The quality of your driveway will almost probably influence the initial impression that people have when they arrive at your property. If your driveway is old, cracked, rough, or muddy, it will not be a good example for the rest of the street.

However, if you choose one of the new resin-based driveways, you might have the nicest house frontage in the neighbourhood while also increasing the value of your home.

The expense of a new driveway will be the most important factor to consider. Some materials are obviously significantly more expensive than others.

The relative cost of a resin driveway has fallen in recent years as more people enter the sector, competition has improved, and the cost of the essential materials has decreased.

This has resulted in it being a highly economical alternative for the majority of individuals, especially when considering its long-term lifespan. However, you should still check to see how much it will cost. A resin driveway cost calculator is a terrific method to figure out the best way to stay under budget, as the following article indicates…

The Fundamentals of Resin Driveways

Resin driveways are classified into two types: Resin bonded and Resin bound.

Resin bonded driveways are constructed by spreading a layer of resin over an existing or newly poured base and then distributing stone on top. Another layer of glue secures the stone. With certain situations, the stones are pre-coated with resin to help them attach to the base.

This driveway is rougher and resembles a gravel driveway.

Resin bound driveways, on the other hand, employ a pre-made mixture of resin and stone that is blended in a special concrete mixer. This is then manually trowelled into position. The second alternative is normally more expensive, but it will last longer and have fewer problems because it is significantly thicker and far more durable.

The end effect is a smoother, even, and flat driveway with a flawlessly functional finish. Some have described it as slick, although this is entirely dependent on the type of aggregate used in construction, as well as the credentials of your chosen contractor.

One distinct advantage of this surfacing type is that, unlike other options, which may be limited in breadth and design, resin may be tailored to your specific specifications and desires.

Are you unsteady on your feet? There are numerous anti-slip options available. South-facing driveway with glaring sunlight? UV resistant resin will ensure that the aesthetics remain entirely intact–with no following fading difficulties.

Resin bonded material is totally permeable as a fully SUDs compliant material, ensuring appropriate drainage.

If you already have a paved driveway, you must begin your surfacing refurbishing project from the ground up.

Is it less expensive to lay a resin driveway over an existing base?

Absolutely! In fact, this is one of the most straightforward methods for keeping your driveway restoration job within budget.

Many of our customers contact us because they are afraid that their current base is no longer feasible and will need to be excavated and replaced along with the surface.

However, in the vast majority of cases, the existing base can be reused as long as it is in relatively excellent condition (i.e. minimal sinking or soil erosion). In general, resin bound surfacing can be installed on one of two existing surfaces: non-permeable concrete or permeable asphalt.

Do Paved Surfaces Follow the Same Rules?

Certainly not! If you already have crazy paving, block paving, or any other sort of paving, you will need to start your surfacing renovation from begin.

The movement in these types of surfaces may lead any resin bonded material overlay to crack prematurely, preventing you from reaping the full spectrum of benefits.

Although a complete replacement is required in many circumstances, expenditures can be kept to a minimum. One method is to develop a driving/garden hybrid. Intrigued? Allow us to clarify…

The procedure of dividing the specified area for your new driveway into two different zones, with the resin bound surfacing taking up half of the area and the remaining space covered with a mixture of gravel and stones, is referred to as a driveway/garden hybrid.

A colourful selection of gravel may be used to simply construct an ultra-low care rock garden, with strategically placed potted shrubs to soften the edges and match the diversity of stones.

If you need more parking space in the future, these pots can be easily re-positioned, and the gravel area re-purposed to accommodate a new vehicle – all without the cost of a driveway extension. Perfect!

Resin Driveway Costs

There are several elements that impact the cost of your driveway, from size and design to the type of aggregate you choose. But with a little planning, you can simply work around them to guarantee you stay under budget.

5 Cost-Influencing Factors for Resin Driveways
When calculating the cost of a resin driveway, there are numerous factors to consider. These are some examples:

Resin Cost Factor No. 1: Size and shape are the most expensive aspects of resin

Your contractor will have a more difficult time laying the driveway if the shape is intricate. If your driveway is large, the contractor may need to hire more personnel to lay it all at once.

A labourer can cost up to £150 per day on average. Your driveway may take a whole day to lay if it is difficult in shape. It’s simple to understand how the fees might quickly add up.

Resin Cost Factor No. 2: Existing Base Condition

To verify that the existing base is one continuous piece of concrete or tarmac with no cracks or substantial dips, your contractor may need to repair or even replace it. In this case, the base will need to be fixed or replaced entirely.

If the current driveway is brick or paving slabs, it may need to be dug up and relaid as these have too many dips to be appropriate foundation for resin.

Option 1: If you need a new sub base dug out. The cost for a new sub base is around £70 per metre.

Option 2: Lay a new sub base and resin driveway – £180 per metre.

Resin Cost Factor No.3: Aggregate/Stone Options

The more precious the stone you select, the more expensive the driveway.

In general, the cost of stone will be determined by how readily available it is and how popular it proves to be. Brighter or different colours will result in a higher price.

You can also select a number of colours to use in your design patterns. This requires skill and time to perfect, and hence is more expensive.

4th Resin Cost Factor: Edging Options

The resin driveway will require some form of edging. There are several ways to accomplish this, and the finish you choose will affect the entire cost. If you’re feeling daring, you can go with a little wall, bricks put into the ground, or metal edging!

The location where the driveway joins the pavement is critical since it is driven over on a daily basis. Depending on the level of the pavement in relation to your driveway, this edging must be quite strong.
This could increase the cost.

The weather/time of year you want it installed is Resin Cost Factor No.5

Resin dries faster in the summer, therefore it will need to be laid quickly and probably with more staff. It will need to be laid in the dry during the winter. This could imply that your contractor will plan for damp weather.

This means that your driveway prices may rise as a result of the weather, and you may face unforeseen delays.

Resin-Bound Surfacing: Is the choice for the long term
The overall cost of your driveway may encourage you to choose the resin bonded variant over the resin bound variety because it appears to be less expensive at first. But first, consider why the lower investment is a waste of money:

• Resin bonded surfacing has a thinner covering of gravel and resin, making it prone to peeling, cracking, and bare patches. It will not outlast resin-bound material.
• Resin bonded driveways may experience challenges with stones becoming unstuck and need topping up. This means that it must be maintained on an ongoing basis.
• Resin bonded surfacing is prone to pooling and puddling. This will necessitate more drainage around your driveway, which will increase the expense.
• Resin bonded surfacing is produced from a thicker layer of material and will simply last longer and have a smoother, more professional appearance.
• Resin bound is more harder to apply, but will result in less cracking, patchiness, or discolouration.

Ensure the long-term functioning of your new driveway by hiring a professional contractor with the necessary experience and certifications!

Resin Driveway Cost Calculator: It’s Critical to Compare Prices!

As with any home improvement job, it is critical to obtain many quotations in order to perform a thorough analysis of the possibilities available.

Make certain that each contractor quotes you for the identical items and that they explain what your quote entails.

Some, for example, may refuse to price you for the base work, even if it is obvious that you will require a new one. Do not hire them if they propose to lay the driveway on a shoddy foundation.

This aspect of the project is non-negotiable and provides the foundation for the product’s lifetime.

Make sure the contractor has experience by conducting research on them. When you pay a premium, you expect outstanding results. Look for promises and investigate what they cover in their quote.
Remember that there are some dishonest contractors out there; it pays to do your research! If you don’t you could regret it and it will cost more to sort out any problems.

Neighbours who have had work done may be able to steer you in the correct direction. Online reviews may also give you an idea of what previous clients have experienced before you take the plunge.