Block Paving vs Resin Bound vs Tarmac: Which is Best for Your Worcester Home?
Choosing between block paving, resin bound, and tarmac for your Worcester driveway? Our comprehensive comparison examines real-world performance, costs, and suitability for different property types across Worcestershire.
Quick Decision Guide
Choose Block Paving If:
- • Traditional Worcester home
- • Want maximum curb appeal
- • Budget £45-65/m²
- • Don't mind occasional maintenance
Choose Resin Bound If:
- • Modern/contemporary home
- • Want minimal maintenance
- • Budget £55-75/m²
- • Need SUDS compliance
Choose Tarmac If:
- • Budget-conscious (£25-40/m²)
- • Simple, functional requirement
- • Good existing drainage
- • Quick installation needed
Detailed Material Comparison
Block Paving: The Traditional Choice
✓ Advantages
- • Beautiful patterns and designs
- • Individual block replacement possible
- • Excellent for Worcester's clay soil
- • Adds significant property value
- • 25+ year lifespan when quality installed
- • Perfect for period properties
- • Good grip in wet conditions
✗ Disadvantages
- • Higher initial cost
- • Can grow weeds if not sealed
- • Needs periodic re-sanding
- • Installation takes 3-5 days
- • Can shift without proper edging
- • Oil stains can be difficult to remove
Real Worcester Example:
"St. Johns Victorian terrace - 45m² charcoal herringbone block paving with contrasting border. Transformed tired concrete into stunning entrance. Cost: £2,475. Customer comment: 'Completely changed how our house looks from the street. Neighbours constantly ask who did the work.'"
Resin Bound: The Modern Solution
✓ Advantages
- • Seamless, contemporary finish
- • Fully permeable - no puddles ever
- • Very low maintenance
- • Perfect for Worcester's rainfall
- • SUDS compliant for planning
- • Huge range of colors available
- • Smooth, wheelchair accessible
✗ Disadvantages
- • Higher initial investment
- • Requires concrete base
- • Professional installation essential
- • Difficult to repair if damaged
- • Can be slippery when icy
- • Limited to modern aesthetics
Real Kidderminster Example:
"Warndon Village new build - 38m² golden pea resin bound with brick border. No more muddy puddles for the family. Cost: £2,850. Customer comment: 'Perfect for our modern house. Never any standing water, even in the worst Worcester weather. Kids love playing on it.'"
Tarmac: The Practical Option
✓ Advantages
- • Most cost-effective option
- • Quick installation (2-3 days)
- • Smooth, functional surface
- • Good for large areas
- • Can be resurfaced when needed
- • Suitable for commercial use
- • Easy snow clearing
✗ Disadvantages
- • Plain black appearance
- • Can crack on Worcester's clay soil
- • Oil stains are permanent
- • Softens in extreme heat
- • Shorter lifespan (10-15 years)
- • Poor drainage without proper fall
Real Redditch Example:
"Large family home - 60m² tarmac with block paving border. Practical solution for busy family with multiple cars. Cost: £2,400. Customer comment: 'Exactly what we needed - functional, affordable, and looks smart with the decorative border.'"
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Factor | Block Paving | Resin Bound | Tarmac |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost (per m²) | £45-65 | £55-75 | £25-40 |
| Worcester Weather Performance | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
| Clay Soil Suitability | Excellent | Excellent | Requires care |
| Drainage | Good/Permeable options | Fully permeable | Requires falls |
| Maintenance | Medium | Very low | Low |
| Appearance Options | Huge variety | Many colors | Limited |
| Property Value Added | High | High | Medium |
| Installation Time | 3-5 days | 2-3 days | 2-3 days |
| Lifespan | 25+ years | 15-20 years | 10-15 years |
Property Type Recommendations
Traditional Worcester Properties
Victorian/Edwardian Terraces
Best choice: Traditional block paving
Complements period features, adds value, suitable for conservation areas
1930s Semis
Best choice: Block paving or quality tarmac
Block paving for enhanced appeal, tarmac for budget-conscious upgrading
Character Cottages
Best choice: Natural-colored block paving
Use reclaimed-look blocks or natural stone effect to complement rural setting
Modern Worcester Properties
New Build Estates
Best choice: Resin bound surfacing
SUDS compliant, matches contemporary architecture, excellent drainage
Modern Detached
Best choice: Resin bound or contemporary blocks
Large format blocks or seamless resin bound for clean lines
Converted Properties
Best choice: Depends on original style
Barn conversions: natural blocks. Modern conversions: resin bound
Total Cost of Ownership Analysis
20-Year Cost Projection (40m² driveway)
Block Paving
Resin Bound
Tarmac
Despite higher initial costs, quality materials offer better long-term value
Our Expert Recommendations for Worcester Homes
🥇 Overall Winner: Block Paving
Perfect balance of appearance, performance, and value. Excellent in Worcester's conditions, adds significant property value, suitable for most home styles.
🥈 Best Modern Choice: Resin Bound
Unbeatable for contemporary homes and drainage requirements. Higher initial cost but virtually maintenance-free with excellent weather performance.
🥉 Best Budget Option: Quality Tarmac
Choose professional installation with excellent drainage. Good short-term solution but consider long-term replacement costs.
Making Your Decision
Key Questions to Ask Yourself:
- Budget: Can you invest £45+/m² for long-term value, or need immediate £25-40/m² solution?
- Property style: Traditional home (block paving) or modern property (resin bound)?
- Maintenance preference: Happy with occasional re-sanding or want zero maintenance?
- Drainage concerns: Clay soil or standing water issues? (Choose permeable options)
- Timeline: Need quick installation or happy to wait for best quality?
- Future plans: Staying long-term (invest in quality) or moving soon (budget option)?