What Is Resin Bound Gravel?

The recipe has two parts. The first is dried, graded aggregate: a blend of stone sizes chosen so the smaller particles sit in the gaps between the larger ones. Grading matters because it decides both the strength of the finished mat and how much open space is left between stones for water to pass through.

The second part is the resin binder, a two part clear resin that is mixed with the stone on site in a forced action mixer. It coats every particle and then cures, bonding each stone to the stones it touches. Because it is clear and UV stable, you see the colour of the stone, not the colour of the resin.

The mix is laid while it is still workable, spread to a consistent depth and closed off with a steel float. The skill of the installer shows in an even finish, crisp edges and no trowel marks, which is why resin is a trade for approved installers rather than a general groundworker.

The stones touch at points rather than being packed into a solid block, and the resin only coats them rather than filling the gaps. That leaves thousands of tiny connected voids through the full depth of the layer. Rain falls on the surface, runs down through those voids and into the base below.

This is what makes resin bound surfacing permeable and SuDS compliant, and why on most domestic front gardens it does not need planning permission: the water drains through rather than running off into the road. The important caveat is the base. A permeable surface on an impermeable base simply moves the puddle down a few centimetres, so the build-up underneath has to let water away too.

Resin bonded is a different product. A layer of resin is spread onto the base and loose stone is scattered over it while it is wet. The stone that sticks stays, the rest is swept away. The result has a rougher, textured feel, is not permeable because the resin forms a sealed layer, and loose stones can shed over time. It is cheaper, but it is a surface dressing rather than a permeable wearing course, and we rarely recommend it.

Loose gravel is the cheapest of all and drains freely, but it migrates onto the pavement, gets carried indoors on shoes, is hard work for buggies, wheelchairs and bins, and ruts where the car turns. Resin bound gives you the gravel look without any of that.

Front driveways are the most common use, because the permeable surface avoids the planning question and the seamless finish has no joints for weeds. It also suits patios, garden paths, around trees where roots need water and air, and step-free routes where a smooth surface matters for prams, bins and wheelchairs.

It can be laid over a sound existing concrete or tarmac surface, or onto a new permeable base after a full dig out. We survey the existing surface first and tell you honestly which of those your drive needs, because that single answer moves the price more than anything else.

Very little. Sweep off leaves and debris, and give it an occasional wash at low pressure with a wide fan, held well back. The one thing to avoid is a close zero degree jet, which can strip the resin from the aggregate. Moss can take hold in heavy shade, but it sits on the surface and brushes off.

Choosing a stone blend is the enjoyable part. Blends range from warm golds and buffs to silver greys and darker mixes, and seeing a real sample in daylight next to your brickwork is far more reliable than a photo on a screen.