We don’t think patterned concrete drives are losing their appeal, do you?

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.

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. 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. Similarly resin is laid on a similar type of sub base of concrete or open grade tarmacadam. But the final layer thickness of resin is much less (and this has some advantages.)

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.

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.

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

Resin Colours

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.

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.

For resin bound installations us a UV resistant resin to prevent ‘dulling‘ which can tone down a resin bound driveway. More on this here.

Resealing a Pattern Imprinted Concrete Driveway 

Click here to find out how long a resin drive can last?

Contact for professional Resin Bound Installations

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.

Read up on Drainage

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

Please let us know what you paid and whether your expectations were met or even exceeded.