The names sound identical but the products behave nothing alike. Getting the specification wrong is the single most common mistake we see on quotes from other contractors.
Resin BOUND (what we install for driveways and patios)
Aggregate is fully mixed with UV-stable resin in a forced-action mixer, then trowelled to a smooth 15–24 mm finish. The result is permeable, seamless and SuDS compliant. This is the surface you want for driveways, patios, paths and courtyards.
Resin BONDED
A single layer of resin is squeegeed onto the base, then aggregate is scattered onto the sticky surface. It's textured, non-permeable and used mainly for steep ramps or slip-critical footpaths — never suitable as a decorative driveway.
Why installers confuse it
Cheaper contractors sometimes quote bonded prices and install bonded jobs while calling it 'resin' — and the customer only realises when puddles appear or the surface sheds stone. Always ask which one is on the quote in writing.
Our recommendation
For 99% of domestic and commercial projects, resin bound is the correct product. Reserve resin bonded for ramps steeper than 1:15 or specific anti-slip zones — and only when specified by an engineer.
