The surface is the last step. The groundwork decides how long it lasts
Most failed driveways do not fail at the surface. They sink, crack and puddle because the dig was too shallow, the sub-base was skimped, or the water was never given anywhere to go. That is why our quotes itemise the excavation, sub-base and drainage, not just the finish you can see.
On the surface itself we are honest about the trade-offs. Tarmac is the workhorse: economical and easy to repair. Resin bound is the premium finish: smooth, seamless, UV stable so it resists fading, weed resistant, permeable and SUDS compliant, in a wide range of natural stone colours and textures. Block paving sits between. The right answer depends on the job, and we price the options rather than pushing the dearest one.
Most driveway failures are groundwork failures. The visible surface is the last step: what decides whether a drive lasts is the depth of the dig, the sub-base and where the water goes.
Free no obligation surveyWhat the work covers
Driveways, in detail
Tarmac driveways
Economical, quick to lay and straightforward to repair, on a properly compacted sub-base.
Resin bound surfaces
A smooth, permeable, SUDS compliant finish that resists weeds and fading, in a wide range of natural stone colours, over a sound base.
Block paving, gravel and patios
Traditional driveway finishes plus patios and pathways, laid with proper edge restraints so they stay where they were laid.
Excavation and sub-base
Dug to the right depth and compacted in layers, because this is what actually decides lifespan.
Drainage and soakaways
Water managed to comply with front garden permeability rules and to protect the surface.
Edging and detailing
Border edging, granite sett detailing, kerbs and steps: the details that finish the job and keep the edges from creeping.
At a glance
Driveways, the short version
Surfaces
Resin bound, tarmac, block paving, resin bonded only where a base is already sound
Where
West Midlands, Worcestershire and Warwickshire
What decides the price
Area, depth of dig, drainage, edging and the surface chosen
What you get
A fixed written quote, a programme, and a drive that stays flat
Compare
Which surface?
| Resin bound | Tarmac | Block paving | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Look | Seamless, natural aggregate | Plain black, smart with a border | Traditional, patterned |
| Permeable | Yes, by design | No, needs drainage designed | Yes with permeable blocks |
| Weeds | None | Edges only | Joints, unless sealed |
| Repairs | Patch, visible | Patch, visible | Lift and relay, invisible |
| Best for | Frontages on show | Large or shared drives | Traditional houses |
What the quote includes
- Excavation and removal of the old surface and spoil
- Compacted MOT type 1 sub-base to the depth the ground needs
- Drainage: falls, channel drain or soakaway, designed for the plot
- Edge restraints and any borders in block, setts or brick
- The surface itself, laid in one visit where the weather allows
- Dropped kerb application to the highway authority where needed
What we check at the survey
- What the existing surface is sitting on, and whether any of it can stay
- Where the water goes now, and where it will go afterwards
- Levels against the house, the pavement and the neighbours
- Drains, manholes and services under the drive
- Whether the highway will grant or widen a dropped kerb
- Which surface suits the house, with samples in daylight
Common problems
What we get called out to fix
Sunken wheel tracks
Block paving or tarmac laid on a thin base. The fix is the base, not the surface.
Water running to the road
No fall or drainage designed. It is also what takes a drive outside permitted development.
Loose stone everywhere
Resin bonded sold as resin bound, or gravel with no edge. Resin bound in a matching tone stops it.
Cracks along a join
A new section laid against an old base. Usually the honest fix is the whole drive.
Why homeowners choose us
The bits that matter before you let anyone on site
Fully insured
Public liability cover, plus insurance-backed cover through our trade body memberships.
Fixed written quotes
Itemised, in writing, before any work starts. The price we agree is the price you pay.
Workmanship covered for 12 months
Plus 10-year structural cover where it applies, and manufacturer warranties passed straight to you.
Rated 4.9 on Google
From 13 verified reviews by customers across the West Midlands.
The work
What it looks like on site
Recent work
Driveways we have completed
How it works
Assess. Quote. Build.
The order matters: we never price work we have not seen with our own eyes.
Free on-site assessment
We visit, inspect and talk through what you actually need. No obligation, no pressure.
Fixed-price quote
A written, itemised quote. The price we agree is the price you pay.
Build and handover
One project lead, a tidy site, and a walkthrough with you at completion.
Thinking about driveways?
Free no obligation survey across the West Midlands and nationwide. We visit, measure and put a fixed price in writing.
What customers say
Rated 4.9 out of 5 on Google
From 13 reviews. Every one below is real and unedited.
I’m really happy with the work carried out by Carter Langfold on my resin driveway. From start to finish, they were professional, reliable and worked hard to complete the order to a high standard.
Was very happy with the service provided. Very friendly lads and made sure I was happy with the completed job before they left. Would recommend the use of this company.
Very pleased with the professionalism & standard of work provided.
Questions
Driveways questions, answered straight
Resin or tarmac: which is right for my drive?
Tarmac is the workhorse: economical, quick to lay and easy to repair. Resin bound gives a smooth, permeable decorative finish at a higher price. The sub-base underneath matters more than either surface, and we price both if you are undecided. We compare them properly in resin vs tarmac driveways.
Is resin bound the same as resin bonded?
No, and it is the question that catches people out. Resin bound is aggregate mixed through with resin and trowelled smooth: permeable, seamless and hard wearing. Resin bonded is a thin scatter of stone glued onto a hard base: it looks similar in a photo, is not permeable, and sheds loose stone within a couple of years. We lay resin bound on drives.
How long does a resin bound driveway last?
With the sub-base done properly and a UV-stable resin, a resin bound drive is typically good for 15 to 25 years, and it does not weed, crack or shed stone the way cheaper surfaces do. The lifespan is decided underneath, which is why we itemise the dig and the base in every quote.
Can resin be laid over my existing driveway?
Sometimes. Resin bound needs a sound, stable, well-drained base. Firm tarmac or concrete with no movement can take it; a cracked, sunken or crumbling surface cannot, and laying over it just copies the faults through. The free survey tells you which yours is.
Why do driveways sink and crack?
Almost always because the groundwork was wrong: too shallow a dig, a poor sub-base, or nowhere for water to go. That is why our quotes itemise the excavation and sub-base rather than just the surface you can see.
Do I need planning permission for a new driveway?
Not usually, provided the surface is permeable or the water drains to a lawn or border within the property. A new dropped kerb needs council consent, and we handle that conversation as part of the job. The rules are set out in do I need planning permission for a driveway.
How long does a new driveway take?
Most domestic drives are dug out and surfaced within a week, with curing time on top before you park on it. Resin bound needs a dry window to lay and around 24 hours before foot traffic, longer before a car. We confirm the programme in the written quote.
From the blog
Guides worth reading first
Where we work
West Midlands based, covering Worcestershire and Warwickshire
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