Block Paving vs Resin Driveways: Which Is Right for Your Manchester Home?

A new driveway is one of the best-value improvements you can make to a South Manchester home — estate agents consistently cite kerb appeal as a factor in sale price. But which surface should you choose?

The cost comparison (Cheshire, 2026)

• Block paving: £120 – £160 per m² installed
• Resin-bound: £110 – £150 per m² (over a sound existing base; more if a new base is needed)
• Gravel: £50 – £80 per m² — the budget option
• Tarmac: £60 – £90 per m²

A typical two-car driveway of 50m² costs £6,000 – £8,000 in block paving.

Durability in the North West climate

Block paving handles Manchester's freeze-thaw cycles extremely well, and individual blocks can be lifted and replaced if stained or damaged — a huge long-term advantage. Expect 25+ years with occasional re-sanding.

Resin-bound surfaces look stunning and are seamless underfoot, but they depend entirely on the base beneath them. Laid over a weak base, they crack — and repairs are far less invisible than swapping a block.

Drainage and planning rules

Since 2008, any impermeable front-garden surface over 5m² that drains onto the road requires planning permission. The simple ways around this:

• Permeable block paving on an open-graded sub-base
• Resin-bound (naturally permeable) over a permeable base
• Directing runoff to a lawn, border or soakaway

We build permeable as standard, so planning permission is almost never needed.

Maintenance

• Block paving: pressure wash and re-sand every 2–3 years (we offer this as a service)
• Resin: occasional light wash; avoid oil spills
• Gravel: top up and rake annually

Our verdict

For most homes in Didsbury, Sale, Altrincham and Stockport, permeable block paving offers the best balance of cost, longevity and repairability. Resin is a beautiful premium choice where the existing base is sound.

Unsure which suits your property? Book a free site visit and we'll assess your existing driveway and give you honest advice.