Resin vs Block Paving vs Tarmac: Which Driveway Is Best for Your Hertfordshire Home?

Choosing between resin vs block paving vs tarmac is one of the biggest decisions when planning a new driveway. Each material looks different, drains differently, lasts a different length of time and needs a different level of care. The right choice depends on your home, your budget and how you use your driveway.

This guide compares the three most popular driveway surfaces in Hertfordshire so you can decide which one suits your property best.

Written by the team at Amwell Driveways Ltd, an award-winning driveway and landscaping company with over 25 years of family experience across Hertfordshire, Essex and London.

Resin vs Block Paving vs Tarmac at a Glance

	Resin bound	Block paving	Tarmac
Look	Smooth, natural stone finish	Traditional, patterned and highly customisable	Clean, dark and uniform
Typical lifespan	15 years or more	20 to 30 years or more	12 to 15 years
Drainage	Can be permeable when laid on a suitable base	Permeable options available	Usually impermeable unless porous asphalt is used
Maintenance	Low, with regular sweeping and washing	Moderate, including weeding and occasional re-sanding	Low, with occasional crack repairs
Best for	Modern homes and a seamless finish	Period and family homes wanting a classic look	Long driveways and practical, value-led projects

1. Resin Bound Driveways

A resin bound driveway is made from natural stones mixed with a strong, clear resin and trowelled to a smooth finish. It gives the look of gravel without loose stones being kicked onto the road or into the house.

Advantages of resin

• A smooth, seamless and modern finish in a wide choice of stone colours
• Can be water permeable when laid on a suitable base layer, which helps reduce the risk of flooding
• No loose stones and a comfortable surface for pushchairs and wheelchairs
• Low maintenance, with regular sweeping and an occasional wash

Things to consider

• The quality of the base and the installation is critical to how long it lasts
• It is not the same as resin bonded surfacing, which uses loose stones scattered onto resin

Resin is a speciality of ours, and one of our resin driveways was named Resin Project of the Year 2022.

You can learn more about the difference in our article on resin bound vs resin bond driveways, or see our resin bound driveways in Hertfordshire.

2. Block Paving Driveways

Block paving uses individual concrete or clay blocks laid in patterns such as herringbone or basketweave. It remains one of the most popular choices for homes across Hertfordshire.

Advantages of block paving

• Huge choice of colours, textures and patterns to suit any property
• Long lifespan of 20 to 30 years or more when properly installed and maintained
• Individual blocks can be lifted and replaced if one is damaged or stained
• Permeable block paving is available for better drainage

Things to consider

• Joints can collect weeds and moss, so regular upkeep is needed
• The finish depends heavily on a well-prepared sub-base and skilled laying

For inspiration, browse our project gallery or read more about block paving driveways and how long block paving lasts.

3. Tarmac Driveways

Tarmac is a hard-wearing, practical surface that suits everything from small front drives to long rural driveways.

Advantages of tarmac

• A smart, uniform finish that looks neat with contrasting edging
• Quick to install and well suited to larger areas
• Very little maintenance beyond occasional repairs to cracks
• In some cases it can be laid over an existing tarmac surface

Things to consider

• A typical lifespan of 12 to 15 years before major repair or replacement
• Standard tarmac is impermeable, so drainage needs planning

Find out more about our tarmac driveways, how long tarmac lasts and whether you can tarmac over existing tarmac.

4. Do You Need Planning Permission?

Drainage is an important part of the decision. According to the Planning Portal, you do not need planning permission for a new or replacement driveway of any size if it uses a permeable surface, or if rainwater is directed to a lawn or border to drain naturally. If you are covering more than five square metres with a traditional impermeable surface that does not drain to a permeable area, planning permission is needed.

This is one reason permeable resin bound and permeable block paving have become so popular for front gardens. We will always advise on the right drainage solution as part of your quote.

5. Resin vs Block Paving vs Tarmac: Which Is Best for You?

• Choose resin bound if you want a modern, seamless look with good drainage and minimal upkeep.
• Choose block paving if you want a classic look, lots of design options and the longest lifespan.
• Choose tarmac if you need a practical, hard-wearing surface for a larger area.

Many homeowners also combine materials, for example a resin or tarmac driveway with block paving borders. Our driveway edging options and driveway design service can help you plan the perfect layout. If you are also updating your garden, take a look at our resin bound patios.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which driveway lasts the longest?

Block paving usually lasts the longest, often 20 to 30 years or more when properly installed and maintained. Resin bound driveways typically last over 15 years, and tarmac around 12 to 15 years.

Is resin better than block paving?

Neither is better in every case. Resin bound gives a smooth, modern and permeable finish with low maintenance, while block paving offers more design choice and a longer lifespan. The best option depends on your home and priorities.

Do weeds grow through resin driveways?

A resin bound driveway is weed resistant rather than weed free. Nothing will grow up through a properly installed surface, but airborne seeds can land on top. Regular sweeping helps, and a weed killer applied once or twice a year deals with any growth.

Which driveway is the most eco-friendly?

Permeable surfaces such as resin bound laid on a suitable base, or permeable block paving, allow rainwater to soak away naturally. This helps reduce surface water run-off and flooding.

Do you offer free quotes?

Yes. Amwell Driveways Ltd provides free quotations with a price promise across Hertfordshire, Essex and London.

Get a Free Driveway Quote in Hertfordshire

Still weighing up resin vs block paving for your home? Our friendly team will visit, discuss your options and give you honest advice. Call us free on 0800 288 8019 or request a free quote today.