[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":903},["ShallowReactive",2],{"blog-permeable-driveways-where-rainwater-goes":3,"blog-related-permeable-driveways-where-rainwater-goes":268},{"id":4,"title":5,"author":6,"body":7,"date":254,"description":255,"extension":256,"image":257,"meta":258,"navigation":259,"path":260,"seo":261,"stem":262,"tags":263,"__hash__":267},"blog\u002Fblog\u002Fpermeable-driveways-where-rainwater-goes.md","Permeable Driveways: Where Does the Rainwater Go?","Better Driveways",{"type":8,"value":9,"toc":241},"minimark",[10,17,20,29,34,44,53,57,60,63,99,103,106,109,113,122,134,137,140,144,147,160,163,167,170,173,188,192,201,205,211,217,223,229,233],[11,12,13],"p",{},[14,15,16],"em",{},"Published 2 October 2026. Sources checked on that date. This guide covers houses in England; the rules in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are different.",[11,18,19],{},"A permeable driveway lets rain soak through the surface and the layers beneath it into the ground, so water does not run off into the road and the drains. If the driveway is not permeable, the rain has to be sent somewhere on your own land that can take it, such as a lawn, a border, a rain garden or a soakaway, and that soakaway must never be the drainage field of a septic tank.",[11,21,22,23,28],{},"Whether a front garden driveway needs planning permission is covered in our separate guide to ",[24,25,27],"a",{"href":26},"\u002Fblog\u002Fplanning-permission-driveways-uk","planning permission for driveways",". This guide is about the next question: once the surface is down, where does the water actually go?",[30,31,33],"h2",{"id":32},"why-does-it-matter-where-driveway-water-goes","Why does it matter where driveway water goes?",[11,35,36,37,43],{},"The rule on paving front gardens came in after the 2007 floods. The government's ",[24,38,42],{"href":39,"rel":40},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.gov.uk\u002Fgovernment\u002Fpublications\u002Fpermeable-surfacing-of-front-gardens-guidance\u002Fguidance-on-the-permeable-surfacing-of-front-gardens",[41],"noopener","guidance on the permeable surfacing of front gardens"," explains that one or two paved gardens may not seem to make a difference, but many paved gardens in a street add up and increase the risk of flooding. It also points out that hard surfaces collect oil, petrol and brake dust, which is washed into drains that often run straight to streams and rivers. In older areas, rainwater may go into the foul sewer, which takes household waste to the sewage works.",[11,45,46,47,52],{},"The ",[24,48,51],{"href":49,"rel":50},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.planningportal.co.uk\u002Fpermission\u002Fcommon-projects\u002Fpaving-your-front-garden\u002Fplanning-permission\u002F",[41],"Planning Portal"," summarises the result: you do not need planning permission for a new or replacement driveway of any size if it uses permeable surfacing, such as gravel, permeable concrete block paving or porous asphalt, or if the rainwater is directed to a lawn or border to drain naturally. Covering more than five square metres with a traditional impermeable surface that does not let water run to a permeable area needs permission.",[30,54,56],{"id":55},"what-makes-a-driveway-permeable","What makes a driveway permeable?",[11,58,59],{},"It is not only the top surface. The GOV.UK guidance notes that conventional driveways are built on a sub-base, often called hardcore or MOT Type 1, which contains a lot of fine sand and silt and does not let water through easily. A permeable driveway needs a sub-base that water can pass through as well as a surface that lets it in.",[11,61,62],{},"Common permeable choices are:",[64,65,66,77,87,93],"ul",{},[67,68,69,76],"li",{},[70,71,72],"strong",{},[24,73,75],{"href":74},"\u002Fservices\u002Fnew-driveways\u002Fgravel","Gravel"," on a free-draining base",[67,78,79,86],{},[70,80,81,82],{},"Permeable ",[24,83,85],{"href":84},"\u002Fservices\u002Fnew-driveways\u002Fblock-paving","block paving",", with wider joints and a permeable sub-base",[67,88,89,92],{},[70,90,91],{},"Resin bound"," surfacing laid on a permeable base, not over old tarmac or concrete",[67,94,95,98],{},[70,96,97],{},"Porous asphalt or concrete"," designed to let water through",[30,100,102],{"id":101},"does-the-ground-under-my-driveway-matter","Does