Resin Bound Gravel

Why choose resin bound paving?

When rainwater falls on a paved surface, it needs to drain away. Conventional solid surfaces are impermeable: water flows across the surface or forms pools, adding to flood risk.

Gravel surfaces avoid this problem. Water flows freely through the small stones and into the ground. But gravel surfaces can be messy and difficult for pushchairs or wheelchairs.

Resin bound paving combines the benefits of both options:

Excellent rainwater drainage and a smart, durable, accessible smooth surface.

• Environmentally friendly
• Reduced flood risk
• Firm surface
• Attractive finish
• Easy maintenance
• Choice of colours

Please take a look at our range to find out what colours and textures are available. 

Fantastic service and quality control from Clearstone

Clearstone surfaces are individually hand-crafted. At every stage of the design and installation process, we do our utmost to understand your specific needs, and our attention to detail is second to none.

Take a look at our case study page to read about our customers experience of working with Clearstone and visit our gallery to view our extensive portfolio of driveway installations.

Quality control: Because we control the process from start to finish you can be sure of a perfect finish

“Clearstone staff were brilliant; we love them! They were the best contractors we had on site!” Elizabeth Baines, home-owner

“I’m absolutely delighted with our new driveway. It cost me slightly more than block paving my driveway and our house stands out from other houses on the street” David Ayling, home-owner

Resin bound paving - the premium option

The modern technology involved in resin bound paving calls for careful selection of the best materials, and skilful installation by experts. This means superior resin bound surfaces can cost more than other options, but the results make this investment worthwhile.

Cheaper options may involve non-expert installation, with a risk of later problems. Non-specialist installers may use substandard materials that degrade or discolour in sunlight over time.

Some contractors may offer resin-bonded surfaces – cheaper than true resin bound paving. Despite the name, resin-bonded surfaces are very different to resin bound – they lack the permeability that allows rainwater to drain freely into the ground and have a very rough texture.

Bound: Permeable smooth surface compliant with SuDs regulations

Resin bound surfacing, or ‘trowelled’ paving is made from a blend of aggregates coated with a clear UV-stable polyurethane resin. To ensure that each aggregate particle is completely coated in resin, the two elements are combined in a force-action mix process to form a cold-pour mixture. The mixture is then poured and hand-trowelled to form a smooth, colour-constant, accurate surface with no loose stones. It is recommended that a resin bound surface should be laid to a depth of 15mm for a pool surround, footpath or terrace and 18mm for a driveway and car park.

Resin bound surfacing is water-permeable when laid on a an open surface asphalt. 

Bonded: Non-permeable and rough surface

By contrast, resin bonded surfacing, or ‘scattercoat’ paving is non-permeable and must be laid on a non-porous fine wearing course asphalt or concrete base. With resin bonded paving, soak-aways and channel drains must be installed to prevent run-off which could lead to flooding.

Resin bonded surfacing is made by sprinkling loose aggregate onto resin. However, it’s not as durable as resin bound paving: the bonded aggregate particles may loosen over time, due to car tyres turning on the surface and it is not as easy to clean. Depending on the aggregate size [1-3mm], the depth is generally 3mm.