Resin driveway questions, answered straight

Usually not. Resin bound surfacing is permeable, and under the national front-garden paving rules a permeable driveway of any size is normally permitted development. Planning permission is only triggered when more than five square metres of impermeable surfacing drains towards the road.

The exception is the town centre: the Town Centre and Victoria Street conservation areas carry Article 4 Directions, so check with West Suffolk Council before changing a visible frontage there, and always check first if your house is listed. More detail on the permeable SuDS page.

No. Resin bound mixes the stone and resin together before laying, giving a smooth, permeable surface. Resin bonded scatters loose stone onto a layer of resin, which leaves a rougher, non-permeable surface that sheds grit over time. The two are often confused in adverts. The quotes arranged through this site are for full resin bound surfacing.

The resin layer itself usually goes down in a single day for a typical domestic driveway. The overall job depends on groundwork: an overlay on sound concrete or tarmac can be done in a day or two, while a full excavation and new sub-base typically takes several days.

The surface can normally take foot traffic within a day and vehicles after around three days, weather dependent. The installer confirms timings for your job at the survey.

Yes, provided the base is designed for it. Much of the ground south and east of the town is chalky boulder clay, which shrinks and swells with the seasons. The resin layer is only as good as the sub-base beneath it, so on clay ground the installer should excavate to an adequate depth and lay a well-compacted open-graded stone base.

On the free-draining chalk and Lark valley soils north and west of town, ground movement is less of an issue.

A properly installed resin bound surface on a sound base is typically expected to last well over a decade, and manufacturers commonly guarantee the material for ten years or more. Longevity depends mainly on the sub-base and workmanship, which is why the survey and specification matter more than colour choice.

Ask the installer what guarantee applies to your job and get it in writing with the quote.

The finished surface has a fine texture and, because it is permeable, standing water and the ice it forms are much reduced compared with sealed surfaces. For slopes and shaded areas an anti-slip grit can be broadcast into the surface while it cures. Grit or salt can be used in freezing weather, though sharp tools and metal snow shovels should be avoided.

Not us. This website is an introduction service operated by Patrick Robinson. Your enquiry is passed to one vetted, independent resin surfacing specialist who covers Bury St Edmunds and the surrounding villages. They survey, quote and carry out the work under their own name, and your contract is with them.

We do not sell your enquiry to multiple firms. The full explanation is on the about page.

It depends on area, the condition of the existing base and access, which is why this site does not publish headline prices: a genuine figure needs a survey. An overlay on sound concrete costs meaningfully less per square metre than a full excavation and rebuild.

The quote you receive through this service is written, itemised and free, and you are under no obligation to accept it.