Resin needs a rigid base — that is the cost
Resin bound aggregate is typically laid around 15–18mm thick over a solid, rigid base such as permeable macadam or concrete. It follows the base exactly. Any dip, ripple or soft spot underneath will read straight through the finished surface.
If an existing driveway is sound, resin can sometimes be laid over it and the price drops considerably. If it is not sound, the honest quote includes building a new base first — which is where the difference between a low quote and a fair one usually lives.
Aggregate blend and depth
Blends are not all priced the same. Natural stone blends with unusual colours, marble aggregates and specialist mixes cost more per tonne than standard quartz blends, and that difference scales with the area.
Depth matters too. Driveways carrying vehicles need more depth than a footpath, and cutting depth to save money is one of the most common causes of early surface failure.
- Standard quartz blends: the most economical route
- Natural stone and marble blends: a step up per tonne
- Vehicle-rated depth over foot-traffic depth
- UV-stable resin for consistent colour over time
Edging, drainage and detailing
Resin needs a clean restraint at every edge — block edging, kerbs or an existing wall — or it will fray where it meets soft ground. Contrasting block edging is popular around Newcastle and adds both cost and a much sharper finished look.
Because resin bound is permeable when laid on a permeable build-up, many driveways drain through the surface rather than to a channel. Where the sub-grade is heavy clay, though, a soakaway or channel still needs designing in, and that is a real line on the quote.
Where cheap resin quotes go wrong
The three usual shortcuts are laying too thin, laying over a base that is already breaking up, and using too much aggregate for the resin content so the mix looks right on day one and sheds stone within a season.
None of those are visible at handover. They show up in year two. Ask any installer for depth, resin-to-aggregate ratio and base spec in writing before comparing prices.
Frequently asked questions
Can resin be laid over my existing driveway?+
Sometimes. If the existing surface is structurally sound, well drained and free of significant cracking, an overlay is possible and reduces cost. We assess it on site rather than guessing.
Is resin bound the same as resin bonded?+
No. Resin bound is mixed and trowelled to a smooth permeable surface. Resin bonded is loose stone scattered onto adhesive, giving a rougher, non-permeable finish. We install resin bound.
Does resin fade?+
UV-stable resin systems hold their colour well. Cheaper non-UV-stable resins can yellow, which is another reason a very low quote is worth questioning.
How many colour options are there?+
Our downloadable colour chart on the resin driveways page covers 59 blends, and we can bring physical samples to a site visit.
Thinking about a resin driveway?
Browse the colour chart, then get a written quote with the base spec and depth included.