Introduction
Resin bound and block paving are two of the most popular driveway surfaces we install across Bristol. Both look great, both last well — but they suit different properties, budgets, and priorities. Having laid hundreds of driveways using both materials over the past 25 years, we’re well placed to break down the real differences.
This guide covers aesthetics, durability, maintenance, cost, installation, drainage, and environmental impact — everything you need to decide which is right for your property.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Resin Bound | Block Paving |
|---|---|---|
| Typical cost (per m²) | £80 – £120 | £60 – £100 |
| Lifespan | 20 – 25+ years | 25 – 30+ years |
| Installation time (avg driveway) | 1 – 2 days | 3 – 5 days |
| Maintenance | Low — occasional pressure wash | Medium — weeding, re-sanding joints |
| Drainage (SUDS compliant) | Yes — fully permeable | Yes, if permeable blocks or gaps used |
| Repair | Harder — patch repairs can be visible | Easy — lift and replace individual blocks |
| Design flexibility | Wide colour range, seamless finish | Multiple patterns, shapes, textures |
| Best for | Modern properties, sloped driveways | Traditional homes, heavy vehicle use |
What is Resin Bound Paving?
Resin bound paving combines natural stone aggregates with a clear, UV-stable resin to create a smooth, seamless surface. The resin coats every stone before it’s trowelled into place, resulting in a flat, permeable finish with no loose stones.
How it’s installed
We prepare the existing base (typically tarmac or concrete), apply a primer coat, then hand-trowel the resin and aggregate mix to a depth of around 15–18mm. Curing takes 4–6 hours depending on temperature, and most driveways are walkable the same day.
Key advantages
The biggest selling point is drainage — resin bound surfaces are fully permeable, meaning rainwater drains straight through rather than pooling or running off into the street. This makes them SUDS-compliant without needing additional drainage solutions, which can save on planning complications. The seamless finish also means no joints for weeds to grow through, keeping maintenance low.
What is Block Paving?
Block paving uses individual concrete or clay bricks laid on a compacted sand and gravel base. The blocks interlock to form a strong, load-bearing surface that can handle heavy vehicles without cracking.
How it’s installed
Installation starts with excavation (typically 200–250mm deep), followed by a compacted MOT Type 1 sub-base, a sharp sand screed layer, and then the blocks themselves — laid by hand in your chosen pattern. We finish with kiln-dried sand brushed into the joints and a plate compactor to lock everything in place. A standard driveway takes 3–5 days.
Key advantages
Block paving is incredibly strong — properly laid, it can handle HGVs without issue. The individual blocks make repairs straightforward: if a block cracks or stains, you lift it out and slot a new one in. Design flexibility is another strength, with patterns like herringbone, stretcher bond, and basketweave all offering different looks.
Aesthetics
Resin bound
Resin bound gives a smooth, contemporary look. The seamless surface and wide range of aggregate colours (from warm golds and coppers to cool greys and silvers) make it a natural fit for modern properties. It also works well on slopes and curved driveways since there are no joints or edges to interrupt the flow.
Block paving
Block paving offers a more textured, traditional appearance. The variety of block shapes, sizes, and colours — combined with laying patterns like herringbone or basketweave — means you can create anything from a classic cottage feel to a clean, geometric design. Contrasting border blocks can frame the driveway and add definition.
Durability and Maintenance
Lifespan
Both surfaces are built to last. A well-installed resin bound driveway will typically last 20–25 years. Block paving edges ahead here at 25–30+ years, largely because individual blocks can be replaced as needed, effectively extending the life of the overall surface indefinitely.
Weather resistance
Resin bound surfaces are flexible, which means they handle temperature fluctuations and ground movement without cracking — a real advantage in the Bristol climate where freeze-thaw cycles can damage rigid surfaces. Block paving is also weather-resistant, but individual blocks can shift or settle over time, particularly in areas with heavy traffic or poor sub-base preparation.
Ongoing maintenance
Resin bound is lower maintenance overall. An annual pressure wash keeps it looking fresh, and the lack of joints means no weeding. Block paving requires more upkeep: weeds can grow through the joints, kiln-dried sand washes out over time and needs topping up, and moss can take hold in shaded areas. That said, block paving is easier to repair — a damaged resin bound patch is harder to blend invisibly.
