Choosing the right driveway surface is an important decision that should involve considerations such as budget, style, durability, and the volume of traffic your driveway will most likely endure on a day-to-day basis. In this blog post, we’ll explore five popular driveway surfaces – concrete, block paving, resin, gravel, and tarmac – and weigh up their pros and cons. Additionally, we’ll discuss why Outdoor Home Improvements is the go-to solution for driveway surfacing in Newton Abbot.
To help you compare them at a glance, here’s how the five surfaces stack up on cost, lifespan, maintenance and drainage:
| Surface | Indicative cost (per m²)* | Typical lifespan | Maintenance level | Permeable (SuDS-friendly) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gravel | £20–£40 | 10+ years (with top-ups) | High | Yes | Lowest budget, natural drainage |
| Tarmac | £25–£50 | 15–20 years | Low–Medium | No (unless drainage added) | Fast, budget-friendly, large areas |
| Concrete | £30–£60 plain / £50–£90 pattern-imprinted | 20+ years | Low | No | Durability on a budget |
| Block paving | £40–£70 | 20–30+ years | Medium | Yes (permeable blocks) | Bespoke design, easy spot repairs |
| Resin bound | £40–£70 | 15–25 years | Low | Yes | Modern, low-maintenance finish |
*Indicative supplied-and-laid prices for 2026. Actual cost depends on area, ground preparation, drainage, edging and your location. Request a free quote for an exact figure.
Concrete driveways are a highly durable surfacing option made from a mixture of cement, aggregates, water, and sometimes additional additives. For those seeking an affordable, simple and functional driveway solution, or a stable sub-base for resin, concrete driveways make a fantastic choice.
| Concrete Driveways Pros | Concrete Driveway Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable upfront cost | Limited design options |
| Low maintenance | Can sometimes crack in extreme weather |
| Lifespan of up to 20 years | Surface wear and erosion with heavy use |
| Fast installation | Can be stained by oil and grease |
| Can be laid on any surface | Not as decorative as other alternatives |
| Different finishes available | Less flexibility to accommodate ground movements |
Block paving driveways are constructed using individual blocks or bricks made from various materials like concrete, clay, or natural stone. These blocks are laid in specific patterns on a prepared base to create a durable and visually appealing driveway surface. This surface has become popular amongst homeowners who have a moderate budget and prioritise a personalised and visually appealing driveway.
| Block Paving Pros | Block Paving Cons |
|---|---|
| Versatile design ideas | Higher upfront cost than other materials |
| Permeable, allowing water drainage | Requires occasional maintenance, such as re-sanding joints |
| Easy to repair by replacing individual blocks | Some blocks could fade due to sunlight exposure |
| Complement other surfaces like resin | Can be susceptible to weed growth |
Resin driveways are a type of driveway surface made by combining clear or coloured resin with aggregate materials like gravel, stones, or recycled glass. This mixture creates a permeable and smooth surface that is both aesthetically pleasing and durable. If you have a slightly higher budget and are looking for a modern and customisable driveway, then resin should be at the top of your list.
| Resin Driveway Pros | Resin Driveway Cons |
|---|---|
| Wide range of resin colours and designs | Higher initial cost |
| Easy resin cleaning and maintenance | Can be damaged by heavy objects or vehicles |
| Resistant to weeds | Professional installation required |
| Permeable | Longer installation time as resin needs time to cure |
| Also ideal for patios, pathways, balconies, pool surrounds and more | Harder to repair without a professional |
Read ‘Resin Driveways: The Ultimate Guide’ to learn more about resin as a driveway surface and find answers to some frequently asked questions.
Of the five surfaces here, resin bound is the one we most often recommend for modern homes, and it’s our specialist surface. It pairs the clean, contemporary finish and wide colour choice homeowners want with the permeability and low maintenance that make it genuinely practical for UK weather. A typical resin bound driveway lasts 15–25 years and needs little more than an occasional sweep and jet wash, with no re-sanding, raking or resealing. Because it’s SuDS-friendly by design, it also helps you avoid the cost and hassle of adding separate drainage. Plus, as it works just as well for patios, pathways and pool surrounds, it’s easy to carry one consistent look across your outdoor space.
Browse our full range of resin driveway colours to see the options.
Gravel driveways are another popular and cost-effective choice, featuring loose stones laid over a prepared surface. This aggregate comes in a variety of sizes, colours, and types, and is spread over a prepared driveway base, which typically consists of layers of larger stones and compacted soil to ensure proper drainage and stability. The variety of gravel types allows for customisation in appearance and texture, making it a versatile option for homeowners.
| Gravel Driveway Pros | Gravel Driveway Cons |
|---|---|
| Cost effective | Requires regular maintenance, such as regrading and replenishing gravel |
| Easy installation | Difficult to walk on or for mobility devices |
| Affordable option | Can cause dust and mud depending on the weather |
| Provides natural drainage | Regular maintenance required |
For those who want a durable driveway with a sleek, uniform look, tarmac is a good option. Tarmac is essentially small broken stones and other aggregate materials that are pressed together tightly and bound with tar. Because of its properties, tarmac is commonly used on public roads, as well as driveways.
| Tarmac Driveway Pros | Tarmac Driveway Cons |
|---|---|
| Smooth and even surface | Limited design options |
| Quick and easy installation | Prone to cracking over time |
| Highly Durable | Not the most visually appealing |
| Resistant to harsh weather conditions | Can degrade when exposed to UV light |
The right surface is a trade-off between what you pay upfront and what you’ll spend in time and money keeping it looking good.
Since UK rules changed, you generally won’t need planning permission for a front driveway if the surface is permeable, or if rainwater drains to a permeable area such as a lawn or border rather than running off onto the road. Gravel, resin bound and permeable block paving are inherently SuDS-friendly. Solid concrete and tarmac are not permeable, so they may need a separate drainage solution (such as a soakaway or channel drain) to comply. For more detail, read ‘Do I Need Planning Permission For Driveways?‘.
Choosing the right driveway surface involves careful consideration of your budget, taste, and the specific demands of your property. Whether you opt for the affordability of concrete, the versatility of block paving, the modern aesthetics of resin, the simplicity of gravel, or the durability of tarmac, Outdoor Home Improvements in Newton Abbot has the expertise and solutions to meet your needs.
Start your outdoor home improvements for spring today – get in touch with us on 01626323525 or request a free survey to kickstart your driveway project.
Again, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best material for your driveway depends on various factors. Here’s a brief overview:
The answer to this question largely depends on your specific requirements, including budget, aesthetic preferences, durability, and maintenance preferences.
In terms of longevity, concrete and block paving driveways tend to outlast other materials when properly installed and maintained. Concrete driveways, if adequately sealed and maintained, can last up to 20 years or more. Similarly, block paving can endure for several decades with routine maintenance.
When it comes to selecting the right driveway specialists, Outdoor Home Improvements in Newton Abbot stands out as the top choice. Here’s why you should choose us:
