Resin
How long does a resin driveway last?
It's one of the first questions people ask us about resin. The honest answer is that a well-installed resin-bound driveway can last for many years, and plenty of suppliers quote lifespans well into double figures. But the number on a brochure only holds true if the job underneath is done properly.
These are the things that decide how long your resin drive will really last.
The base underneath
Resin is a surface layer, so it can only be as good as what it sits on. A sound, stable base — typically a properly prepared sub-base topped with a suitable porous layer — stops cracking and sinking. Laying resin straight over a broken or unstable surface is the most common reason drives fail early.
UV-stable resin
Some resins can darken or yellow in sunlight over time. UV-stable resins are designed to keep the colour of the stone looking natural, which matters on south-facing drives. It's worth asking any installer which type they use.
Mixing and laying
Resin-bound surfaces are mixed in small batches and trowelled by hand. The right ratio of resin to aggregate, a dry stone and suitable weather all help it cure properly. Rain or very cold conditions during laying can affect the finish, which is why good installers watch the forecast closely — something we're well used to in Manchester.
Resin-bound vs resin-bonded
They sound alike but they're different. Resin-bound mixes stone and resin together for a smooth, permeable surface. Resin-bonded scatters loose stone onto a layer of resin; it's not permeable and loose stones can come away over time. For most driveways, resin-bound is the longer-lasting choice.
Day-to-day care
Regular sweeping, an occasional gentle wash and avoiding sharp turning on hot days all help. Our resin care guide covers the basics.
Our guarantee
Every driveway we lay comes with our 5-year workmanship guarantee. If there's ever a problem with our workmanship, we'll put it right at no cost to you.
