What it is — and what it isn't
Resin bound surfacing blends every piece of aggregate with resin and trowels the mix to a flat, jointless finish, so there are no loose stones underfoot. It is often confused with resin bonded surfacing, which scatters dry stone over a coat of wet resin: that gives a rougher, sandpaper-like texture, is not permeable, and can shed stones over time. A&P Resin installs resin bound systems because they are smoother, permeable, and far longer-lasting.
The aggregate is kiln-dried natural stone in a range of colours and sizes, and the resin is UV-stable so the colour does not yellow or fade in sunlight. The result is a continuous, weed-resistant surface with no joints for weeds to grow through and no individual blocks to settle or lift.
From base to finished surface
Assess the base
A sound, stable base is everything. Where existing concrete or tarmac is in good condition the resin can be laid over it; otherwise a permeable sub-base is excavated and built up with edgings and drainage.
Prepare and prime
The base is cleaned, repaired and primed so the resin bonds properly and the finished surface performs for years.
Mix on site
Resin and aggregate are forced-action mixed in measured batches so every stone is fully coated — the key to an even, durable finish.
Hand-trowel and cure
The wet mix is poured and hand-trowelled smooth, then left to cure into a hard, seamless, non-slip surface.
Water drains straight through
A fully installed resin bound system is permeable: the cured surface holds tiny voids between the bound aggregate, so rainwater passes through it rather than running off into gullies or onto the road.
That makes it compliant with Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS) and, in many domestic cases, means a new driveway can be laid without planning permission for drainage — because surface water is managed on site. It also prevents the puddling and run-off you get with non-permeable surfaces like concrete or tarmac.
- UV-stable colour. Premium resins resist yellowing and fading for years.
- Weed-resistant. A seamless, jointless surface gives weeds nowhere to take hold.
- Non-slip. Smooth underfoot yet grippy — suitable for slopes, ramps and wheelchair access.
- Low maintenance. An occasional brush and an annual wash is all it needs.
Resin bound vs block paving vs tarmac
Resin bound is seamless and permeable, so there are no joints for weeds and no need for separate drainage; it is smooth yet non-slip and holds its colour. Block paving looks traditional but has joints that can grow weeds, and individual blocks can settle or lift over time. Tarmac is quick and economical but is non-permeable, can soften in heat, and tends to fade and crack with age. The right choice depends on your base, budget and the look you want — something A&P Resin will talk through honestly at a free site survey.