Is your old driveway surface looking worse for wear? Maybe it's time for an upgrade, but you're not sure which option to go for. Consumers these days have plenty of choices; you could go for a tarmac, block paving, gravel, or concrete driveway. Or, if you want something smart, durable, and attractive, you might be considering a resin driveway.
It goes without saying that you want value for money. You want a product that looks amazing and that lasts for years. Ideally, you also want something that doesn't need much care and maintenance. And in that case, a resin driveway ticks all the right boxes!
So, above all else right now, you'll probably want to know how much that shiny new resin driveway will cost you. As a premier resin surface installer, Guardian Resin has all the facts you could wish for, including all there is to know about resin driveway costs.
There are various cost factors that will affect the overall price of installing a resin driveway, and we'll dive into those in a moment, but let's begin by saying that the average figure for the UK is somewhere between £40 and £170 per square metre.
Now that's a surprisingly wide margin, so let's see what causes such a massive difference in price:
No surprises here - the bigger the driveway surface, the higher the total cost will be because more materials are needed and the work will take longer.
Having said this, the overall rates for large resin driveways will generally be slightly lower per square metre as it's more economical to work on a bigger area. Small projects might have a higher cost per square metre as a result.
Another obvious one, as all contractors - understandably - expect to be paid for their services! Labour costs almost always make up the most significant chunk of the total bill (typically about 40%) because you're paying the installer for their expertise and time. While it's tempting to go for a cheaper service, it's worth paying a professional resin driveway installer the going rate, as the finished result will be far better and you can be sure that they'll use high-quality materials.
On average, labour costs are between £150 to £250 per day depending on location, the level of experience, and the strength of local competition.
Depending on the size of your driveway, you'll have at least three or four contractors working on your project at any one time. Some will focus on specific tasks but all will be skilled in several areas and will work together methodically to get the job done.
It often happens that a new resin driveway is overlaid on top of an existing surface, like a tarmac or concrete driveway.
If this is in good condition, then all is well and the new resin driveway can be laid over the top without too much fuss or preparation, meaning that the cost will be lower.
However, if it's damaged or you're having the driveway installed from scratch (with no existing driveway surface), the installers will need to carefully prepare the surface or excavate the area which will take longer and therefore increase the cost.
This is possibly the most important choice as it affects the appearance and longevity of your resin driveway surface long term.
Although there are several types of resin, the main choice you'll face is whether to have UV-stable resin or non-UV-stable resin. As experts in the field, Guardian Resin strongly urges that you opt for UV resin (known as aliphatic resin) as it can withstand strong sunlight for years without losing its colour.
Non-UV-stable resin (also called aromatic resin) will fade and discolour over time, becoming cloudy and dull.
Of course, if your driveway is purely functional then its appearance isn't too much of an issue. You could choose a yellow or gold stone and opt for a non-UV resin to cut costs as the yellowing of the resin over time won't be too noticeable.
Most professional resin driveway installers use polyurethane resin (epoxy resin isn't used as it doesn't have the same flexibility) and will offer both UV-stable and non-UV-stable resin, although they'll usually recommend the former for a better overall finish and longer-lasting colour.
They sound similar, but one has clear advantages over the other and there's a difference in cost. There's more on this below where we spell out the pros and cons of each one.
This is a major point, as people frequently confuse the two - even some resin driveway installation contractors! The main thing is that the consumer and the contractor are on the same page.
This is important, as it not only affects the final look of your resin driveway but also its thickness.
In the UK, aggregate is generally between 3mm and 10mm, and most resin driveway installations use something like 6mm. When smaller stones are used, less depth is needed, thus making the preparation easier and cheaper. As a general rule, the depth of the installation must be three times the size of the largest gravel used in the mixture.
Because of this, larger stones can significantly increase the necessary depth of the excavation!
There's an impressive range of loose gravel options, and your choice will definitely affect the resin driveway cost factor.
Some gravel types are rarer than others and certain types cost more depending on where they were sourced from. All good resin driveway specialists will talk you through this and offer the best advice. If there's a cheaper alternative that looks similar and offers the same benefits without compromising the overall design, they will make sure you are aware of this.
At the very least, the loose gravel should be thoroughly washed and kiln dried, as this removes dust and dirt particles that might compromise the finish or structural integrity later.
The range of colours is almost endless, as the naturally coloured gravel can be blended to produce different shades. Top brands, like Daltex, have perfected this art, creating a variety of stunning colour blends that will allow you to have the design you want.
You can get an idea of how fantastic your new resin driveway will be just from the names given to these colour blends! Take a look at these examples:
This gives a fair idea of what can be achieved by mixing different coloured stones (sometimes of different sizes), giving you an almost endless range to choose from!
