Resin vs Gravel

Millions of UK homes have driveways for cars, caravans and trailers. Along with concrete and block paving, resin bound/resin bonded aggregate and gravel are all popular choices for homeowners thinking about upgrading their driveway.

Anyone considering upgrading their driveway might be pondering resin versus gravel. Both are popular materials for a driveway or area of hardstanding. In this article, we are going to consider the pros and cons of each.

Pros of a Resin Bonded Driveway

Resin Bound Drive and bound drives are made from aggregate mixed with resin. It creates a permeable surface that water can pass through without pooling on the surface, as is the case with concrete and block paving. Resin surfaces look attractive and will last a long time with very little maintenance, although this does depend on the quality of the installation.

Resin bound driveways come in lots of different colours and patterns. You can choose from a wide range of aggregates and design a pattern to suit your tastes if you feel like being creative. Resin mixed with aggregate is impervious to weeds and you won’t have to worry about potholes and cracks.

Cons of a Resin Driveway

The main downside of a resin bonded driveway is that it is more expensive than some other surfaces. You also need to have it properly installed, although there are DIY resin kits available if you want to have a go at installing a resin driveway yourself.

Pros of a Gravel Driveway

The main advantage of a gravel drive is that it is cheap to buy and easy to build. Anyone can buy a ton of gravel from a builder’s merchant and spread it over the area they use for a driveway. It’s a quick and easy weekend project. You don’t need any skill and the drive will look great; at least for a short while.

Cons of a Gravel Driveway

There are a few disadvantages when it comes to gravel driveways. Firstly, gravel has a habit of moving around. It rarely stays where it is put, and you’ll soon find that gravel migrates into your flower beds, in the street and into your home.

Secondly, gravel driveways are prone to weeds, even when weed membrane is used as a base layer. Gravel surfaces also tend to sink in softer areas, so your driveway will have indentations from cars and potholes where aggregate has washed away.

The final decision will usually come down to cost versus durability, so weigh everything up carefully before you install your new driveway!