Gravel vs Resin Driveways
When it comes to choosing a new surface for your driveway or garden paths, gravel is often one of the first options homeowners consider. It’s familiar, relatively inexpensive at the outset, and widely available. However, resin bound surfacing has grown in popularity over recent years, offering a more modern alternative that solves many of gravel’s common problems.
If you’re weighing up resin bound surfacing versus traditional gravel, this guide will help you understand the real differences. We’ll look at cost, maintenance, appearance, durability, and practicality, so you can make an informed decision for your home.
What’s the Difference Between Resin Bound and Gravel?
At first glance, resin bound and gravel can look similar because both use natural stone. The key difference lies in how the stones are held in place.
Gravel is loose stone spread over a base. It shifts underfoot and under vehicle tyres.
Resin bound surfacing mixes natural aggregate with a clear resin, which binds the stones together into a smooth, solid, permeable surface.
This difference affects almost every aspect of how the surface performs over time.
Appearance and Kerb Appeal
Gravel can look attractive when freshly laid, but it rarely stays that way for long. Stones migrate, tyre tracks appear, and bare patches develop. Over time, gravel often looks uneven and untidy.
Resin bound surfacing, on the other hand, provides a clean, seamless finish that stays consistent. The surface does not shift, meaning it keeps its shape and colour for years. There is also a wide range of colour blends available, allowing you to choose a look that complements your property rather than overpowering it.
If you’re interested in creating something more personalised, our blog A Guide to Customising Your Resin Bound Surface with Unique Designs explores colour choices, borders, and patterns in more detail.
Maintenance and Day-to-Day Practicality
Maintenance is one of the biggest deciding factors for homeowners.
Gravel Maintenance
Gravel requires ongoing attention:
- Stones need raking back into place.
- Weeds grow easily through the surface.
- Stones often end up on pavements or inside the house.
- Driveways may need topping up regularly.
Resin Bound Maintenance
Resin bound surfacing is far simpler:
- No loose stones to move around.
- Weeds struggle to grow due to the solid surface.
- Cleaning usually involves sweeping and occasional rinsing.
- No need for regular top-ups.
For a deeper look at why resin bound surfaces stay so easy to care for, see our blog What Makes Resin Bound Surfacing Low-Maintenance and Long-Lasting?
Durability and Longevity
Gravel driveways can wear down quickly, especially if used daily by vehicles. Over time, the base layer can become exposed, leading to uneven surfaces and puddles.
Resin bound surfacing is designed for durability. When installed correctly, it can last over 20 years. The stones are locked in place by the resin, preventing erosion, rutting, or movement. This makes it far more suitable for busy households.
To understand how resin bound surfaces perform in challenging conditions, our blog The Durability of Resin Bound Driveways: What You Need to Know is a helpful reference.
Drainage and Weather Performance
Both gravel and resin bound surfacing are permeable, meaning water can drain through them. However, resin bound offers a more controlled and consistent solution.
Gravel can shift during heavy rain, sometimes washing into drains or surrounding areas. Resin bound surfacing allows water to pass through evenly without disturbing the surface, helping reduce puddles and surface runoff.
This aligns with government guidance encouraging permeable surfaces for front gardens. You can read more in the official guidance on permeable surfacing of front gardens.
Safety and Accessibility
Loose gravel can be difficult to walk on and poses challenges for pushchairs, wheelchairs, and mobility aids. It can also be slippery underfoot when wet or icy.
Resin bound surfacing offers a smooth, slip-resistant finish that is much safer and more accessible. This makes it ideal for family homes and properties where ease of access is important.
Our blog Resin Bound Pathways: The Best Way to Improve Accessibility Around Your Home explains how resin bound surfaces improve safety and usability in more detail.
The Cost
Gravel is usually cheaper to install initially, which can be appealing. However, ongoing maintenance, topping up, and potential repairs can add up over time.
Resin bound surfacing has a higher upfront cost, but this is often offset by:
- Lower maintenance expenses.
- Longer lifespan.
- Improved kerb appeal and property value.
If you’re comparing long-term value rather than short-term cost, our blog Cost-Benefit Analysis: Investing in Resin Bound Surfacing for Your Property breaks this down clearly, although we will be updating this next month with the average costs in 2026.
Which Is Right for Your Home?
Gravel may suit properties with very light use or rural settings where a rustic look is desired and maintenance is not a concern.
Resin bound surfacing is better suited to homeowners who want:
- A neat, modern appearance.
- Minimal maintenance.
- Improved safety and accessibility.
- A surface that lasts for decades.
Conclusion
While gravel can be a quick and affordable solution, it often comes with compromises in maintenance, safety, and long-term appearance. Resin bound surfacing offers a more refined, durable alternative that stays looking good with very little effort.
For homeowners looking to invest in a surface that combines practicality with lasting visual appeal, resin bound surfacing is usually the better choice.
FAQs
Is resin bound surfacing better than gravel for driveways?
Yes, especially for regular use. Resin bound driveways are more stable, easier to maintain, and safer to walk on.
Can resin bound surfacing replace an existing gravel driveway?
In many cases, yes. A suitable base is required, but existing gravel areas can often be upgraded.
Does resin bound surfacing still look natural?
Absolutely. It uses natural stone and can be chosen to mimic the look of gravel without the drawbacks.