the ground under my driveway matter?",[11,104,105],{},"Yes. The GOV.UK guidance says the soil below a permeable driveway or rain garden must be sandy or gravelly rather than clay, otherwise a connection to the drains may be needed. On very clayey sites it suggests including a pipe as a precaution, so that water which cannot soak away has somewhere to go.",[11,107,108],{},"It also covers contaminated land. If your home is built on a site that was contaminated by an earlier use, the shallow soils may have been designed to stop water soaking in. In that case the paved area has to be connected to the drains instead.",[30,110,112],{"id":111},"if-the-surface-is-not-permeable-where-should-the-water-go","If the surface is not permeable, where should the water go?",[11,114,115,116,121],{},"The building regulations set an order of priority for rainwater from roofs and paved areas. Requirement H3 in ",[24,117,120],{"href":118,"rel":119},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.gov.uk\u002Fgovernment\u002Fpublications\u002Fdrainage-and-waste-disposal-approved-document-h",[41],"Approved Document H"," says it should go to:",[123,124,125,128,131],"ol",{},[67,126,127],{},"an adequate soakaway or other infiltration system, or, where that is not reasonably practicable,",[67,129,130],{},"a watercourse, or, where that is not reasonably practicable,",[67,132,133],{},"a sewer.",[11,135,136],{},"For paths and driveways, Approved Document H says they should drain freely to a pervious area such as grass, provided the water is not discharged next to buildings where it could damage foundations, and the ground is not overloaded. The edge of the paving should be flush with or above the surrounding ground so the water can run off. Where the ground cannot take the flow, filter drains may be used.",[11,138,139],{},"The GOV.UK front gardens guidance adds two practical points: slope the driveway away from the house where possible, and do not direct water towards a neighbour's property.",[30,141,143],{"id":142},"how-far-from-the-house-should-a-soakaway-be","How far from the house should a soakaway be?",[11,145,146],{},"The two official sources give different figures, so it is worth knowing both:",[64,148,149,155],{},[67,150,46,151,154],{},[70,152,153],{},"GOV.UK front gardens guidance"," says that for small driveways a minimum distance of 3 metres should be suitable, but that it depends on ground conditions and a greater distance may be needed.",[67,156,157,159],{},[70,158,120],{}," (paragraph 3.25) says infiltration devices such as soakaways should not be built within 5 metres of a building or road, in unstable ground, or where the water table reaches the bottom of the soakaway at any time of year.",[11,161,162],{},"If your installer proposes a soakaway, ask which guidance they are working to and how they have checked the ground. Approved Document H says soakaway capacity should be based on percolation tests, which show how quickly water drains into the soil.",[30,164,166],{"id":165},"can-driveway-water-go-into-a-septic-tank-or-drainage-field","Can driveway water go into a septic tank or drainage field?",[11,168,169],{},"No. This is where driveways and off-mains drainage meet, and it catches people out in rural areas.",[11,171,172],{},"A drainage field is the network of perforated pipes that spreads treated effluent from a septic tank or treatment plant into the ground. It is part of the sewage treatment, not a rainwater soakaway. Approved Document H expects a drainage field to sit at least 15 metres from any building and at least 10 metres from any watercourse, and says that no access roads, driveways or paved areas should be located within the disposal area. It also says soakaways must be far enough from any drainage field that the ground's overall soakage capacity is not exceeded.",[11,174,175,176,181,182,187],{},"Sending roof or driveway water into the foul system can overload it. Septic Tank Advice explains ",[24,177,180],{"href":178,"rel":179},"https:\u002F\u002Fseptictankadvice.org\u002Fadvice\u002Fdrainage-field-failure",[41],"the warning signs of a failing drainage field"," and why clean surface water should be kept away from it. If you are planning a new driveway on a property with off-mains drainage, find out where the tank and field are before any digging, and read its guide to ",[24,183,186],{"href":184,"rel":185},"https:\u002F\u002Fseptictankadvice.org\u002Fadvice\u002Fnew-off-mains-drainage-system",[41],"planning a new off-mains drainage system"," if the drainage itself is being moved or replaced.",[30,189,191],{"id":190},"what-about-the-water-from-my-roof","What about the water from my roof?",[11,193,194,195,200],{},"Downpipes often discharge onto or next to a driveway. If that water is meant to soak into a permeable driveway or a soakaway, it needs to be included when the drainage is designed. If the gutters overflow or the downpipes are blocked, the water ends up in the wrong place regardless of the surface. Nationwide Roofing Specialists has more on ",[24,196,199],{"href":197,"rel":198},"https:\u002F\u002Fnationwideroofingspecialists.co.uk\u002Fservices\u002Fguttering",[41],"keeping gutters and downpipes working",".",[30,202,204],{"id":203},"questions-homeowners-ask","Questions homeowners ask",[11,206,207,210],{},[70,208,209],{},"Is gravel always permeable?","\nOnly if the base under it lets water through. Gravel laid over compacted hardcore with a lot of fine material, or over an old concrete slab, will not drain well.",[11,212,213,216],{},[70,214,215],{},"Do I need a soakaway for a permeable driveway?","\nNot usually, if the surface, the sub-base and the soil let water soak in. On clay or contaminated ground the GOV.UK guidance says a connection to the drains, or a pipe as a back-up, may be needed.",[11,218,219,222],{},[70,220,221],{},"Can I connect my driveway drain to the sewer?","\nApproved Document H puts a sewer last in the order of priority, after a soakaway or a watercourse. Your water company and building control can tell you what is allowed at your property.",[11,224,225,228],{},[70,226,227],{},"Can a driveway go over a septic tank drainage field?","\nApproved Document H says no access roads, driveways or paved areas should be located within the disposal area.",[30,230,232],{"id":231},"get-free-quotes-from-local-driveway-companies","Get free quotes from local driveway companies",[11,234,235,236,240],{},"If you are planning a permeable driveway, or need to sort out where the water from an existing one goes, you can ",[24,237,239],{"href":238},"\u002Fget-a-quote","get free quotes from local driveway companies",". Better Driveways is run by Better Home Hub Ltd, an introduction service: we do not carry out driveway work ourselves, and a specialist we introduce you to may pay Better Home Hub a fee. It is still your responsibility to check that any permission you need is in place.",{"title":242,"searchDepth":243,"depth":243,"links":244},"",2,[245,246,247,248,249,250,251,252,253],{"id":32,"depth":243,"text":33},{"id":55,"depth":243,"text":56},{"id":101,"depth":243,"text":102},{"id":111,"depth":243,"text":112},{"id":142,"depth":243,"text":143},{"id":165,"depth":243,"text":166},{"id":190,"depth":243,"text":191},{"id":203,"depth":243,"text":204},{"id":231,"depth":243,"text":232},"2026-10-02","How permeable driveways, soakaways and rain gardens deal with rainwater, how far a soakaway should be from the house, and why a septic tank drainage field is not a place for driveway water.","md","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog-planning-permission-driveways.jpg",{},true,"\u002Fblog\u002Fpermeable-driveways-where-rainwater-goes",{"title":5,"description":255},"blog\u002Fpermeable-driveways-where-rainwater-goes",[264,265,266],"Regulations","Guides","Drainage","ZXC6xivNwaDJuBvVgWs0KM18v1b-Qfq1j10NVYTPWBw",[269,518,703],{"id":270,"title":271,"author":6,"body":272,"date":254,"description":508,"extension":256,"image":509,"meta":510,"navigation":259,"path":511,"seo":512,"stem":513,"tags":514,"__hash__":517},"blog\u002Fblog\u002Fraised-driveway-damp-proof-course.md","Raised Driveways, Damp Walls and the Damp-Proof Course",{"type":8,"value":273,"toc":498},[274,279,282,285,289,292,300,303,307,310,341,352,356,359,362,366,369,383,392,396,399,430,439,443,461,463,469,475,481,490,492],[11,275,276],{},[14,277,278],{},"Published 2 October 2026. Sources checked on that date. This guide refers to the building regulations guidance for England.",[11,280,281],{},"A driveway or patio laid too high against the house can let moisture from the ground and rain splash get into the wall above the damp-proof course, which can lead to damp patches inside. The building regulations