Resin Driveway Cost Guide (UK)

For many residential projects, resin bound driveway pricing typically falls between £50 and £80 per square metre, depending on access, condition of the base, and aggregate choice. This range covers a straight overlay onto an existing sound concrete or tarmac surface.

Smaller jobs can have a higher per-square-metre rate because setup, mobilisation, and prep time are spread across fewer metres. Larger projects often achieve better value per metre, with costs sometimes dropping below £50 per m2 for straightforward layouts over 60m2.

These figures are for the resin installation itself. Total project costs may be higher once groundwork, edging, and drainage are factored in — we break these down in the sections below.

Understanding how project size affects total cost helps you set a realistic budget before requesting quotes. Below are typical ranges for common driveway sizes in the South East.

A small single-car driveway of around 20m2 typically costs between £1,000 and £1,600 for a resin overlay onto an existing base. A standard two-car driveway of 40m2 sits in the £2,000 to £3,200 range, while a larger driveway of 80m2 or more can cost between £4,000 and £6,400.

If your existing surface needs replacing — meaning full excavation, new sub-base, and compaction — add roughly £30 to £50 per m2 on top of these figures. This is why getting an on-site survey is essential: the base condition is the single biggest variable in pricing.

• Small driveway (20m2, 1 car): £1,000–£1,600 overlay
• Medium driveway (40m2, 2 cars): £2,000–£3,200 overlay
• Large driveway (80m2, 3+ cars): £4,000–£6,400 overlay
• Full groundwork adds £30–£50 per m2 to all sizes

The condition of the existing surface has a major effect on cost. If the current tarmac or concrete base is sound, an overlay can reduce labour and waste removal significantly.

Projects that need full excavation, new sub-base, drainage adjustments, or complex edging will be priced higher because of extra materials and time on site.

The choice of aggregate also affects price. Standard natural aggregates are the most affordable, while premium marble or recycled glass blends carry a small surcharge. Edge restraints, step details, and curved borders also add to the labour time.

• Base condition and required preparation
• Total area size and shape complexity
• Aggregate blend and edge detailing
• Access constraints and waste removal
• UV-stable resin quality and warranty level

Comparing resin to alternative driveway surfaces helps you understand whether it represents good value for your situation. Each surface type has different upfront and long-term costs.

Tarmac is the most affordable option at roughly £40 to £60 per m2, but it offers fewer design options and may need resurfacing within 10 to 15 years. Concrete driveways cost £50 to £75 per m2 and are durable, but can crack and stain over time without sealing.

Block paving sits between £60 and £100 per m2 depending on pattern complexity, and requires ongoing weed management and re-sanding. Gravel is the cheapest at £20 to £40 per m2 but needs regular topping up and is not wheelchair or pushchair friendly.

Resin bound driveways at £50 to £80 per m2 offer a strong middle ground: lower maintenance than block paving, better kerb appeal than tarmac, and full permeability without the loose-stone issues of gravel. Over a 20-year lifespan, total cost of ownership often favours resin.

• Tarmac: £40–£60/m2 — affordable but limited design options
• Concrete: £50–£75/m2 — durable but prone to cracking
• Block paving: £60–£100/m2 — attractive but high maintenance
• Gravel: £20–£40/m2 — cheapest but needs regular topping up
• Resin bound: £50–£80/m2 — low maintenance, permeable, 15–25 year lifespan

Several costs can catch homeowners off guard if they are not included in the initial quote. Knowing what to ask about upfront prevents surprises later.

Skip hire for removing old surface material typically costs £160 to £370 depending on location and skip size. If your driveway requires a dropped kerb to access the road, your local council may charge £500 to £1,500 for the application and installation.

Drainage work is another common addition. If your property does not have adequate soakaways or the existing drainage is blocked, this can add £500 to £2,000 depending on the scope. Edge restraints — aluminium or steel borders that contain the resin — typically cost £12 to £40 per linear metre.

Access can also affect price. If the work area is difficult to reach with a mixer truck (for example, through a narrow side passage), the installer may need additional labour hours for manual material handling.

• Skip hire: £160–£370
• Dropped kerb application: £500–£1,500
• Drainage work: £500–£2,000
• Edge restraints: £12–£40 per linear metre
• Difficult access surcharge: varies by site

Getting three written quotes from different installers is standard practice, but knowing how to compare them is what saves you money without sacrificing quality.

Ask each installer to itemise their quote: preparation works, base or overlay specification, resin brand and type, aggregate choice, edge restraints, and warranty terms should all be listed separately. This makes like-for-like comparison possible.

Check that the resin specified is UV-stable — cheaper resins can yellow within a few years, which degrades the appearance and may void your warranty. Confirm the installer carries public liability insurance and ask to see examples of completed work in your area.

Do not automatically choose the cheapest quote. A low price sometimes reflects thinner resin application, lower-grade aggregate, or no proper base assessment. The cost of rectifying a failed resin driveway far exceeds the saving from a cut-price installation.

Resin driveway costs can vary across the South East based on local labour rates, material delivery distances, and demand. In Brighton and Eastbourne, pricing tends to be consistent with the £50 to £80 per m2 range for overlay work.

Areas further from material suppliers or with more restricted access may see slightly higher costs. Urban areas with high parking demand — such as Crawley and Croydon — often see more straightforward projects because driveways tend to be smaller and more accessible.

For location-specific pricing context, see our area pages for Eastbourne, Brighton, Crawley, and Tunbridge Wells.