Resin-bound gravel has become one of the most popular surfacing choices for pathways, pedestrian routes, and landscaped areas across the UK. It combines natural aggregate finishes with high performance and excellent drainage, offering a balance of visual quality and practicality that suits both public and private developments.
Understanding how resin-bound gravel works, how it should be specified, and where it performs best helps architects, developers, and councils design durable and attractive pathways that remain functional for years to come.
Resin-bound gravel is a decorative, permeable surfacing created by mixing natural aggregates with a clear resin binder. The mixture is trowelled onto a prepared base to form a smooth, hard-wearing, and slip-resistant finish. It allows rainwater to drain naturally through the surface, helping meet Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SuDS) requirements.
What Is Resin Bound Gravel?
Resin-bound gravel is a system that blends washed and dried natural aggregates with polyurethane resin to form a strong, bonded surface. Unlike loose gravel, the stones are fully encapsulated in resin and fixed in place, producing a smooth, seamless finish that resists movement and displacement.
This surface type is valued for its appearance and technical performance. It delivers a decorative, natural look that complements both traditional and contemporary landscape designs, while providing durability that stands up to everyday pedestrian use.
How Resin Bound Gravel Differs from Resin Bonded Systems
Although the terms are often confused, resin-bound and resin bonded are two distinct systems.
- Resin-bound gravel involves mixing aggregates and resin together before trowelling, creating a permeable surface where water passes through.
- Resin-bonded surfacing involves applying resin to a base and scattering loose aggregate over it, producing a textured, non-permeable finish.
For pathways, SuDS compliance, and landscaped areas, resin-bound gravel is the preferred option because it is smooth, porous, and more durable under consistent use.
Key Benefits of Resin Bound Gravel
Resin-bound gravel delivers a number of technical and practical advantages that make it suitable for a wide variety of applications.
1. Porous and SuDS Compliant
The structure of resin-bound gravel allows rainwater to filter through the surface into the ground below. This helps reduce surface water runoff, supporting SuDS guidance and preventing puddles or flooding.
2. Durable and Low Maintenance
Once installed, resin-bound gravel forms a strong, bonded layer that resists cracking and displacement. Unlike loose gravel, it does not migrate or scatter, keeping pathways and adjoining surfaces clean.
3. Decorative and Customisable
Available in a wide range of aggregate colours and textures, resin-bound gravel can be customised to suit any setting. The colour palette ranges from warm golden tones to cool greys, allowing it to blend into surrounding landscaping or architecture.
4. Slip-Resistant and Accessible
The even, smooth finish is comfortable underfoot and suitable for wheelchairs, buggies, and bicycles. Surface grip can be adjusted by aggregate size, ensuring a safe walking experience in both wet and dry conditions.
5. Environmentally Friendly
By allowing water to pass through its surface, resin-bound gravel contributes to sustainable drainage and reduces the need for complex water management systems. It can also be laid over recycled or repurposed sub-bases, reducing environmental impact.
Typical Applications
Resin bound gravel is widely used across a variety of environments due to its flexibility and performance.
| Application | Benefits |
| Pathways and Walkways | Smooth, slip-resistant surface with natural aesthetics |
| Housing Developments | Enhances kerb appeal and provides consistent access routes |
| Public Parks | Durable and low maintenance for high footfall areas |
| Golf Clubs and Visitor Attractions | Attractive finish that complements landscaping |
| Courtyards and Driveways | Elegant appearance with strong load-bearing capability |
Abacus Playgrounds supplies and installs resin-bound gravel for all these applications, working directly with councils, construction firms, and landscape architects.
Specification Guide: Resin Bound Gravel
A correctly specified system ensures that resin-bound gravel performs to its full potential. Below is a guide outlining the key considerations for specifying this material.
1. Material Composition
| Specification Item | Typical Range or Requirement |
| Resin Type | Two-part polyurethane binder |
| Aggregate Type | Natural quartz, granite, or marble |
| Aggregate Size | 1–6 mm (most common mix 2–5 mm) |
| Resin to Aggregate Ratio | 1:5 by weight (approximate) |
| Layer Thickness | 15–25 mm depending on use |
| Finish | Smooth, seamless, porous |
| Slip Resistance | Variable by aggregate size and texture |
Abacus Playgrounds uses high-quality, UV-stable resin systems to ensure colour stability and long-term durability, even in direct sunlight.
2. Sub-Base Construction
A well-prepared sub-base is essential for the longevity and performance of resin-bound gravel. The type of base will depend on site conditions and expected usage.
| Sub-base Type | Description | Typical Use |
| Open Textured Asphalt | Fully permeable asphalt layer | Ideal for SuDS-compliant pedestrian paths |
| Concrete Base (perforated or sloped) | Non-porous base with drainage provision | Suitable for decorative courtyards or covered areas |
| Compacted MOT Type 1 | Free-draining granular stone base | Cost-effective for landscape routes and park walkways |
The base must be level, compact, and structurally sound before the resin-bound layer is applied.