guidance expects the damp-proof course in an external wall to sit at least 150mm above the adjoining ground, so any new surface next to the house should finish well below it and slope away.",[11,283,284],{},"This is easy to get wrong when an old driveway is overlaid rather than dug out, because each new layer raises the level a little more. Here is what to check before work starts and what to look for if damp has already appeared.",[30,286,288],{"id":287},"what-is-a-damp-proof-course-and-why-does-height-matter","What is a damp-proof course and why does height matter?",[11,290,291],{},"A damp-proof course (DPC) is a waterproof layer built into a wall near the bottom, usually a strip of bitumen or plastic, slate or engineering bricks. It stops moisture in the ground from rising up the brickwork into the house.",[11,293,294,299],{},[24,295,298],{"href":296,"rel":297},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.gov.uk\u002Fgovernment\u002Fpublications\u002Fsite-preparation-and-resistance-to-contaminates-and-moisture-approved-document-c",[41],"Approved Document C",", the building regulations guidance on resisting moisture, says that in an external wall the DPC should be at least 150mm above the level of the adjoining ground, unless the design means part of the building protects the wall (paragraph 5.5). That 150mm gap keeps the DPC above the splash zone, where rain hitting a hard surface bounces back onto the wall.",[11,301,302],{},"If a driveway, patio or path is laid so that it is level with or above the DPC, water can get into the wall above the waterproof layer. This is often called bridging the DPC.",[30,304,306],{"id":305},"how-does-a-new-driveway-end-up-too-high","How does a new driveway end up too high?",[11,308,309],{},"Common ways it happens:",[64,311,312,323,329,335],{},[67,313,314,317,318,322],{},[70,315,316],{},"Overlaying an old surface."," Resurfacing or an overlay is laid on top of the existing driveway, so the finished level goes up. Our page on ",[24,319,321],{"href":320},"\u002Fservices\u002Fdriveway-repairs\u002Foverlays","driveway overlays"," explains when this approach suits a driveway.",[67,324,325,328],{},[70,326,327],{},"Building up to meet a raised doorstep or a slope."," The surface is lifted next to the house to avoid a step or to level out the ground.",[67,330,331,334],{},[70,332,333],{},"Soil, gravel or planters heaped against the wall."," Not a driveway as such, but the effect on the DPC is the same.",[67,336,337,340],{},[70,338,339],{},"Falls towards the house."," If the surface slopes towards the wall, rain runs to the brickwork and sits there.",[11,342,343,344,347,348,351],{},"The government's ",[24,345,42],{"href":39,"rel":346},[41]," says a driveway should slope away from the house wherever possible, and that water should not be directed towards a neighbour's property. ",[24,349,120],{"href":118,"rel":350},[41]," says driveways and paths that drain onto surrounding ground should not discharge water next to buildings where it could damage foundations.",[30,353,355],{"id":354},"what-about-air-bricks","What about air bricks?",[11,357,358],{},"Many older houses have suspended timber floors with a ventilated space underneath. Air bricks in the outside walls let air flow through that space. Approved Document C (paragraph 4.14) expects ventilation openings in two opposing external walls so that air has a free path to all parts of the space under the floor.",[11,360,361],{},"If a new driveway or patio covers or partly blocks the air bricks, the space under the floor is no longer properly ventilated. Before work starts, walk round the house, note where the air bricks are, and make sure the new level will stay below them. If a level change is unavoidable, a builder can advise on extending the vents rather than covering them.",[30,363,365],{"id":364},"how-can-i-tell-if-my-driveway-is-causing-damp","How can I tell if my driveway is causing damp?",[11,367,368],{},"Look outside first:",[64,370,371,374,377,380],{},[67,372,373],{},"Measure from the finished surface up to the DPC line. You can often see the DPC as a thin dark line in the mortar, or as a change in brick type, near the bottom of the wall.",[67,375,376],{},"Check for staining, moss or crumbling mortar at the base of the wall above the driveway.",[67,378,379],{},"Watch where rainwater collects during a heavy