Resin Bound Gravel Prices: All You Need To Know

Driveways are a home improvement that can be difficult to get accurate and fair information on, as they’re a commodity often peddled by chancing door-to-door have-a-go tradespeople.

However, a driveway is an incredibly worthwhile investment, and with the right product, installed by a reputable contractor, can last for years to come, with relatively minimal maintenance to keep it in tip top condition.

Whatever type of driveway you decide on needs to be both hard-wearing and long-lasting. Whether you’re considering tarmac, block paving, or resin bound gravel prices, installers and the pros and cons of each need to be taken into account.

With that in mind, we’ve compiled the following guide to resin bound gravel prices, including influences on cost, and how traditional materials compare…

Making A Driveway Decision: Characteristics

Tarmac driveways are the most common type of driveways in the UK. Freshly mixed concrete is laid down and rolled for compaction. However, tarmac does tend to age, weather and deteriorate and can crack and become damaged.

Tarmac driveways are also reputable for developing areas of uneven surface over time, which can hold puddles and water in inclement weather. Once damaged, tarmac driveways are difficult (and costly) to repair.

Block paving driveways are becoming increasingly popular in the UK and are frequently found on new build developments and estates. Paving is tougher than tarmac, but can still easily become damaged. Yet, it is much easier repaired than tarmac as the affected area can be removed and replaced.

Resin bound gravel driveways are the toughest type of driveway available currently. Water and moisture can drain through the surface naturally, in line with sustainable urban drainage standards, leaving behind no standing water or puddles.

The material make-up of the driveway (natural aggregate, stone, marble and recycled glass coated entirely in a hard-wearing clear resin) prevents scuffs, cracks and damage appearing, leaving a neat finish, that won’t require future repair.

Making A Driveway Decision: Aesthetics

Tarmac is perhaps a little unimaginative in its appearance, and is found in shades of grey. Tarmac’s appearance changes slightly as it ages, giving a degree of uneven discolouration.

Block paving driveways can be laid in a range of styles, designs and colours to be chosen by the homeowner. However, these are quite a ‘statement’ type of driveway, and tend not to blend in with the property’s existing aesthetics.

Resin bound gravel driveways can also be laid in a range of colours, styles and finishes chosen by the homeowner. Neater in appearance, the aggregate within the resin can be selected in specific mixtures, sizes and colour palettes, to best complement the existing exterior of the property.

Making A Driveway Decision: Prices

Tarmac driveways are usually the cheapest to install, but will require further investment in repairs or a replacement later on. Tarmac can, in some cases, be poured directly over an existing driveway to cover it.

Block paving driveways are the most expensive option for driveways. The paving may need to be sourced once chosen and the nature of the manual labour involved in laying each block individually is that it can be a lengthy – and costly – job.

Resin bound gravel prices sit within the mid-point of driveway costings. The key thing to remember with resin bound gravel driveways is that they won’t damage or need replacing, and so the cost is a one-off home improvement investment.

Whilst resin bound gravel driveways do require specialist technicians, the job can be done within a couple of days (size of the driveway dependent) and so less spend is required on labour charges. There are lots of available options with resin bound gravel driveways and every quote is bespoke – so contact specialists and book in a home survey.

Making A Driveway Decision: Installers

Tarmac driveways can be installed by any construction worker or labourer. Whilst it is always better to opt for a tradesperson who you are convinced has relevant experience, there are a wide variety of builders and ‘handymen’ who can lay tarmac.

Block paving driveways can also be installed by anyone – but are often prone to be laid by chance ‘have-a-go’ labourers who sell door-to-door. When investing in a block paving driveway, it is imperative that a trustworthy tradesperson is selected for the job and that they will be available again at a later date for any repairs or re-render required.

Resin bound gravel driveways should only be installed by specialist tradespeople. The British Board of Agrement (BBA) certify Home Logic’s team of driveway technicians, and they subscribe to the professional code of conduct set by Which? Trusted Traders for your complete peace of mind.