Comparisons 6 min readUpdated Jul 2026
Resin vs tarmac driveways, which is right for your property?
Both are excellent surfaces, for different jobs.
Resin bound and tarmac are the two surfaces we quote against each other most often. They solve different problems. Resin bound is a premium, permeable, seamless finish designed for kerb appeal and SUDS compliance. Tarmac is the workhorse, cost-effective, load-bearing and unbeatable over large areas.
| Resin bound | Tarmac | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price (Hinchliffe) | £240 to £280 per m² (full system) | £70 to £110 per m² (residential machine-laid) |
| Lifespan | Decades of service on a correct sub-base | Shorter interval before a wearing-course refresh |
| Drainage | Fully permeable, SUDS compliant | Impermeable, falls to drain or soakaway required |
| Planning (front garden > 5 m²) | Can often be avoided, subject to the complete drainage design | Required unless run-off directed to permeable area |
| Kerb appeal | High, seamless, coloured, natural aggregate | Functional, black, uniform, sharp edges |
| Best for | Front-garden driveways, courtyards, statement homes | Long drives, farm accesses, commercial yards |
| Weeds & loose stone | None, fully bound monolithic surface | None, dense compacted matrix |
When we recommend resin bound
- Front-garden driveways where kerb appeal drives value
- Sites where SUDS compliance is expected or required
- Properties with existing puddling or run-off issues
- Owners who want a low-maintenance surface with no loose stone or weeds
When we recommend tarmac
- Long private drives and shared accesses
- Farm yards, agricultural accesses and estate roads
- Commercial forecourts, delivery yards, industrial hardstanding
- Larger residential drives where budget per m² is the deciding factor