shower. Puddles against the wall are a warning sign.",[67,381,382],{},"Check that air bricks are clear and not below the surface.",[11,384,385,386,391],{},"Then look inside. Damp from a bridged DPC tends to show low down on the wall that faces the driveway: tide marks, flaking paint, salts on plaster or a musty smell. But damp has several causes, and not every damp patch near the floor is rising damp. National Mould Experts explains ",[24,387,390],{"href":388,"rel":389},"https:\u002F\u002Fnationalmouldexperts.co.uk\u002Fmould-basics\u002Fcauses",[41],"the different types of damp and how to tell them apart",", including condensation, penetrating damp, rising damp and leaks.",[30,393,395],{"id":394},"what-can-be-done-if-the-driveway-is-already-too-high","What can be done if the driveway is already too high?",[11,397,398],{},"The fix is usually to lower the ground next to the wall rather than to treat the wall. Options a driveway installer might suggest include:",[64,400,401,407,413,424],{},[67,402,403,406],{},[70,404,405],{},"Cutting back a strip next to the house"," and replacing it with a lower drainage channel or a strip of gravel that sits below the DPC.",[67,408,409,412],{},[70,410,411],{},"Re-laying the edge of the driveway"," so that it falls away from the house.",[67,414,415,418,419,423],{},[70,416,417],{},"Taking up the old surface"," rather than overlaying it, so the new one finishes at a lower level. Our ",[24,420,422],{"href":421},"\u002Fservices\u002Fdriveway-repairs\u002Fresurfacing","driveway resurfacing"," page covers the difference between resurfacing and starting again.",[67,425,426,429],{},[70,427,428],{},"Adding a channel drain"," along the edge where the surface cannot be lowered enough, with the water taken to a soakaway or other suitable outlet.",[11,431,432,433,438],{},"Once the wall has had time to dry out, any damp or mould inside can be dealt with properly. National Mould Experts has guidance on ",[24,434,437],{"href":435,"rel":436},"https:\u002F\u002Fnationalmouldexperts.co.uk\u002Fmould-basics\u002Fprevention",[41],"preventing mould from coming back"," once the cause has been fixed.",[30,440,442],{"id":441},"questions-to-ask-an-installer","Questions to ask an installer",[64,444,445,448,455,458],{},[67,446,447],{},"What will the finished level be in relation to the damp-proof course?",[67,449,450,451,454],{},"Will the surface slope away from the house, and where will the water go? (See our guide on ",[24,452,453],{"href":260},"where driveway rainwater goes",".)",[67,456,457],{},"Are any air bricks affected, and how will they be kept clear?",[67,459,460],{},"Will the old surface be dug out or overlaid?",[30,462,204],{"id":203},[11,464,465,468],{},[70,466,467],{},"How far below the damp-proof course should my driveway be?","\nApproved Document C says the DPC in an external wall should be at least 150mm above the adjoining ground, unless part of the building protects the wall.",[11,470,471,474],{},[70,472,473],{},"Can a patio cause damp too?","\nYes. The same applies to any hard surface, soil or planter against the wall.",[11,476,477,480],{},[70,478,479],{},"Should I block up air bricks to stop draughts?","\nNot under a suspended timber floor. Approved Document C expects ventilation openings in two opposing outside walls so air can reach all of the space under the floor.",[11,482,483,486,487,489],{},[70,484,485],{},"Does a raised driveway need planning permission?","\nThat depends on the size, surface and drainage. Our guide to ",[24,488,27],{"href":26}," explains the front garden rule.",[30,491,232],{"id":231},[11,493,494,495,497],{},"If your driveway or patio sits too close to your damp-proof course, or you are planning a new one and want the levels right first time, you can ",[24,496,239],{"href":238},". Better Driveways is run by Better Home Hub Ltd, an introduction service: we do not carry out driveway work ourselves, and a specialist we introduce you to may pay Better Home Hub a fee.",{"title":242,"searchDepth":243,"depth":243,"links":499},[500,501,502,503,504,505,506,507],{"id":287,"depth":243,"text":288},{"id":305,"depth":243,"text":306},{"id":354,"depth":243,"text":355},{"id":364,"depth":243,"text":365},{"id":394,"depth":243,"text":395},{"id":441,"depth":243,"text":442},{"id":203,"depth":243,"text":204},{"id":231,"depth":243,"text":232},"Why a new driveway or patio laid too high against the house can bridge the damp-proof course and block air bricks, what the building regulations say, and how to avoid it.