5 reasons to choose resin bound paving

16th April 2020

Close up of a yellow and blue resin driveway.

Resin-bound paving is made from tightly packed aggregate stones held together with resin. This gives you a reliable hardstanding surface that’s both practical and attractive. But why choose a resin-bound driveway or footpath over other alternatives such as tarmac or block paving?

Top 5 reasons to install resin-bound paving

1) Long-lasting visual appeal

A resin-bound driveway or footpath gives you the attractive look of a stone or gravel driveway without the cost or hassle of constantly replacing loose material. It’s a decorative and functional option with a wide variety of colours, textures and aggregate types to choose from.

The best part is that resin-bound paving is engineered to last for many years – even up to a few decades! Many suppliers happily offer a guarantee of 10-15 years. And a properly installed and well-maintained resin-bound driveway or footpath made from quality materials can last for 25 years or more without replacement or significant repair.

2) Quick installation

Installing a resin-bound driveway takes just 8 hours on average. Then, you only need to wait another 8 hours to walk on your new driveway, or 48 hours to park your car on it. That means you won’t need to put up with extensive works or prolonged inconvenience.

You can also lay a resin-bound driveway or footpath on top of an existing concrete or asphalt surface. This acts as a convenient sub-base, saving you even more time and money.

3) Permeable anti-slip surface

Since resin-bound paving is permeable, water can easily drain away from the surface. That means you don’t need to worry about puddles and standing water when it rains. This also reduces the likelihood of ice forming on the surface and causing injury during winter.

4) Low maintenance

The technology used to mix and lay a resin-bound driveway or footpath protects against weed growth. It also minimises the amount of water, dirt and debris that can build up on the surface. While it’s recommended that you sweep and pressure wash your resin-bound paving every few months, it requires little to no maintenance for most of the year.

5) SuDS compliant

A Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) is a water management system introduced by the Environment Agency to help manage flood risk and improve water quality. Because resin-bound paving is permeable and has good drainage properties, it complies with SuDS guidelines. This makes installing a resin-bound driveway or footpath an excellent way to futureproof your property.

Reasons you might avoid resin-bound paving

Although beautiful, long-lasting resin-bound surfaces are quick to install and easy to care for, they might not be the best choice for everyone. Here are just a few reasons why you might want to look for another paving option.

Higher initial cost

Resin-bound surfaces can be slightly more expensive than other types of paving. But while some people prefer the cheapest possible option, remember that you’re paying for quality. A professionally installed and properly maintained resin-bound driveway or footpath can last for 25 years or more, which could save you money in the long run.

Overuse can cause damage

Resin-bound driveways and other installations are suitable for pedestrian and vehicle use. But parking a large number of heavy vehicles on a resin-bound driveway can damage the surface. Heavy skips and objects with sharp points can also gouge your driveway, causing it to wear out faster.

Many disreputable suppliers

Unfortunately, the paving industry is largely unregulated. That means there are many suppliers who offer cheap resin-bound paving of very low quality. If you hire one of these suppliers, you can expect greater maintenance, repair and relaying costs in the future.

On the other hand, hiring a trusted supplier like Hazell & Jefferies ensures you receive the quality you deserve. We use high-quality materials and effective laying techniques to give you a resin-bound surface that resists wear and brings you joy for years to come.

Resin-bound driveway FAQ

How long does a resin driveway last?

A resin-bound driveway from a reputable supplier should last you 10-20 years. You can push this to 25 years or more with proper maintenance and care. Always look for a supplier that offers a guarantee for total peace of mind.

What resin driveway colours can I choose from?

You can pick from all sorts of resin driveway colours. A few popular options include:

  • Gold or yellow for a warm and welcoming driveway
  • Red for richness and instant kerb appeal
  • Silver or grey to create an air of luxury
  • Cream or beige for a clean, bright and contemporary look
  • Black as a confident and classic statement piece

How thick is a resin driveway?

A resin-bound driveway should be laid to a minimum depth of 16mm. Any shallower and the surface will break apart quickly. Your resin-bound driveway might be laid to a depth of up to 20mm or even 25mm depending on advice from your supplier.

Are resin driveways permeable?

Yes, they are. Resin-bound surfaces naturally drain away water, making them ideal for driveways, patios, footpaths and other outdoor spaces. They’re also SuDS compliant and help to reduce the risk of flooding.

Resin-bonded vs resin-bound: What’s the difference?

A resin-bonded surface is made by spreading resin over a non-porous surface and dressing it with aggregate at a thickness of around 3-6mm. The stones provide an attractive natural appearance, and the greater friction and slip resistance make resin-bonded paving a great choice for high-traffic areas.

A resin-bound surface, on the other hand, is made by mixing the aggregate and the resin together and laying it at a thickness of around 16-25mm. The result is a highly durable and permeable surface with a sleek, smooth look.

Both resin-bonded and resin-bound surfaces are suitable for vehicle and pedestrian use.

Hazell & Jefferies: Reliable resin-bound driveways and footpaths in Oxfordshire

To get the most beautiful and long-lasting resin-bound surface possible, it’s important to use a trusted, knowledgeable and experienced provider. That’s why homeowners, business owners and local government bodies from across the UK rely on Hazell & Jefferies.

We provide stylish and functional hardstanding surfaces that resist heavy use and weather for many, many years. Our resin-bound surfaces are available in a variety of sizes, colours and textures to give you exceptional results.

Get in touch today for help and advice on your resin-bound paving project.

Other Blogs

Two Hazell & Jefferies team members using road rollers to lay asphalt.
The invention of tarmac
Although smooth ‘tarmac’ roads are something we take for granted in our everyday lives, prior to this the dusty, gravel roads used previously were suitable for horses and pedestrians, but were becoming outdated for the emerging transport of the day like the motorcar.
Long view of a road stretching ahead between green grass.
Five iconic roads around the world
At first glance, a road might not hold the same tourist appeal as a grand cathedral, museum or another impressive landmark, and we’re mostly used to simply driving on roads to get from A to B. However, not all roads are created equal, and there are some around the world that are worth visiting in their own right. From iconic scenery to famous highways and amazing shopping stretches, see below for five of our favourite roads around the world.