Tarmac or Resin: Which Material Is Better?

Charlie Clark • November 12, 2023

When it comes to deciding on a material for your driveway, two prominent options frequently come up in discussions: tarmac and resin. Both of these materials will provide a long-lasting, useful, and visually pleasing driveway, but there are some key differences. Today, we'd like to shed some light on these distinctions so that you can make an informed selection.

Grey resin driveway surface.
Tarmac driveway installation in Exeter.

To begin, we've created a short list with advantages and downsides for both materials, so you can get a rapid understanding of the topics.

Resin Drives Tarmac Drives
Aesthetics Wide range of colours and finishes Classic and simple appearance
Permeability Pourous, water can drain through, reducing flooding & puddles Non-porous, additional drainage systems are recommended
Maintenance Resistant to weeds, oil stains, fading, easy cleaning Needs regular maintenance like sealing and small repairs
Price Can be more upfront but a better investment Generally cheaper
Installation Requires expert installation for perfect and durable finish Requires expert installation, fast installation
Resistance and Durability Can take heavy items and vehicle use Can take heavy items and vehicle use

Resin has grown in popularity in Exeter and the surrounding areas. Homeowners appreciate the diversity of colours and styles that are easily accessible. Resin is created by combining aggregate stones and clear resin, resulting in a smooth and seamless surface that enhances the appearance of your home. When it comes to resin, there are a few crucial benefits to consider.


Resin drives are available in a variety of colours, border designs, tones, and other features. This enables property owners to design a one-of-a-kind and individualised landscape. The surface is also quite smooth, and it can be embellished with patterns, forms, or writing to increase curb appeal and visual appeal.


Permeability is another key advantage of this material. They are porous by nature, allowing water to rapidly drain through and reducing the possibility of floods, water pooling, and slippy surfaces. We get a lot of rain in the UK, which is why this type of surface can be really beneficial.


Low care: When compared to other driveway options, resin requires very little care. For example, no sealing is required at any stage, which can save you a lot of money over the many decades that you might have a resin drive. Furthermore, oil stains, weeds, and fading are virtually unheard of with these driveways. The only maintenance you may need to perform is surface-level sweeping or mild power washing to remove leaves, moss, or other debris.


Despite these obvious benefits, resin can be more expensive initially, especially if your driveway is already in poor condition and would require a new base before laying the resin. We usually recommend getting an estimate to confirm this, as you can get some amazing bargains on resin if your driveway is in good condition.

Tarmac Drives

Tarmac, commonly known as asphalt, has been a popular choice for a long time. Tarmac is long-lasting and inexpensive; these are the most notable benefits of tarmac.


Cost-effective: These driveways are typically among the most affordable solutions. Tarmac is an excellent option if you have a tight budget, but despite their lower cost, they are nonetheless practical and durable, but require more frequent maintenance than other materials.


Tarmac is the quickest and easiest way to install a driveway. If you're short on time, tarmac is unquestionably your best bet!


Resistance and Durability: Tarmac is generally quite strong and durable, making it ideal for heavy trucks and high traffic areas. Tarmac is impervious to all forms of weather, including cold temperatures.


The disadvantage of tarmac is that it requires regular maintenance, such as sealing and minor repairs. This type of maintenance is necessary to ensure a long lifespan, which may turn some people off. Their visual and functional characteristics are more classic and straightforward.

To finish, deciding between a resin and tarmac drive might be difficult because they both offer appealing merits and less remarkable downsides. It should be rather simple to make a decision based on your budget, personal preferences, and time frame.


Tarmac is a good choice if you want something quick, uncomplicated, and inexpensive. Resin driveways, on the other hand, are more appealing, customisable, and slightly more expensive.


Please keep in mind that the cost truly relies on the current quality of your driveway; if it isn't completely wrecked, tarmac and resin are both reasonably priced.

Call Now For More Information, 01392 321963

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