Resin Driveway vs Block Paving

Choosing between resin driveways or block paving drives can be difficult. Both paving products can offer the perfect finishing touch to the outside of any home.

But how does resin compare to block paving?

Resin Driveways or Block paving – Some Background

Block paving really took off in the 1980s. The mass manufacturing of concrete blocks combined with basic colour blends made block paving an attractive alternative to concrete, gravel or tarmacadam.

Today, the larger range of colours (with subtle blends and effects) as well as variation in block sizes means fading is less of an issue, and design options are much wider.

In comparison resin is a newer surfacing product. In simple terms mixing different coloured gravel with glue.

That’s about it.

Resin driveways are promoted as a ‘permeable’ paving surface and this is true, to a certain extent. 

But permeable block paving is also available (with suitability conditions attached).

It’s also important to understand that whilst a resin/gravel driveway mixture is permeable, this is only any ‘true’ if the surface underneath the resin/gravel mixture is also permeable! 

If there’s a gradient/slope there shouldn’t be any problem with surface water. But if there isn’t consideration must be given to drainage.

Resin Driveways or Block Paving- Quality?

Drivewaywise are independent with our observations across the whole of the driveway surfacing market. 

We don’t favour one driveway surfacing product over another. 

Just because block paving has been around longer doesn’t mean a superior installation in comparison to another paving choice such as decorative concrete or resin.

In our opinion, as with any unregulated markets, quality standards vary and it’s therefore impossible to compare ‘like with like’.

Ultimately, you as the homeowner have the choice of which paving surface to use and which driveway installation company to use.

Consistent quality manufacturing standards are readily available with the larger block paving manufacturers such as Tobermore, Marshalls and Bradstone.

Likewise, with commercial resin manufacturers exacting standards are necessary as resin usage in a commercial way is open to commercial claims.

In terms of the residential driveway/patio market commercial suppliers of resin supply this market. Therefore, in terms of quality resin there is a wide choice available.

Treating materials as equal; it then comes down to the quality of skill, experience and workmanship with installations. 

The perfect circumstances for any homeowner, are having a skilful installers with the right level of experience….and using the very best materials available.

Resin Driveways or Block Paving – All About The Looks?

Source