gravel is typically the cheapest to install, followed by tarmac. Resin bound and block paving cost more upfront but generally need less ongoing maintenance and last longer.
Block paving and resin bound both offer strong long term durability when installed correctly over a proper sub-base, often lasting 20 years or more.
It depends on your priorities. Resin bound gives a smoother, more permeable finish with lower maintenance, while block paving offers a traditional look and the ability to replace individual sections if damaged.
Yes. Permeable surfaces like resin bound and gravel allow water to drain through, while tarmac, concrete and standard block paving are largely non-permeable and need a separate drainage strategy.