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog-driveway-materials-south-coast.jpg",{},"\u002Fblog\u002Fraised-driveway-damp-proof-course",{"title":271,"description":508},"blog\u002Fraised-driveway-damp-proof-course",[265,515,516],"Repairs","Damp","K1zkimJ7xegqTtT7bGeGIi2ABX0ba2UPy4MAiUkpQHE",{"id":519,"title":520,"author":6,"body":521,"date":692,"description":693,"extension":256,"image":694,"meta":695,"navigation":259,"path":696,"seo":697,"stem":698,"tags":699,"__hash__":702},"blog\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-much-does-resin-driveway-cost.md","How Much Does a Resin Driveway Cost in 2026?",{"type":8,"value":522,"toc":679},[523,528,536,540,550,553,573,576,580,585,588,592,595,599,602,606,609,613,616,648,651,655,662,665,669,672],[11,524,525],{},[14,526,527],{},"Last reviewed: September 2026. Prices are typical ranges from UK cost guides, not quotes.",[11,529,530,531,535],{},"If you're considering a ",[24,532,534],{"href":533},"\u002Fservices\u002Fnew-driveways\u002Fresin-bound","resin bound driveway",", one of the first questions is how much it will cost. This guide sets out the typical prices published in UK cost guides in 2026 and the things that push a quote up or down.",[30,537,539],{"id":538},"typical-resin-driveway-costs","Typical Resin Driveway Costs",[11,541,542,543,546,547,200],{},"UK cost guides updated in summer 2026 put a new resin bound driveway, including installation, at around ",[70,544,545],{},"£60 to £95 per square metre",". Where an existing tarmac or concrete driveway is sound enough to lay resin over, resin bound resurfacing is typically quoted at around ",[70,548,549],{},"£40 to £75 per m²",[11,551,552],{},"Typical totals by driveway size:",[64,554,555,561,567],{},[67,556,557,560],{},[70,558,559],{},"Small driveway (about 30m²):"," £1,800 – £3,000",[67,562,563,566],{},[70,564,565],{},"Medium driveway (about 60m²):"," £3,500 – £5,500",[67,568,569,572],{},[70,570,571],{},"Large driveway (about 90m²):"," £5,000 – £8,000",[11,574,575],{},"These figures include materials and labour. Your own price could fall outside them depending on your location, the installer and the site.",[30,577,579],{"id":578},"factors-that-affect-the-price","Factors That Affect the Price",[581,582,584],"h3",{"id":583},"existing-surface-condition","Existing Surface Condition",[11,586,587],{},"If your current driveway is stable and level, resin can sometimes be laid over it, which saves on groundwork. Cracked, sinking or uneven surfaces need taking up and a new sub-base laying, which adds to the cost. Bear in mind that water will not drain through an old impermeable surface underneath, so ask how drainage will be handled.",[581,589,591],{"id":590},"aggregate-type-and-colour","Aggregate Type and Colour",[11,593,594],{},"Standard natural aggregate blends cost less than premium or bespoke colour mixes.",[581,596,598],{"id":597},"access-and-location","Access and Location",[11,600,601],{},"Difficult access, such as narrow side entrances, a long way from where materials can be delivered, or steep slopes, increases labour time and therefore cost.",[581,603,605],{"id":604},"edging-and-drainage","Edging and Drainage",[11,607,608],{},"Most resin driveways need edging to create a neat finish. Drainage channels or a soakaway may also be needed, depending on the base and your property's layout.",[30,610,612],{"id":611},"how-resin-compares-to-other-materials","How Resin Compares to Other Materials",[11,614,615],{},"Typical installed prices per square metre from the same cost guides:",[64,617,618,624,630,636,642],{},[67,619,620,623],{},[70,621,622],{},"Gravel:"," £40 – £100 per m² (needs topping up from time to time)",[67,625,626,629],{},[70,627,628],{},"Tarmac:"," £45 – £100 per m²",[67,631,632,635],{},[70,633,634],{},"Block paving:"," £50 – £120 per m²",[67,637,638,641],{},[70,639,640],{},"Resin bound:"," £60 – £95 per m²",[67,643,644,647],{},[70,645,646],{},"Natural stone:"," £75 – £250 per m² (varies widely with the stone)",[11,649,650],{},"Resin bound sits in the middle of the range. Cost guides commonly quote a lifespan of around 20 to 25 years when it is installed correctly.",[30,652,654],{"id":653},"is-it-worth-it","Is It Worth