Resin Surfacing vs Concrete Block Paving

Resin driveway surfacing or concrete block paving? Not, perhaps, one of today’s great questions! But if you’re looking to improve the exterior of your home, the drive is likely to loom large on the list of essential make-over areas. So, what is the best option? When it comes to the pros and cons of block paving vs resin surfacing for a decorative driveway, there are several issues to consider. 

Resin, Bound or Bonded?

The first question might be ‘what is resin surfacing?’ It’s a good question and the material is pretty new on the market. There are, in fact, two types of resin surfacing commonly available. Resin bound drive and resin bonded; the former uses gravel/aggregates mixed with resin to create a solid, durable finish. Resin bonded surfaces are also gravel but in this case the gravel is scattered over the resin mixture and bonds to it that way instead. Concrete blocks should need little explanation, as they are pretty much what they say!

A Truly Decorative Driveway

Resin surfacing is basically gravel upgraded! Combined with resin it creates a strong, durable, long-lasting finish which can be laid in any pattern, design or motif that you desire. Choice here is the big thing; aggregates come in a huge range of colours and sizes, allowing you to really create a stunning design.

Motifs or patterns can easily be incorporated into the finished surfaces and this is where resin can really outperform concrete blocks. Whilst it’s true that block paving can offer some choice in terms of design and colour, it’s always going to have that ‘block-factor’, offering less on the aesthetic front than a resin surface.  

Low Maintenance, High Enjoyment

Maintenance is an important consideration when it comes to your home. Less is definitely more on this front. Less maintenance, more time to enjoy your home, in this case! Block paving, when well laid, provides a strong, hard wearing surface, as does a resin surface. However, again, resin may come up trumps on this front.

Paving is susceptible to algae as well as moss, and weeds will soon find their way through joints between the blocks. Resin is an equally strong surface but is slip resistant, easy to wash/brush down and weeds will, for once, have met their match.

Envious Friends and Eager Buyers

Practical, reliable and a bit old fashioned? Yes, that’s block paving for you. Resin surfaces offer a modern, stylish solution with a wow-factor that’s off the scale, when laid by experienced firms.  Visitors will be green with envy at the sight of a resin decorative driveway and will be soon asking for your contractor’s number! If you’re looking to sell your home this wow factor can also be the one that hits potential purchasers before they’ve even come through the gate!