A Guide to Driveway Surfacing and the difference between Resin Bound and Tarmac

We all know how essential a well-constructed driveway is, whether it’s for enhancing the aesthetics of your home, increasing its value, or just making your entry and exit more convenient. But with so many options available, how do you decide which driveway surface material is the right one for your property? In this guide, we aim to shed light on the two popular options — resin bound and tarmac surfacing, their features, benefits, and the factors to consider when making a choice.

A driveway is one of the first things you see, and likely use, as you enter or leave your property. It’s a definitive aspect that shapes the appeal and functionality of your home. So, it’s significant that you opt for a material that complements your house design and caters to your needs.

To begin, let’s delve into what each driveway type entails.

Resin Bound Driveways: Aesthetically Pleasing and Highly Functional

Resin bound driveways are the perfect amalgamation of beauty and functionality. As the name suggests, these driveways feature a mixture of resin and aggregate materials such as gravel or crushed stones. The mixture is then applied over an open texture tarmac to create a permeable, strong, and durable surface.

One of the primary advantages of resin bound driveways lies in their permeability. This specific characteristic allows water to drain away easily, preventing puddles and ice formation during cold weather thereby enhancing safety. Furthermore, its low maintenance needs make it an attractive option for many homeowners.

Besides its practical benefits, resin bound driveways offer an aesthetic edge. Available in a plethora of colours and designs, these driveways can be customised to match your existing property style or achieve a unique aesthetic effect.

Tarmac Driveways: Affordable and Robust

Next, we have tarmac driveways, a traditional and still highly favoured option known for its robustness and cost-effectiveness. Made from a combination of asphalt and aggregate, tarmac driveways boast a resilient hard surface ideal for properties with heavy traffic flow. The compacted surface endures the weight of heavy vehicles, making it reliable even for larger domestic or commercial properties.

Tarmac driveways are additionally excellent for standing the test of time. Their robust structure ensures significant longevity, primarily suiting homeowners seeking a low-maintenance and easy-to-install driveway option. However, in terms of aesthetic flexibility, tarmac driveways usually come in restricted, darker colour options, making them less versatile than their resin bound alternatives.

Making a Decision: Resin Bound or Tarmac?

Choosing between resin bound and tarmac really depends on your unique requirements and preferences. While both offer durability and require low maintenance, your choice might depend on other factors such as budget, aesthetic preference, and practicality.

Tarmac could be your go-to option if you’re looking for something that is extremely robust with a lower initial cost and doesn’t require much design input. On the other hand, if your focus is more on customising your driveway to match or enhance your home and garden aesthetics and you don’t mind a slightly higher upfront cost, resin bound driveways may be the ideal choice.

In conclusion, both tarmac and resin bound driveways have their distinct advantages. They represent two of the best options available for driveway surfacing which can meet a wide variety of requirements and budgets. It might be beneficial to get professional advice tailored to your situation from driveway surfacing experts who could conduct an on-site inspection, offer suggestions, and help you visualise how different surfacing options will look in your space.

Remember, your driveway is more than just a functional element of your home; it’s an aesthetic statement that sets the tone for the rest of your property. So, choose wisely!