How much does a resin driveway cost? Your handy price guide

If you are wondering what a resin driveway costs you will not find yourself alone — this is amongst one of the most popular driveway ideas around right now with so much to offer homeowners. 

Resin driveways come with many benefits. They are quick to install, low-maintenance and perfect for contemporary homes and traditional-style properties alike. In addition, they are a great solution for those with sloping driveways, where gravel may work its way down any slanted sections, plus they are resistant to weeds and long-lasting, providing they are installed by a qualified professional.

Here, we take a look at the costs involved with having a resin driveway installed and explain the various types of resin solutions available to help you make a thoroughly informed decision. After all, your driveway will have a huge effect on the overall kerb appeal of your home. 

Which factors affect how much a resin driveway costs?

When coming up with a driveway design, you will find that there are different types of resin driveways available and the solution you choose will have a direct effect on what you pay. 

There are two main types of system: resin bonded and resin bound.

• In the case of resin bonded systems, gravel is distributed over a layer of pre-applied resin before being left to set. 
• Resin bound driveways consist of a surface layer of dried aggregates mixed with resin and laid to a minimum depth of 18mm onto a suitable, stable base.

"Resin bound is by far the most popular and premium, especially in the homeowner market, but people do get confused," says Sam Buckley of Derbyshire Specialist Aggregates, the manufacturer of Daltex.

For those after cheap driveway ideas, resin bonded finishes tend to be the cheaper of the two solutions, although they are non-permeable which is not always suitable and often leads to puddles and drainage issues. Resin bound driveways, on the other hand, are permeable meaning water can freely disperse. They also result in fewer loose stones and an overall smoother, more uniform surface.

"The cost of a resin bound driveway is dependent upon a number of factors and will vary according to the size and shape of the area, the dried aggregates and type of resin used, and the condition of the base prior to installation," says Sam Buckley. In addition to the type of system you choose, costs will also be affected by the type of resin used. 

"The resin used in the resin bound system is one of the most important contributory elements to a successful, reliable and beautiful resin bound driveway," explains Sam Buckley. "We strongly recommend that only UV-resistant resins are used for external resin-bound surfaces.

"Non-UV resistant resin may be cheaper, but the results achieved in comparison are very different. Non-UV resin darkens when exposed to sunlight and this results in uneven shading. For example, the area where a car is parked, or beneath a wheelie bin or plant pot will darken and stand out from areas that are continually exposed to sunlight — and this can often happen in as little as two weeks."

How much do resin driveways cost?

So to the big question: how much will your driveway costs come to if you opt to have a resin driveway installed?

"Labour costs will vary by installer and region but, as a general guideline, a resin bound overlay will cost approximately £80-£120 per m2 (excluding any base preparation)," says Sam Buckley. "This is just a guideline, and the real cost could be higher or lower."

If you want to keep costs down, opting for a simple-shaped driveway, such as a rectangle will be cheaper than if you have your heart set on something more complicated.

You can also have resin bound driveways that feature patterns and intricate designs and use multiple colours. These can look beautiful but will obviously take longer to install, pushing up costs. 

The current state of your driveway could also see you paying more.

"A damaged or uneven base will require repairs, levelling and cleaning prior to resin bound being laid. In some instances the installer will recommend a new base is installed and many require this in order to guarantee the work," says Sam Buckley.  "Your installer will recommend and cost any remedial work which may be required.

"The cost for resin bound installation, including base will again vary but is commonly £180-£250/m2." 

How long do resin driveways take to install?

You will no doubt be keen to know the kind of timescales you are looking at if you like the idea of a resin bound driveway in order to get an idea of how long any disruption may last. 

"The time it takes to complete your driveway will vary according to its size and the amount of preparation required," advises Sam. "A team of at least three is normally required and, on average, around 70-150m2 is covered per day."

What is the cheapest type of driveway?

At the very cheapest end of the price scale lie asphalt or concrete surfaces.

"The most cost-effective solution would be a standard asphalt or concrete surface. These serve a purpose but won’t necessarily enhance the kerb appeal and appearance of your property as much as something ‘prettier’," says Joni Withers of Sureset.

Gravel is another very cost-effective solution, costing as little as £4/m2 for materials but do factor in the preparation and installation costs too, as well as maintenance — you'll need to familiarise yourself with how to remove weeds from gravel if you go down this route.