In short: tarmac is cheaper and very durable but plain, and standard dense tarmac is impermeable. Resin bound costs more and looks more refined, and can be permeable on the right base. If you already have sound tarmac, a resin overlay may give you the look without a full rebuild.
| Resin bound | Tarmac | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Decorative natural stone, many colours | Black or red, plain |
| Drainage | Permeable on a permeable base | Dense tarmac impermeable; porous asphalt available |
| Planning (front, over 5 m², draining to road) | Not needed if permeable | Needed unless draining to ground or porous |
| Soft in heat | No | Can soften and mark in very hot weather |
| Weeds | Rare on a clean surface | Can appear at edges and cracks |
| Relative cost | Higher | Usually lower |
See resin over tarmac for when an existing drive can be overlaid.
Frequently asked questions
Is tarmac permeable?
Standard dense tarmac is not. Porous asphalt is a specialist permeable material and is named in government guidance as a permeable surface; it should be laid by a specialist.
Related guides
Resin over tarmac
Turning a sound tarmac drive into a resin finish without digging out, and when it is not suitable.
Resin vs concrete
Strength and low cost versus a decorative, permeable finish, and when to combine them.
What a resin driveway costs
The five factors that decide the price, published industry ranges, and how to compare quotes fairly.