Resin Bound vs Resin Bonded: Which is Best?
Resin surfaces have become a popular choice for resurfacing driveways, pathways and patios, due to their durability, aesthetics and low maintenance requirements. However, homeowners often face a common dilemma: should they opt for a resin bound or resin bonded surface? While both options involve the use of resin and aggregate materials, they have distinct characteristics that make them suitable for different applications.
Short answer: The main difference between resin bound and resin bonded surfaces is how they are installed and how they perform over time.
With resin bound surfacing, the resin and aggregates are mixed together before being laid, creating a smooth, durable and permeable finish. Whereas, with resin bonded surfacing, the resin is applied to the surface first and loose aggregate is scattered on top, creating a textured finish that is not permeable.
In this guide, we will explore the key differences between resin bound and resin bonded surfaces and help you determine which is the best choice for your needs.
What is Resin Bound and Resin Bonded?
A resin bound surface is created by mixing resin with aggregates before being towelled onto a prepared base. This results in a smooth, seamless and porous surfaces that allows water to drain through, making it a sustainable and environmentally friendly choice.
A resin bonded surface involves applying a layer of resin onto a prepared base and then scattering loose aggregates on top. The resin holds the aggregates in place, but unlike resin bound, this method creates a non-permeable surface. There is also a risk that stones can loosen over time and dislodge from the resin.
Best Applications for Resin Bound
Resin bound surfaces are a versatile and stylish choice for various outdoor spaces. They are ideal for driveways, offering a smooth, durable, and weed-resistant finish that enhances curb appeal. Garden paths and patios benefit from the material’s permeability, preventing puddles and making outdoor areas safer in wet conditions. Additionally, they are perfect for pool surrounds, as they create an even, slip-resistant surface.
Best Applications for Resin Bonded
Resin bonded surfaces are ideal for decorative pathways, providing a natural stone appearance with a textured, slip-resistant finish. They are especially suited for heritage or listed properties, as they offer a traditional look while maintaining durability. This surface type is also perfect for sloped areas, where the extra grip helps improve safety in wet or icy conditions. Additionally, cycle paths benefit from resin bonded surfacing due to its high-friction properties, ensuring a stable and secure ride for cyclists.
Benefits of Resin Bound Surfaces
There are a huge number of benefits to resin bound surfaces which is why they are quickly growing to become one of the most popular outdoor surface solutions available.
Permeable Surface: Our resin bound bases are infilled with gravel before laying the resin and aggregate, which creates a porous base allowing water to drain through and reducing puddles and the risk of flooding.
Smooth Precise Finish: As the resin bound mixture is hand trowelled onto the base it allows our professional installers to precisely lay the surfaces for an even and attractive surfaces that is free from loose stones.
Durability: Resin bound surfacing is renowned for being incredible hard wearing, especially compared with more traditional surface materials such as concrete which is prone to cracking.
Low Maintenance: Resin bound requires minimal upkeep, with occasional sweeping and power washing being enough to keep your surface looking as good as the day of installation.
Versatile Design Options:
At Oltco our resin surfaces are available in various colour options that are bound to suit every property, regardless of age, location, or size.
Benefits of Resin Bonded Surfaces
Despite certain drawbacks to resin bonded surfaces there are still a number of positive benefits for its application in residential and commercial spaces.
Cost-Effective: Due to the simpler installation process resin bonded is often cheaper than resin bound surfaces.
Quick Installation: Unlike resin bound which is hand trowelled onto the surface for a smooth even finish, resin bonded involves pouring loose aggregate over resin which doesn’t require a precise application.
Textured and Natural Look: Resin bonded is a popular choice as it provides a similar texture and appearance to loose gravel but without the hefty upkeep involved.
High Traction: As resin bonded has a rougher texture it provides extra grip, which is why it can be favoured for areas where slip resistance is crucial.
The Key Differences Between Resin Bound and Resin Bonded
When choosing between resin bound and resin bonded surfaces, it’s important to consider factors such as durability, maintenance, permeability, and cost. The table below provides a simple comparison of key features to help you decide which option best suits your needs.
| Feature | Resin Bound | Resin Bonded |
|---|---|---|
| Fully Permeable | ✓ | ✗ |
| Smooth & Seamless Finish | ✓ | ✗ |
| Highly Durable & Long Lasting | ✓ | ✗ |
| Low Maintenance | ✓ | ✗ |
| Faster Installation | ✗ | ✓ |
| Lower Upfront Cost | ✗ | ✓ |
Which Lasts Longer: Resin Bound or Resin Bonded?
Resin bound surfaces are generally considered the more durable option. Due to the aggregate being fully mixed with the resin before installation, the surface remains stable and less prone to stone loss over time. Resin bonded surfaces can gradually lose aggregate from the surface due to wear, weather and regular use, particularly in high-traffic areas.
When professionally installed and properly maintained, a resin bound surface can last 20 years or more.
So, Can Resin Bonded Be Used for Driveways?
Although resin bonded surfacing can sometimes be installed on driveways, it is generally not as well suited to areas that receive frequent vehicle traffic as resin bound surfacing. In a resin bonded system, the aggregate is applied onto the resin surface rather than mixed throughout it, which can lead to gradual stone loss over time.
As a result, resin bound surfacing is usually regarded as the better option for residential driveways.
Which is Best for Me? Resin Bound V Resin Bonded
Resin bound surfaces boast enormous benefits and are suitable for almost every home, they are a highly popular choice for resin driveways, patios, and paths and we can’t see that popularity slowing down. Despite costing slightly more than resin bonded, it is certainly the stronger investment.
For most homeowners, resin bound provides the best balance of appearance, durability and performance. Its smooth finish, permeability and long lifespan make it particularly well suited to driveways, patios and pathways where both practicality and kerb appeal are important.
Ultimately the choice between resin bound and resin bonded largely depends on your budget and specific requirements. If you’re looking for a durable, smooth and water-permeable surface then resin bound is certainly the best option for you. Resin bound is definitely more suited to high traffic areas such as driveways and patios as it can withstand continuous use.
However, if you would prefer a cost effective, textured surface that provides a strong grip then resin bonded can be a great choice. Resin bonded can also provide a more traditional aesthetic if you’re living in a heritage property.
Professionally Installed Resin Bound Surfacing
When comparing resin bound vs resin bonded surfaces, there is no one-size fits all answer, both have their place depending on the application, budget and desired finish. However, for homeowners looking for a durable, low-maintenance and stunning surface, resin bound is often the preferred choice. Its permeability, smooth finish and long lifespan make it particularly well suited to driveways, patios and pathways.
If you’re interested in the sleek, low-maintenance benefits of resin-bound surfaces, Oltco can help. Get in touch today for a personalised consultation and expert advice on the best outdoor surface solution for you!
Book a home visit to discuss your resin bound project with one our professional installation team at Oltco.
FAQs
What is the difference between resin bound and resin bonded?
Resin bound surfaces mix resin and aggregate together before installation, creating a smooth and permeable finish. Resin bonded surfaces involve applying resin first and scattering aggregate on top, resulting in a textured, non-permeable finish.
Which is better, resin bound or resin bonded?
For most driveways, patios and pathways, resin bound is generally considered the better option due to its durability, permeability and low maintenance requirements.
Is resin bonded cheaper than resin bound?
Yes, resin bonded surfaces typically have a lower upfront installation cost. However, resin bound often provides better long-term value making it a better investment.
Does resin bonded lose stones?
Over time, some aggregate loss can occur with resin bonded surfaces, particularly in high-traffic areas.