Choosing the right driveway material is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when it comes to improving the front of your home. A driveway isn’t just a practical place to park your car — it’s one of the first things visitors see and it can add real value and kerb appeal when done well. With so many options available these days, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the choice, especially if you’re not sure how different surfaces compare. Resin, tarmac and concrete are three of the most popular driveway materials in the UK, each offering its own mix of strengths and things to consider.
Understanding the differences between them can help you pick the surface that suits your budget, how you plan to use your drive and how much maintenance you’re prepared to do over the years. It also helps you have the right conversations with driveway installers so you can be confident you’re making an investment that will last.
First Impressions and Visual Appeal
One of the biggest reasons homeowners choose resin bound driveways is the look. A resin driveway creates a smooth, seamless surface made up of small stones bound together with a clear resin. Because the stones come in a wide range of colours and sizes, you can customise the finish to match your house style or even complement garden paths and landscaping. The end result is modern and tidy, with a natural stone effect that feels upmarket without looking too stark.
Tarmac is more traditional and has been a go-to for driveways for decades, particularly on long drives or shared access roads. Its uniform black or deep red appearance suits a wide range of properties, from suburban semis to rural cottages. While it may not offer as much design flexibility as resin, a fresh tarmac driveway still looks smart and can be edged with block paving or kerb stones to give it a more finished, decorative look.
Concrete driveways, especially pattern imprinted concrete, can deliver a surprisingly varied look. Plain concrete is more utilitarian and suits a simple, hardwearing driveway that needs to cope with heavy use. Imprinted concrete, on the other hand, can be coloured and stamped to mimic cobblestones, brickwork or paving slabs. This gives you a decorative surface with the strength of poured concrete underneath, which is why it remains popular for homeowners who want a driveway that stands out but doesn’t require as much upkeep as block paving.
Durability and How Long They Last
No matter how good a driveway looks when it’s first laid, it needs to stay that way for years to come to be worth the cost. Resin driveways are known for their strength and flexibility when installed properly. The stones and resin bond together to form a solid but porous layer that resists cracking. They cope well with freeze-thaw conditions in the UK climate because they can flex slightly as temperatures change. Most good quality resin driveways can last around fifteen years or longer with basic maintenance, provided they’re laid over a stable base.
Tarmac driveways are tough and designed to cope with the wear and tear of cars driving over them daily. They’re particularly well-suited to larger areas because the cost per square metre is often more affordable for big drives. A well-laid tarmac drive can last between fifteen and twenty years if cared for. However, it is more prone to damage from oil spills and extreme heat, which can soften the surface in very hot weather. Small cracks or holes can appear over time but these are usually easy to patch without needing to redo the whole drive.
Concrete is one of the most durable surfaces for a driveway when installed properly. A traditional poured concrete slab can last several decades and pattern imprinted concrete, when sealed and maintained, offers similar longevity. One of concrete’s biggest advantages is its strength — it resists heavy loads and is less likely to develop ruts or dips under parked cars. The downside is that if cracks do appear, they can be more noticeable and trickier to repair seamlessly than in resin or tarmac.
Dealing with Drainage
Drainage is an important part of any driveway installation because poor drainage can lead to puddles, frost damage and long-term problems with subsidence or moss growth. Resin bound driveways stand out here because they’re fully permeable. Water drains through the gaps between the stones and soaks away into the ground below, helping you meet UK planning rules around sustainable drainage. This means you’re less likely to see standing water after heavy rain and you may not need additional drainage channels, which keeps the look clean and uncluttered.
Tarmac driveways, by contrast, are not naturally porous. A standard tarmac surface will need to be laid with a slight slope to direct water towards drains or soakaways. In some cases, permeable tarmac options are available but these tend to be more expensive and less commonly used in domestic settings. Without good drainage design, tarmac drives can develop puddles which may contribute to surface damage over time.
