Resin Bound vs Block Paving

Quick Comparison

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 £80–£120 per m² installed in the Bristol area. Resin bound driveways range from £100–£140 per m², with the higher cost reflecting the specialist materials and application process. For a typical 50m² driveway, that’s roughly £4,000–£6,000 for block paving versus £5,000–£7,000 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:

Choose block paving if you want:

Frequently Asked Questions