Block Paving vs. Resin Driveways: Which Is Best?
Your driveway is more than just a place to park your car; it’s the first impression your home makes. It sets the tone for your property’s entire aesthetic, welcoming guests and complementing your home’s style.
Both block paving and resin driveways can significantly enhance curb appeal, boosting the visual attractiveness and value of your property. For homeowners in Solihull, choosing the right material for this crucial space is a decision that balances style, durability, and practicality.
When it comes to upgrading their properties, many Solihull homeowners find themselves weighing up two popular options: block paving vs. resin driveways. Each material offers a distinct look and unique benefits, and both provide distinct advantages depending on your needs, whether you prioritise aesthetics, durability, or cost-effectiveness.
This driveway materials guide is here to help you navigate that decision. As a leading driveway installer, Ideal Building & Landscapes will explore the pros and cons of both block paving and resin, comparing their appearance, maintenance needs, durability, and cost.
By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of which option is the perfect fit for your home, lifestyle, and budget, bringing you one step closer to achieving your dream exterior.
Understanding Your Driveway Options: Block Paving Vs. Resin
Before we compare these materials head-to-head, let’s get acquainted with what each one offers. Both block paving and resin driveways have become popular choices across Solihull, celebrated for their ability to boost kerb appeal and withstand the British weather.
Block Paving
This is a traditional method that involves laying individual clay or concrete bricks (or blocks) to create a patterned surface. Concrete blocks are a popular, cost-effective option for many homeowners.
Its timeless appeal and classic appearance come from the endless design possibilities, from intricate herringbone patterns to simple, linear layouts. Block paving allows for intricate patterns, which can add to the overall cost due to the additional labour and materials required.
Block paving is known for its strength and flexibility, making it a reliable choice for generations of homeowners.
Resin Driveways
A more modern solution, resin-bound driveways are created by mixing natural aggregates (small stones) with a clear, strong polyurethane resin. This mixture is then hand-trowelled onto a solid base to create a smooth, seamless, and permeable surface.
The finish is contemporary and clean, with the smooth surface being a key feature that provides a joint-free, modern look. Resin driveways offer a low-maintenance alternative that has surged in popularity.
Block Paving Driveways: Classic, Durable, and Versatile
Block paving has long been the go-to choice for homeowners seeking a durable and customisable driveway. Its classic elegance suits properties of all ages, from traditional red-brick houses to more contemporary new builds in the Solihull area.
There is a wide variety of block pavers available, including options like cut stone for a natural stone appearance and recycled bricks for an eco-friendly, cost-effective solution.
If you’re looking for a driveway with character and long-term reliability, block paving is an excellent contender.
Benefits of Block Paving
Timeless Aesthetic: The enduring appeal of block paving lies in its traditional look. The individual blocks create texture and depth, adding a touch of class that never goes out of style. It harmonises beautifully with the diverse architecture found throughout the West Midlands.
Effective weed control is essential to maintain this neat and attractive appearance of block paving driveways over time.
- Endless Design Flexibility: With a vast array of colours, shapes, sizes, and finishes available, block paving offers unparalleled creative freedom. You can design a driveway that is truly unique to your home, incorporating circles, curves, and borders to create a standout feature. Popular patterns like herringbone and basketweave add an extra layer of visual interest.
- Easy to Repair: One of the most practical advantages of block paving is the ease of repairs. If a block becomes stained, cracked, or damaged, it can be individually lifted and replaced without disrupting the entire driveway. To maintain stability and prevent weed growth between the blocks, it’s important to use kiln-dried sand as a jointing compound after repairs.
- Excellent Drainage: When installed correctly, permeable block paving systems allow rainwater to drain naturally between the blocks into the sub-base below. This helps prevent puddles and surface water run-off, which is a major benefit in our rainy climate and helps comply with Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) regulations.
Considerations for Block Paving
While block paving has many strengths, it does require some upkeep to maintain its pristine appearance.
- Regular Maintenance: The gaps between the blocks can be susceptible to weed and moss growth over time. Regular brushing and occasional weed treatment are necessary to keep the surface looking its best. Re-sanding joints is also important to maintain the integrity of the surface and prevent weed growth. The paving may also need to be cleaned annually to remove dirt and algae. Occasional repairs, such as replacing or resetting individual blocks, may be required as part of ongoing upkeep to address any minor issues. We explore block paving driveway maintenance in this post on Preparing Driveways for Winter.
