Five surfaces, each with their own strengths. Click through for the full guide, costs, install times and FAQs for each – or read the comparison further down this page.
Five surfaces compared at a glance – lifespan, install time, drainage and maintenance side by side. Every Cathedral Landscapes quote is written and itemised after a free site visit.
| Feature | Resin Bound | Block Paving | Tarmac | Gravel | Concrete (PIC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 20–25 yrs | 30+ yrs | 15–20 yrs | 10–15 yrs | 30–40 yrs |
| Install time | 1–2 days | 3–5 days | 1–2 days | 1–2 days | 2–4 days + cure |
| SUDS / no planning | Yes | Yes (permeable system) | No (unless porous) | Yes | No |
| Maintenance | Very low | Medium – re-sand joints | Low – re-seal 3–5 yrs | Medium – top up gravel | Re-seal 3–5 yrs |
| Wheelchair / pram | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Poor (loose) / OK (grid) | Excellent |
| Best for… | Modern homes wanting permeable & low-maintenance | Premium kerb appeal & repairable surface | Maximum durability for the budget | Rural cottages & entry-level permeable | Heavy use, longest lifespan, varied looks |
Everything you need to know before commissioning a new driveway in Worcestershire.
A new driveway is one of the highest-impact home improvements you can make – lifting the kerb appeal of the property, adding off-street parking that often increases insured value, and replacing a tired or muddy front area with a finish that lasts decades. At Cathedral Landscapes we install every type of driveway across Worcester, Malvern, Droitwich, Pershore and Upton-upon-Severn, and we'll be straight with you about which surface fits your home, lifestyle and budget.
How much does a new driveway cost in 2026?
Driveway costs in Worcestershire vary by surface. As a guide, a typical 40 m² double driveway fully installed:
• Gravel – entry-level permeable, simplest install
• Tarmac – best value durable hard surface
• Resin bound – premium permeable, contemporary finish
• Concrete (brushed to pattern imprinted) – long-life specialist, varied finishes
• Block paving – premium kerb appeal, repairable
Every Cathedral Landscapes quote is written – no estimates, no creeping extras.
SUDS, planning permission and the front driveway rules
Since October 2008, any new front driveway in England over 5 square metres in area must either (a) use a fully permeable surface, (b) drain to a permeable area such as a soakaway or garden bed, or (c) have planning permission. This rule was introduced to reduce flash flooding from urban surface water. In practice it means resin bound, gravel and permeable block paving systems are exempt; standard tarmac, standard block paving and concrete usually need a permeable edge or soakaway detail to comply, or a planning application.
We design every driveway to comply with the rules and explain your options on the site visit. We also install dropped kerbs as part of any new driveway – needed wherever a new driveway crosses the public footway.
How long does a new driveway take to install?
Times for a typical 40 m² double driveway: Gravel 1 to 2 days; Tarmac 1 to 2 days; Resin bound 2 to 3 days; Concrete 2 to 4 days plus 7 day cure; Block paving 3 to 5 days. We plan around your week and never leave a job mid-way through.
Why Cathedral Landscapes?
We're a local Worcestershire team. We turn up on the day we said. We bring physical samples to your home so the colour and finish can be seen against your brick or stone in your own daylight. Quotes are written, with a 30 day validity. Every driveway includes a written workmanship guarantee on top of the relevant manufacturer warranties. And because we install every driveway type, we don't have a hammer-and-nails bias – if resin is right for your home we'll tell you, even if you came asking about block paving.
Get a Quote
Call Now
Step 1
Call 01905 412 949 to book a free site visit anywhere in Worcestershire.
Step 2
We measure, show samples, talk through the right surface for your home and email a written quote within 24 hours.
Step 3
Book a date. We turn up when we said, finish what we start, and hand over a written workmanship guarantee.
There's no single best – it depends on budget and priorities. Resin bound is the best all-rounder for modern homes. Block paving is the premium kerb-appeal choice. Tarmac is the best-value hard surface. Gravel is the cheapest permeable option. Pattern imprinted concrete offers the longest lifespan.
Driveway costs depend on the surface, the size and shape of the area, ground conditions and access. As a service-level guide: gravel is the entry-level permeable option, tarmac the best-value hard surface, resin bound a premium permeable finish, concrete a long-life specialist, and block paving the premium kerb-appeal pick. Every Cathedral Landscapes quote is written and itemised after a free site visit.
Front driveways over 5 m² must use a permeable surface OR drain to a soakaway OR have planning permission. Resin, gravel and permeable block paving are exempt. We design every driveway to comply.
Gravel 1–2 days; Tarmac 1–2 days; Resin 2–3 days; Concrete 2–4 days + 7 day cure; Block paving 3–5 days.
Reinforced concrete and block paving both last 30+ years. Resin bound 20–25 years. Tarmac 15–20 years. Gravel 10–15 years.
Resin bound – seamless, weed-free, just sweep or rinse. Tarmac is next lowest with a re-seal every few years.
Yes – we install dropped kerbs as part of any new driveway. Required wherever the driveway crosses the public footway.
The right surface for a Worcester terrace is different from the right surface for a Malvern detached or a Droitwich bungalow. We've written a guide for each of the main Worcestershire property types.
Small drives done well. Gravel and resin do most with a tight footprint.
The Worcestershire suburban classic. Every surface viable.
Sweep designs, twin access, mixed-surface borders, premium finishes.
Smooth, level, wheelchair friendly – resin and pattern concrete win.
Wrap-around, sweep-through, twin access – use both frontages.
Upgrade the developer's basic finish to something that adds value.
See the full driveways by property type hub for the complete overview.
Honest Surface Advice
Samples to Your Door
Written QuotesCall 01905 412 949 now or fill in the form below for a free, no obligation quote. Our team of friendly landscaping experts will call you back.
Get in touch
Cathedral Landscapes Worcestershire
Worcester, Malvern, Droitwich, Upton and beyond.
t: 01905 412 949
e: info@cathedral-landscapes.co.uk
Opening Hours
Mon - Fri: 9:00am - 5:30pm
Sat: 10:00am - 2:00pm
Sun: Closed
