How Much Does a Resin Driveway Cost in Ireland in 2026?
Updated: Oct 10
"How much per square metre?" is the first question we get on every resin enquiry, so here is a straight answer, with the caveat that every driveway is different and we only ever quote after we have seen it.
The short answer
As a rough guide only, in the current Dublin and Wicklow market a resin bound driveway typically costs in the region of €60 to €100 per square metre supplied and laid over a sound existing base. A full dig-out and new compacted sub-base adds to that. For a typical two-car driveway of around 40 to 50 square metres that puts most jobs somewhere between €3,000 and €5,000 as an overlay, and more where the old base has to come out.
Larger areas cost less per square metre because the set-up, mixing and edging costs are spread over more surface.
What pushes the price up or down
The base. This is the single biggest factor. If your existing concrete or tarmac is solid, well drained and free of major cracks, we can prime it and lay resin bound straight on top in one to two days. If it is cracked, loose or sitting on soft ground, it has to be excavated and replaced with a compacted permeable sub-base, which can add a significant amount per square metre and two or three extra days.
Size and shape. A simple rectangle is quicker to lay than a driveway with curves, islands, steps or a lot of edging. Small areas (paths, side passages) cost more per square metre than a big open driveway.
Edging and drainage. Resin bound needs a firm edge to lay against. Existing kerbs or walls keep the price down; new aluminium or block edging, channel drains and drop kerbs add to it.
Aggregate and colour. Standard blends cost less than premium or imported aggregates. Borders, patterns and house numbers in a second colour add labour.
Depth. Driveways are laid at 15 to 18 mm for vehicle traffic; paths and patios can be laid thinner, which brings the price down.
How resin bound compares with other surfaces
Using the same market-guide ranges we quote on our driveways page:
Tarmacadam: ~€40–60 per m²; Cheapest for large areas; single black finish; not permeable
Block paving: ~€60–100 per m²; Traditional look; easy spot repairs; weeds in joints over time
Resin bound (overlay): ~€60–100 per m²; Smooth, permeable, no weeds, no loose stone, 20+ years
Porcelain / natural stone patio: ~€90–150 per m²; Patios rather than driveways
Resin bound sits in the same bracket as block paving, but with no jointing sand to wash out, no weeds and no re-sanding. Over the life of the driveway it is usually the cheaper option to own.
Is a cheap resin driveway a good idea?
Be careful with quotes that are far below the market range. The savings usually come from one of three places: a thin layer (10 mm or less, which cracks under car tyres), non-UV-stable resin (which yellows within a year or two), or laying over a bad base without preparation. A resin bound driveway is only as good as what is under it, which is why we always inspect and, if necessary, replace the base first, and why every installation we do carries a 5-year guarantee.
How to get an accurate price
Call 087 440 3442 or use the contact form. We will visit, measure up, check the base, show you aggregate samples against your brickwork and send a written, no-obligation quote. There is no call-out charge. We install resin bound driveways across South Dublin and North Wicklow, including Rathfarnham, Dundrum, Stillorgan, Blackrock, Dún Laoghaire, Killiney, Foxrock, Sandyford, Tallaght, Lucan, Bray, Greystones, Delgany, Kilcoole, Enniskerry, Newcastle, Ashford and Wicklow Town.
FAQ
How much does a resin driveway cost per square metre in Ireland?
As a rough guide only, resin bound typically costs €60 to €100 per square metre supplied and laid over a sound existing base in the current Dublin and Wicklow market, and more where a new sub-base is needed.
Is resin bound more expensive than tarmac?
Yes. Tarmacadam is usually the cheapest surface per square metre, but it is not permeable, comes in one finish and softens in hot weather. Resin bound costs more up front and much less to maintain.
Does the price include removing my old driveway?
Not always. If your existing base is sound we lay over it, which is the cheapest route. If it has to be dug out, that is priced separately at the site visit.
How long does a resin bound driveway take to install?
Over an existing base, a typical two-car driveway is finished in one to two days. A full dig-out normally takes three to five days.
Related guides
More from Platinum Paving Dublin on resin driveways, costs and local installers:
What You Need to Know About Resin Bound Driveways — the complete introduction to resin bound surfacing.
Resin vs Block Paving vs Tarmac — cost, lifespan and maintenance compared.
Resin Driveway Colours — golden quartz, silver grey, charcoal and custom blends.
Driveway Cost in Dublin 2026 — what you can expect to pay for each surface type.
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