How Much Does Resin Driveway Cost in the UK?
Let's get straight to it:
How much is a resin driveway going to cost you in 2025?
The average resin driveway cost for a basic installation is between £1,000 – £2,500 in the UK.
The cost of a resin driveway that's around 20m² (enough for one car) is on the lower end of this range, at between £1,000 – £1,300.
For a driveway that's around 50m² (enough for two cars), resin driveway prices will be between £2,150 – £2,500.
The cost of resin per square metre is between £26 – £40 in the UK. This makes it an affordable choice if you want to keep the cost of a new driveway installation down.
What impacts the overall cost of a resin driveway?
Resin driveway costs vary depending on several factors including the type of resin material used, the overall size of your driveway, and the size of the aggregate chosen.
Additionally, the extent of preparation work required—such as excavation, leveling and laying a suitable foundation can significantly influence the price before starting on the driveway itself. Decorative finishes, such as bespoke patterns and colours, along with edge strips and borders can also add to the overall cost.
If you're looking to get a more accurate price for a new resin driveway, we can help connect you with local tradespeople.
But what about labour costs?
The number of tradespeople will also affect the cost of installing a resin driveway, as will your property's location — as tradesman rates will vary depending on where you live.
Before a resin driveway gets laid, the area must first be assessed, working out the dimensions and materials of the area in question.
Resin Driveway Prices
The table below shows the average cost of resin driveway installations for different-sized driveways in the UK. These prices include materials and labour.
| Driveway Size | Average Cost | Cost Per M² |
|---|---|---|
| 1-car resin driveway (20m²) | £1,000 – £1,300 | £50 – £65 |
| 2-car resin driveway (50m²) | £2,150 – £2,500 | £43 – £50 |
| 3-car resin driveway (100m²) | £3,500 – £4,000 | £35 – £40 |
As this highlights, overall resin driveway costs vary depending on the size of your driveway.
The average cost of a resin driveway (including materials and labour) is between £50 – 65 per m² for a small driveway (20m²) and around £43 – £50 per m² for a medium driveway (50m²).
A 100m² resin driveway costs between £3,500 – £4,000, which equates to about £35 – £40 per m². A driveway of this size could fit around 3 – 6 cars.
- How Much Does Resin Driveway Cost in the UK?
- Cost of Resin Driveway Materials
- Additional Resin Driveway Costs
- What Impacts Resin Driveway Costs?
- Labour Cost of Resin Driveway Installation
- How Long Will Resin Driveway Installation Take?
- Resin Bonded vs Resin Bound Driveway Cost
- Resin Driveway Alternatives
- Do Resin Driveways Need A Soakaway?
- Planning Permission and Building Regulations
- What Is the Cost of Resin Driveway Removal?
- FAQs
- Sources
Cost of Resin Driveway Materials
If you wish to install a DIY resin driveway or prefer to purchase your own supplies, you need to consider the supply costs of driveway resin for resin bonded and resin-bound materials.
| Size | Supply Cost |
|---|---|
| Resin bonded driveway | £26 per m² |
| Resin bound driveway | £40 per m² |
Why would you want a resin driveway? Well for one thing, you'll end up with a durable, smooth, and easily maintainable surface.
Additional Resin Driveway Costs
There are various other costs you may wish to consider during your resin driveway installation, such as:
New Driveway Gate Cost
One of the most common costs associated with a resin driveway installation is a new driveway gate. This will not only improve the look of your property's exterior but will also increase security.
The average cost of a gate installation ranges from £150 for a sliding gate up to £4,000 for an electric metal gate.
Drop Kerb Cost
Adding a drop kerb is an ideal way to make your new driveway accessible. Allowing you to park your vehicles on your private property. Adding a drop kerb does require you to fill out an application to your local council, which can cost between £70-£100
To get the work complete prices start from £300. Prices will vary dpending on how many kerbs need dropping and the size of the pavement area.
Resin Driveway costs vary depending on the size of your driveway, materials used and how much preperation is required.
Soakaway Installation
Installing a soakaway provides an extra layer of water management. This is becomes especially useful during periods of heavy rainfall. Instead of water sitting on the surface or overwhelming your existing drains, a soakaway system helps disperse the excess water deeper into the ground. This reduces the risk of water pooling on the surface.