Take some time to browse through the catalogue of colours before you decide. Some resin driveway specialists create bespoke colours by mixing the gravel to order, so if you have a specific design or colour in mind you might get your wish.
Bear in mind, though, that some colours will cost more than others and a bespoke service is likely to be more expensive.
One of the great features of resin driveways is that you can have just about any design you want. It can be two-tone black and white, a single block of colour, or as bright and vibrantly multicoloured as you wish. You can include geometric patterns, house numbers, family crests, business logos - effectively, whatever your imagination can conjure up!
However, the more complex the design and the more colours that you add, the higher the final cost.
The same applies to the shape of your driveway: a standard rectangle shape is much easier to handle when installing a resin driveway, whereas a complex or unusual shape requires more work to achieve a perfect finish.
If you don't already have a driveway in place, as we briefly mentioned earlier, the area will need to be excavated and prepared as a resin driveway can't be laid directly onto soil or grass. This is because the resin driveway needs a stable sub-base to ensure that it retains its structural integrity.
Also, it isn't wise to lay resin driveways on block paving as this doesn't provide the necessary stability. If the block paving shifts, even by a small amount, it will damage the resin surface.
As for concrete driveways, these are fine as long as they aren't cracked, dirty, and covered with weeds. Cleaning, weeding, and repairing them will add to your overall costs.
One final note on concrete driveways is that they often have expansion joints (or control joints) between slabs to allow the material to move and expand. A resin driveway should never be laid over the top of these as any movement will cause the resin to shift and crack. This will need to be addressed before the driveway installers begin work.
All of the above issues could potentially raise your resin driveway cost significantly. Basically, the more preparation required, the more it will add to the cost of a resin driveway.
This is usually only an issue if the contractor needs to excavate the ground beforehand or remove your existing driveway materials.
They will need to arrange for a skip to be delivered and collected again, which adds to the final bill.
The cost of skip hire varies around the country, but they are generally available in two sizes:
These prices are for a week's hire, although some companies have a standard two-week hire policy. It's likely that the resin driveway installation company will have a good business relationship with a local skip-hire agency and may be able to get preferential rates.
The cost for this should be included in any estimates you receive for the job.
That's right - the Great British Weather is a resin driveway cost factor! While wet weather will merely postpone the job (if excess moisture gets into the mix it will make the resin look cloudy and cause the surface to fail), very hot weather can mean higher installation costs.
Most resin driveway installation projects take place in the warmer months, but the hotter the conditions are the more rapidly the resin will dry. Because of this, it needs to be laid quicker, so the contractor will use more workers to get the job done before it sets. And more workers equals higher costs.
It's the same with most services: the price will vary according to where you are situated in the UK. The bad news for anyone located in London and the southeast is that prices there are significantly higher, usually by at least 40%!
Some rural regions can be more expensive, as there's less likely to be as much choice. The lack of competition means that contractors can essentially charge what they want.
So, those in the northern towns and cities are in luck: you'll probably get the most reasonably-priced resin driveway costs in the UK!
A reputable resin driveway company will always be upfront about prices and won't spring any nasty surprises on you in the form of hidden costs. The trouble is that they can only include costs for things they know about. That's why the initial consultation is essential as it's a chance to iron out all the facts. Even so, unforeseen problems or circumstances can arise at any stage.
When the contractor takes on the job, they should inspect the site to see if there are any issues to be resolved, like edging or drainage, and these need to be factored into the final resin driveway cost.
If a resin driveway is to be successful and look great, it needs to be laid against solid edges. That is, it can't simply end without something containing it or it will simply splurge out at the edges and look awful. It is also likely to lose its strength and the edges will soon crack.
So, contractors installing a resin driveway will press it up against your walls or existing kerb stones wherever possible.
But where the driveway meets, say, a lawn or flowerbed and there's no solid boundary, they will have to place edging down first to contain the resin and this will have to be added to the bill.
You are welcome to choose the type of edging you want, but some materials will be much more expensive than others. For example, aluminium edging is available and is cheaper at around £10 for 2.5 metres. Alternatively, you could use granite kerbs, at around £25 a metre.
Other options include block paving, paving slabs, or a flexible edging system. Each one has its attractions and its own set of prices.
This shouldn't be an issue with a resin-bound driveway, as it is permeable and will allow rainwater to soak through into the ground beneath. Although this is only the case if it has been laid over a permeable sub-base or surface.
To be SuDS compliant, your resin-bound driveway must be laid on a porous surface, like a tarmac. When laid on a concrete driveway, your new resin surface will not be classed as permeable and the contractor will need to fit a drainage system.
