The short answer
Neither is simply better — it depends on budget, looks and drainage. Tarmac is the lower-priced option up front, typically around £45–£80 per square metre and lasting roughly 15–20 years, with a standard black finish and the occasional reseal and patch. Resin-bound costs more, commonly £85–£135 per square metre, but can last 20–30 years, comes in a wide range of stone colours, and is naturally permeable — which can matter for the SUDS drainage rules. For a typical 50m² drive that's roughly £2,500–£4,000 for tarmac versus £4,250–£6,750 for resin. The right answer balances upfront cost, how long it lasts, drainage and the look you want.
The choice is really a trade-off between upfront price, lifespan, drainage and appearance. Here is how the two compare on the things that actually decide it.
At a glance
- Tarmac£45–£80/m², ~15–20 yrs, black
- Resin-bound£85–£135/m², ~20–30 yrs, coloured
- Lower up fronttarmac
- Naturally permeableresin-bound
- 50m² drivetarmac ~£2.5k–£4k / resin ~£4.25k–£6.75k
How tarmac and resin compare
Tarmac is the lower-priced way to get a solid, hard-wearing drive, which is why it's so common — but it's a standard black, can crack or pothole after hard winters, and benefits from resealing every few years. Resin-bound costs more to lay, but it lasts longer, resists cracking and weeds, and its permeable surface lets water soak through, which can keep you within permitted development where tarmac would need extra drainage. Resin also offers a choice of stone colours that tarmac can't match. Over a long period the lower-priced option up front isn't always the lower whole-life cost — but for many drives tarmac still works out lower in cost overall.
| Factor | Tarmac | Resin-bound |
|---|---|---|
| Typical installed cost | £45–£80 / m² | £85–£135 / m² |
| Typical lifespan | ~15–20 years | ~20–30 years |
| Drainage | needs drainage / soakaway | naturally permeable |
| Finish | standard black | wide colour choice |
| Upkeep | reseal & patch | occasional wash |
General comparison for guidance. Figures depend on size, ground and finish. Sources: trade and cost guides.
How to choose for your home
- Tight upfront budget? Tarmac is the lower-priced option and gives a durable, practical drive.
- Want it to last longest with least upkeep? Resin's longer lifespan and low maintenance can suit, if the budget stretches.
- Drainage a concern? Resin's permeable surface can keep you within the SUDS rules without a separate soakaway.
- Care about colour and kerb appeal? Resin offers a stone-colour choice; tarmac is a uniform black.
Want help weighing tarmac against resin?
We'll match you with a vetted driveway contractor who measures up and quotes both options for your drive, with cost, lifespan and drainage set out clearly.
Frequently asked questions
Is tarmac or resin lower in cost?
Tarmac is the lower-priced option up front, typically £45–£80 per square metre against £85–£135 for resin-bound — roughly £2,500–£4,000 versus £4,250–£6,750 for a standard 50m² drive. Resin lasts longer, so over a long period the gap narrows, but tarmac usually works out lower in cost overall.
Does a resin driveway last longer than tarmac?
Generally yes. A well-laid resin-bound drive typically lasts around 20–30 years, while tarmac usually lasts about 15–20 years (nearer 25 if resealed regularly). Both depend heavily on the sub-base being done properly.
Which is better for drainage, tarmac or resin?
Resin-bound is naturally permeable, so water soaks through, which can keep you within the SUDS drainage rules. Standard tarmac is impermeable, so a drive over 5m² draining to the road usually needs a soakaway or channel drain added.
Sources & further reading
Figures on this page are typical UK ranges drawn from published sources and depend on your specific driveway. They are guidance, not a quotation.