Concrete driveways are also non-permeable, which means any rainwater has to drain off the surface into surrounding channels or gullies. Pattern imprinted concrete often includes built-in slopes and drains to handle this but it’s vital to get it right during installation. Poor drainage design can quickly lead to water pooling, which can freeze and expand, causing cracks in the concrete.
Ease of Maintenance
The level of effort needed to keep a driveway looking good year-round is a big factor for many homeowners. Resin driveways are often marketed as low-maintenance because the smooth surface leaves nowhere for weeds to grow and dirt can usually be swept or rinsed away. Because they’re porous, puddles are rare and you’re less likely to see algae or moss build up in shaded spots. An occasional pressure wash helps maintain the colour and keeps the stones looking fresh.
Tarmac is one of the easiest driveways to look after day to day because its solid surface doesn’t allow weeds through. However, over time it can fade or develop minor cracks. A common bit of upkeep is having the surface resealed every few years to protect it from water damage, restore its colour and keep it resilient to oil spills or petrol leaks.
Concrete needs a bit more attention if you want to keep it in top shape, especially if you opt for pattern imprinted designs. It’s highly resistant to wear but dirt and algae can settle in the textured surface, so regular sweeping and occasional cleaning is needed. Imprinted concrete is usually sealed when installed and will need resealing every few years to keep its colour vibrant and its surface protected from stains and moisture penetration.
Repairing and Fixing Damage
No driveway surface is indestructible and the ease of repairs can be an important factor when deciding which material to choose. Resin driveways tend to be resistant to cracking but if damage does occur, repairs can be tricky to blend in perfectly because the colour and texture might not match exactly. Small patches are possible but larger damage may require resurfacing an entire area to keep the look consistent.
Tarmac is straightforward to repair. Small holes and cracks can be filled in or patched by the installer relatively quickly and these fixes often blend in well, especially if the drive is resealed afterwards. For larger driveways or shared surfaces, this practical repair process can make tarmac a sensible choice.
Concrete can be more of a challenge when it comes to repairs. If cracks appear in a plain concrete drive, they can be filled but the repair may be visible, especially if the concrete has weathered. Pattern imprinted concrete is even trickier because matching the colour and pattern exactly is difficult. Some homeowners choose to reseal or recolour larger sections rather than spot-repair, which can add to maintenance costs over time.
Cost Considerations
Cost is always a big part of any decision about a new driveway. Tarmac is often the most budget-friendly option, especially for larger drives where the area to cover is significant. It’s quick to lay and uses less expensive materials than resin or concrete, which keeps costs down. This makes tarmac a practical choice for long driveways or multi-car households that need plenty of space.
Resin bound driveways usually sit in the middle of the price range, costing more per square metre than basic tarmac but often less than a decorative concrete drive. The final price depends on the quality of the resin and the stones chosen, as well as the amount of preparation needed for the base.
Concrete, especially pattern imprinted versions, can be the most expensive option up front because of the labour involved in pouring, colouring and imprinting the pattern. However, many homeowners see this as a worthwhile investment given the lifespan and the decorative finish that can enhance the look of the entire property.
Choosing What’s Right for You
Ultimately, the right driveway surface depends on what you value most. If you want a decorative, modern look that stays neat with minimal fuss, resin bound can be a great choice. It works especially well for properties with contemporary features and for homeowners who like the idea of a permeable surface that manages rainwater naturally.
Tarmac is practical, hardwearing and budget-friendly, which explains why it remains so popular across the UK. It may not offer as many design choices as resin or concrete but it does its job well, especially on larger drives or when you want a clean, simple surface.
Concrete driveways, and particularly imprinted concrete, appeal to those who want a decorative finish that stands out and lasts for decades with the right care. The upfront cost can be higher and you’ll need to stay on top of resealing to keep it looking its best but many homeowners feel it’s worth it for the unique look.
Speaking to a trusted local driveway installer can help you weigh up the pros and cons for your property, your lifestyle and your budget. With the right preparation, careful installation and a clear understanding of what each surface needs to stay looking good, you can enjoy a driveway that looks great and works well for many years to come.