Question 1

What is resin-bound paving?

Accepted Answer

Resin-bound paving is a surfacing system where individual pieces of decorative stone aggregate are coated in a UV-stable polyurethane resin, then trowelled onto a prepared base to create a smooth, seamless surface. Because the aggregate pieces are fully coated in resin (bound), they bond to each other and to the base as a solid mass, but retain air voids between the aggregate particles - typically 20-25% void content. These voids allow rainwater to pass through the surface at high rates (typically 30-60 litres per minute per square metre), meeting the requirements for a permeable surface under SUDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) principles. The surface is smooth and hard underfoot, UV-stable (the resin does not yellow in sunlight), and available in a wide range of natural stone colours and aggregate sizes.

Question 2

What is the difference between resin-bound and resin-bonded paving?

Accepted Answer

Resin-bound and resin-bonded paving look similar but are fundamentally different products. In resin-bound paving, aggregate is mixed with resin before application - every aggregate particle is coated in resin and the mixture is trowelled to a smooth surface. The result is smooth, permeable, and durable. In resin-bonded paving, liquid resin is applied to the base first, then dry aggregate is scattered on top and pressed in. The result is a textured surface with aggregate partially embedded in a resin layer. Resin-bonded paving is not permeable (the resin layer fills the voids at the base), is more prone to aggregate loss over time (loose stones), and is not SuDS-compliant. For front garden driveways requiring planning permission, resin-bound (permeable) paving satisfies the SuDS requirement; resin-bonded does not.

Question 3

Does resin-bound paving require planning permission?

Accepted Answer

In England, front garden driveways (areas forward of the principal elevation of a house) require planning permission if they are impermeable and exceed 5 square metres - but are permitted development (no planning permission needed) if they are permeable or if drainage is provided to direct water to a permeable area. Resin-bound paving is permeable, so a front driveway surfaced in resin-bound paving does not require planning permission under these rules (for a standard house; always check for Article 4 directions, conservation areas, or listed buildings which may remove permitted development rights). Resin-bonded paving (which is impermeable) does require planning permission for a front driveway over 5m2. This planning policy advantage, combined with its attractive appearance, is a key driver of resin-bound paving's popularity for residential driveways.

Question 4

What base is needed for resin-bound paving?

Accepted Answer

Resin-bound paving is a surface treatment only - it provides no structural strength and must be laid on a sound, stable, well-drained base. The standard bases are: porous macadam (open-graded asphalt, also called porous asphalt or SuDS macadam) - the most common choice for new driveways as it is permeable, provides a stable substrate, and allows water to drain through the base to a granular sub-base and then to ground or drainage; concrete with drainage falls - used where the subsoil is not suitable for infiltration, with surface water draining to a gulley or channel. The base must be free from movement, fully cured, and free from oil or contamination before the resin is applied. Minimum base depth for a domestic driveway (for car loading) is typically 50mm porous macadam over 150mm clean open-graded MOT Type 3 granular sub-base over a geotextile membrane.

Resin-Bound Paving

Just so you know...