FAQs
The resin bound system is a highly durable, permeable surface created by mixing natural aggregate with a clear polyurethane resin. This mixture is then trowelled onto a prepared base to form a smooth, flat, and seamless finish.
A resin bound system is also known as “stone carpet”. Its seamless finish provides a decorative surface that is attractive and durable. Because of the way it is mixed, allowing for small gaps between aggregates, a resin bound system is permeable and is also a SUDS compliant solution when installed on an appropriate base.
The resin bound system can be overlaid to existing or new concrete or tarmac to create beautiful driveways, paths, car parks, or other light traffic surfaces.
There are many hard surfacing systems available on the market, including bitmac, concrete, block paving, and imprinted concrete. However, resin bound surfacing is unique. No other surfacing system can offer the same range of strengths, resistances, and structural and aesthetic benefits.
How does resin bound compare to other surfaces?
| Feature | Resin Bound | Tarmac | Concrete | Block Paving | PIC | Loose Gravel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firm finish | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Permeable (SUDS) | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Slip resistant | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Weed resistant | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Frost resistant | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Seamless | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
The key benefits of a resin bound system
- Firm finish, UV resistant
- Permeable and SUDS compliant
- Slip resistant
- Weed resistant
- Frost resistant
- Long lifespan
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Totally seamless
- Unlimited design options
- Smooth, flat, hardwearing surface
Total flexibility of design
You can adapt your resin bound system into almost any shape on your surface, providing a beautiful alternative to paving, tarmac, or concrete. See our range of colours and blends to create unique design options.
Permeable, SUDS compliant surface
Resin bound surfaces are permeable and allow water to drain through to the sub-base when the base is also permeable and SUDS compliant.
Long lasting results
The resin bound aggregate system is incredibly strong and durable, with low maintenance, easy cleaning, and high resistance to organic materials and weeds.
Smooth and flat surface
Unlike resin bonded aggregates or loose gravel, a resin bound surface is smooth, flat, and seamless, ideally suited for pedestrian and vehicular use.
UV resistance
We use UV-stable polyurethane resin so your surface retains its colour and resists fading in sunlight.
Easy to clean and maintain
Most dirt and marks can be removed with routine sweeping and an occasional light jet wash.
Resin should ideally be laid in dry conditions. Rain, humidity, dew, wet aggregate, or other ground moisture can affect the curing process and may cause clouding within the resin.
Our teams monitor weather forecasts and site conditions to ensure optimal laying conditions. Always follow the resin manufacturer’s guidelines for temperature and curing times.
SUDS stands for Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems. Most natural ground surfaces, such as grass and soil, are permeable. Built-up areas feature predominantly tarmac, asphalt, and other kinds of paving that are not permeable, so surface water cannot infiltrate the ground.
The resulting surface runoff can cause water pollution and flooding. Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems are designed to tackle this problem by managing water more naturally.
Yes, your resin bound surface will be SUDS compliant when it is laid onto a porous base. This can be special concrete or open-textured bitmac on top of a type 3 stone.
Resin bound aggregates include small gaps between each stone where water can infiltrate the ground beneath. A resin bound surface can handle large volumes of water when correctly installed.
Laying resin bound onto an impermeable base will not be SUDS compliant. The system can sometimes be laid over existing bitmac or concrete, but a suitable soakaway or drainage flow is required and the existing surface must be sound and free of cracks.
No, resin bonded systems are not SUDS compliant. Resin is applied directly onto a surface, usually bitmac or concrete, forming a complete layer of hardened resin which water cannot pass through.
You will not need planning permission if a new or replacement driveway of any size uses permeable surfacing which allows water to drain through, such as gravel, permeable concrete block paving, or porous asphalt, or if rainwater is directed to a lawn or border to drain naturally.
If the surface to be covered is more than five square metres, planning permission may be needed for traditional, impermeable driveways that do not allow water to drain to a permeable area.
Source: UK Government Planning Portal
We strictly use UV-stable aliphatic polyurethane resin for external applications. This ensures your surface will not yellow or discolour over time when exposed to sunlight.
Non-UV stable (aromatic) resins can darken unevenly in sunlight and are generally suited to resin bonded applications where stone is broadcast across the resin rather than a trowelled resin bound finish.
We provide comprehensive aftercare guidance with every installation. Routine maintenance involves sweeping debris and an occasional light jet wash using a fan-type lance kept at a safe distance from the surface.
Periodical application of a proprietary moss and algae treatment, in line with the manufacturer’s instructions, will help prevent regrowth. Avoid dragging heavy objects across the surface and protect the area during building work.
While the initial outlay can be slightly higher than standard tarmac, resin bound driveways offer excellent longevity, low maintenance, and reduced weed growth, making them highly cost-effective over their lifespan.
If we can clean and utilise your existing surface with an overlay system, costs may be reduced. Every project is different, which is why we offer a free survey and quotation.
We handle the entire process from start to finish, including groundworks, base preparation, and waste removal. All we ask is that you remove items such as plant pots and provide access to water and electricity supplies on site.
We generally do not recommend laying resin bound over block paving or flagstones. Resin should be laid over a solid, stable base to warrant our guarantee. With permeable resin, the outline of flags can show through after a couple of years if laid over an unsuitable surface.
We typically excavate and install a proper macadam or concrete sub-base for a long-lasting result.
This is the question we get asked most often. Cost depends on several factors, so we provide a free, no-obligation survey rather than a single fixed price online.
- The area to be covered
- The base upon which it is to be laid
- Preparation work required to meet manufacturer specifications and validate your guarantee
- Any additional work such as edgings, drainage, widening, or landscaping
Your resin driveway includes our 10-year guarantee on excavated work, so we design a functional outdoor space that meets your needs for years to come.
Get a free quote and we will assess your site in detail.
Yes, resin bound surfaces can be laid on gradients. For steep driveways, we incorporate additional bonding and anti-slip measures, including angular stone for better traction, to enhance safety and performance.
We are based in the North of England and work nationwide across the UK, with installation teams distributed to serve the majority of mainland regions effectively.