Further within this guide we cover the concept of a soakaway installation in more detail, but at top level this will be an additional £700 to £1,000 added to the cost of your resin driveway.
Motion-Sensor Lighting
While you may not require extensive security lights to specifically cover your driveway, motion sensor lighting (costing £150 – £200) will prove extremely useful when getting in and out of your vehicle after dark.
What Impacts Resin Driveway Costs?
When calculating resin driveway prices, you also need to consider a number of cost factors, including:
Type of Resin Driveway
There are two main types of resin driveway; resin bonded, and resin bound, which vary in price.
The former option is the cheapest, at £26 per square metre, while a resin bound driveway costs approximately £40 per square metre.
Driveway Size
The driveway's size is a huge factor, as the larger your driveway is, the more you will pay. The size will also vary depending on how much space you have to work with and the number of vehicles you own.
Aggregate Size
Resin driveways are made up of both resin and aggregate, and the latter comes in various sizes which vary in price.
The most popular size options include 1mm, 5mm and 10mm, with the latter being the most expensive as it takes longer to install.
Ground Preparation
Before driveway installers lay your resin driveway, they will first need to check the foundations of your path.
If your foundations are inadequate, they may need to excavate some areas and create a new foundation, which will increase the duration and cost.
Extra Labour Charges
Some tradesmen charge a minimum fee when installing a resin driveway, so you need to make sure they factor this in when giving a quote.
They may also charge extra if travelling out of their usual working zone, which could result in excess mileage fees being added to your bill.
Labour Cost of Resin Driveway Installation
Another important cost you need to consider is labour, as this takes up a significant chunk of the overall price of a resin driveway installation.
On average, driveway installers tend to charge around £150 – £250 per day, although this will vary depending on the complexity of the job.
The cost may also go up or down depending on where you live, as a company or tradesperson in London tends to charge a higher daily or hourly rate.
The below table sets out the labour costs for different driveway and aggregate sizes. Larger aggregate is usually more expensive due to the processing and manufacturer, transport costs and availability.
| Driveway Size | Aggregate (1mm to 10mm) |
|---|---|
| 1-car driveway (20m²) | £150 – £500 |
| 2-car driveway (50m²) | £300 – £750 |
| 3-car driveway (100m²) | £450 – £1,000 |
How Long Will Resin Driveway Installation Take?
The timeframe for building a resin driveway will vary depending on the size of the driveway, as well as the aggregate size.
Resin Bonded vs Resin Bound Driveway Cost
As mentioned above, there are two main types of resin driveway:
- Resin bonded
- Resin bound
To help you decide which option is right for you, here is a breakdown of the different materials, the costs as well as the pros and cons of each.
Resin Bonded Driveway Cost
Installing a resin bonded driveway involves laying resin across the surface's base. The aggregate is then scattered on top of the resin; some will adhere, while other pieces will remain loose.
Resin bonded driveways typically cost £26 per square metre.
Pros
- High-quality grip
- Long-lasting installation
- Ideal for traditional properties
Cons
- Not SUDS compliant
- Prone to puddling
- Requires regular loose stone maintenance
Resin Bound Driveway Cost
A resin bound driveway is installed by mixing resin and aggregate together and applying it to create a smooth and flat finish with no loose gravel.
The average cost of a resin bound driveway is £40 per square metre.
Pros
- SUDS compliant
- Permeable surface
- Low maintenance
Cons
- Not ideal for sloped driveways
- Reduced grip
- Prone to weed growth
Resin driveways offer a durable, low-maintenance solution with enhanced drainage and customisable designs. Helping improve both the functionality and curb appeal of your property.
Resin Driveway Alternatives
If after reading this guide, you feel as though a resin driveway is not the best option, then there are plenty of other driveway ideas to choose from, including:
Brick Driveway Cost
One of the most popular driveway materials is brick or block paving. Bricks also come in a variety of designs and colours to suit all preferences.
However, a brick driveway will require maintenance over time, as it is susceptible to ground frost and erosion.
It is also quite expensive, as prices can reach up to £100 per square metre.
Concrete Driveway Cost
Another popular choice is a concrete driveway, which is typically made up of a lime-based render and water.
This makes it one of the most durable options, which means it will last a long time and withstand the weight of heavy vehicles.
The problem with a flat concrete driveway is that they are not the most aesthetically pleasing, and they also require regular maintenance such as sealing.