Cost and Installation
Upfront cost
Block paving is generally the more affordable option, typically costing £60–£100 per m² installed in the Bristol area. Resin bound driveways range from £80–£120 per m², with the higher cost reflecting the specialist materials and application process. For a typical 50m² driveway, that’s roughly £3,000–£5,000 for block paving versus £4,000–£6,000 for resin bound.
Long-term value
Factor in maintenance costs and the picture shifts. Block paving may need re-sanding, weed treatment, and occasional block replacement over its lifetime. Resin bound surfaces have lower ongoing costs but if a large patch fails, repair can be expensive. Over a 20-year period, total cost of ownership is broadly similar for both options.
Installation speed
Resin bound is significantly faster to install — most driveways are completed in 1–2 days (assuming the existing base is sound). Block paving takes 3–5 days due to the excavation, sub-base preparation, and hand-laying of individual blocks. If you need minimal disruption, resin bound has the edge.
Drainage and Environmental Impact
Permeability and planning permission
If your new driveway is larger than 5m² and uses an impermeable surface, you’ll likely need planning permission under current regulations. Resin bound paving is inherently permeable — water drains straight through the surface into the sub-base below. This makes it SUDS-compliant out of the box, usually avoiding the need for planning permission.
Block paving can also be permeable if you use specially designed permeable blocks or leave wider joints filled with gravel. Standard block paving with tight sand joints is not fully permeable, so you’d need to incorporate drainage channels or soakaways to manage surface water.
Sustainability
Both options can incorporate recycled materials. Some resin bound aggregates use recycled glass or stone, while concrete blocks can contain recycled aggregate. The bigger environmental factor is drainage — permeable surfaces reduce flood risk and help recharge groundwater, which is increasingly important in urban areas like Bristol.
Which is Right for Your Property?
Choose resin bound if you want:
- A sleek, modern, seamless finish
- Minimal ongoing maintenance
- Built-in drainage (SUDS compliant) without extra planning hassle
- Fast installation with minimal disruption
- A driveway that handles slopes and curves well
Choose block paving if you want:
- A traditional, textured look with creative pattern options
- Maximum load-bearing strength for heavy vehicles
- Easy spot repairs — individual blocks can be lifted and replaced
- Lower upfront cost
- A proven, long-lasting surface (25–30+ years)
Frequently Asked Questions
No — resin bound is typically £80–£120 per m² while block paving is £60–£100 per m². However, resin bound has lower maintenance costs over time, so the total cost of ownership over 20 years is similar.
Block paving has a slight edge — 25–30+ years versus 20–25 years for resin bound. Block paving can also be extended indefinitely by replacing individual blocks as needed.
If your driveway is over 5m² and uses an impermeable surface, you may need planning permission. Resin bound is fully permeable so usually avoids this. Standard block paving is not fully permeable unless you use permeable blocks or add drainage — check with your local authority.
Yes, if the existing surface (concrete or tarmac) is stable and in good condition. This is one of the reasons resin bound installation is faster — there’s often no need for full excavation. Block paving requires a fresh sub-base, so the old surface needs to come up first.
Resin bound wins here. It’s inherently permeable — water drains through the entire surface. Block paving can be permeable if specifically designed that way, but standard installations with sand-filled joints don’t offer the same level of drainage.
Get a Free Quote
Still not sure which option suits your property? We install both resin bound driveways and block paving across Bristol and the surrounding areas. We’re happy to visit your property, discuss your options, and provide a free, no-obligation quote.
Get in touch today or call us on 01454 610716.
Key Takeaways
- Resin Bound Paving and Block Paving are popular driveway surfaces with distinct differences, including cost, lifespan, and maintenance.
- Resin Bound Paving offers a seamless finish, low maintenance, and built-in drainage, while Block Paving provides a textured look and is suitable for heavy vehicles.
- The installation process for Resin Bound Paving takes 1-2 days, whereas Block Paving typically requires 3-5 days.
- Both options can be environmentally friendly, but Resin Bound Paving is inherently permeable, making it SUDS-compliant.
- Consider Resin Bound Paving for a modern look and minimal upkeep, or Block Paving for traditional aesthetics and easier repairs.
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