02/06/2022
A resin bound driveway or patio offers a truly stunning, durable, and permeable surface for your property. Its seamless, attractive finish can significantly enhance your home's kerb appeal. However, achieving this professional result hinges on one crucial initial step: correctly ordering your materials. While the installation process might seem complex, procuring the right components is remarkably straightforward once you understand the fundamentals. This guide will walk you through the essential considerations for ordering your resin bound materials, ensuring you have everything you need for a successful project, delivered right to your doorstep.
The Foundation: Understanding Your Sub-Base Preparation
Before you even think about ordering your beautiful resin and aggregate, it's vital to have a clear understanding of your sub-base. The longevity and aesthetic appeal of your resin bound surface are fundamentally dependent on the quality of the groundwork beneath it. Whether you're laying over an existing surface or installing a brand-new sub-base, meticulous preparation is non-negotiable.
For new installations, the process typically begins with fixing edgings. These should be securely positioned using a robust mix of sharp sand and cement, providing a solid frame for your resin bound area. Crucially, these edgings must stand proud of your finished sub-base by approximately 15-20mm. This elevation allows for the depth of the resin bound mixture itself, ensuring a neat and contained finish.
The sub-base itself is ideally constructed from 150mm of MOT Type 1 aggregate. This material, once laid, should be thoroughly compacted using a vibrating roller. The goal is to bind the stone together, creating a dense, stable, and solid foundation. On top of this compacted MOT Type 1, you then have a choice for your final sub-base layer: concrete or open-textured base coat tarmac. Both have distinct advantages:
- Concrete: Offers superior strength and durability, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas. A minimum depth of 125mm is recommended.
- Open-Textured Base Coat Tarmac: Provides excellent permeability, allowing water to drain through the surface, which is often a requirement for sustainable drainage systems (SuDS). A minimum depth of 75mm is recommended.
If you're opting to lay your resin bound system over an existing surface, such as old concrete or tarmac, preparation shifts to ensuring the existing base is sound. All cracks must be widened into a 'V' shape using a stone saw to allow for proper filling and adhesion. Furthermore, the surface must be impeccably dry, completely free of weeds, moss, and algae. Any contamination can compromise the bond of the new resin layer, leading to premature failure.
Step-by-Step: How to Order Your Resin Bound Materials
Once your sub-base is prepared, or at least thoroughly planned, it's time for the exciting part: selecting and ordering your resin bound materials. This process is designed to be straightforward, ensuring you get exactly what you need with minimal fuss.
1. Choosing Your Colour and Aggregate Blend
The first and often most enjoyable decision is selecting the colour of your resin bound surface. The aesthetic impact of your driveway or patio will largely depend on this choice. Reputable suppliers, such as The Resin Mill, typically offer a wide array of aggregate blends on their websites. You can browse through various options, envisioning how each might complement your property's exterior.
To ensure complete satisfaction, it's highly recommended to order colour samples. Looking at samples in person, under varying light conditions and against your home's existing brickwork or render, will give you the most accurate representation. This crucial step helps avoid any surprises and guarantees the final look aligns perfectly with your vision.
2. The Resin Dilemma: Standard vs. UV Stable
After settling on your preferred aggregate blend, the next critical decision involves the type of resin you'll use: standard resin or UV stable resin. Understanding the difference between these two is paramount for the long-term appearance of your surface.
Standard Resin
Standard resin is a perfectly viable option for many applications, particularly where colour consistency over many years isn't the absolute top priority. However, it is susceptible to colour fade when exposed to UV sunlight. This isn't an immediate, overnight transformation, but rather a gradual change that occurs over time. For instance, a light aggregate might slowly yellow, or a dark aggregate might lighten slightly. While functional, it means the original vibrant colour may not be maintained indefinitely, especially in direct sunlight.
UV Stable Resin
For those who desire unwavering colour consistency, UV stable resin is the superior choice. This advanced formulation ensures that the finished mixture's colour remains true to its original shade, even under prolonged exposure to harsh UV rays. This is particularly important for areas where parts of the surface might be intermittently covered, such as under flower pots on a patio, or where a uniform appearance across the entire area is critical.
For certain aggregate colours, the use of UV stable resin isn't just a recommendation; it's a necessity. Specifically, colours like Silver, beige, and black should *only* be laid with UV stable resin. This prevents the yellowing effect that can otherwise occur with standard resin, preserving the intended aesthetic from day one and for many years to come.
Comparative Table: Standard vs. UV Stable Resin
| Feature | Standard Resin | UV Stable Resin |
|---|---|---|
| UV Resistance | Low (susceptible to gradual colour fade) | High (maintains original colour) |
| Colour Stability | May show gradual colour change/yellowing | Excellent, uniform colour retention |
| Application | Suitable where long-term colour consistency is less critical | Recommended for all applications, essential for certain colours (Silver, Beige, Black) |
| Cost | Generally lower | Generally higher |
| Appearance over time | Potential for visible colour variation, especially in areas with intermittent sunlight/shade | Consistent, uniform appearance regardless of sun exposure |
3. Calculating and Placing Your Order
Once you've made your choices regarding colour and resin type, the final step in ordering is remarkably simple. You don't need to be an expert in material calculations. The most efficient way to proceed is to contact your chosen supplier, such as The Resin Mill. Be prepared to provide the following key pieces of information:
- Total Square Metres (SQM) of the area: Measure your driveway or patio accurately. This is the primary factor in determining material quantity.
- Chosen Colour/Aggregate Blend: Specify the exact blend you've selected.
- Delivery Address: Provide the full delivery address for your materials.
