Cost of Resin Bound Gravel Driveways

Resin bound gravel is the latest trend when it comes to choosing surface materials for pre existing driveways. Resin bound gravel is basically a mixture of natural aggregates of appropriate size and clear resin coming in a variety of particle sizes as well as a reasonably fair choice of colours. More and more homeowners are looking at options to convert their existing driveways to resin bound gravel for the wonderful benefits that come along with it. With almost all maintenance needs eliminated (except possibly a light power wash once a year), the option is almost too good to resist when it comes to long term planning. No more weed invasions on your driveway, no need to keep working on those loose stones or pavers and no sunken spots every year.

Resin Bound Driveway Benefits

The increasing popularity of resin bound gravel is due to the multiple benefits that come along with it as compared to traditional options of using stones, pavers or even concrete. Following are some of the key benefits offered by resin bound gravel:

1. Cost-effectiveness:

Since resin bound gravel can be directly applied to the existing driveways, it saves a lot of time as well as money that would otherwise go in excavations and creating a base. The existing driveway can easily be used as a sub-base for applying the main aggregates in most cases. Additionally, with its almost zero maintenance requirements, it is wonderfully cost efficient in the long run as well. Since resin bound gravels driveways do not call for keeping services like a regular removal of weeds, fixing the pavers, checking for loose stones or solving the drainage issues, they are highly cost efficient when it comes to long term financial planning.

2. Porosity

Resin bound gravel is highly porous and allows a significant quantity of water to seep inside to the sub soil levels rather than forming puddles on the top or adding to the surface run off. This reason also makes resin bound gravel a low maintenance option and adds to its year-round visual aesthetics.

3. No planning permission required:

Since there are practically no drainage related issues because of the material being highly porous, the option is considered significantly environment friendly and hence do not need any drainage permissions before planning for the same. The aggregates allow rain water to seep in and get to the water table underneath rather than adding to the surface run off. And what’s more, you do not have to see those puddles being formed every time it rains.

4. Longer life

Resin bound gravel driveways are usually laid down in four layers. Amongst this, the top most layer consists of aggregate which is sealed with weather resistant resin and is highly durable in nature and will keep looking good year after year, irrespective of the external conditions. This top layer can withstand both the extremes of temperature as well as high pressure conditions like a load of heavy vehicles etc.

5. Rapid installations

One of the reasons for its growing demand is the fact that the installation takes very less time, often finishing within a day or two which adds to the convenience of the owners. When they can get their new driveway completed in a day, what more can be asked for?

6. Wheelchair friendly

Resin bound driveways and pathways with their smooth and seamless surfaces are highly suitable for wheelchair users as well as those using walkers or other assistive walking devices. Applying resin bound gravel to the driveway as well as the ramps can make their surfaces smooth while keeping them sufficiently hardened for wheelchair users to drive through.

7. Variety of options

The best part of choosing resin bound gravel as your driveway lining material is the variety of sizes and colours that are there to chose from. With over 40 types of natural aggregates in different sizes and colours, this material is a clear winner when it comes to lining the driveways to make them look visually appealing. And what’s more, you can play with the range of colours by creating patterns and designs on your driveway using different aggregates.

Factors affecting the cost of resin bound gravel

While resin bound gravel stands as a clear winner when it comes to the variety and choices available in the material as well as the number of short and long term benefits offered, the first question that house owners often ask is the cost that needs to be incurred for laying the aggregates on a driveway. There are however several factors which affect the cost of resin bound driveways. Some of the key factors are discussed here:

1. The size and access of the driveway: Since the cost of the material is simply calculated as the amount required per square meter, the overall cost really depends on the total area of the driveway. Additionally, the labour cost which is the cost taken to install the chosen material is highly dependent on the layout of the driveway. For simple, easy to access driveways, the cost is significantly lesser as compared to the ones which have difficult access, to begin with, and are predicted to take more time and efforts in laying the material. Similarly, the cost is also dependent on the depth of aggregate planned to be laid down. More depth calls for a higher cost.

2. The choice and size of material: Different materials like natural aggregates, marble, recycled materials, etc. are priced differently based on their particle cut size, polish, and colour. Most driveways use an aggregate size close to 6mm and a depth of 18mm. However, the same may vary depending on the site conditions.

3. The pre existing surface: The overall costs are also largely dependent on the underlying surface on which the resin bound gravel is to be laid down. Depending on the underlying surface, the level of preparation works, repairing costs, leveling, etc., different cost estimates are prepared for different sites.

4. Need for creating edges: There is a need to create stable surfaces like concrete edges, wall or brick lining before laying resin bound gravel. For sites with a pre existing edge, the cost is comparatively lower than the sites where one needs to be created using aluminium edges or other materials.

5. Labour and transport: The requirement for labour is highly variable and unique to each site depending on its access, the existing site conditions and a lot of other factors. Similarly, the cost of transport and haulage of the material is variable depending on the distance of the site. All these factors figure in the overall cost of the material and laying.

As can be summarized, the cost of resin bound gravel is highly variable and depends on all the aforementioned factors. That said, an average of £50 to £70 for every square meter can generally be expected as a base figure. However, irrespective of the costs that appear in the final quote, resin bound gravel is sure to give you long term financial benefits. It is hence safe to say that these tiny aggregates are here to make your walk smooth as well as cost effective for years to come.