The look
A resin-bound surface is smooth and even, with the natural colour and sparkle of the stone on show. Blends of golden quartz, buff limestone and soft grey granite can be mixed to echo a gritstone or sandstone house. For a modern home, silvers and charcoals give a sharper look.
Why it's porous
Because the stone is mixed with resin before laying, small gaps remain between the particles. Rainwater passes through those gaps into the base below, so a resin-bound drive generally meets the front garden paving rules without extra drainage, provided the base is permeable too. Resin-bonded systems, where stones are scattered onto a resin coat, are a different product and are not porous.
What goes underneath
We usually lay resin on a porous asphalt or no-fines concrete layer over a compacted, open-graded stone sub-base. Laying onto an old drive is sometimes possible if it is sound and can drain, but on many older properties the existing surface has cracked or settled and needs replacing.
Edges and details
A sett or steel edge gives a resin drive a crisp finish. Around stone gate piers and steps, we keep a neat margin and avoid damaging old stone.
Weather
Resin needs dry, mild conditions to cure. Harrogate winters are not ideal, so we plan resin work for the right weather.