- Potential for Sinking: If the proper sub-base, such as MOT Type 1, is not prepared and the driveway is not laid correctly by professional driveway installers, individual blocks can sink or shift, leading to uneven surfaces. This is why expert installation is absolutely critical. Improper installation or inadequate sub-base preparation can result in uneven surfaces, which may cause issues like cracking, shifting, or water pooling.
- Installation Time: Laying individual blocks is a meticulous process, so the installation time for a block paved driveway can be longer compared to other materials, especially for larger or more complex designs.
For many homeowners in Solihull, these maintenance tasks are a small price to pay for the classic beauty and robust performance that block paving driveways deliver.
Resin Driveways: Sleek, Low-Maintenance, and Modern
For those who favour a minimalist and contemporary aesthetic, resin-bound driveways are a fantastic choice.
Resin-bound paving is especially popular for modern driveways due to its affordability, durability, and attractive finish. Their smooth, seamless finish provides a clean, polished look, and with a wide range of resin-bound colours available, homeowners can easily customise the appearance to match their property.
Resin-bound driveways are created by mixing resin with aggregates, resulting in a strong, decorative surface. The visual appeal of resin driveways can significantly enhance a property’s exterior, making them a leading choice for new driveways today.
Benefits of Resin Driveways
- Seamless and Attractive Finish: Unlike block paving, a resin driveway has no joints or gaps. This creates a uniform, elegant surface that is available in a wide spectrum of colours, from natural golden gravels to modern greys and striking blacks. The use of UV-stable resin helps prevent discolouration and fading from sun exposure, ensuring your driveway maintains its appearance for years.
- Extremely Low Maintenance: Resin driveways are one of the best driveway materials for busy homeowners, thanks to their minimal maintenance requirements. The non-porous, stain-resistant surface resists weed growth and is highly resistant to oil stains, making it easy to keep clean with just a simple jet wash or sweep. It’s a true ‘fit and forget’ solution that offers long-term value with little upkeep.
- Fully Permeable: Resin-bound surfaces are SuDS compliant, meaning they allow water to drain through the entire surface. This prevents puddles from forming, reduces the risk of flooding, and eliminates the need for additional drainage channels, making it an eco-friendly choice. We explore the benefits of Peremable Driveways in this post.
- Fast Installation: Once the sub-base is prepared, the resin and aggregate mixture can be laid relatively quickly. For smaller driveways, the installation can often be completed in just a day or two, minimising disruption to your home.
Considerations for Resin Driveways
Despite their modern appeal and low-maintenance nature, there are a few important factors to consider before choosing a resin driveway.
Resin driveways use clear resin as the binding material, which is mixed with natural stones to create a durable, porous, and visually appealing surface.
- Requires a Solid Base: A resin surface must be laid on a stable and solid sub-base, such as concrete or tarmac as we explore in this blog post. If your existing driveway is unstable or in poor condition, a new base will need to be installed, which can add to the overall cost and project timeline. However, if the existing surface is in good condition, resin can often be installed directly over it, making the process more convenient. A properly prepared surface is crucial for a seamless, weed-resistant, and long-lasting driveway.
- Installation Quality is Key: The longevity of a resin driveway is highly dependent on the quality of the installation. Proper installation is essential to ensure durability and prevent issues such as sinking, shifting, or cracking. Poorly mixed resin, incorrect application, or using non-UV-stable materials can lead to problems like cracking, loosening stones, or discolouration. Using non UV-stable resin outdoors can result in faster fading and reduced resistance to sunlight, making UV-resistant options preferable for long-term performance. It is essential to hire experienced and reputable driveway installers in Solihull.
- Repair Challenges: While durable, if a resin driveway does get damaged, repairs can be tricky. Patching a small area may result in a visible seam or a slight colour mismatch, as the new resin may not blend perfectly with the original, weathered surface.
Planning Permission and Regulations: What Homeowners Need to Know About Block Paving vs. Resin Driveways
Prior to embarking upon the installation of a new driveway, it is essential for UK homeowners to comprehend the planning permission and regulations that govern different driveway materials.
Whether you are considering a classic block paving driveway or a contemporary resin bound driveway, being cognisant of the regulations will enable you to avoid costly errors and ensure a seamless installation process.
Planning permission is not consistently required for new driveways; however, there are crucial considerations to maintain awareness of, particularly concerning drainage systems. The primary concern for local authorities centres upon how your driveway will manage rainwater effectively.
Both block paving and resin driveways can be installed in methods that comply with regulations; however, the specific details are of paramount importance.
