Concrete vs Resin Bound Driveways: Which Lasts Longer?

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What Impacts Driveway Lifespan the Most?

  • ✔ Base Preparation

    A driveway is only as strong as its sub-base. Poor compaction or drainage can shorten lifespan regardless of surface material.
  • ✔ Exposure to Weather

    Frost, UV rays, and standing water all affect surface durability. Concrete handles heavy wear, while resin handles water better when installed correctly.
  • ✔ Weight Load

    Resin is flexible but less suited to constant heavy vehicle traffic. Concrete holds up better under trailers, vans, or turning wheels.
  • ✔ Maintenance Over Time

    Resin needs resealing or patching every few years. Concrete may crack, but typically requires less hands-on maintenance.
  • ✔ Installation Quality

    A poor resin pour or rushed concrete slab can both fail early. Professional install is key to hitting the 20+ year mark.

Resin Bound vs Concrete Driveway Lifespan

Feature Resin Bound Driveway Concrete Driveway
Typical Lifespan 15–20 years 25–30 years
Best Withstands UV exposure, light foot/vehicle traffic Heavy loads, long-term structural stress
Crack Resistance Flexible, less prone to visible cracking Can crack if poorly installed or over thin base
Maintenance Required Needs resealing or patching every 3–5 years Very low maintenance after curing
Surface Finish Decorative, smooth, permeable Plain or decorative; solid slab with optional polish or stamping
Ideal Base Conditions Solid concrete or tarmac base underneath 150mm MOT Type 1 sub-base + mesh reinforcement

Concrete Driveway

  • Lasts 25–30 years or more with minimal maintenance.
  • Handles heavy vehicles, turning wheels, and high impact stress.
  • Can be polished or patterned for a decorative finish.
  • Very low maintenance after initial cure — just wash and go.

Concrete Driveway

  • Prone to cracking if joints are missed or base shifts.
  • Harder to repair invisibly — patches always show.
  • Surface is impermeable — needs good drainage planning.

Resin Bound Driveway

  • Flexible surface — less likely to crack or shift visibly.
  • Permeable finish helps with drainage and SUDS compliance.
  • Highly decorative — lots of colour blends and textures.

Resin Bound Driveway

  • Shorter lifespan — usually 15–20 years max with maintenance.
  • Weeds or moss can grow if surface isn’t cleaned regularly.
  • Needs resealing or patch repairs every few years to stay looking fresh.
🔹 Can you lay resin over old concrete?
Yes — resin bound can be installed over an existing concrete slab, but only if the base is stable, crack-free, and fully dry. Any movement or damage in the slab will transfer through to the resin over time. A proper primer and resurfacing layer are usually needed to ensure the resin bonds well and doesn’t lift or crack later.
🔹 Which surface handles frost and cold better?
Concrete is more resistant to deep frost, but it can crack if water seeps in and freezes. Resin bound driveways handle freeze-thaw cycles better because they’re slightly flexible — but only if the base is rock solid. For both types, good drainage is key to long-term performance in cold weather.
🔹 Which driveway type lasts longer overall?
Concrete usually wins on lifespan — a well-laid concrete slab can last 25–30 years or more. Resin bound typically lasts 15–20 years and requires more regular maintenance. But resin offers better drainage, more design options, and a softer, less industrial finish. It comes down to how much weight the surface will handle and how much upkeep you're comfortable with.
🔹 Can resin be repaired if it cracks or lifts?
Yes — resin bound surfaces can be patched or resealed, but colour matching can be tricky. It’s best to fix small areas early before the damage spreads. For best results, use the same installer or original resin blend if you need repairs later.

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