What is the difference Between Resin Bound & Resin Bonded Surfacing?

Resin bound vs resin bonded gravel surfaces may sound alike, but they are different from each other. In this guide, we will delve into what sets these two apart.

Resin surfacing solutions have really taken the spotlight in recent times, and for good reason. They offer very remarkable advantages over other traditional forms of driveways. In a nutshell, resin surfaces are highly durable, visually appealing, and adaptable to any home - whether it’s an ancient beauty or a modern marvel. Resin driveways also offer good value for money and are cost-friendly.

What Are the Two Major Types of Resin?

Generally, there are two types of resin surfaces. Sometimes, these two can be mistaken for each other, particularly because their names sound similar. Although both resin types make use of resin and aggregates to form fixed surfaces, there are significant differences in the way both systems are installed.

Let us now have a closer look at these two types of resin surfaces and find out how they differ from each other.

Resin Bonded Surfacing

The resin bonded surfacing is a system also commonly referred to as ‘scattercoat’ - a name derived from its installation technique.

Resin bonded gravels are installed by scattering aggregate stones onto an already spread layer of resin. The resin is spread over a suitable surface using a serrated squeegee and then the desired aggregate stones are scattered over the top. The setup is left undisturbed to allow the stone to set into the resin. The result of this application process is a textured surface where the aggregates are bonded to the resin although some parts of the stones may be exposed to the surface.

Resin bonded surfaces have the appearance of loose gravel. The only difference is, the aggregates in this case, are held together so that they are not mobile. However, because some parts of the stones are exposed, some stones work loose over time as they come in contact with constant use, such as car tyres etc. This will create ugly bald patches on your driveway.

Further, this resin system is non-permeable and is therefore non-compliant with SUDs regulations. Owing to this non-porous nature, it does not allow water to permeate through the surface down to the water bed. Consequently, if you are to install a resin bonded surface, you will need additional drainage and soakaways to prevent flooding. Also, bear in mind that you will need UK planning permission to install a non-permeable surface like this on your property.

Additionally, resin bonded surfaces are usually installed at a depth of about 4mm and because of their textured surfaces, they offer great grip and anti-slip qualities which makes them ideal for commercial environments and pedestrian areas where maximum grip is needed. They are however not suitable for child-friendly areas as kids could be injured when they fall. They are equally not ideal for disabled people who need wheelchairs to move because of the rather textured and rough surface.

When cost is a determining factor, resin bonded gravel surfaces are a great option. They are usually cheaper to install than the resin bound surface with an average cost of £26-£40 per m2 ( although in most cases, you may have to factor in the cost of installing a secondary drainage channel which becomes an additional cost).

While resin surfaces are easy to clean and maintain, resin bonded surfaces are not as easy to clean as their resin bound counterparts

Resin Bound Surfacing

Resin bound surfaces are the most popular of the two resin systems and are known for their durability, permeability, surface smoothness, flexibility and versatility.

They are made by mixing resin with the desired aggregate stones in a forced action mixer to obtain a consistent, uniform mix which is hand-trowelled onto the driveway area. The result is a durable, smooth, flat, crack-resistant, anti-slip-resistant, flexible and permeable surface. It is sometimes known as “trowelled surfacing”.

Resin bound systems are porous and so allows water to pass through them and into the ground which eliminates flash flooding and helps the environment as pollutants that would have been washed away into the wildlife are trapped unto the driveway surface. Because of the permeability, bound resin systems are SUDS compliant and would not need UK planning permission to install.

Resin bound gravel surfaces can be installed over tarmac and concrete surfaces. However, it is best that it is laid upon a permeable surface so that the entire system can be fully permeable.

Because of their smooth surface, resin surfaces are ideal for driveways, swimming pools, car parks, patios, and paths as it forms no kind of trip hazard thanks to its anti-slip property. It can also be used for areas where there are children and disabled persons who need equipment like wheelchairs as it provides far greater access over the resin bonded driveway.

This resin type is crack-resistant thanks to its flexible surface. This adds to its durability. Furthermore, the system doesn’t allow the growth of weeds. Also, the maintenance requirement of the bound resin type is very low. It is very easy to clean using a brush or stiff broom as well as occasional pressure wash to keep the driveway in immaculate condition.

There are a wide range of aggregate stones of different sizes, textures and colours available which can be expertly blended to give a stunning finish and a truly bespoke resin bound surfacing for driveways, patios, pathways, etc.

It's worth noting that resin bound surfacing tends to be pricier than resin bonded systems with an average cost of £40-£70 per m2. This cost can escalate further if there is a need for ground preparations and site excavations.

Additionally, they can last for as long as 25 years as long as they are well installed and used appropriately. The ideal range of depth for bound resin surfaces is from 15m-24mm, for pathways, light traffic and heavy traffic driveways respectively.

Table Showing Resin Bound Vs. Resin Bonded

Why Choose YourResinDriveway For Your Resin Bound Surfacing Installation?

• Custom-tailored driveways

• High-Quality workmanship

• 10 Year Guarantee promised

• Fair Trades Accredited Member giving you peace of mind and confidence

• Smooth, uniform finish

• Durable and hard-wearing

• Slip and crack-resistant surface

• Durable UV-stable resin

• Impervious to weed & moss growth

• No loose gravel chippings

• Fully permeable surface

• SUDS compliant

• Little maintenance required

We have well-trained experts who ensure that you get the very best resin bound installation for your home. We maintain high standards in all our projects employing industry best practices. You can be sure that our resin surfacing solutions are very durable and long-lasting as we make use of high-quality materials for our installations.

You will always find the right design and style for your home. There are a wide variety of exquisite options you can choose from. The versatility of our designs means that you have complete control over your resin drive and you can customise it as you desire.

Our resin driveway specialists are friendly experts who you will enjoy working with. Our resin drives are not just eye-catching, they offer you durability and permeability which meets the requirements of sustainable urban drainage standards (SUDS) as required in the UK.

We offer;

• Free Survey and Quote You are entitled to a free survey and free quote when you contact us. You are not paying for this.

• Fixed pricing with no hidden fees You can be sure that no hidden charges or fees will be brought up during or after installation.

• We work with customer timeframe Give us a precise time frame and we will work in accordance to have your resin drive perfectly finished within that time.

Our phone lines are always open for you to contact us for your resin driveway, paving, and patio projects. Feel free to give us a call to have a chat with an expert from our team about your upcoming project.