In short: overlay when the existing concrete or tarmac is sound, stable and laid to falls; rebuild when it has sunk, broken up, is block paving or gravel, or when you want the drive to drain to ground. An overlay is quicker and cheaper; a rebuild costs more but resets the drive's structure and can make it fully permeable.
Overlay or rebuild: how to tell
| Your current drive | Usual route |
|---|---|
| Sound tarmac, firm, few defects | Overlay after repairs |
| Sound concrete, few cracks, good falls | Overlay after crack and joint treatment |
| Tarmac or concrete that has sunk, rutted or broken up | Rebuild |
| Block paving | Lift and rebuild |
| Gravel, soil or grass | New build-up |
| Any surface where you want drainage to ground | Permeable rebuild |
What a rebuild involves
Excavation of the old surface and soft material, a geotextile, a compacted sub-base (open-graded Type 3 or 4/20 for permeable builds), a binder course (often permeable macadam), edge restraint, then the resin bound layer. Government guidance puts typical driveway construction at 200 to 250 mm beneath the surface. Disposal of excavated material is part of the job, and should be in the quote.
Comparing resurfacing quotes
Quotes vary most on preparation. Two quotes for the "same" drive can describe completely different jobs: one an overlay over defects, another a full rebuild. Ask each installer to state in writing whether they are overlaying or rebuilding, why, and what each layer will be. Our installer checklist has the full list of questions.
Frequently asked questions
Can resin go over block paving?
Generally not. Blocks move independently on sand, so joints reflect through the resin as cracks. Most installers lift the blocks and lay a new base.
Can resin go over gravel?
No. Loose gravel is not a base. It is removed, or used as part of a new compacted sub-base where suitable, then a binder course is laid.
How long does resurfacing take?
An overlay on a typical drive is often one to two days once preparation is done. A full rebuild adds excavation, sub-base and binder course, so allow several days. Weather also matters, because resin should not be laid in rain, very cold or very humid conditions.
Related guides
Resin over tarmac
Turning a sound tarmac drive into a resin finish without digging out, and when it is not suitable.
Resin over concrete
When an existing concrete drive is a good base, and the cracks, joints and drainage issues to check.
What a resin driveway costs
The five factors that decide the price, published industry ranges, and how to compare quotes fairly.
How resin driveways are installed
Survey to curing, step by step, with the weather limits and checks that separate good work from bad.