This guide uses facts already published on the RKG site: surface lifespan notes, engineered sub-base guidance, edge restraints, drainage checks, cleaning and sealing guidance, shingle top-up advice, resin UV-stable guidance and fixed written quote checks.
Quick answer
For long-term driveway planning, RKG's own service comparisons list block paving at 25+ years, resin at 15–25 years, tarmac at 15–20 years and shingle as a stone surface that lasts indefinitely but usually needs top-ups every 5–7 years. Those figures assume the base, edging and drainage are suitable for the site.
Driveway lifespan by surface
| Surface | Published lifespan notes | What protects it |
|---|---|---|
| Block paving | 25+ years in RKG's driveway comparison tables. | 150mm MOT Type 1 sub-base, geotextile membrane, herringbone or suitable pattern, concrete-haunched edge restraint and joint maintenance. |
| Tarmac | 15–20 years before resurfacing for a correctly engineered hot-rolled tarmac driveway. | Full sub-base, correct binder and surface courses, stable kerb or hidden steel edging, drainage away from the highway, and seal coats every 3–5 years. |
| Resin bound | 15–25 years with a sound sub-base and UV-stable resin. | Well-drained existing base or new prepared base, correct resin depth, UV-stable materials, secure edging and regular checks that the surface remains free-draining. |
| Shingle and gravel | The stone itself is effectively permanent; most drives need a fresh top-up every 5–7 years. Edging and weed membrane typically last 15–20 years. | Angular stone, heavy-duty membrane, stable edges and honeycomb grid where slopes, daily use or wheelchair access make migration more likely. |
The hidden work matters more than the finish
A surface with a strong lifespan on paper can fail early if the preparation is vague. RKG's quote and sub-base guidance repeatedly points back to excavation depth, MOT Type 1, compaction, membranes, drainage routes and edge restraint. Ask for those details in the written quote rather than relying on a surface name alone.
How maintenance changes the answer
Maintenance is not the same for every driveway. Block paving benefits from washing, re-sanding and sealing. Tarmac can be kept fresher with seal coats. Resin needs drainage and surface cleanliness protected. Shingle needs raking, top-ups and stable edging. If a lower-maintenance surface is the priority, compare this page with RKG's low-maintenance driveway guide before booking a site visit.
Choose by use, not just years
Lifespan should sit alongside daily use. Vans, turning areas, sloped drives, front-garden conversions and tight access can all change the best surface choice. Tarmac and block paving are often stronger fits for heavier daily use, resin is a premium permeable option when the base is suitable, and shingle is cost-effective and permeable when migration is controlled.
Related checks before you choose
Use this page with the driveway cost guide, low-maintenance surface guide, sub-base preparation guide, drainage solutions guide, heavy-use surface guide and quote checklist.