Frequently asked questions about resin bound driveways

Resin bound paving is a surface made from natural stone aggregate mixed with a clear UV-stable resin. The stones are fully coated before being poured and hand-trowelled to a smooth, even finish. The surface is permanently bound – no loose stones – and fully porous, meaning rainwater drains through rather than running off. It is used for driveways, patios, paths, pool surrounds and commercial surfaces.

Resin bound mixes the stone with resin before laying – every particle is coated and the result is a smooth, porous, durable surface. Resin bonded scatters loose stone onto a resin-coated base – the surface is rough, not porous, and the stones can loosen over time. They are very different products despite the similar names. If you are getting quotes, make sure you know which product is being offered.

We use natural stone aggregates – granite, quartz, flint and various blended stones – sourced from UK and European suppliers. The stone comes in a wide range of natural colours and can be blended to achieve the right finish for your property. We also offer PrismStone®, a pigmented aggregate that gives more vivid colour options. We bring samples to every site visit.

Yes – resin bound paving and resin bound gravel refer to the same product. The stone aggregate used in the mix is often described as gravel, and both terms are widely used in the industry. Resin bound gravel, resin bound paving and resin bound surfacing all mean the same thing: a fully bound, porous surface made from stone aggregate and polyurethane resin.

Yes, in many cases. If the existing concrete is sound – no significant cracking, crumbling or movement – it can be used as a base for a non-permeable resin bound surface. However, if you need a fully permeable surface (required for most front driveways under planning guidance), the concrete must allow drainage – which standard concrete does not. We assess the existing base during the site visit and advise on the right approach.

Yes – if the tarmac is in sound condition. Tarmac that is stable, not crumbling and free from significant cracking can be used as a base. As with concrete, a non-permeable base means the finished surface will not be SuDS compliant. If permeability is required, a porous asphalt or open-grade base is needed. We check the condition of any existing surface during the site visit.

No – block paving is not a suitable base. Individual blocks can move independently and even minor movement in the base will cause the resin surface above to crack. Block paving must be removed and an appropriate base installed before resin can be laid. We include base preparation in our survey and quote process.

Resin bound paving is typically laid at 15mm depth for paths, patios and pool surrounds, and 18mm for driveways and car parks. The correct depth depends on the application and the expected loading. Higher-loading commercial applications may require a greater depth. We confirm the right specification for each project during the site visit.

Most residential installations take one to two days, depending on the size of the area and whether new groundworks or base preparation is needed. We agree the programme with you before the job starts and give you a clear day-by-day plan. The surface is typically firm enough to walk on within a few hours and ready for vehicle use within 24 hours.

A resin bound surface installed on a sound base and properly maintained will typically last 20 years or more. The UV-stable resin does not fade or yellow in sunlight. The surface is low maintenance – an occasional clean is usually all that is needed. All Clearstone installations are covered by our guarantee.

Yes. We use UV-stable resin from established manufacturers – the colour holds in direct sunlight without fading or yellowing. The permeable surface handles rain effectively, draining immediately without pooling. The surface remains stable in frost and cold weather when installed correctly on an appropriate base.

No. The porous surface drains quickly after rain, and the natural texture of the stone aggregate provides good grip underfoot. For sloped areas or steps where additional traction is needed, we can incorporate a specialist grip aggregate into the surface during installation.

Yes – standard residential specification is designed for regular car and light vehicle traffic. For heavier use – car parks, access roads, areas with frequent delivery or commercial vehicles – a heavier-duty commercial specification is required. We advise on the right specification during the survey and quote process.

Resin bound paving typically costs between £65 and £110 per m² installed, depending on the size of the area, the base preparation required and the specification. Larger areas tend to cost less per m² than smaller ones. Front driveway installations requiring new groundworks and a permeable base will cost more than a simple overlay on a sound existing surface. We provide an accurate, itemised quote after a site visit – not a ballpark figure.

In most cases, no. Resin bound paving is a permeable surface, which means it satisfies the permitted development rules for front driveways in England – planning permission is not required. However, if your property is in a conservation area, is listed, or has specific planning conditions, different rules may apply. Check with your local planning authority if you are unsure.

Yes. Resin bound paving is fully porous and SuDS compliant when laid on an appropriate permeable base. Water drains through the surface and into the sub-base below rather than running off. This makes it suitable for front driveways under planning guidance and means it can contribute to BREEAM credits on commercial projects.

Our installations are guaranteed against stone migration, UV degradation, poor workmanship, minor cracking and colour change. The guarantee period is five years. Beyond the formal guarantee, we look after our customers for as long as they need us – we have been doing this for over 15 years and intend to be around for the next 15.

In many cases, yes. We work from photographs and on-site assessment to identify the right stone blend. Our range covers a wide variety of natural and pigmented colours and we can get very close to most existing surfaces. An exact match is not always guaranteed – stone colours vary between batches and weathering changes a surface over time – but we are experienced at finding a good solution.

Resin bound surfaces are low maintenance. An annual wash down with clean water keeps the surface clean and in good condition. Avoid high-pressure jet washing directly onto the surface as this can dislodge the stone aggregate over time. We provide every customer with a maintenance guide when we complete an installation.

Yes. We carry out colour-matched patch repairs and can make good sections damaged by third parties – utility companies cutting into a drive, scaffolding impact damage, skips and similar. We also offer a maintenance and repair service for surfaces we did not install. Get in touch and we will assess what is needed.

Hairline cracks and stress fractures usually originate in the substrate beneath the resin rather than in the resin itself – movement in the base, changes in ground conditions or an inadequate original installation. We assess the underlying cause as well as the visible symptom, so any repair addresses the root issue and not just the surface appearance.