And if you opted for a resin-bonded driveway, you'll need to consider adding drainage, possibly to get around local planning laws. All of this extra work (plus the materials) adds to the bill!
Always check with your chosen resin driveway specialist to see if this is included, as some of them add an anti-slip coating as standard while others charge for this as an optional extra. If it's not included in the price, it's well worth the investment as it dramatically reduces the risk of any accidents in wet or icy conditions.
To create an anti-slip surface, a layer of finely crushed glass is added to the resin after it has been laid, making it safe for all. This can be (almost literally!) a lifesaver for the elderly or infirm, providing a safe, slip-free surface all year round.
If your contractors have travelled from outside the local area they may add an extra charge for transporting workers and all the driveway materials and tools to the site. If the job lasts for a couple of days, they may even factor in overnight accommodation and subsistence for their workers. This is not unreasonable and is standard practice, although some companies might lower the rate per square metre as a goodwill gesture if it's a larger area.
Making a direct comparison isn't easy as there are many different cost factors for each type.
On average, block paving comes in at between £45 and £70 per square metre, while at the very start, we suggested that a resin driveway cost will start at £40 and go as high as £170, maybe even more.
This means that you could conceivably install a resin driveway for less than block paving, but it depends on the specifications. Overall, though, resin driveways have the upper hand as they are easier to lay, easier to maintain, and look better for longer.
Our best advice is to invest in a resin driveway and go to the very top of your budget as you'll get better value for money.
While you might consider a resin-bound driveway cost to be daunting, bear in mind that this investment will last for thirty years or more. If you're interested in learning more about how long does a resin driveway last, we suggest checking out our dedicated post on the subject.
And while it's true that it's more expensive than gravel, asphalt, or concrete driveway, it will certainly last longer and look more appealing. What's more, it will definitely add value and kerb appeal to your property! A resin-bound driveway can add between 5% and 10% to the value of your home.
Whoever dreamt up these names obviously didn't have the consumer in mind! It continues to cause confusion as thousands of people don't realise that there's a difference between the two systems.
Is this important? Very much so!
While they're quite similar in terms of materials, there are key differences that will influence your choice:
With resin-bonded surfaces, the resin is laid down first and the gravel is scattered onto the top. The upper layer of stones remains exposed to the elements, meaning that loose stones can be a problem after a while and the colour may fade sooner.
Another fact to be aware of is that resin-bonded surfaces are non-permeable, so they may require planning permission, depending on the size of the driveway, where the property is situated and the rules put in place by your local authority.
The SuDS (Sustainable urban drainage system) scheme was established to manage stormwater better and reduce the risk of localised flooding in vulnerable areas, mainly around towns and cities. Under this scheme, new driveways (over 5 square metres in size) that don't have a porous surface will need planning permission before going ahead.
Finally, a resin-bonded driveway cost is typically less than a resin-bound driveway, which might be a key factor for some customers who are trying to keep to a tight budget.
With resin-bound driveways, the aggregate is mixed together with the resin on site and trowelled firmly into place.
Because of this, resin-bound surfaces are often considered a better option than resin-bonded driveways as the internal matrix is incredibly strong and durable.
A resin-bound driveway is also permeable, making it fully SuDS compliant and therefore not subject to local planning regulations. For more information, we recommend checking out our post titled "Are Resin Driveways Permeable".
The answer to this really depends on the intended use, your own personal preference, your budget, and a range of other practical issues.
For instance, resin-bonded surfaces are ideal for making assisted access ramps because they provide a better grip. They can also be used around traditional buildings or heritage sites as a practical solution, without all the bother you get with a gravel driveway or path where loose stones are continually scattered everywhere. A resin-bound surface might look smart, but it doesn't lend itself as well to a more traditional or historical site.
Even so, when all's said and done, a resin-bound driveway has the edge and will always be the better choice if your budget can stretch to it.
For sheer durability, it can't be beaten. And on top of this, resin-bound surfacing is permeable whereas a resin-bonded surface is not. While the latter might be cheaper in the short term, you'll need to ensure that there is adequate drainage - and that's assuming that you get planning permission.
Whether you opt for a resin-bound driveway or a resin-bonded driveway, you'll want to know all of the facts before you invest any money.
And this means looking at the cons as well as the pros!
So, are there any negative points when it comes to resin driveways? It's only fair to say that there are, so let's dissect them to see how they might affect your decision.
Yes, we've mentioned this above - resin driveway installation isn't cheap. In fact, it's potentially the most expensive option in many cases. You could reduce this by opting for a resin-bonded driveway rather than a resin-bound driveway, but that's not always the best route.
However, as the old saying goes, you get what you pay for! Resin-bound paving looks fantastic and will outlast most other materials. In terms of simple economics, installing a resin driveway makes sense.
