A Complete Guide to Resin-Bound Surfacing for Commercial Properties
Resin-bound surfacing is one of the most versatile and visually striking ways to enhance outdoor commercial spaces. Whether you’re creating welcoming pedestrian pathways or stylish pub and bar patio areas, a resin-bound pavement offers the ideal combination of durability, compliance with safety standards, and long-lasting aesthetic appeal.
In this guide, you’ll discover why resin pathways are an excellent choice for commercial properties, the key benefits they bring, and how professional installation ensures a smooth, resilient, and attractive finish that stands the test of time.
What is Resin Bound Surfacing?
A resin-bound surface is formed by carefully blending natural aggregates with a high-quality resin, then hand-trowelling the mixture onto a prepared base. The result is a smooth, seamless, and fully permeable surface that allows rainwater to drain away naturally, helping to reduce puddling and surface water issues.
Unlike loose gravel or conventional paving, a resin-bound path delivers a hard-wearing, anti-slip finish that combines practicality with aesthetic appeal. Its durability and attractive appearance make it a popular choice for high-footfall commercial spaces such as pub beer gardens, restaurant terraces, and pedestrian pathways.
Key Benefits of Resin-Bound Pavement for Commercial Use
When you choose a resin-bound pavement for your business, you’re investing in a surface that combines durability, compliance, and style. Here are the standout benefits for commercial spaces such as pubs, bars, and pedestrian walkways:
1. Durability and Strength
A resin-bound path is built to withstand heavy footfall without cracking, fading, or loosening. Its robust structure ensures long-lasting performance with minimal upkeep, making it ideal for busy hospitality venues and high-traffic pedestrian areas.
2. SUDS Compliance and Drainage
All resin-bound surfaces are Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) compliant, allowing water to pass through the surface naturally. For pubs and bars, this prevents pooling, reduces slippery patches, and minimises the risk of flooding around outdoor seating.
3. Low Maintenance
Unlike traditional paving or decking, resin pathways require very little upkeep. A quick sweep and occasional jet wash are usually all that’s needed to keep them looking their best, freeing up more time for you to focus on running your business.
4. Safety First
The textured yet smooth finish of resin bound pavement provides excellent anti-slip resistance. This makes it especially suited to outdoor hospitality environments, ensuring staff and guests can move around safely in all weather conditions.
5. Aesthetic Appeal
First impressions count. With resin pathways available in a wide range of colours and finishes, you can create a bespoke design that reflects your brand and enhances your property’s kerb appeal. The result is a professional, elegant finish that elevates your outdoor space.
Where are Resin-Bound Surfaces Used?
While resin driveways are already popular for residential use, resin bound surfacing has even greater potential across commercial properties.
One of the most effective applications is in pub and bar patio areas, where a stylish, anti-slip finish creates a welcoming environment for guests while ensuring safety in all weather conditions.
Resin pathways also provide an excellent solution for pedestrian walkways in spaces such as hotel entrances, restaurant approaches, and busy foot routes. The smooth, professional finish is not only visually appealing but also robust enough to handle continuous foot traffic without cracking or shifting.
Or landscaped settings such as hospitality gardens, courtyards, and parks, laying a resin bound path creates a seamless connection between spaces. Its natural appearance blends beautifully with greenery and planting schemes, while the durable structure ensures the paths remain functional and attractive for years to come.
Beyond hospitality, resin-bound systems are also proving a smart choice for local councils, public spaces, and even airports. Oltco recently installed 650m² of its award-winning Recycle Bound surface at Cornwall Airport Newquay, covering key pedestrian pathways and a new outdoor seating area. This project alone recycled the equivalent of 1.95 million plastic straws, giving waste plastic a new purpose while delivering a permeable, SUDS-compliant surface that can withstand heavy foot traffic and extreme weather.
Projects like Cornwall Airport highlight how resin-bound surfacing is not only durable and visually appealing but also a sustainable option for high-traffic public environments.
Laying a Resin Path
Choosing resin-bound surfacing is only half the story; how it’s installed makes all the difference. Even the best materials can fail if they’re not laid correctly, so expert installation is key to ensuring both performance and longevity.
Why Professional Installation Matters
While it may be tempting to try DIY, laying a resin path requires specialist knowledge, correct mixing ratios, and expert finishing techniques to achieve the desired strength and drainage performance. Poor installation can result in uneven surfaces, inadequate water flow, or premature wear.
At Oltco, we specialise exclusively in resin-bound pavement solutions. Our expert team uses a premium resin and aggregate mix to ensure the highest quality finish every time, backed by years of experience, a reputation for excellence, and up to a 20-year guarantee for complete peace of mind.
Why Choose Oltco for Your Resin Pathways?
At Oltco, we are dedicated to transforming outdoor commercial spaces with surfaces that combine practicality with style. Whether you’re creating an inviting pub garden or upgrading pedestrian access routes, our resin-bound surfacing solutions are:
- Hardwearing and built to last
- Fully SUDS compliant
- Bespoke in colour and finish
- Professionally installed for flawless results
Enhance Your Commercial Space with Resin Bound Surfacing
A resin-bound pavement is more than just a surface; it’s an investment in durability, safety, and style. Whether you’re looking to upgrade a bar patio or install new resin pathways, Oltco can help bring your vision to life with minimal disruption and maximum impact.
Contact Oltco today to discuss your project and discover how resin-bound surfacing can transform your commercial property.