Resin BOUND vs resin BONDED — the important difference
99% of decent resin drives are resin bound. The stones are pre-mixed with resin in a forced-action mixer, then troweled onto the base. Result: fully permeable, smooth, no loose stones, SUDS-compliant.
Resin bonded is different — resin is painted onto a base, stones are scattered over the top. Result: rougher texture, partially permeable, cheaper, but shorter-lived and more prone to loose stones. We install both, but bound is what most people actually want when they say "resin".
What we include on every resin install
- Base check. Existing tarmac or concrete can sometimes be reused. We test it honestly.
- Base laying (if needed). New installs get 50mm open-graded tarmac as the base — permeable, stable.
- Surface prep. Pressure-wash, primer applied where needed.
- Mix on site. UV-stable resin + dried aggregate, weighed and mixed in a forced-action paddle mixer.
- Trowel-lay 18mm. Two experienced hands working live — resin cures in 20 minutes.
- Leave to cure. 8–12 hours foot, 24–48 hours vehicle.
Aggregate choice
We install with natural stone aggregates in sizes 1–3mm or 2–5mm. 12+ blend options in stock:
- Autumn Gold — warm amber mix, UK's single most-popular resin colour.
- Silver Forest — cool grey with silver flecks. Great with modern white-render houses.
- Cornish Blue — deep blue-grey blend, coastal aesthetic.
- Chestnut — rich brown mix, pairs with brick.
- Dalmatian — black & white contrast, contemporary statement.
Resin drive warning signs (check any quote):
1. Resin type — "UV-stable aliphatic" or better. Don't accept aromatic (yellows in sunlight).
2. Base spec — don't let anyone lay resin onto old gravel or poor concrete without a new tarmac base.
3. Kit — forced-action mixer, not cement mixer. Cement mixers don't blend resin properly.
Resin pricing in Hartford
- Small drive (30m², existing base): £3,200–£4,500
- Medium drive (50m², new base): £5,800–£8,000
- Large drive (80m²+): £8,500–£13,000+
If your existing tarmac is sound, you save 30–40% — because you skip the base install and go straight to resin overlay.
Why it's worth the extra over tarmac
Tarmac is cheaper upfront. But resin beats it on three counts: (1) zero weeds pushing through, ever; (2) permeable by default — no SUDS issue; (3) kerb appeal that genuinely adds to house value. Five years in, a resin drive still looks new. A tarmac drive looks like tarmac.
Resin maintenance — what you actually have to do
Nothing, for about 3 years. Then:
- Year 3+: pressure wash once a year (low setting, fan tip, from distance).
- Year 5+: optional re-seal to refresh the surface sheen — we can come do this for ~£3/m².
- Year 10+: surface may look slightly worn in heavy-traffic spots. Can be overlaid with fresh resin (new install at half price).
That's it. No re-jointing, no weed killing, no re-sanding. Less maintenance than a lawn.