- Permeable Surfaces: Should you select a permeable driveway material, such as a resin bound surface or permeable block paving, planning permission is generally not required. These surfaces enable water to drain naturally into the ground, reducing flood risk and assisting you in maintaining compliance with Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) guidelines.
- Non-Permeable Surfaces: Should your new driveway utilise non-permeable materials (such as traditional concrete paving blocks or non-porous block paving), you may be required to seek planning permission unless you provide adequate drainage, such as a soakaway or channel that directs water to a permeable area within your property boundaries.
- Front Gardens: For UK homeowners converting a front garden into a driveway, the regulations are particularly stringent. Any new driveway exceeding five square metres must utilise a permeable driveway material or incorporate a drainage system to avoid planning permission requirements.
Block Paving vs. Resin: Which Driveway Material Is Right for Your Solihull Home?
Now for the big question: which material should you choose between block paving vs. resin? The best driveway material for your home ultimately depends on your personal style, lifestyle, and priorities.
Choose Block Paving If
You love a classic, traditional look and want the flexibility to create unique patterns and designs. Block paving is renowned for delivering a long-lasting driveway, thanks to its durable materials and the ability to easily replace individual blocks if needed.
It’s also the ideal choice if you want the peace of mind that comes with easy, cost-effective repairs. If you don’t mind a bit of seasonal maintenance to keep it looking perfect, block paving will reward you with decades of reliable performance and timeless kerb appeal.
Choose a Resin Driveway If
You desire a sleek, contemporary finish with minimal upkeep. If you lead a busy life and want a driveway that looks after itself, resin is the clear winner. Its permeable surface is also a major advantage for preventing water build-up. As long as you have a solid base, a resin-bound driveway will provide a stunning, modern entrance to your home.
Can’t decide? At Ideal Building & Landscapes, you can also combine materials for a truly bespoke look, as we are a leading driveway company. For example, a smooth resin drive with a contrasting block-paved border can create a striking and sophisticated effect that gives you the best of both worlds.
Why Choose Ideal Building & Landscapes for Solihull Driveways?
When it comes to block paving vs. resin, whichever material you lean towards, the most important factor in ensuring a beautiful and long-lasting result is professional installation.
At Ideal Building & Landscapes, we have years of experience installing high-quality Solihull driveways. As a local paving company, we understand the landscape and property styles of the West Midlands, allowing us to provide expert advice tailored to your home.
Our team of skilled driveway installers is proficient in both block paving vs. resin. We pride ourselves on our meticulous workmanship, from preparing a robust and stable sub-base to achieving a flawless final finish.
We only use the best driveway materials from trusted suppliers, guaranteeing a durable surface that will enhance your home for years to come. We believe in a transparent and customer-focused approach.
That’s why we offer every homeowner a free, no-obligation site survey and quote. During this consultation, we’ll assess your property, discuss your vision, and help you decide on the perfect material for your needs and budget.
Your Perfect Driveway Starts Here
Choosing between block paving vs. resin driveway is a significant decision, but it’s an exciting one. Both materials offer fantastic benefits and can dramatically transform your home’s exterior.
By weighing up their unique characteristics against your personal preferences, you can select a driveway that you’ll be proud of for many years to come.
Contact Us Today
Ready to take the next step and transform your driveway? Contact Ideal Building & Landscapes today for a free site survey and expert advice on block paving or resin driveways in Solihull. Let us help you create the perfect welcome to your home.
FAQs
What is the difference between block paving vs. resin driveways?
Block paving is made from individual bricks or blocks, allowing for creative patterns and easy repairs. Resin driveways use natural stone bound with resin to create a smooth, seamless surface that is low-maintenance. The choice depends on whether you prefer a traditional or modern look, the level of upkeep you want, and your driveway’s intended use.
Which driveway is better for Solihull homes: block paving vs. resin?
Both block paving and resin driveways are popular in Solihull, and each has its advantages. Block paving offers a classic, durable finish and flexibility in design, while resin provides a sleek, modern appearance with minimal maintenance.
The best option depends on your home’s style, budget, and how much time you want to spend maintaining your driveway.
How much maintenance do block paving vs. resin driveways require?
Block paving requires periodic cleaning, re-sanding, and occasional replacement of damaged blocks to keep it looking its best. Resin driveways are very low-maintenance, usually only needing a simple wash to remove dirt and debris. Both materials are durable when installed professionally, but resin offers the easiest upkeep over time.
