Is Resin Cheaper Than Tarmac in Hampshire? True Cost Comparison 2026
Tarmac looks cheaper upfront in Hampshire — but over 20 years, a resin-bound driveway costs significantly less. Our SuDS-compliant, fully permeable resin surface starts from £65/m², comes with a 10-year installation guarantee, and eliminates the maintenance cycle that makes tarmac expensive over time.
Upfront Cost: Tarmac Wins — But Only at First
In Hampshire, a new tarmac driveway typically costs £25–£50 per m² fully installed — noticeably less than resin-bound at £65–£110/m². On a 40m² drive, tarmac might cost £1,200–£2,000 while resin runs £2,600–£4,400. At the point of installation, tarmac is cheaper. But the upfront price is only one part of the cost picture — and it is the smallest part over a 20-year ownership period.
Lifetime Cost: Resin Wins After Year 8
Tarmac needs crack sealing every 2–3 years (£100–£300 per job), weed treatment annually (£50–£100), and full resurfacing every 7–12 years (£1,200–£2,500 on a 40m² Hampshire drive). Add those costs across 20 years and a tarmac drive starting at £1,600 typically costs £5,000–£7,000 in total. A resin-bound driveway installed for £2,800 needs only an annual pressure wash — total 20-year cost remains close to £2,800. Resin is cheaper beyond year 8 on every realistic Hampshire comparison.
Planning Permission: A Hidden Cost of Tarmac
Since April 2008, any new impermeable front driveway over 5m² in England — including tarmac — requires planning permission. A planning application in Hampshire costs £258 at the time of writing, takes 8 weeks, and is not guaranteed to be approved. Resin-bound is fully permeable and SuDS-compliant, so it falls under permitted development — no application, no fee, no waiting. For homeowners replacing an existing front driveway, this makes resin-bound the faster and cheaper option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is resin cheaper than tarmac in Hampshire?
Upfront, no — tarmac is cheaper at £25–£50/m² versus resin at £65–£110/m². Over 20 years including maintenance and resurfacing, resin-bound is consistently cheaper, typically by £2,000–£4,000 on a standard Hampshire driveway. The crossover point is around year 8.
Does tarmac need planning permission in Hampshire?
Yes — any new impermeable front driveway over 5m² requires planning permission under permitted development rules introduced in 2008. Tarmac is impermeable. Resin-bound is fully permeable and SuDS-compliant, so it does not require planning permission for most Hampshire front driveways.
How long does tarmac last compared to resin in Hampshire?
Tarmac typically lasts 7–12 years before needing resurfacing in Hampshire climate — UV exposure, freeze-thaw cycles, and vehicle loading degrade the surface. A properly installed resin-bound driveway with UV-stable aliphatic resin lasts 20+ years with minimal maintenance. Our 10-year written guarantee covers the first half of the resin driveway expected lifespan.
What is the cheapest driveway option in Hampshire long-term?
Resin-bound is the cheapest long-term option for most Hampshire homeowners when total 20-year cost is considered. It costs more upfront than tarmac or gravel, but its zero-maintenance requirement and 20+ year lifespan make it the lowest total-cost hard surface beyond approximately year 8. Gravel is cheaper upfront but requires annual top-up, weed membrane replacement, and stone migration management — costs that accumulate quickly.
Get a Free Hampshire Quote
Call 07384 599889 or request a free written quote online — every Hampshire enquiry receives a no-obligation written quote within 24 hours. No deposit required.
