Driveways
Resin driveways in Southport
Smooth resin bound drives with no loose stones, laid in UV stable resin on a proper porous base so the rain soaks away. The groundwork underneath is our trade, which is what makes a resin drive last.
Resin bound or resin bonded?
They sound the same but they are different jobs.
Resin bound mixes the stone into the resin, then it is trowelled flat. Smooth underfoot, no loose stones, and rain soaks straight through it. This is what most people mean by a resin drive.
Resin bonded is resin spread on the base with loose stone scattered on top. It feels like gravel that stays put, but it does not let rain through.
The base is the whole job
Resin is only a thin layer. If what is under it moves or cracks, the resin cracks with it, and if the base is not porous the rain has nowhere to go.
Most resin drives that fail were laid over a poor base. We are groundworkers first, so we get the bit underneath right.
How we lay a resin drive
- 1
Look and measure
We check the existing surface, the levels and the drainage, and tell you whether resin can go over what is there or needs a new base.
- 2
Groundwork
For a new drive: dig out to firm ground, membrane, compacted Type 1 sub-base and edging.
- 3
Porous base
A porous base, usually open graded tarmac, so rain can soak through the resin and away.
- 4
Lay the resin
Dry stone mixed with UV stable resin on site and trowelled smooth, in dry weather.
Questions people ask
What is the difference between resin bound and resin bonded?
Resin bound: the stones are mixed into the resin and trowelled flat, so you get a smooth surface with no loose stones, and rain soaks through it. Resin bonded: resin is spread on the base and loose stones are scattered on top, so it has a rough, gravel feel and does not let rain through. For drives, most people want resin bound.
Do I need planning permission for a resin driveway?
Not for resin bound on a porous base, because rain soaks through it. Resin bonded is not permeable, so the usual 5 square metre front garden rule applies.
Can resin go over my old drive?
Sometimes. Resin bound can go over sound tarmac or concrete if it is not cracked, sinking or breaking up and the levels and drainage work. If the old drive is moving, the cracks come straight through the resin, so it needs a new base. We will tell you honestly which it is.
Will a resin drive go yellow?
Not if it is laid with UV stable resin. Cheaper resins can yellow in sunlight, especially on lighter stone colours.
Can you lay resin in the rain?
No. Resin needs dry weather and a dry base, and it does not cure properly in the cold. In wet spells we book the job for the next dry days rather than risk it.
What affects the price of a resin drive?
Mostly the groundwork. Whether the old surface can stay or has to come out, whether a new porous base is needed, the size, the access and the stone you choose. We give you a written quote after looking at the job.
How do I look after a resin drive?
Sweep it and give it a wash with a hose or pressure washer now and then to keep the pores open so the rain keeps draining through.
Also worth a look
Send us a photo of your drive
Phone lines open Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm, Saturday 8am to 1pm. WhatsApp a photo of the job any time.