With this information, the supplier will precisely calculate the quantities of resin, aggregates, and any necessary additives you require. They will then provide you with a comprehensive quote. A significant advantage of this approach is the potential for next-day delivery, ensuring your materials arrive promptly, allowing you to commence your project without unnecessary delays.
Beyond Ordering: A Glimpse at Installation & Material Use
While the focus here is on ordering, it's beneficial to understand how your ordered materials will be used. This insight reinforces the importance of correct selection and quantity.
Essential Tools for Installation
Upon the arrival of your materials, you'll need the right equipment. The most vital piece is a forced action mixer, ideally one capable of holding at least 100kg of aggregates, such as the Barron M110. Other crucial tools include a plasterer's paddle and drill for mixing the resin components, a sturdy bucket, white spirit for cleaning, a wheelbarrow for transport, appropriate gloves for protection, and a plasterer's float for laying the material.
Mixing Your Materials
Organisation is key. For every resin kit, you'll typically mix four 25kg bags of aggregate – usually three bags of 2-5mm stone and one bag of 1-3mm stone. Stacking these in four-bag piles beforehand can prevent errors.
The mixing process varies slightly between standard and UV stable resins. For standard resin, simply pour Part B into Part A and whisk for about 30 seconds until creamy. Meanwhile, dry mix the aggregates in the forced action mixer for 20 seconds to remove dust, then add the resin. Mix for approximately 90 seconds until all stones are thoroughly coated. Crucially, add 2kg of kiln dried sand about 30 seconds after the resin; this significantly enhances the mix's strength.
For UV stable resin, the process is similar, but with an extra initial step: add one capful of the provided catalyst into Part A and whisk for 15 seconds before adding Part B. Consistency is vital; ensure each mix is blended for the same duration (approximately 2 minutes in total) to avoid any subtle colour variations in the finished surface.
Laying the Resin Bound Surface
Once mixed, the material is transferred to a wheelbarrow and poured onto the prepared surface. Using a spazzle or rake, spread the material evenly, working from one end towards your exit point. Each 15mm deep mix typically covers around 4 square metres.
The key to a smooth finish is regular trowel cleaning. Wipe your trowel with white spirit frequently to prevent sticking and achieve a flat, uniform surface. As you lay, leave the end of each mix slightly 'fluffed up' to allow the next mix to seamlessly overlap, preventing dry edges. The material cures quite rapidly, with an average working time of 20-30 minutes per mix, though this can reduce to 10 minutes in hot summer conditions. Within approximately 4 hours, the surface will be cured enough for foot traffic.
For enhanced safety, particularly on driveways, a small amount of glass bead should be cast onto the surface after every two mixes have been trowelled down. This is done by simply scattering a small handful into the air, allowing it to fall naturally and embed into the still-curing resin, creating an effective anti-slip surface.
Curing Times and Clean-up
Your finished resin bound project will generally be ready for foot traffic after around 4 hours. For vehicular traffic, allow a full 24 hours for the material to achieve its maximum strength and durability.
Cleaning your equipment promptly after use is essential. For the mixer, add half a bag of dry aggregate with a little white spirit and let it spin for a minute, then empty. A wire brush and white spirit will then clean the drum thoroughly. Hand tools can be cleaned sufficiently with white spirit and a wire brush as well.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ordering Resin Bound Materials
Q: How do I choose the right colour for my resin bound driveway?
A: You can browse colour options on the supplier's website (e.g., The Resin Mill's resin bound mixtures page) or, more effectively, order physical colour samples. Viewing samples in person helps you see how the colours look in different light conditions and against your property.
Q: What is the main difference between standard resin and UV stable resin?
A: The primary difference is UV resistance. Standard resin will gradually change colour over time due to UV sunlight exposure, potentially yellowing or fading. UV stable resin is formulated to resist UV degradation, ensuring the finished colour remains consistent and true to its original shade for much longer.
Q: Is UV stable resin always necessary?
A: While not always strictly necessary for all colours, it is highly recommended for maintaining long-term colour consistency and preventing yellowing. For specific colours like Silver, beige, and black, using UV stable resin is essential to prevent discolouration.
Q: How do I calculate the amount of resin bound material I need?
A: The easiest way is to measure the total square metres (SQM) of your area and then contact your material supplier. Provide them with your SQM, chosen colour, and delivery address, and they will calculate the exact quantities of resin and aggregates required for your project.
Q: Can I get my materials delivered quickly?
A: Many reputable suppliers, such as The Resin Mill, offer next-day delivery for resin bound materials once your order is placed and confirmed. This helps to keep your project on schedule.
Q: What tools are essential for a resin bound installation once my materials arrive?
A: Key tools include a forced action mixer (minimum 100kg capacity), a plasterer's paddle and drill for resin mixing, a bucket, white spirit for cleaning, a wheelbarrow, gloves, and a plasterer's float for laying and finishing the surface.
Q: How long do I have to work with the mixed resin bound material?
A: On average, you have about 20-30 minutes to work with each mix before it starts to cure. In very hot weather, this working time can reduce significantly, sometimes to as little as 10 minutes.
Q: When can I walk or drive on my new resin bound surface?
A: The surface can typically tolerate foot traffic after approximately 4 hours. For vehicular traffic, it's recommended to wait a full 24 hours to ensure the material has completely cured and reached its maximum strength.
Conclusion
Ordering resin bound materials is a pivotal step in creating a beautiful and durable surface for your property. By carefully considering your colour choice, understanding the benefits of UV stable resin, and accurately providing your project's dimensions to a reliable supplier, you simplify the process significantly. Remember, the right materials, delivered efficiently, lay the groundwork for a successful installation. With your materials in hand and a clear understanding of the process, you're well on your way to enjoying a stunning, long-lasting resin bound driveway or patio that truly enhances your home.
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