Is resin cheaper than tarmac?

A full resin system is usually more expensive than tarmac, but a resin overlay on a sound existing base can be a cost-effective upgrade. We price both options clearly on the same driveway.

Which lasts longer: resin or tarmac?

Both surfaces last well when the base is built properly. Tarmac is proven for heavy daily traffic and long drives, while resin stays smart and joint-free for typical homes. Lifespan depends more on groundwork and drainage than the top surface.

Can resin be laid over tarmac?

Yes, resin can often be overlaid on suitable tarmac or concrete if the base is stable, uncracked and draining correctly. If the existing drive is failing, a full rebuild is normally the right move.

Resin vs tarmac driveways

If you’re choosing between resin and tarmac, it usually comes down to three things: budget, appearance and how hard the driveway works every day. Here’s a straight comparison for homes across Kent, East Sussex and Surrey.

Call 07438455775 | Freephone 0800 861 1027

Quick cost comparison

Access, excavation depth, drainage and total area change the price, but for sensible-sized drives:

Tarmac driveway: from around £70 per m²
Resin overlay (on a suitable base): starting from £40 per m²
Full resin system with permeable base: from around £120 per m²

These are guide prices only. Resin overlay figures are based on larger areas with a sound existing surface and are worked out on generous square metre measurements. Small or awkward driveways, poor access, edging changes, steps or structural drainage work will increase costs.

When tarmac is the better choice

Tarmac is the workhorse option. It suits family homes, long rural drives, shared access roads and areas that take daily traffic without fuss. Done properly, it’s tidy, strong and easy to live with.

Pros of tarmac

Value for money on most full dig-out driveways.
Handles car and van traffic well.
Ideal for long driveways and private roads.
Simple to maintain and quick to repair in sections.

Things to bear in mind

Limited colour choice (mainly black, with red as an upgrade).
Edges need proper restraints to stop break-away.
Not as decorative if you’re chasing a “show” finish.

Best fit for tarmac

Wide or long driveways where cost matters.
Shared access lanes and multiple-car parking.
Homes needing a strong, simple surface.

When resin is the better choice

Resin is chosen mainly for the finish. It gives a smooth, joint-free look with natural stone colours that sit well with both modern and traditional properties. It can be laid as a full system or as a resin overlay on a suitable base.

Pros of resin

Smart, modern appearance with lots of colour blends.
No loose stones underfoot like regular gravel.
Tidy surface that stays sharp with simple cleaning.
Overlay option can reduce cost where the base is sound.

Things to bear in mind

Full resin systems cost more than standard tarmac.
Overlays only work on stable tarmac/concrete.
Needs correct base prep and drainage to last.

Best fit for resin

Typical home driveways where appearance matters.
Homes wanting a clean look without block joints.
Driveways already in decent tarmac/concrete for overlay.

Head-to-head: resin vs tarmac

Appearance

Resin wins on looks. It’s seamless and comes in natural stone mixes to match brick, render and landscaping. Tarmac is neat and simple but more “plain” by design.

Drainage

Resin can be permeable when installed on the right base, letting water soak through the surface. Tarmac relies on falls, gullies and proper drainage runs. Either works well when levels are set right — bad draining is a groundwork issue, not a material issue.

Maintenance

Both are easy to look after. Regular sweeping and an occasional pressure wash keeps either surface tidy. Resin may need a little more care to avoid moss in shaded spots; tarmac can be re-sealed or patched if needed.

Lifespan

Lifespan depends mostly on the sub-base. A strong base gives either surface a long, reliable life. That’s why we focus on excavation depth, compaction and drainage before any top layer goes down.

So which one should you choose?

Here’s the straightforward way most customers decide:

Lowest cost / most practical: go tarmac.
Best visual upgrade: go resin.
Existing drive is solid: ask about a resin overlay for a middle-ground option.

If you want, we’ll price both options and explain the difference in plain English. No hard sell — just what makes sense for the driveway you’ve actually got.

Want a clear price for your driveway?

Send your postcode, a rough size and a couple of photos. We’ll tell you whether resin, tarmac or another surface fits best, and give a realistic guide price before we visit.

Call 07438455775 or freephone 0800 861 1027

Ask for resin & tarmac prices