Resin Driveways in Surrey

What is a resin bound driveway?

A resin bound driveway is created by taking high-quality, dried natural stone aggregate and thoroughly mixing it with a clear, UV-stable polyurethane resin in a forced action mixer. This coats every single stone in the binder. The mixture is then poured onto the prepared driveway base and trowelled flat by hand to a smooth, seamless finish.

Because the stones are bound together rather than packed tightly with sand, tiny voids remain between the stones. This makes the entire surface porous. When it rains, the water flows right through the driveway rather than pooling on top or running into the street.

Bound vs Bonded

It is crucial not to confuse resin bound with resin bonded. In a bonded system, resin is painted onto the ground and loose stone is scattered over it. It is not permeable, the stones loosen over time, and the finish is very rough.

We strongly recommend, and almost exclusively install, resin bound systems for domestic driveways. You can read our detailed comparison of Resin Bound vs Resin Bonded.

The Installation Process

The resin finish is only as good as the base it sits on. A stunning resin finish on a terrible base will crack and sink within months. We are meticulous about groundworks.

If your existing surface is monolithic tarmac or concrete in excellent structural condition, we may be able to overlay the resin directly on top. This requires cleaning, repairing minor surface defects, and applying a primer before trowelling the resin.

If your existing driveway is block paving, grass, or failing tarmac, we will perform a full excavation. We dig out the old material, install a robust MOT Type 1 sub-base, compact it heavily, and lay a porous tarmac binder course. The resin is then laid over this solid foundation.

You can explore our complete, step-by-step installation process guide for a detailed breakdown of how we work.

Colours and Design

Unlike tarmac which is always black (or occasionally red), and block paving which is limited by the manufacturer's brick colours, resin offers total design freedom.

We offer over 40 different aggregate colours. From crisp silver greys that suit modern new builds, to warm golden flints that complement traditional Surrey period properties. We can even mix custom blends, or install contrasting borders and shapes directly into the surface without any joints.

SUDS, Drainage and Planning

In 2008, the government introduced SUDS (Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems) regulations to combat street flooding. If you pave your front garden with a non-permeable material (like standard block paving or concrete) and the water runs into the public highway, you need planning permission.

Because resin bound driveways are fully permeable, they allow water to drain naturally into the earth beneath. As long as the sub-base is also porous, a resin driveway is fully SUDS compliant. This means you can typically install a new driveway without ever needing to apply for planning permission.

Cost and Value

How much does all this cost? As a rough guide, expect to pay between £60 and £150 per square metre. An overlay sits at the lower end, while a full dig-out sits at the top end.

While it might have a higher initial outlay than cheap gravel, its longevity and near-zero maintenance make it incredibly cost-effective over its 20-year lifespan. For a deeper breakdown of pricing, view our comprehensive guide to Resin Driveway Costs in 2025, or try our online cost calculator.