Driveway Company Stoke-on-Trent New driveways in resin, tarmac and block paving

Platinum Home Improvements Ltd does all three. We are a driveway company based in Kidsgrove, working across Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme, and we lay resin driveways, tarmac driveways and block paving, along with patios and building work. Because we are not tied to one surface, we can recommend the one that suits your house, your ground and your budget.

It depends on the size of the area, what has to come out first, how much digging and base work the ground needs, the drainage, and the surface you choose. As a rule tarmac costs the least per square metre, with block paving and resin above it. We do not publish a price list because no two driveways are the same. Call 07557 004871 or send the form and we will come out, measure up and give you a free, no-obligation quote.

Usually not. In England you can pave a front garden of any size without planning permission if the surface is permeable, such as resin bound stone on an open base or permeable block paving, or if the rainwater is directed to a lawn, border or soakaway inside your boundary. Planning permission is needed to lay more than five square metres of a surface that does not drain and sends water onto the road. Rules can differ for listed buildings, flats and conservation areas, so check with your council if you are unsure.

A resin bound driveway is. The stone and resin are mixed together and trowelled out, which leaves tiny gaps that water can drain through, as long as the base underneath is open too. A resin bonded surface is different: resin is spread on the base and loose stone scattered over it, and that finish does not drain. We will tell you which system we are quoting for and why.

Each has its place. Resin gives a smooth, decorative finish in a wide choice of colours and drains well on the right base. Tarmac is hard-wearing, quick to lay and good value on larger driveways. Block paving has a traditional look and individual blocks can be lifted and re-laid. Many of our driveways combine them, for example resin or tarmac framed with a block paved border.

Most domestic driveways take a few days from breaking out the old surface to finishing the new one. Larger driveways, awkward access and jobs with a lot of drainage or wall building take longer, and resin needs dry weather on the day it is laid. We will give you an idea of timings when we quote.

Sometimes. Resin can be laid over existing tarmac or concrete if it is sound, stable and drains properly. A base that is cracked, sunken or moving has to come out, otherwise the faults come straight through into the new surface. We check the existing driveway before we recommend anything.

If you will be driving across a pavement or verge to reach the driveway, yes. A dropped kerb, also called a vehicle crossing, has to be approved by the highway authority: Stoke-on-Trent City Council inside the city, and Staffordshire County Council in places such as Kidsgrove and Newcastle-under-Lyme. Ask us about it when we visit and we will explain what is involved.

All six towns of Stoke-on-Trent (Hanley, Burslem, Tunstall, Longton, Fenton and Stoke), plus Kidsgrove, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Trentham, Blurton, Meir and the areas in between. The full list is on our coverage page. If you are a little further out, ring us on 07557 004871 and ask.