When deciding what driveway to choose as a homeowner in the UK, there are many factors to consider before making the choice (driveway). Not only will the choice of a driveway affect where you park and how your vehicle is maintained, but it will also impact how your home appears from the outside, how well water drains from your driveway, its longevity, and therefore the overall value of your house.The two biggest driveway options in 2026 are going to be resin-bound driveways and Tarmac driveways.

Both types of driveway are the most popular across the UK. Still, they offer different benefits depending on your property, how you plan to use your driveway, and your budget.To determine which type of driveway is most suitable for your home, this article will compare resin and Tarmac driveways.

Why Choosing the Right Driveway Surface Matters

The UK has variable and unpredictable weather conditions; it rains frequently, we get severely cold during Winter months! However, whilst the weather in the UK has volatile conditions, longer warmer periods are being experienced so both types of drives require to be very strong, weather resistant and suitable for effective water drainage. Choosing the correct materials for your driveway can reduce your long-term maintenance costs, help prevent flood-related issues, and enhance the curb appeal of your home. 

 Both resin and tarmac have been used for many years as surface materials for residential properties.Both surfacing materials perform differently depending on their specific use and environmental conditions.

What Is a Resin Bound Driveway?

.In general, a resin-bound driveway is a mixture of natural aggregates and clear resin when mixed together can be applied onto a solid dark base material to create a non-slip, smooth, seamless and fully porous surface that allows water to naturally flow through.

Benefits of resin driveways for UK homes:

• Superb drainage and puddle prevention
• Complies with UK regulations for drainage
• Attractive appearance and modern finish
• Resistant to weeds and loose stones
• Low maintenance once installed

Resin bound driveways are becoming increasingly popular in front gardens and residential properties where focus is on both drainage and appearance.

What Is a Tarmac Driveway?

A tarmac driveway (asphalt) is composed of a blend of crushed aggregate stone and bitumen. Tarmac driveways are installed hot and compacted to result in a solid, durable surface.

Benefits of tarmac driveways:

• Remarkably durable and robust
• Good traction on larger vehicles and high traffic
•  Faster to fit compared to many alternatives
• Economical if using resin and tarmac as there are bigger areas to cover
• Easy to repair and resurface

Tarmac has been a very reliable and strong option for driveways in the UK for many years.

Resin vs Tarmac: Appearance and Kerb Appeal

If appearance is one of your interests when looking to install a driveway, you will find that resin-bound surfaces tend to catch the eye. Resin driveways look clean and decorative and can be made in a variety of different colours and types of stone. Therefore, they can fit into both traditional and contemporary homes.

Tarmac driveways can look orderly and tidy but are much more utilitarian in design. For this reason, they generally get chosen for their usefulness rather than for how they will appear to be seen. 

Best for kerb appeal: Resin driveways
Best for a practical finish: Tarmac driveways

Durability and Performance in UK Weather

Both driveway types are well suited to UK conditions when installed correctly.

Tarmac driveway performance:

• Excellent freezing and frost protection
• Strong enough for cars, vans, and heavier vehicles
• With adequate maintenance, expected usable lifetime should be between 15-20 years or more.

Resin driveway performance:

• Zero or minimal standing water
• Reduced risk of developing surface cracking due to freezing during winter months.
• Typically lasts 20–25 years when professionally installed

In both cases, the quality of the grounds preparation prior to installation is necessary for long-lasting durability of both types of driveways.

Drainage and Planning Permission in the UK

Drainage is a major concern for many homeowners.

• A residence with a resin bound driveway will allow natural drainage through it (permeable). In most cases, you will not need to get any permission from your council to install a front driveway made of resin.
• A tarmac driveway is not permeable. Therefore, you may be required to install additional drainage methods such as channels and/or soak-a-ways.

If it matters to you that the surface meets drainage requirements, then using resin is generally more desirable.

Maintenance and Long-Term Care

Many homeowners look for a driveway that requires minimal upkeep.

Resin driveway maintenance:

• The driveway needs cleaning from time to time by a pressure
•  washer Very few weeds
• Loose stones will not occur.

Tarmac driveway maintenance:

• It may need resurfacing again in the future.
• There may be some small cracks, however these are minor and easy to repair.
• Maintenance is not expensive and is very simple to do.

Lowest ongoing maintenance: Resin
Easiest repairs: Tarmac

Cost Considerations: Resin vs Tarmac

While exact costs vary depending on driveway size, groundwork, and location:

• Tarmac driveways are typically much cheaper to purchase than Resin driveways (the latter is generally more expensive but offers a more high-end finish).
• Resin driveways have a higher initial cost but offer a premium finish

Homeowners choosing resin often value appearance and drainage, while tarmac is ideal for those prioritising strength and budget.

Which Driveway Is Better for Your UK Home in 2026?

A resin bound driveway may be the best choice if you want:

• Modern, decorative driveway 
• Good drainage
• Low upkeep
• Enhanced kerb appeal

A tarmac driveway may be the better option if you want:

• Strength and durability
• Cost-effective
• Quick to install 
• Practical and durable

The best driveway depends on your property type, usage, and personal preferences.

Professional Driveway Installation Matters

Regardless of the surface that you choose, hiring a professional installation company is essential for the installation of a long-lasting and durable driveway. Proper ground preparation, preparing for drainage, and using quality materials will all ensure that your driveway will perform properly for many years after it has been installed.

At A1 Driveways, we provide expert resin and tarmac driveway installation across the UK,  Our staff are highly trained to provide the right advice and individual solutions for your property.

Get a Free Driveway Quote Today

When figuring out whether to install a resin driveway or a tarmac driveway, we can help. We will evaluate your property to determine the best driveway solution for you. 

To get an obligation-free quote from A1 Driveways, please contact us today.

FAQs 

Resin driveways or tarmac driveways; what should I choose?

Both types of driveway are acceptable for homes in the UK but, in terms of looks, drainage, and ongoing maintenance, a resin driveway is superior. Tarmac driveways are extremely durable and tend to be less expensive for installation.

Will my resin driveway stand up to the weather in the UK?

The weather in the UK can be unpredictable, but resin-bound driveways perform well because they’re permeable allowing water (from rain) to drain through them reducing the potential for puddles or frost to cause damage.

How long will my tarmac or resin driveway last?

The average lifespan of tarmac driveways is between 15 and 20 years whereas resin driveways can have a lifespan of up to 25 years when installed and maintained properly.

Which option will be the most cost effective?

Tarmac driveways tend to have lower initial installation costs than resin driveways. While resin driveways have a higher initial cost, they offer greater aesthetic appeal and require lower long-term maintenance versus tarmac driveway.

Do resin driveways increase the value of property as compared to tarmac driveways?

Resin driveways tend to offer more curb appeal and therefore tend to increase overall property value more than tarmac driveways because of their modern appearance and low maintenance.