Typically, a flat concrete driveways cost around £85 to £100 per square metre.
One option to make concrete a little more appealing is by choosing an imprinted driveway. This is where patterns are imprinted into the concrete. This does however come with a higher price tag. Imprinted driveways cost around £90 to £125 per square metre.
Tarmac Driveway Cost
If you wish to install a driveway yourself, then tarmac is one of the easiest materials to lay. Tarmac is also a low-budget material with prices ranging from £70 to £120 per square metre.
This material is also resistant to frost, as the black material will melt any snow almost immediately.
The issue with tarmac driveways is that the design options are very limited, as black is the main colour, although you can also get your hands on a red variation.
You will also need to seal the driveway every four years to ensure it stays in good condition.
Gravel Driveway Cost
Gravel is another popular driveway option, if you are on a lower budget. The cost to supply and fit a gravel driveway ranges from £57 to £67 per square metre.
Installation is a fairly easy process and should take between 1 -3 days to complete, depending on the size of driveway.
It also requires almost no maintenance, aside from the odd sweep of stray stones from pavements and pathways, making it ideal for people who don't have a lot of spare time for outdoor maintenance.
Do Resin Driveways Need A Soakaway?
Even though resin-bound driveways are designed to be permeable, allowing rainwater to pass through the surface and drain naturally into the ground, a soakaway is still often recommended.
Do homes in the UK usually have soakaways installed on resin driveways?
The installation of a soakaway depends on several factors so is not always part of a resin driveway installation. Factors to consider include the size of the driveway, your soil conditions and how well the ground naturally absorbs water.
If you have clay or silty soil which is less permeable, soakaways are more likely to be included into your driveway project.
Some local councils may also require you to include a soakaway or another type of Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SuDS) feature if you have a large driveway or if you're covering a previously permeable area.
When Should You Budget for a Soakaway for a Resin Driveway?
Here are 5 reasons when you may need to include a soakaway in your budget:
- If you have poorly draining soil such as clay.
- If it is being installed over a non-permeable sub-base such as concrete.
- If your driveway exceeds 5m².
- To comply with local SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) guidelines.
- If there are no surface drains near your driveway.
The average cost to install a soakaway is between £700 - £1,000.
Planning Permission and Building Regulations
Planning Permission for a New Resin Driveway
As a general rule, unless you live in a listed building or conservation area, then you won’t need planning permission to replace an existing driveway with a resin surface.
However, if you’re installing a new resin driveway (such as one that involves creating a dropped kerb or requires access to the road) you will need to apply through your Local Planning Authority (LPA).
Building Regulations for a New Resin Driveway
Although there aren't any building regulations approvals required when installing or maintaining a resin driveway, check if your project inpacts on the public footpath or adjoining road before going ahead. As if so, then you should consult your local building control department to ensure it meets any regulations.
For listed buildings and conservation areas, you may seek approval if your driveway changes the appearance of your property.
What Is the Cost of Resin Driveway Removal?
If you wish to replace your resin driveway with one of the options mentioned above, you will need to remove the existing installation.
The cost of professional removal will cost around £150 to £250 per day, although more than likely this will not include waste removal.
To get rid of your old resin driveway, you should hire a skip which will range from £60 for a 2 to 3-yard skip up to £550 for an 18-yard skip.
FAQs
How long does a resin driveway take to dry?
Drying times can vary depending on weather conditions and the local climate, and ultimately, the longer you leave it to dry the better. However, as a general rule you should allow at least 24 hours before walking on a resin driveway and 72 hours for vehicles.
How long does a resin driveway last?
Resin driveways typically last at least 15 to 25 years, providing they are looked after properly.
How do you remove moss from a resin driveway?
The best way to get rid of any moss on your resin driveway is by using a moss removal product or diluted house bleach. This should be applied to the surface and left for no more than twenty minutes before rinsing it thoroughly with clean water.
How deep is a resin driveway?
The minimum depth for a resin driveway is 15mm, although an 18mm depth is recommended for high-traffic areas with heavy vehicles.
Sources
- https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/7728/pavingfrontgardens.pdf
- https://resinbonded.co.uk/news/resin-bonded-vs-resin-bound/
- https://www.softsurfaces.co.uk/resin-bound-or-block-paving/
- https://yorkshirepaving.co.uk/resin-driveway-faq-cleaning-after-care-guide/
