Resin bound works in the back garden too. It gives you a smooth, joint-free patio or path, and rain can soak through it. We lay resin bound patios and paths for homes in Harpenden and across Hertfordshire, including Wheathampstead and St Albans.
This page covers what resin bound is, where it suits a garden, how it's laid and how to care for it. We'll come and look for free, then send a written quote, and we never ask for a deposit.
Call 01582 932001, or call or WhatsApp 07747 430338, email hello@5stardrivewaysandpatios.co.uk, or get your free quote.
What is resin bound?
It's small natural stones mixed with a clear resin. The mix is spread out and smoothed with a trowel. Each stone is coated in resin, which helps hold it in place.
The stones don't pack tightly together. Small gaps stay open between them, and rain can soak down through those gaps. That's why resin bound is called porous.
We lay resin bound, not resin bonded. Resin bonded is a different, non-porous finish with loose stone scattered on top.
Why have resin bound in the garden?
1. Rain can soak through. Less water sits on the surface after a shower.
2. Smooth underfoot. Garden chairs and tables sit level, and it's easy for buggies and wheelchairs.
3. No joints. There are no gaps between slabs for weeds to grow in.
4. Any shape you like. Because it's smoothed by hand, it can follow curves and odd corners.
5. Lots of colours. Stone blends run from warm golds to cool greys.
6. Easy to care for. A brush and a rinse now and then keep it tidy.
Good places for resin bound
1. A seating area. A smooth, open patio for chairs and a table.
2. Garden paths. A firm route to the shed, the gate or the end of the garden.
3. Curved paths. Resin can follow a curve, with no slabs to cut.
4. Matching the front. If your driveway is resin bound, a path or patio in a similar blend can link the front and back.
Resin bound, porcelain or natural stone?
1. Porcelain. Easy to wipe clean, with lots of styles. Most porcelain doesn't need sealing.
2. Indian sandstone and York stone. A softer, classic look, with joints between the slabs. We can seal natural stone if you'd like.
3. Resin bound. One smooth surface with no joints, and rain can soak through.
Our patios page has more on each one.
Choosing a blend
Pale blends can brighten a shady corner. Darker or mixed blends are better at hiding everyday marks. Every resin patio or path also needs a firm, neat edge to hold it in shape. We'll show you the options on the survey.
Rainwater, levels and planning
We lay a resin patio so it tips slightly away from the house. Where water still needs somewhere to go, we can fit channel drains, or soakaways where the ground allows.
A patio laid at or near ground level in a back garden usually doesn't need planning permission. A raised patio or platform may need it. Flats have different rules. Front gardens are covered on our driveways page. Listed homes and conservation areas may have extra rules, so check with your local council.
What affects the cost?
We don't publish prices, because every garden is different. A resin bound patio or path quote depends on:
1. How big the area is.
2. What's there now, and what has to come up first.
3. The base it needs.
4. The stone blend you pick.
5. Curves, borders and edging.
6. Any drainage.
7. How easy it is to get materials into the back garden.
After the free visit, you get a written quote. You don't have to go ahead.
Our steps for a resin patio or path
1. A free visit. We measure up, look at what's there now, and check the levels and drainage.
2. Quote. We send it in writing, and we never ask for a deposit.
3. Getting ready. We clear the area and get the base ready.
4. Edges. We fix the edging to hold the resin and give a clean line.
5. Mixing. The stone and resin are blended together until each stone is covered.
6. Smoothing. Each mix is spread out and trowelled smooth by hand.
7. Setting. The resin needs time to harden. We'll let you know when it's ready to walk on.
8. Finish. We clear away and show you how to care for your new surface.
Most jobs are completed within a working week, Monday to Friday.
Caring for resin bound
1. Brush it often, so leaves and dirt don't block the gaps.
2. Give it a rinse from time to time, to keep the gaps open. With a jet washer, hold the nozzle well back and sweep it across.
3. Wash off spills soon, with warm, soapy water.
4. Clear moss early, mostly in shady spots under trees.
When it needs a deeper clean, our cleaning service can help.
Resin patios and paths we've laid
You'll find more in our photo gallery.
Resin bound patio questions
Does rain soak through a resin bound patio?
Usually, yes. Water can soak down through the small gaps between the stones, if the ground underneath can take the water.
Why does a resin patio go green in places?
Shade, damp and fallen leaves can let moss start, mostly under trees. Brushing often and clearing leaves can help.
Can I match my resin driveway?
Yes, you can choose a similar stone blend for the patio or path. We'll go through the blends with you.
Is planning permission needed for a resin bound patio?
Usually not, if it's in the back garden and close to ground level. "Rainwater, levels and planning" above explains when it can be different.
How long does a resin bound patio take?
Most jobs are completed within a working week, Monday to Friday.
What does the 10-year guarantee cover?
Our 10-year guarantee covers the driveways, patios and walls we build. There's no deposit. See our guarantee and insurance page.
Areas we cover
We lay resin bound patios and paths in Harpenden and 23 nearby towns. See our areas page or our Harpenden patios page.
Get your free quote
Tell us a little about the job and we'll arrange a free site survey and a clear written quote. We never ask for a deposit, and there's no obligation.
Prefer to talk it through? Call 01582 932001, or call or WhatsApp 07747 430338. You're welcome to send photos of your driveway or garden on WhatsApp first.