The Short Answer
On our estimates, a resin bound driveway costs about £75 to £130 per m² on a new base, so £3,750 to £6,300 for a 50m² two-car drive. Laid over existing tarmac or concrete that's in good enough condition, it's £45 to £80 per m². Laying takes three to five days, and it needs dry, mild weather to cure.
The base decides whether it lasts, so I'd get its make-up and depth in writing. Resin bound is permeable, so a front drive on a permeable base normally needs no planning permission.
Driveway cost calculator
Priced per square metre for a full new drive, plus the drainage and dropped kerb that quotes often leave out.
Estimated total
£4,200 to £6,950
| Resin bound, 50m², dug out with a new sub-base and edging | £3,750 to £6,250 |
| Skips or grab lorry for the dig-out | £450 to £700 |
Resin driveway prices
| Size | New base | Over a sound existing surface |
|---|---|---|
| 20m² | £1,500 to £2,500 | £900 to £1,600 |
| 35m² | £2,650 to £4,400 | £1,600 to £2,800 |
| 50m² | £3,750 to £6,300 | £2,250 to £4,000 |
| 70m² | £5,300 to £8,800 | £3,150 to £5,600 |
Resin bound or resin bonded?
SureSet, a resin bound maker, explains the difference:
- Resin bound: every stone is coated in resin and the mix is laid as one surface, typically about 18mm thick. Tiny gaps between the stones let water drain through.
- Resin bonded: a thin layer of resin is spread on the base and loose stone scattered on top.
Ask which resin is being used. SureSet says resins that aren't UV-stable (MDI-based ones) are prone to yellowing, which shows most on light stone.
The base
Resin bound goes on a base of asphalt (tarmac) or concrete. It can go over an existing drive, but SureSet says that depends on how the area will be used and the old base's condition and strength, and recommends professional advice first. A new base follows the usual build-up: a dig-out to firm ground, a membrane and a compacted sub-base, then the base layer.
Curing, care and how long it lasts
SureSet says its surface can be walked on after 10 to 12 hours and driven on after 24. It gives a 21-year guarantee and expects its product to last over 25 years, which is a maker's claim, so check what your installer's own guarantee covers. Upkeep is sweeping and an occasional power wash.
Planning
In a front garden, hard surfaces over 5m² must be porous or drain onto your land. Resin bound on a permeable base meets that; laid over an old solid base, the water still has to go somewhere, so check where it runs. More on our driveway page.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a resin driveway cost per m²?
On our estimates, about £75 to £130 per m² on a new base, or £45 to £80 over sound existing tarmac or concrete.
How much does a 2 car resin driveway cost?
About £3,750 to £6,300 for 50m² on a new base, on our estimates.
What are the downsides of resin driveways?
It's only as good as the base under it, resin that isn't UV-stable can yellow, it needs dry, mild weather to lay and cure, and it costs more than gravel or tarmac.
Is a resin driveway cheaper than paving?
About the same on our estimates: £75 to £130 per m² for resin bound against £80 to £130 for block paving, both on a new base.
What is the lifespan of a resin driveway?
SureSet gives a 21-year guarantee on its own product and expects it to last over 25 years. How long yours lasts depends mostly on the base and the installer.
Can resin go over an existing driveway?
Over tarmac or concrete in good condition, often yes, but get the installer to check the old base's strength and condition first.
How we priced thisView sources (3, 2 official)
Rules come from the legislation and official guidance, read at source. Prices are our estimates: we check them against trade price data, retailer shelf prices and specialists' price lists, then build them up from their parts so the totals add up. Below are the sources behind the page; the trade price guides we only compare against aren’t listed. Where sources disagreed, we've said so. More on our method.
- OfficialThe Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015, Schedule 2 Part 1, legislation.gov.uk. Checked 16 Oct 2026.
- OfficialGuidance on the permeable surfacing of front gardens (September 2008), Department for Communities and Local Government (GOV.UK). Checked 15 Oct 2026.
- IndustryResin bound paving FAQ, SureSet. Checked 15 Oct 2026.
