Resin vs Tarmac in Hampshire — Which Is Actually Cheaper?
If you are replacing a driveway in Hampshire and cost is a priority, the upfront price comparison between resin and tarmac is only part of the answer. Tarmac costs less on day one — but over a 20-year period, resin-bound consistently costs less. Here is why Hampshire homeowners who do the maths are increasingly choosing resin.
The Upfront Gap Is Real — But Smaller Than You Think
Tarmac in Hampshire runs £25–£50/m² for a standard installation; resin-bound starts at £65/m² on a sound existing base. On a typical 35m² Hampshire drive, that is tarmac at £875–£1,750 versus resin at £2,275–£3,850. The gap narrows when you factor in that resin includes edging, drainage assessment, and a 10-year written guarantee as standard — items that are extras on most tarmac quotes.
The 20-Year Picture Reverses Completely
Tarmac driveways in Hampshire need crack sealing every 2–3 years, annual weed treatment, and a full resurface every 7–12 years. A tarmac drive starting at £1,500 typically costs £5,500–£7,000 over 20 years once maintenance is included. A resin drive installed for £2,800 needs only a pressure wash once a year — no resurfacing, no weed treatment, no crack filling. Beyond year 8 the resin drive has already paid back its premium.
Tarmac Has a Planning Permission Problem
Since 2008, any new impermeable front driveway over 5m² in England — including tarmac — requires planning permission. In Hampshire that means a £258 fee, an 8-week determination period, and the risk of refusal. Resin-bound is fully permeable, meets SuDS requirements, and falls under permitted development — no application needed for most Hampshire properties. The hidden cost and delay of tarmac planning requirements is often overlooked when comparing quotes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is resin actually cheaper than tarmac in Hampshire?
Not on day one — but yes over any period beyond about 8 years. Tarmac lower upfront cost is consumed by maintenance and resurfacing cycles. Resin-bound higher install cost is a one-time expense covering 20+ years of essentially zero maintenance.
What maintenance does tarmac need in Hampshire?
Crack sealing every 2–3 years, annual weed treatment, and resurfacing every 7–12 years. In Hampshire climate — freeze-thaw cycles in winter and UV load in summer — tarmac surface degradation is predictable and unavoidable. Budget £300–£500 per year for maintenance on a typical Hampshire tarmac drive.
Can I get resin-bound on the same budget as tarmac?
Not usually upfront. A resin drive costs £700–£2,000 more than tarmac on a typical Hampshire project. Spread over 20 years that is £35–£100 per year extra — less than a single crack-sealing visit. Call 07384 599889 to get a fixed written quote with no obligation.
Does resin need planning permission in Hampshire?
No — resin-bound is fully permeable and SuDS-compliant, so it falls under permitted development for most Hampshire front driveways. Tarmac is impermeable and does require planning permission for new front driveways over 5m². This is a significant practical and cost advantage for resin-bound.
Get a Free Quote in Hampshire
Call 07384 599889 or request a free quote online. See all our seasonal driveway services.