Resin driveway installation
Resin bound driveways: a smooth, permeable stone surface laid over a proper base, with the edging and drainage planned as part of the job.
What a resin bound driveway is
A resin bound driveway is made by mixing washed, dried aggregate with a clear resin and trowelling it onto a solid base to form a smooth, seamless surface. The finished layer is porous, so rain drains through it into the ground below rather than running off into the road. That permeability is one of its main advantages, and it usually keeps a new front driveway within the permitted development rules that require permeable surfacing or drainage within the property.
Resin bound should not be confused with resin bonded, where loose stone is scattered over a resin film. Bonded surfaces are not permeable and the stone can work loose; bound surfaces hold the stone in a solid, even layer.
The base matters most
Resin is a thin wearing course, typically around 15 to 18mm, so it needs a sound, stable base underneath. That base is usually tarmac or concrete in good condition, or a new base built for the job. Cracks, soft spots and movement in the base will eventually show through the resin, so any base repairs are done first. Edging is set before laying, because the resin needs something solid to finish against: block paving edging, brick or stone all work well.
Levels and falls are planned at the same time. Even though the surface is permeable, the levels still need to shed heavy water sensibly and keep the finished surface below the damp-proof course of the house.
Colours, finishes and design
The aggregate gives the driveway its look, and there is a wide choice of natural stone colours and blends, from warm golden gravels to cool greys. Borders and patterns can be picked out in a contrasting colour, and resin combines neatly with block paving edges or a brick threshold. Samples are worth looking at in daylight against the brickwork of the house before you decide.
Living with a resin driveway
Day to day, a resin bound surface is low maintenance: an occasional sweep and a gentle wash keep it looking tidy, and because there are no open joints there is nowhere for weeds to root. It is not indestructible, though. Oil spills should be cleaned promptly, heavy point loads such as caravan jockey wheels can mark it, and dragging sharp or heavy objects across it can gouge the surface. Repairs are possible but a patched area can be visible, so prevention is better.
How the resin is laid
Laying day is weather-dependent: the base must be dry and the temperature within the resin manufacturer's range, because moisture reacts with the resin and spoils the finish. The aggregate and resin are mixed in a forced-action mixer and the batch is trowelled out by hand to an even thickness before it starts to cure. The whole area has to be laid in one continuous session, because a stopped edge shows as a visible line.
Afterwards the surface needs time to cure before it takes foot traffic, and longer before cars park on it. We agree the timing with you on the day so the drive is not used too soon.
What a resin driveway costs
Resin driveway cost depends on the area, the condition of the existing base or whether a new base is needed, the aggregate chosen, edging, drainage work and access. A sound existing base makes the job far simpler than starting from scratch. We look at the driveway, talk through the options and give a free written estimate.
Resin driveway questions
- What is involved in installing a resin driveway?
- Checking and repairing or building the base, setting edging, planning levels and drainage, then mixing and trowelling the resin and aggregate in one continuous session. The surface then needs time to cure before vehicles use it.
- How long does a resin driveway take to install?
- The resin layer itself is usually laid in a day, but base repairs or a new base add time before that, and the surface needs curing time afterwards. Weather matters because resin cannot be laid in rain or on a damp base.
- What affects resin driveway cost?
- The area, whether the existing base is sound or needs replacing, the aggregate blend, edging, drainage and access. A new base is the biggest single factor.
- Is a resin bound driveway permeable?
- Yes. Water drains through the surface into the ground below, which is why resin bound driveways usually meet the permeable-surfacing rule for front driveways. Resin bonded surfaces are not permeable.
- How do I choose between resin and block paving?
- Resin gives a smooth, seamless, low-maintenance finish; block paving gives a more traditional look and individual blocks can be lifted and relaid if services need digging up. We lay both and can talk through which suits your drive.
Related: block paving driveways · gravel driveways · patios, garden walls and driveways · driveway drainage · driveway cost factors.