It?",[11,656,657,658,661],{},"Resin bound gives a smooth, loose-stone-free finish that needs little routine maintenance, and it is permeable when laid on a permeable base. That can help a front garden driveway in England meet the ",[24,659,660],{"href":26},"planning rules on permeable surfaces"," without extra drainage. Laid over an old impermeable surface, it does not, so rainwater needs to run to a lawn, border or soakaway instead.",[11,663,664],{},"Whether it is worth the money depends on your budget, your property and how you use the driveway. Get more than one quote if you can, and compare what each includes.",[30,666,668],{"id":667},"getting-a-quote","Getting a Quote",[11,670,671],{},"Every driveway is different, so the only way to get an accurate price is for a specialist to look at your property. Before you agree to anything, ask for a written quote, check what the guarantee covers and check the installer's insurance.",[11,673,674,675,678],{},"You can ",[24,676,677],{"href":238},"send an enquiry"," to be introduced to a specialist. Better Driveways is run by Better Home Hub Ltd, an introduction service that does not carry out driveway work. Sending an enquiry is free with no obligation, and a specialist we introduce you to may pay Better Home Hub a fee.",{"title":242,"searchDepth":243,"depth":243,"links":680},[681,682,689,690,691],{"id":538,"depth":243,"text":539},{"id":578,"depth":243,"text":579,"children":683},[684,686,687,688],{"id":583,"depth":685,"text":584},3,{"id":590,"depth":685,"text":591},{"id":597,"depth":685,"text":598},{"id":604,"depth":685,"text":605},{"id":611,"depth":243,"text":612},{"id":653,"depth":243,"text":654},{"id":667,"depth":243,"text":668},"2026-03-15","A guide to typical resin bound driveway costs in the UK in 2026, including price per square metre, costs by driveway size and the factors that affect the final price.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog-resin-driveway-cost.jpg",{},"\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-much-does-resin-driveway-cost",{"title":520,"description":693},"blog\u002Fhow-much-does-resin-driveway-cost",[700,701],"Costs","Resin Bound","0naXySkQGkXY4DCnq9FQVfu1oEVGgmW63VdKKbgPO1c",{"id":704,"title":705,"author":6,"body":706,"date":893,"description":894,"extension":256,"image":895,"meta":896,"navigation":259,"path":897,"seo":898,"stem":899,"tags":900,"__hash__":902},"blog\u002Fblog\u002Fblock-paving-vs-resin-bound.md","Block Paving vs Resin Bound: Which is Right for Your Home?",{"type":8,"value":707,"toc":881},[708,713,723,727,733,738,744,748,751,763,766,770,775,780,785,789,794,799,804,808,814,819,824,829,833,837,851,855,869,873,876],[11,709,710],{},[14,711,712],{},"Last reviewed: September 2026.",[11,714,715,716,718,719,722],{},"Choosing between ",[24,717,85],{"href":84}," and ",[24,720,721],{"href":533},"resin bound"," is one of the most common decisions homeowners face when planning a new driveway. Both are good options, but they suit different properties and priorities. Here's a straightforward comparison to help you decide.",[30,724,726],{"id":725},"appearance","Appearance",[11,728,729,732],{},[70,730,731],{},"Block paving"," offers a traditional, structured look with a huge range of colours, patterns and laying styles. It suits period properties, cottage-style homes and anyone who likes a classic look. Herringbone, basketweave and stretcher bond patterns all create a distinctive entrance.",[11,734,735,737],{},[70,736,91],{}," gives a smooth, contemporary finish with a seamless surface. The natural aggregate creates a subtle look that suits modern builds, renovated homes and minimalist designs, and there's a wide range of colour blends.",[11,739,740,743],{},[70,741,742],{},"Verdict:"," It depends on your property. Traditional homes often suit block paving; modern homes tend to look better with resin.",[30,745,747],{"id":746},"cost","Cost",[11,749,750],{},"UK cost guides reviewed in September 2026 put both materials in a similar bracket for a new, fully installed driveway:",[64,752,753,758],{},[67,754,755,757],{},[70,756,634],{}," typically £50 – £120 per m²",[67,759,760,762],{},[70,761,640],{}," typically £60 – £95 per m²",[11,764,765],{},"Block paving takes longer to lay (cost guides suggest around 4 to 6 days for a 60m² driveway, against 3 to 5 days for resin), and the price of both depends heavily