Resin Bound Driveways: Costs, Longevity, and SuDS Explained

Resin bound surfacing is an advanced matrix where washed, kiln-dried natural aggregates are combined with a two-part polyurethane resin in a forced-action pan mixer. The resin completely encapsulates every stone before being hand-trowelled onto an engineered base.

Because the stones touch only at point contacts, microscopic voids remain throughout the matrix, allowing water to drain naturally at rates exceeding 850 liters per square meter per minute.

Beware of contractors quoting suspiciously low prices. Many cut corners by using cheap aromatic (non-UV stable) polyurethane resins. Within 3 to 6 months of exposure to sunlight, aromatic resin oxidizes and yellows dramatically.

If you park a car on an aromatic driveway, the area sheltered by the vehicle will remain original colour while the exposed driveway turns an unsightly murky yellow. At SP Design & Pave, we exclusively use 100% aliphatic UV-stable resins that remain crystal clear for decades.

Under UK Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) legislation introduced to mitigate urban flood risk, paving over front gardens with impermeable surfaces requires formal planning permission. Because resin bound surfacing allows rainwater to filter directly into the ground, it is fully exempt from planning approval.

On an existing suitable tarmac base, resin bound overlay generally ranges between £65 and £95 per square metre. For a full new installation including excavation, geotextile membrane, MOT Type 3 sub-base, open-graded binder tarmac, and resin surfacing, expect between £140 and £190 per square metre.