Patterned concrete drives have been a popular driveway surfacing product for many years both in the U.S.A and here in the UK.
But there is a threat.
Resin is becoming more and more popular. In this article we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of both.
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to Install | Colour May Face |
| Wide Choice of Colours | Surface Cracking |
| Wide Choice of Patterns | Drainage Requirements |
| Low Maintenance | Difficult Repairs |
| Low Cost | |
| Suitable On All Gradients |
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to Install | |
| Choice of Colour | Limited Colour/Resin may Darken |
| No Drainage Required | Steep Gradients Challenging |
| Low Maintenance | |
| Low Cost |
Patterned Concrete Drives Vs Resin Bound Drives – Installation
For both pattern imprinted concrete and resin bound driveways installation is relatively straightforward (stress relatively).
Ignoring overlays both sub base preparations are similar, but not the same.
Excavations will generally be to a depth of 8 inches for concrete with MOT Type 1 stone then compacted to 4 inches. The ideal thickness for the laid slab of concrete is 4 inches. Resin is laid on a similar type of sub base (but with a smaller aggregate) of concrete or open grade tarmacadam. But the final layer thickness of resin is much less (and this has some advantages.)
A well constructed and Compacted Pattern Imprinted Concrete Sub base with Bull Nose Edging
Read more:
Pattern Imprinted Concrete Installation
Resin Bound Driveway Installation
Patterned Concrete Drives VS Resin Bound – Colours
The range of colours (and patterns) available for imprinted concrete installations are wide. These range from pretty standard charcoal black/grey, which are mainly used for ‘cobble‘ type designs, to deep Terracotta reds and Reddish Sandstone. These uniquely blend together and suit wide open driveway surfaces best.
Pattern imprinted concrete European Fan design
PICS Colour Guide for Pattern Imprinted Concrete
Resin is more limited in its range of colours and generally most will be sandy or reddish colours. But things can be spiced up by adding marble or even crushed glass. Different types of gravel can be mixed together to provide more contrast.
This Red Resin picks up well with the Brickwork and Roof Tiles
In summary, patterned concrete drives have a larger choice of colours and patterns and resin bound is a little more limited.
Read this post on Pattern Concrete Colours
Amazing Imprinted Concrete Designs
Amazing Resin Bound Driveway Designs
Patterned Concrete Drives VS Resin Bound Drives – Maintenance
Both these types of driveway surface are easy to maintain.
Read this article on our top two picks for Low Maintenance Driveway choices.
1 Thing Never to Do to a Resin Driveway!
Regular sweeping and the occasional light pressure wash are enough to keep both types of paving in tip-tip condition.
Guide to safely Pressure Washing Driveway Surfaces
Important maintenance tip: For any pattern imprinted concrete driveway – Ensure resealing is completed every 2-3 years. This will protect the colour pigmentation and stop fading. A re-seal is relatively inexpensive but will go a long way to preserving the lifetime of a concrete driveway.
Ideally resealing of Patterned Concrete Drives is Completed Every 2-3 years
For resin bound installations us a UV resistant resin to prevent ‘dulling‘ which can tone down a resin bound driveway.
Resealing a Pattern Imprinted Concrete Driveway
Patterned Concrete Drives VS Resin Bound -Drainage
The best case scenario for both types of driveway surface is natural drainage to bedding areas. But as resin is a permeable surface, drainage really is no issue. Patterned concrete driveways generally need channel drainage as shown below.
Channel Drainage for Pattern Imprinted Concrete Driveway
What is a Driveway Soakaway for?
Patterned Concrete Drives VS Resin Bound Drives – Cost
In terms of cost both driveway surfaces are worth it!
If you are progressive in your outlook an can appreciate that a driveway is the first impression of your house cost shouldn’t be an obstacle.
Investing in the appearance is worth it and increases the value of your home.
Costs can rise significantly if extra work is needed and a lot will also hinge on whether you use an installer direct or choose to pay more via a sales company.Click on links below for further information.
More information on Patterned Concrete Prices per Square Metre
Resin Bound Driveway Costs
Author: Steve Goldstone
Steve has been in the driveway and construction industry for a long time and knows the ins and outs of the business. His aim is to help consumers see the wood through the trees in the world of concrete, resin, paving and patios!
