If you’re comparing driveways in Harrow, you’re probably balancing three things: how it looks from the street, how it copes with London weather, and how much upkeep you want to deal with.
Harrow (and nearby Northolt) gets a lot of wet weather across the year, with Northolt’s long-term average rainfall at 808mm annually (1991–2020), so drainage is not a “nice to have”, it’s a must.
This guide breaks down resin-bound, block paving, and tarmac in plain English, with Harrow-specific checks (planning, drainage, and dropped kerbs) so you can choose with confidence.
Quick comparison (simple and honest)
| Surface | Best for | Main watch-out |
| Resin-bound | Modern look, smooth finish, good drainage | Needs the right base + dry installation conditions |
| Block paving | Classic look, lots of design choice, easy to repair small areas | Can weed/stain if joints and maintenance are ignored |
| Tarmac | Budget-friendly, quick install, tough for daily use | Usually not permeable unless designed as porous asphalt |
Option 1: Resin-bound driveways (the “clean and modern” choice)
Why homeowners in Harrow like it
- Looks neat (smooth finish, lots of colour blends)
- Good for drainage when installed correctly (resin-bound is designed to be permeable)
- Low day-to-day maintenance compared to block paving (usually a sweep and occasional wash)
Resin surfaces are often discussed in two types. Resin-bound is the permeable system, while resin-bonded is typically not permeable (and can behave differently underfoot).
What to watch for (important)
- Base quality matters: resin needs a properly prepared base (often tarmac or concrete) and correct falls/drainage planning.
- Weather matters: resin work should be done in suitable dry conditions, otherwise bonding issues can happen.
- Ask for UV-stable resin if you’re picking lighter colours (it helps reduce discolouration).
Best for
- Front drives where you want a premium look
- Homes where you want less weeding
- Driveways where drainage is a priority
Option 2: Block paving (the “classic Harrow driveway”)
Why it’s popular
- Timeless kerb appeal (especially for period and semi-detached homes)
- Easy repairs: if one area sinks or gets stained, you can often lift and re-lay that section
- Design flexibility: colours, borders, patterns, and edging styles
Drainage note (very relevant in Harrow)
Block paving can be set up as permeable block paving, which helps with planning and reduces surface water run-off. The Planning Portal lists permeable concrete block paving as a permeable option.
What to watch for
- Weeds and moss: they don’t usually grow through the blocks; they grow in the joints when dirt builds up. A good install + occasional maintenance keeps this under control.
- Poor base prep: if the sub-base is rushed, you’ll see dips where wheels sit (especially on heavy-use drives).
Best for
- You want a traditional look
- You like the idea of future flexibility (repairs, extensions, design changes)
- You want a driveway that suits older Harrow streets visually
Option 3: Tarmac driveways (the “practical and cost-effective” pick)
Why it works well
- Great value for larger driveways
- Quick to install compared to block paving (less fiddly laying)
- Hard-wearing for daily parking
Typical UK averages often put tarmac a bit cheaper than block paving and resin-bound, though your final price depends heavily on groundworks and drainage needs.
What to watch for
- Drainage: standard tarmac is usually not permeable, so you may need channel drains/soakaway design to manage run-off.
- Finish: it can look “plain” unless you add features like block edging, contrasting borders, or a smart entrance detail.
Best for
- Bigger driveways where cost per m² matters
- Homes with frequent vehicle use (multiple cars, regular comings/goings)
- You want a clean, simple driveway with minimal fuss
Harrow-specific checks before you decide
1) Planning and drainage (front driveways)
For many homes, you won’t need planning permission if the driveway uses permeable surfacing (or water drains to a permeable area like a lawn/border).
If you’re covering more than 5m² with an impermeable surface and you don’t manage run-off properly, planning permission may be needed.
2) Dropped kerb (vehicle crossover) in Harrow
If you’re going to drive over the pavement to park on your front drive, you may need a vehicle crossing (dropped kerb).
Harrow Council’s information indicates:
- an application fee of £140 (non-refundable)
- most crossings cost £130–£180 per m²
- and that the council’s contractor is the approved party to do the works (it’s an offence for others to do it without permission).
So if you’re budgeting for driveways Harrow, remember: the dropped kerb can be a separate cost and process.
3) Conservation areas / Article 4 directions
Some Harrow conservation areas can have Article 4 Directions, which may remove certain permitted development rights. It’s worth checking if your property is affected before you finalise materials and layout.
Cost guide (rough UK averages, just to help you sanity-check quotes)
As a very broad guide, one UK cost guide lists average installed costs around:
- Resin-bound: ~£120 per m²
- Block paving: ~£100 per m²
- Tarmac: ~£90 per m²
Real-life pricing in Harrow will move based on:
- excavation depth and waste removal
- drainage requirements
- edging and steps
- access (tight front gardens, parking restrictions)
- whether you’re overlaying or fully rebuilding the base
Also worth knowing: improving your driveway can add kerb appeal and may support value, but gains are usually modest (around 1–3%), depending on area and existing condition.
Which is best for your Harrow home? (three common scenarios)
Choose resin-bound if…
You want the neatest finish, prefer less joint maintenance, and your priority is drainage + looks (as long as the base and installation conditions are right).
Choose block paving if…
You want a classic look that suits most Harrow streets, like the idea of easy repairs, and you’re happy to do light maintenance now and then (or pay for periodic cleaning/re-sanding).
Choose tarmac if…
You want value and toughness, especially for a bigger area, and you’re happy with a cleaner, simpler look (you can upgrade the appearance with edging and entrance details).
What to ask driveway installers in Harrow (copy/paste list)
- How will you manage water run-off (falls, drainage channels, soakaway, or permeable build)?
- What excavation depth and sub-base are included?
- What’s included in waste removal and disposal?
- For resin: is it resin-bound (not bonded), and is the resin UV-stable?
- For block paving: how will you stop edge spread and future dips (edging restraints + compaction)?
- For tarmac: what thickness, and will you add edging/borders for strength and looks?
- If a dropped kerb is needed, will you help you navigate the Harrow process?
If you’re looking for driveway installation in Harrow
Stonecraft Landscapes is based in Mill Hill and covers North London, North West London and Middlesex, including Harrow, offering driveway installations as part of broader paving and landscaping services.