Block Paving vs Resin Driveways in Newcastle: Which Is Best?

Choosing the right driveway surface for your home isn’t just about style — it’s about long-term value, maintenance, drainage, and how it performs in Newcastle’s unpredictable weather.

At Newcastle Paving, we’re often asked the same question: Should I go with block paving or resin bound?

Both options are incredibly popular across the North East, and for good reason. They’re attractive, durable, and versatile. But they also suit different homes, budgets, and preferences.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the pros and cons of each material — including real-world examples from jobs we’ve done around Newcastle — to help you make the best choice for your home.

What Is Block Paving?

Block paving uses individual bricks or blocks, usually made from concrete or clay, arranged in a specific pattern on a compacted base.

It’s been a classic choice for decades, and it’s common in both traditional and modern neighbourhoods across Newcastle — from terraced streets in Sandyford to suburban homes in Kingston Park.

What Is Resin Bound?

A resin bound driveway is made by mixing natural aggregate stones with a clear UV-stable resin, then trowelling it down to create a smooth, seamless surface.

It’s a more modern option that’s growing quickly in popularity, especially in areas like Jesmond and High Heaton where homeowners are looking for something sleek and low maintenance.

Block Paving: Pros and Cons

Why Newcastle homeowners choose block paving

Block paving gives you flexibility. You can customise the colour, pattern, and edging to suit almost any home style. It also tends to blend well with period properties — an advantage in many of Newcastle’s older neighbourhoods.

Benefits of block paving

• Customisable design: From herringbone to basketweave patterns, you’ve got creative control.
• Easy to repair: Individual bricks can be lifted and replaced without disturbing the whole driveway.
• Strong and long-lasting: Properly installed, it handles cars, vans, and high foot traffic with ease.
• Cost-effective at scale: It sits in the mid-range on price and offers good long-term value.

Things to consider

• Weed growth: Gaps between blocks can attract weeds or moss unless treated or sealed.
• Maintenance needed: Occasional power washing and re-sanding of joints is required.
• Not naturally permeable (unless specified): Standard block paving needs added drainage to comply with regulations.

Best for:

• Traditional homes with lots of character
• Driveways needing intricate layout or edging
• Homeowners wanting the option to repair in small sections

Resin Bound: Pros and Cons

Why it’s becoming more popular in Newcastle

Resin bound driveways offer a contemporary look with minimal upkeep. They’re also fully SUDS compliant, meaning water drains through them naturally — a big win for areas prone to flooding or with strict council regulations.

Benefits of resin bound

• Smooth, seamless finish: No loose stones or gaps between slabs.
• Low maintenance: No weeds, no shifting, and very little cleaning required.
• Fully permeable: Helps prevent pooling and satisfies drainage rules.
• Wide choice of colours: Match your aggregate to your brickwork or garden design.

Things to consider

• Higher upfront cost: Resin is more expensive than standard paving.
• Surface prep is critical: The base must be perfect — often concrete or tarmac — or the finish will fail.
• Not easily repairable: If cracks or discolouration occur, you usually have to resurface the entire area.

Best for:

• Modern homes or renovations
• Clients needing SUDS-compliant driveways
• Anyone who wants a low-maintenance surface with high kerb appeal

Real-Life Comparison: Heaton vs Jesmond

We recently installed two driveways on opposite sides of the city.

In Heaton, a homeowner wanted to refresh their front garden with a traditional look that matched their red brick semi. We used burnt ochre block paving in a 45-degree herringbone pattern. It added charm and matched the age of the property perfectly. Final cost was £4,200 for a 45m² space.

In Jesmond, a family was building an extension and wanted a clean, modern finish. We laid a resin bound surface using silver and charcoal stones. The seamless finish matched their grey windows and modern landscaping. Their 40m² resin driveway came in at £5,400.

Both clients were thrilled — but they each chose what suited their home, not just what was trending.

Cost Comparison: Block Paving vs Resin Bound (Newcastle Prices 2025)

Feature	Block Paving	Resin Bound
Typical price/m²	£80–£120	£90–£140
40m² driveway cost	£3,200–£4,800	£3,600–£5,600
Repairable?	Yes (individual blocks)	No (needs full rework)
Drainage compliant?	Only with permeable blocks or added soakaway	Yes (fully SUDS compliant)
Maintenance level	Moderate	Low
Installation time	3–4 days	2–3 days

Note: Prices include ground preparation, waste removal, materials, and labour. At Newcastle Paving, all quotes are fixed and broken down clearly before work begins.

Drainage Considerations in Newcastle

Newcastle City Council follows national SUDS (Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems) guidance. If your new driveway is over 5m² and not permeable, you’ll need to show where the water is going.

This is why resin bound driveways are often the safer bet — especially in areas like High Heaton, Benton, and parts of Gateshead where surface water management is a concern.

If you choose block paving, make sure you use permeable blocks or install suitable drainage like a soakaway or a channel drain. We can advise you on the best approach during your site survey.

Installation Process: What to Expect

Block Paving

1. Excavate area and remove old materials
2. Lay MOT Type 1 sub-base
3. Add sharp sand bedding layer
4. Lay blocks in chosen pattern
5. Add edge restraints and compact
6. Sweep kiln-dried sand between joints
7. Final clean and inspection

Total time: 3 to 4 days

Resin Bound

1. Excavate and level base
2. Lay solid concrete or tarmac base
3. Allow base to cure (may already be present)
4. Mix resin and stone on site
5. Trowel smooth and leave to cure

Total time: 2 to 3 days (plus base curing time if required)

Which One Should You Choose?

Here’s how we help clients decide:

Choose block paving if:

• You want a traditional look
• You may need to repair sections in future
• You want flexibility in colour and layout
• You’re OK with a bit of maintenance

Choose resin bound if:

• You want a clean, modern appearance
• You want minimal upkeep
• You need to comply with drainage rules
• You’re happy to invest a bit more upfront

Still not sure? That’s normal.

Every driveway has different needs — slope, access, soil, sunlight, usage. That’s why we always recommend a site visit before making any final decisions.

Why Choose Newcastle Paving?

We’re a local team with years of experience installing both block and resin driveways across Newcastle, Gateshead, North Tyneside, and beyond.

We never pressure you into a specific material. Instead, we walk you through the pros and cons, show you real examples, and help you pick what’s right for your property.

• Free no-obligation quotes
• Fixed pricing with no hidden fees
• Council-compliant drainage solutions
• Experienced team and proper groundwork
• Guaranteed work backed by insurance