Why Are Resin Driveways So Expensive?
At £50–£120 per square metre, resin bound driveways are a significant investment. But when you understand what goes into a quality installation, the pricing starts to make sense. Here's a transparent breakdown.
Where Does the Money Go?
| Cost Element | % of Total | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Materials (resin + aggregate) | 35–45% | UV-stable resin: £15–£25/m². Natural stone aggregate: £10–£20/m². |
| Labour | 30–40% | Skilled trowellers, mixing, and preparation. 2–3 people for 2–3 days. |
| Groundwork | 10–25% | Excavation, sub-base, and compaction if needed. |
| Edging & drainage | 5–10% | Aluminium edging and any drainage work. |
| Business overheads | 10–15% | Insurance, equipment, travel, waste disposal, VAT. |
What Makes Quality Resin Worth It
UV-stable resin prevents yellowing and colour fading. Quality natural stone aggregate maintains its appearance for decades. Proper application depth (18–25mm) ensures durability under vehicle traffic. These aren't optional extras — they're the difference between a driveway that lasts 5 years and one that lasts 25.
The Cost of Going Cheap
We regularly hear from homeowners who chose the cheapest quote and regretted it within 2–3 years. Common problems with budget installations include loose stones, cracking, water pooling, and rapid discolouration. The cost of repair or replacement often exceeds the saving from the original cheap quote.
For fair, competitive pricing from trusted installers, use our cost calculator and free quote service.