Choosing a new driveway is one of the biggest exterior upgrades you can make to your home. It changes the first thing visitors see, adds value to your property, and – done well – should last for decades. Two of the most popular choices in Lincoln and across Lincolnshire are block paving and resin-bound driveways. Both look fantastic when installed properly, but they behave very differently on cost, maintenance and durability. This guide breaks down the honest pros and cons of each so you can decide with confidence.
Quick answer: block paving vs resin driveways
Block paving is made from individual bricks laid in a pattern, offering a classic look, easy spot-repairs and excellent durability, but it can develop weeds and sinking over time. Resin-bound driveways are made from stone mixed with clear resin and laid as one smooth, permeable surface – lower maintenance and weed-resistant, but harder to repair invisibly and reliant on a sound base. Choose block paving for a traditional finish and repairability; choose resin for a modern, low-maintenance, seamless surface.
Key takeaways
- Block paving = individual blocks, classic look, easy to repair, needs occasional weed and sand maintenance.
- Resin-bound = smooth seamless surface, very low maintenance, permeable, but needs a solid base.
- Both last 20+ years when installed on properly prepared groundwork.
- The base and installation quality matter far more than the surface material itself.
What is a block paving driveway?
A block paving driveway is built from individual concrete or clay blocks laid by hand onto a compacted sub-base and sand bed, then locked together with kiln-dried sand brushed into the joints. Because each block is separate, the surface can flex slightly with ground movement and individual blocks can be lifted and replaced if they’re ever stained or damaged.
Advantages of block paving
- Timeless, versatile look – many colours, shapes and laying patterns (herringbone, basketweave) to suit period and modern homes.
- Easy to repair – lift and swap a single block rather than resurfacing the whole driveway.
- Very durable under load – handles cars and vans well, which is why it’s used on driveways and commercial areas.
- Proven and widely available – easy to source and repair for years to come.
Disadvantages of block paving
- Weeds and moss can grow in the joints if the sand isn’t maintained or sealed.
- Sinking or lifting can occur if the sub-base wasn’t prepared properly – groundwork quality matters more than the blocks.
- More maintenance than resin: occasional re-sanding, weed control and the odd re-lay.
What is a resin driveway?
A resin-bound driveway is created by mixing natural aggregate (small stones) with a clear resin and trowelling it onto a solid base – usually concrete or tarmac – to form a single smooth, seamless surface. A properly installed resin-bound system is permeable, meaning water drains through it rather than pooling on top.
Advantages of resin driveways
- Smooth, seamless finish with no joints – clean and contemporary.
- Low maintenance – no sand to top up and far fewer weeds.
- Permeable (when resin-bound), which helps surface-water drainage and can avoid the planning issues non-permeable surfaces sometimes trigger.
- Comfortable underfoot and available in a wide range of stone colours.
Block paving vs resin driveways: side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Block Paving | Resin (Resin-Bound) |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Classic, patterned | Smooth, seamless, modern |
| Durability | Excellent; flexes with movement | Excellent on a sound base |
| Maintenance | Moderate (re-sanding, weeds) | Low (occasional wash) |
| Repairs | Easy — replace single blocks | Harder to patch invisibly |
| Weeds | Possible in joints | Rare (seamless) |
| Drainage | Needs planned drainage | Permeable when resin-bound |
| Typical lifespan | 20+ years if well laid | 15–25 years on a good base |
| Best for | Traditional look, repairability | Low-maintenance, modern look |
Disadvantages of resin driveways
- Only as good as its base – needs a sound concrete or tarmac foundation.
- Repairs are harder to hide – patched areas can be visible.
- Quality varies a lot between installers, so choosing an experienced team is essential.
How much do block paving and resin driveways cost?
Driveway pricing depends on the size of the area, the condition of the existing ground, access, drainage and the materials chosen – so the only accurate figure is a site-specific quote. As a general guide, block paving and resin-bound driveways in the UK typically fall within a similar mid-range price per square metre, with resin sometimes slightly higher because it usually needs a solid base laid first. The biggest cost driver on any driveway is nearly always the groundwork and preparation, not the surface – which is why cutting corners on the base is a false economy. For an accurate price for your property, arrange a site visit.
Which driveway should you choose?
Choose block paving if you want a traditional or characterful look, value easy repairs, and don’t mind a little upkeep. Choose a resin driveway if you want a sleek, seamless, low-maintenance surface and have (or will lay) a solid base underneath. Whichever you pick, installation quality is decisive: a cheap driveway on a poor sub-base fails within a few years, while a well-prepared one from an experienced team lasts decades.
Get expert driveway advice in Lincoln
At Bespoke Landscaping, we provide professional driveway installation in Lincoln and across Lincolnshire, with proper ground preparation and a 5-year installation guarantee on every project. We can also design a coordinating porcelain or stone patio to complete the look. If you’re planning a new driveway, contact us for a free, no-obligation quote and we’ll help you choose the right option for your home.
Frequently asked questions
Which lasts longer, block paving or resin?
Both can last 20 years or more when installed correctly. Block paving flexes with ground movement and individual blocks can be replaced, while resin relies on a sound base. Longevity depends more on the quality of the groundwork and installation than on the material itself.
Do resin driveways crack?
A well-installed resin-bound driveway laid on a sound concrete or tarmac base should not crack under normal use. Cracking usually happens when the base underneath moves or was poorly prepared, so the foundation is the most important part of the job.
Is block paving cheaper than resin?
Block paving and resin-bound driveways often sit in a similar price range, with resin sometimes costing slightly more because it usually needs a solid base laid first. The largest cost on any driveway is the groundwork, so prices are best confirmed with a site-specific quote.
Do block paving driveways get weeds?
Weeds can grow in the sand-filled joints of block paving if the joints aren’t maintained or sealed. Regular re-sanding, occasional weed treatment and joint sealing keep a block paved driveway looking clean and largely weed-free.
Do I need planning permission for a new driveway?
In many cases a permeable surface such as resin-bound paving, or a surface with proper drainage, does not require planning permission for domestic driveways. Rules can change and depend on your property, so always check the current guidance or ask your installer before starting.
