Resin Bound DIY Kits – The Complete Guide to Installing Resin Bound Paving Yourself
Thinking about installing a resin bound driveway, patio, path or garden area yourself?
A resin bound surface can produce an exceptionally attractive and durable finish, but the quality of the finished surface depends on much more than simply mixing resin and stone together.
The preparation of the base, correct materials, aggregate grading, resin ratio, mixing technique, weather conditions, working time and trowelling technique can all affect the finished result.
We’ve been installing and supplying resin surfacing materials since 2002, so we’ve seen first-hand what makes a resin bound installation succeed — and what can cause one to fail.
This guide is designed to give DIY customers the practical information they need before ordering their resin bound DIY kit, so you can decide whether the project is suitable for you and understand what is involved.
Choose Your Resin Bound DIY Kit →
Is Resin Bound Suitable for a DIY Project?
- experience
- physical work
- preparation
- mixing
- working time
- weather
- having enough people
- having the correct tools
- importance of the base
You’re demonstrating expertise.
What Makes a Successful Resin Bound Installation?
- Correct preparation
- Suitable base
- Correct resin-to-aggregate ratio
- Thorough mixing
- Correct working temperature
- Consistent trowelling
- Correct curing time
What Do I Need Before I Start?
Materials
- Resin
- Correct aggregate
- Primer where required
- Other system components where applicable
Equipment
- Forced-action mixer
- Buckets
- Trowels
- Float
- PPE
- Measuring equipment
- Cleaning equipment
- etc.
And importantly:
A resin bound DIY kit does not remove the need for proper preparation and suitable installation equipment.
How to Prepare the Area
- existing surface
- excavation
- edge restraints
- drainage
- base
- falls
- cleanliness
- contamination
- loose material
- cracks/movement
- curing of new bases
How to Mix Resin Bound Aggregate
Resin bound aggregate is produced by thoroughly mixing the selected dried aggregate with the correct resin system so that the stone is evenly coated before it is transported to the prepared surface and trowelled into place.
- sequence
- mixing consistency
- batch consistency
- avoiding unmixed material
- timing
- avoiding contamination
- temperature
How to Trowel a Resin Bound Surface
- getting the material onto the surface
- spreading
- compacting
- maintaining thickness
- keeping a consistent finish
- avoiding excessive working
- keeping joins controlled
- cleaning the trowel
- checking the finish as you go
How Long Does Resin Bound Take to Cure?
Common Resin Bound DIY Mistakes
Using the wrong base
Installing over a contaminated surface
Using damp aggregate
Incorrect resin quantities
Poor mixing
Mixing batches inconsistently
Working outside suitable conditions
Taking too long to lay the mix
Overworking the surface
Poor preparation around edges
Allowing contamination during installation
Opening the surface before it has sufficiently cured
How Much Resin Bound Material Do I Need?
The quantity required depends on the area, intended depth and system being installed. Rather than guessing, use our Resin Driveway Calculator to estimate the materials required for your project.
Use the Resin Driveway Calculator
Need help? Call our technical team →
Choosing Your Resin Bound Colour
One of the advantages of resin bound paving is the ability to create a highly individual finish by combining carefully selected natural aggregates.
Explore Resin Driveway Colours
Is a DIY Resin Bound Driveway Right for Me?
A resin bound project can be an achievable DIY project for someone who is confident with preparation, mixing and laying materials and who has the appropriate equipment and sufficient help.
However, a driveway is a substantial project and mistakes can be expensive to rectify. If you’re unsure about the condition of your existing base, drainage, the suitability of the substrate or your ability to complete the installation within the required working time, professional installation may be the better option.
Prefer professional installation?
Why Our Experience Matters
We’ve been working with resin surfacing since 2002.
ResinDriveways.co.uk wasn’t created simply to sell DIY kits online. Our experience comes from the installation and supply of resin surfacing over more than two decades.
We’ve seen the industry develop from its early days into the much larger market it is today, and that practical experience influences the materials, advice and support we provide to DIY customers and professional installers.
Then your strongest verifiable facts.
That is far more powerful than:
“We are the UK’s best.”
What’s Included in Our Resin Bound DIY Kits?
Only now bring the product back in.
Once you’ve established that resin bound is suitable for your project, our DIY kits make ordering the principal materials straightforward.
Ready to Start Your Resin Bound Project?
Choose your colour, calculate the quantity required and order your resin bound DIY kit online.
Need Advice? Call us on 0800 197 0288
