Typical durations by surface
For an average domestic front driveway, excavation and base work is usually the larger share of the time, and surfacing is comparatively quick — with block paving being the exception because every block is laid and cut by hand.
Larger areas do not scale linearly. Once the machine and materials are on site, the second half of a big driveway goes faster per square metre than the first.
- Tarmac: base work, then surfacing usually completed in a single visit
- Resin bound: base build, then the resin topping laid in a day when dry
- Block paving: base work, then several days of laying and cutting
- Patios: a few days, longer with steps or hand-barrowed access
What adds days
Unexpected ground is the main one. Old concrete rafts, buried foundations, redundant fuel tanks and soft clay all appear after the first cut and change the excavation plan.
Access is the second. Where materials cannot be tipped near the work, everything moves by barrow, and that reliably adds time to both the dig and the base build.
Curing and first use
Block paving is usable almost immediately once jointed and vibrated. Tarmac takes foot traffic quickly but wants a period before vehicles, and stays soft enough in hot weather that point loads can mark it early on.
Resin bound needs to cure before traffic — foot traffic well before vehicles — and we will give you exact timings on the day based on the weather.
Planning around it
We will tell you before we start which days you will not be able to park on the drive and whether the footpath crossing will be affected.
If you work from home or have deliveries, say so at quoting stage — the sequence can often be arranged around it.
Frequently asked questions
Can you do it in one day?+
A small resurfacing or a tarmac overlay onto a sound base sometimes, yes. A full dig-out and rebuild cannot be done properly in a day.
When can I drive on a new resin driveway?+
After it has cured. Foot traffic comes first, vehicles later — we give you exact timings on the day because it depends on temperature and humidity.
Does rain delay the job?+
Base work carries on. Resin in particular needs dry conditions, so we would rather wait a day than compromise the surface.
Will the road be blocked?+
Only briefly during deliveries or spoil removal. We plan this with you in advance.
Need it done by a certain date?
Tell us your deadline when you enquire and we will be straight with you about whether it is achievable.