Resin-Bound Driveways

The two names sound alike, but they are different products:

• Resin-bound: The stones are mixed with the resin before laying, then trowelled flat. Every stone is fully coated, so the surface is smooth, stays firm underfoot and is porous.
• Resin-bonded: A layer of resin is spread on the base, and loose stones are scattered on top. It gives a textured, gravel-like finish, but it is not permeable, and loose stones can come away over time.

For driveways, we recommend resin-bound for its smooth finish, durability and drainage.

Resin-bound surfacing is a thin wearing layer. Its strength and permeability depend on what it is laid on:

• Sub-base: Compacted crushed stone, dug out to the right depth for vehicles.
• Base layer: Usually porous asphalt (open-graded macadam), which lets water through, or concrete with suitable drainage.
• Edging: Firm edges, such as block, brick or metal edging, to contain the surface.
• Laying over an existing drive: Possible only if the existing tarmac or concrete is sound, level and free of cracks. Laying over an impermeable surface means the driveway will not be permeable.

A poor base leads to cracking and loose patches, so we check the existing surface at the survey and recommend a new base where needed.

Yes, when it is laid on a permeable base. Water passes through the small voids between the resin-coated stones and drains into the ground below. That helps reduce surface water and puddles. It also usually means no planning permission is needed for a front garden driveway, because rainwater is dealt with on your own land.

If resin-bound is laid over an existing impermeable surface, such as old concrete, water cannot soak away. The drive then needs falls and drainage like any other hard surface.

Resin-bound driveways come in a wide range of natural aggregate blends, from warm golds and buffs to greys, silvers and darker tones. Different colours can be combined to create borders, bands or a house number set into the surface. A UV-stable resin is used for driveways, so the surface does not yellow in sunlight.

A properly installed resin-bound driveway is durable and long-lasting. Its lifespan depends mainly on:

• the quality and depth of the base
• the thickness of the resin layer for vehicle use
• UV-stable resin
• good edging
• basic care

Most failures come from laying on a weak or cracked base, laying too thin, or laying in the wrong weather. We control all of these.

1. 1

   Survey: we check the ground, the existing surface, the levels, drainage and access.

2. 2

   Groundworks: we dig out and lay a compacted sub-base, or repair and prepare a suitable existing base.

3. 3

   Base and edging: we lay a porous asphalt or concrete base and set firm edging.

4. 4

   Mixing: the aggregate and resin are mixed in measured batches on site.

5. 5

   Trowelling: the mix is spread and hand-trowelled to an even thickness, with a smooth, consistent finish.

6. 6

   Curing: the surface is left to cure before foot traffic and then vehicles use it. We tell you exactly when it can be used.

Resin cannot be laid in rain or very cold weather, so installation dates are planned around the forecast.

• Sweep regularly to remove leaves and dirt that can block the pores.
• Wash occasionally with a low-pressure hose or a pressure washer on a gentle setting.
• Deal with moss or algae in shady areas with a suitable cleaner.
• Clean up oil or fuel spills quickly, as they can affect the resin.

For houses in England, a resin-bound driveway laid on a permeable base usually does not need planning permission. A new dropped kerb always needs council approval, and the work on the pavement is carried out by the council or its approved contractor. We design the driveway to match the crossover.