Guides & Advice

Tarmac Driveways

Tarmac is a practical, no-fuss choice that has been used on driveways and roads for decades. It’s quick to lay, stands up well to heavy use and is usually the most cost-effective option, especially for larger driveways.

Pros
Tarmac is durable, affordable and quick to install. It gives a clean, smooth finish that suits most homes, and it’s easy to maintain with the occasional sweep and wash. Worn areas can also be patched or resurfaced rather than replaced entirely.

Cons
Design choice is limited, with black being the standard finish. Standard tarmac isn’t permeable, so drainage needs to be planned carefully, and it can soften slightly in very hot weather.

Best for: Homeowners who want a durable, practical driveway at a sensible price, or larger driveways where cost per square metre matters most.

Tarmac Driveway Installation

Block Paving Driveways

Block paving offers the most design flexibility of the three. With a huge range of colours, textures and laying patterns, such as herringbone and basket weave, you can create a driveway that complements your home perfectly.

Pros
Block paving is extremely strong and long-lasting. Borders, contrasting colours and patterns let you create a bespoke look, and if a block becomes damaged or stained, it can be lifted and replaced without disturbing the rest of the driveway. Permeable block paving is also available.

Cons
The joints between blocks can allow weeds and moss to grow over time, so occasional cleaning and re-sanding is needed to keep it looking its best. Installation also takes longer than tarmac.

Best for: Homeowners who want a traditional, high-quality finish with plenty of design choice, and who don’t mind a little upkeep.

Block Paving Driveways

Resin Bound Driveways

Resin bound driveways have become increasingly popular in recent years thanks to their smooth, seamless finish and practical benefits. The surface is made by mixing natural aggregates with a clear resin, then trowelling it into a smooth, even layer.

Pros
Resin bound surfaces are permeable, allowing rainwater to drain straight through, which helps reduce puddles and surface water run-off. The seamless finish leaves no joints for weeds to grow through, it needs very little maintenance, and there’s a wide range of aggregate colours and blends to choose from.

Cons
The quality of the finished driveway depends heavily on the base underneath and the skill of the installer, so it’s important to choose an experienced team. Repairs can also be harder to blend in than with block paving.

Good to know: Resin bound is different from resin bonded. Resin bonded has loose stones scattered on top of a resin layer and isn’t permeable. Resin bound is fully mixed, smooth and permeable.

Best for: Homeowners who want a modern, low-maintenance driveway that handles rainwater well.

Resin Bound Driveways

Do You Need Planning Permission?

In England, you don’t normally need planning permission for a new front driveway if it uses a permeable surface, such as resin bound or permeable block paving, or if rainwater is directed to a lawn or border to drain naturally. If you’re laying more than 5 square metres of a non-permeable surface, such as standard tarmac, and the water would run off onto the road, planning permission is usually required. We’ll advise you on this during your site survey.

So, Which Should You Choose?

• Choose tarmac if you want a durable, practical driveway at the most affordable price.
• Choose block paving if design, colour and a classic finish are your priorities.
• Choose resin bound if you want a sleek, modern look with minimal maintenance and built-in drainage.

There’s no single right answer. The best driveway depends on your home, your budget and how you use the space. That’s why we always start with a proper site survey, so we can check your ground conditions, drainage and access before recommending the best option.

Get Expert Advice from Pro Scapes

Based in Ware, Pro Scapes installs tarmac, block paving and resin bound driveways across Hertfordshire, including Hertford, Welwyn Garden City, Stevenage, St Albans and Bishop’s Stortford. If you’re not sure which driveway is right for your home, get in touch for a free, no-obligation site survey and quote.

If you’ve been getting quotes for a new driveway, patio, or landscaping project, you may have noticed that reputable contractors rarely give you a firm price over the phone or by email. At Pro Scapes, every quote starts with a free site survey – and there’s a good reason for that.

Why We Can’t Quote Over the Phone or by Email

It might seem quicker for us to just give you a rough figure based on a photo or a description of your space, but the truth is, an accurate quote depends on far more than square footage.

When we visit your property, we look at things that simply can’t be assessed remotely:

• Ground conditions – The type of soil, existing sub-base, and drainage all affect how a driveway or patio needs to be prepared. Poor ground conditions can significantly change the amount of groundwork required.
• Access – How easily materials and machinery can reach your property affects both timescales and cost.
• Existing surfaces – Whether we’re excavating an old driveway, working around existing patios, or tying into other landscaping, this changes the scope of work.
• Levels and drainage – Getting falls and drainage right prevents pooling water and future problems, and this can only be properly assessed on site.
• Your exact requirements – A short conversation in person often reveals details that get missed in an email, from the finish you’re picturing to how the space needs to work for your household.

Any contractor willing to give you a binding price without seeing your property first is either guessing or building in a large margin to cover the unknowns. That margin usually ends up being your problem, not theirs, once work is underway.

What Happens During a Pro Scapes Site Survey

Our site visits are straightforward and unhurried. We’ll:

1. Walk the site with you and talk through what you’re hoping to achieve
2. Assess ground conditions, access, and any drainage considerations
3. Take measurements and photos
4. Talk through material options, whether that’s block paving, tarmac, resin bound surfacing, or a combination
5. Answer any questions on the spot

You’ll usually get a written quote within a few days of the visit, broken down clearly so you know exactly what you’re paying for.

Completely Free, No Obligation

We know that inviting a contractor round can feel like a commitment in itself, so it’s worth being clear: our quotes and site surveys are completely free, and there’s no obligation to go ahead. We’d rather give you the time and honest advice to make the right decision, whether that’s with us or not.

If you’re considering a new driveway, patio, or landscaping project anywhere across Hertfordshire, Essex, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, or North London, get in touch to arrange your free, no-obligation site survey.