on the groundwork needed. These are typical ranges, not quotes.",[30,767,769],{"id":768},"durability-and-lifespan","Durability and Lifespan",[11,771,772,774],{},[70,773,731],{}," is hard-wearing when laid on a well-built sub-base, and individual blocks can be lifted and replaced if they are damaged or stained, which is a real advantage.",[11,776,777,779],{},[70,778,91],{}," is commonly quoted as lasting around 20 to 25 years when installed correctly. Repairs to a damaged patch are harder to hide than replacing a few blocks.",[11,781,782,784],{},[70,783,742],{}," Block paving has the edge on repairability. How long either lasts depends mostly on the quality of the installation.",[30,786,788],{"id":787},"maintenance","Maintenance",[11,790,791,793],{},[70,792,731],{}," needs regular care to stay looking its best. Weeds and moss can grow in the joints, the joints need re-sanding from time to time, and blocks can shift or sink if the sub-base was poorly prepared.",[11,795,796,798],{},[70,797,91],{}," needs less routine maintenance. The smooth surface resists weeds, and sweeping and an occasional wash keep it looking fresh.",[11,800,801,803],{},[70,802,742],{}," Resin bound usually wins for low maintenance.",[30,805,807],{"id":806},"permeability-and-planning-permission","Permeability and Planning Permission",[11,809,810,811,200],{},"In England, if you pave more than 5m² of a house's front garden, the surface either needs to be permeable or the rainwater needs to run to a lawn, border or soakaway on your property. Otherwise you'll need ",[24,812,813],{"href":26},"planning permission",[11,815,816,818],{},[70,817,91],{}," is porous, but it only drains if it is laid on a permeable base. Laid over old tarmac or concrete, water can't soak through.",[11,820,821,823],{},[70,822,731],{}," can be permeable if permeable blocks and jointing are laid on a permeable sub-base. Standard block paving is not permeable.",[11,825,826,828],{},[70,827,742],{}," Either can meet the rule if it's built the right way. Ask the installer exactly how the drainage will work.",[30,830,832],{"id":831},"which-suits-your-property","Which Suits Your Property?",[581,834,836],{"id":835},"choose-block-paving-if","Choose block paving if:",[64,838,839,842,845,848],{},[67,840,841],{},"You have a period or traditional property",[67,843,844],{},"You want a wide choice of patterns and styles",[67,846,847],{},"Being able to replace individual damaged sections matters to you",[67,849,850],{},"You don't mind occasional maintenance",[581,852,854],{"id":853},"choose-resin-bound-if","Choose resin bound if:",[64,856,857,860,863,866],{},[67,858,859],{},"You prefer a sleek, modern look",[67,861,862],{},"Low maintenance is important to you",[67,864,865],{},"Your driveway has curves or irregular shapes",[67,867,868],{},"You're happy to confirm the base will let water drain, or that run-off has somewhere to go",[30,870,872],{"id":871},"still-unsure","Still Unsure?",[11,874,875],{},"The best way to decide is to talk to an experienced installer who can look at your property. Ask for a written quote, what the guarantee covers and proof of insurance before you agree to anything.",[11,877,674,878,880],{},[24,879,677],{"href":238}," to be introduced to a local specialist. Better Driveways is run by Better Home Hub Ltd, an introduction service that doesn't carry out driveway work. It's free to use with no obligation, and a specialist we introduce you to may pay Better Home Hub a fee.",{"title":242,"searchDepth":243,"depth":243,"links":882},[883,884,885,886,887,888,892],{"id":725,"depth":243,"text":726},{"id":746,"depth":243,"text":747},{"id":768,"depth":243,"text":769},{"id":787,"depth":243,"text":788},{"id":806,"depth":243,"text":807},{"id":831,"depth":243,"text":832,"children":889},[890,891],{"id":835,"depth":685,"text":836},{"id":853,"depth":685,"text":854},{"id":871,"depth":243,"text":872},"2026-03-10","An honest comparison of block paving and resin bound driveways — typical costs, durability, maintenance, appearance, and which suits different property types.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog-block-paving-vs-resin-bound.jpg",{},"\u002Fblog\u002Fblock-paving-vs-resin-bound",{"title":705,"description":894},"blog\u002Fblock-paving-vs-resin-bound",[265,901,701],"Block Paving","hGe1V7EFrATwf8o0wa6Ec-xMCH-Bvu7gTXhsL61dElc",1790933725624]