Resin-bonded driveways

Resin-bonded surfacing, and how it differs

Resin-bonded is the textured, grippy cousin of resin-bound, and the two are constantly confused. With resin-bonded, a layer of resin is laid down and loose aggregate is scattered onto it, giving a surface that looks like fixed gravel. It is hard-wearing and high-grip, but unlike resin-bound it is not permeable.

Where resin-bonded earns its place

Because it is not permeable, a large resin-bonded area to the front of a house can need planning permission, and it is not the default driveway choice for that reason. Where it does come into its own is grip: a steep ramp, a slope, or anywhere extra traction matters. For those it can be the right answer.

Bound or bonded, honestly advised

Most people who ask for resin-bonded actually want resin-bound, the smooth, permeable, no-planning surface, because the names are so similar and nobody explains the difference. We will tell you straight which suits your job rather than which is easier to sell.

Built on the right base

Either way, the base decides the result. We prepare the right base for the surface, set the falls and edgings, and finish it properly. Arrange a consultation and we will help you choose between bound and bonded for your driveway.

• 01

  Resin-bound driveways

  Permeable resin-bound driveways laid on a sound base: SuDS-friendly and, on most homes, no planning needed.

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• 02

  Block paving driveways

  Block paving driveways laid on a proper sub-base, with the edge restraints and falls done right.

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• 03

  Gravel driveways

  Gravel driveways done properly, on a stabilised, well-drained base that stays put.

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• 01

  Driveways

  Resin-bound, block and gravel driveways built on the right base, with SuDS-compliant drainage.

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• 02

  Resin-bound driveways

  Permeable resin-bound driveways laid on a sound base: SuDS-friendly and, on most homes, no planning needed.

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Source: Gardenscape. Figures as of 2026-06-03.

• What is the difference between resin-bonded and resin-bound?

  Resin-bonded scatters loose aggregate onto a layer of resin for a textured, non-permeable finish; resin-bound mixes the aggregate and resin into a smooth, permeable surface. They sound alike but behave very differently.

• Does resin-bonded need planning permission?

  It can. Because it is not permeable, a large resin-bonded area to the front of a house that drains to the road can need permission, where a permeable resin-bound surface would not.

• When would I choose resin-bonded over resin-bound?

  Mainly where you need extra grip, such as a steep ramp or slope. For a standard driveway, resin-bound is almost always the better choice for being smooth, permeable and planning-friendly.

• Does resin-bonded shed loose stone?

  It can shed a little aggregate over time, where resin-bound holds all its stone. It is one more reason resin-bound is usually preferred for a driveway.