Installing resin-bound surfaces is a specialist job that requires skill, precision, and patience. It can't be hurried, but the mixture has to be trowelled into place before it starts to set.
It's also imperative that the mixture of resin to gravel is spot on, or the finished result will be poor and may weaken over time.
That's why it is essential to find a professional resin driveway installation company like Guardian Resin to ensure that the work will be undertaken correctly and that it is covered by a guarantee.
They're fine if there's just a couple of cars that come and go, but if there's a constant stream of vehicles to and fro it might be a problem.
As robust as they are, resin-bound surfaces aren't built to take a heavy flow of vehicles long-term and it's possible that the top layer may be compromised.
A resin-bonded driveway is potentially tougher and can withstand heavier traffic, but this isn't always an option in areas where the SuDS rules apply.
If your resin driveway does become badly damaged, getting it fixed isn't always easy. To begin with, if you have a specific or unusual colour, we have to try and match this so it doesn't look obvious. The new resin mix is packed into the cracked area and left to set, but it can take a while for it to blend in with the older resin.
Major cracking is a serious headache - it's highly likely that the entire driveway will need to be replaced. However, the main reason why resin driveways crack is due to poor installation or a badly prepared sub-base that has shifted.
The best way to avoid this is to prepare the sub-base correctly, and that means hiring a competent professional to do the job. You can also check out our post "Can Resin Driveways Be Repaired", for more additional insights.
This is rarely a problem with resin-bound driveways as the gravel is embedded within the resin. However, a resin-bonded driveway can lose stones over time as vehicles dislodge them. If this isn't dealt with it will leave unsightly bare patches on your driveway.
To be frank, if your resin driveway starts to fade and become yellow, then the resin driveway installer did not use UV resin. If you specifically requested a UV-stable resin, then this is a problem!
Non-UV resin will always be a poor choice and won't keep those colours vibrant and beautiful. And if it has become faded and discoloured, there is no way to fix this other than taking it up and starting again.
Always confirm that your resin driveway installer is using the resin of your choice.
Yes, it's a strange one, isn't it? How can stones and resin get rusty?
The fact is that some of the aggregates may contain iron pyrites that could leach rust into the matrix after a time. While this can usually be fixed (using oxalic acid), it doesn't look great.
If you find that water is pooling on your new resin driveway and not draining away properly this can only mean one thing: your resin driveway installers have messed up!
The problem can be remedied by getting the original contractors to do the job properly - and there's no valid reason why they should charge you for this. They will need to ensure there's an adequate slope to allow water to run off, or completely re-install the driveway.
This highlights the importance of choosing a professional, reliable resin driveway company, like Guardian Resin.
When you discover lumps and bumps in the surface of your new resin driveway, you can bet that the sub-base is the problem. Even the smallest bump will eventually show through on the surface and it needs fixing now - leaving it alone will only store up problems for the future, leading to cracks or standing water.
Again, a competent installer would ensure that the sub-base was completely level before applying the resin layer. They are responsible for fixing the problem, even if it means removing and re-installing the driveway.
If you're feeling adventurous - and you are trying to save a few quid - you might be considering a DIY resin driveway.
This task has become more accessible of late, with dozens of companies producing good-quality kits for anyone who wants to install their own resin drive or resin patio.
These kits start from around £30 and run to over £100, depending on the colour, brand, gravel size, etc. Each kit covers a four square metre area, or thereabouts, so you could conceivably have your resin driveway for about £30.
Now here comes the 'however'...
While there's no doubt that most of these kits are good quality, and that some customers would make an excellent job of it, there's a huge risk involved. To begin with, you need to ensure that you have enough of the mixture to cover the entire area in one session. So, you need to decide whether one kit is going to be enough.
Next, you have to get the mixture right and trowel it into place firmly - get these steps wrong and the whole kit is wasted, and you don't get your lovely new driveway. While good brands make it fairly easy, with clear instructions to follow, it's still possible to mess it up - laying resin isn't as easy as it looks!
You also have to prepare the existing surface or sub-base properly. If this isn't right then your driveway will fail pretty soon.
Finally, while the costs for each kit might seem attractive, most will require add-ons, such as a UV-stable resin binder or anti-slip coating.
As we said earlier, this is a specialist job and few people will get the results they want or expect if they go down the DIY route.
So, what have we learned in our quest?
Let's sum everything up to give you something to take away:
Now you're in possession of nearly all the facts!
Armed with this knowledge, you can make an informed decision about your resin driveway with confidence.
All you need to do now is to set your budget, plan your design, and contact a professional resin driveway installer, like Guardian Resin, to enhance and upgrade your property.
