Is resin bound the same as resin bonded?

No — these are different products. Resin bound mixes the aggregate throughout the resin, creating a smooth, permeable surface. Resin bonded applies a layer of resin and scatters loose aggregate on top — this is not permeable and does shed stones over time. We only install resin bound.

Can resin bound be laid over existing tarmac or concrete?

Yes — provided the existing surface is structurally sound, level and in good condition. This can significantly reduce installation cost. We assess the existing surface at survey stage.

Will resin bound crack?

Resin bound is flexible and resistant to cracking under normal conditions. It can crack if the sub-base moves significantly beneath it — which is why a solid, correctly prepared base is essential. In Leicester's clay soil conditions, sub-base preparation is especially important.

Does resin bound fade in sunlight?

We only use UV-stable resin, which prevents yellowing or fading of the clear binder. The aggregate colour itself is natural stone and does not fade.

Can I get resin bound to match my existing patio?

Natural aggregate comes in a wide range of colours and blends. We can often match or closely complement an existing patio, driveway or garden material. We bring aggregate samples to the site survey for comparison.

Resin Bound Driveways Leicester

Resin bound driveways have become one of the fastest-growing choices for Leicester homeowners who want a premium, low-maintenance surface that looks exceptional and stays weed-free. Made from natural aggregate bound with a clear UV-stable resin, a resin bound driveway creates a smooth, seamless surface available in a wide range of natural stone colours — and is fully permeable, meaning it satisfies planning requirements for front drives without needing additional drainage.

Why Choose a Resin Driveway in Leicester

SuDS-compliant when installed over a suitable permeable base or drainage system: Under UK planning guidance, front driveways over 5m² should use a permeable surface or direct water to a permeable area or soakaway. Resin bound gravel is inherently permeable — water passes through the surface — which means it generally satisfies the permitted development drainage requirement. Always confirm the position with your local planning authority if in doubt.

Weed-free surface: Unlike loose gravel or block paving with sand joints, resin bound aggregate is fully bound — there are no gaps for weeds to establish. Once installed, the surface stays clean and weed-free with minimal effort.

Smooth, seamless finish: Trowel-applied in a single continuous layer, resin bound creates a smooth surface with no loose stones and no joints. This makes it particularly low-maintenance compared to block paving and safe underfoot.

Wide colour choice: Natural aggregates — golden gravel, silver grey, rose quartz, black basalt and more — are available in various sizes and can be blended to create a custom colour. The aggregate colour shows through the clear resin for a natural, attractive appearance.

Long lifespan: Properly installed resin bound driveways typically last 15–25 years with minimal maintenance.

Resin Bound Driveway Costs in Leicester

Project Size	Typical Cost
Small (up to 30m²)	£2,550 – £4,500
Medium (30–60m²)	£4,500 – £8,500
Large (60m²+)	£8,500+

Prices include existing surface preparation or excavation, sub-base where required, edging installation and resin bound surface application. Kerb drops and drainage channels are quoted separately.

Our Resin Driveway Installation Process

Sub-base preparation: Resin bound is typically installed over an existing tarmac or concrete base — if the existing surface is in good condition, we can apply directly over it. If not, we excavate and lay a new compacted MOT Type 1 sub-base before installation.

Edging installation: Aluminium or granite sett edging is installed around the perimeter to contain the resin and create a clean, defined edge. The edging is set at the correct height to allow for the resin depth.

Mixing and application: Aggregate and UV-stable resin are machine-mixed on site to ensure consistent coating of every stone. The mixture is trowel-applied in a continuous pour across the surface to avoid cold joints. The thickness is maintained at 18mm minimum throughout.

Curing: Resin bound surfaces are typically walkable within 4–6 hours and vehicle-ready within 24 hours depending on temperature and humidity.

Resin Bound vs Other Driveway Surfaces

Feature	Resin Bound	Block Paving	Tarmac
Permeable	Yes	With sand joints	No
Weed-free	Yes	Needs maintenance	Yes
Smooth surface	Yes	Yes	Yes
Colour choice	Wide range	Wide range	Limited
Repairability	Sections only	Individual blocks	Patches
Lifespan	15–25 years	20–30 years	15–20 years
Maintenance	Very low	Low–medium	Very low

Resin Bound vs Resin Bonded Driveways: What's the Difference?

Feature	Resin Bound	Resin Bonded
How it works	Aggregate mixed with resin, trowelled as a solid smooth layer	Resin applied to surface, loose aggregate scattered on top
Surface finish	Smooth, sealed, professional-grade	Textured, gravel-like surface
Permeability	Fully permeable — SuDS-compliant	Not permeable — surface is sealed
Loose stones	None — aggregate fully encapsulated	Can shed stones over time
Cost	Higher — from £85/m²	Lower — from £40/m²
Recommended for driveways?	Yes — our standard specification	Not recommended for vehicle traffic

We only install resin bound driveways. The resin bonded process produces a cheaper result but sheds aggregate stones under vehicle loads and is not SuDS-compliant, making it unsuitable for most front driveway applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Resin Bound Driveways in Leicester