Planning
Choosing a driveway surface in West Sussex: resin, blocks or tarmac
Compare resin bound, block paving and tarmac by drainage, appearance, repairs and the work your existing driveway needs.
Archive: 7 July 2026 · Published:
Begin with the property, not the colour chart
A driveway has to accommodate your vehicles, shed water safely and meet paths, garage doors and entrance thresholds at suitable levels. Before choosing a finish, note where puddles form, whether the existing surface moves and how much room you need to open car doors. These details influence the specification more than an attractive sample alone.
How the three finishes differ
Resin bound offers an aggregate appearance with stones held in a resin matrix. A permeable surface still needs an appropriate underlying construction and drainage design. Block paving gives a modular finish with patterns and replaceable individual units; ordinary blocks are not automatically permeable. Tarmac offers a continuous dark surface, but the drainage arrangement and edge details remain important. Compare complete installations rather than assuming the visible finish tells you everything about performance.
Your project checklist
- Ask whether the existing base can be retained and why.
- Compare drainage, excavation and edging in each quote.
- View real surface samples outdoors before choosing.
Is one material always best?
No. The right choice depends on ground conditions, drainage, vehicle use, budget and appearance. A site survey helps narrow the options.
Further reading
General homeowner guidance, not a site-specific specification or planning decision. Check current authority and manufacturer requirements for your property and installed system.