3. Edging and Containment
To maintain the integrity of the surface, suitable edging must be installed around the perimeter. Common options include aluminium, steel, concrete, or brick edging. This prevents lateral movement and defines pathway boundaries clearly.
4. Installation Process
Resin-bound gravel is installed by trained professionals using specialist mixing and trowelling equipment. The process typically involves the following steps:
- Preparation of the Base
The base is cleaned, levelled, and checked for drainage performance. - Mixing of Materials
Aggregates and resin are blended in a forced-action mixer to ensure complete coating of the stones. - Application and Trowelling
The mixture is spread evenly across the base at the required depth and hand-trowelled to a smooth finish. - Curing
The surface is left to cure for between 4 and 6 hours, depending on temperature and humidity. Once cured, it is ready for pedestrian use.
Performance and Maintenance
Resin-bound gravel is designed for long-term use and can provide over a decade of service when installed correctly. Regular sweeping and occasional power washing help maintain its appearance.
Maintenance Tips
- Remove leaves and debris to maintain permeability.
- Clean with a gentle pressure washer at low PSI.
- Inspect edges and drainage channels periodically.
- Avoid heavy vehicles if installed for pedestrian use.
Because it is bound and sealed, the surface will not shift or develop potholes, making it ideal for public pathways that need consistent performance.
Colour and Design Options
Resin-bound gravel is available in a wide range of aggregate colours and blends. Architects often combine tones to create patterns, borders, or demarcation lines.
Popular design uses include:
- Contrasting colours to define pathway edges
- Curved borders following landscaping contours
- Neutral tones around listed buildings and heritage sites
- Bright aggregate mixes for modern public spaces
Abacus Playgrounds offers colour samples and design consultations to help achieve the desired visual outcome for each project.
Technical Performance Overview
| Property | Typical Performance |
| Permeability | Up to 850 litres/m²/hour |
| Slip Resistance (wet) | 55–70 PTV (depending on aggregate) |
| Compressive Strength | 25–30 N/mm² |
| Temperature Range | -30°C to +80°C |
| Lifespan | 10–15 years with routine maintenance |
These figures illustrate why resin-bound gravel is chosen for both aesthetic and practical applications. Its balance of permeability, strength, and visual appeal makes it a versatile choice for modern landscape architecture.
Sustainability and Compliance
Resin-bound gravel supports sustainable design principles by allowing natural infiltration of rainwater. This reduces strain on surface drainage systems and helps mitigate localised flooding.
The material also complements SuDS strategies, helping projects meet planning and environmental requirements set by local authorities. Abacus Playgrounds can provide supporting documentation and installation guidance to demonstrate compliance where required.
Common Questions About Resin Bound Gravel
1. How thick should resin-bound gravel be?
For pedestrian pathways, a thickness of 15 to 25 millimetres is typical. Heavier-use areas may require additional depth.
2. Can resin-bound gravel be installed on existing surfaces?
Yes, provided the existing base is stable, free-draining, and in good condition. Abacus Playgrounds can assess existing paths for suitability.
3. How long does the surface take to cure?
Most installations are ready for foot traffic within 4 to 6 hours, depending on site temperature.
4. Is resin-bound gravel slippery?
No. When properly specified, the aggregate texture provides good slip resistance even in wet conditions.
5. What colours are available?
A broad range of natural and contemporary tones are available, from light quartz and marble blends to darker granite and basalt shades.
6. How does it compare to paving slabs?
Resin-bound gravel offers a smoother, continuous surface with no joints or gaps for weed growth, providing better drainage and easier maintenance.
7. Can it handle light vehicles?
Yes, if the correct base and thickness are used. Driveways or light vehicle areas require a stronger sub-base and typically 18–25 millimetres of resin-bound layer.
8. Does it fade in sunlight?
UV-stable resins prevent discolouration, maintaining the natural colour of aggregates for many years.
Resin Bound Gravel vs Other Pathway Surfaces
| Surface Type | Permeability | Maintenance Level | Appearance | Best For |
| Resin Bound Gravel | High | Low | Decorative and smooth | Landscaped paths, parks, and courtyards |
| Resin Bonded Gravel | Low | Moderate | Textured and coarse | Decorative entrances and driveways |
| Wet Pour Surfacing | High | Low | Seamless and rubberised | Play areas, inclusive pathways |
| SUDS Bond Surfacing | High | Low | Resin-bound porous system | Large pedestrian areas and car parks |
(For more surfacing options, visit the Abacus Surfacing Range.)
How Abacus Playgrounds Delivers Quality Pathway Surfacing
Abacus Playgrounds has more than 30 years of experience supplying and installing high-performance surfacing across the UK. Our resin-bound gravel systems are installed by trained teams using premium-grade materials that ensure lasting results.
We work closely with architects, schools, councils, and contractors to provide technical guidance, design input, and detailed specifications that align with planning and environmental standards.
Every surface we install is tested for quality, permeability, and slip resistance, ensuring compliance and peace of mind for every project.
Resin-bound gravel provides a versatile, visually appealing, and sustainable solution for modern pathway design. Its combination of durability, permeability, and low maintenance makes it a leading choice for architects, developers, and councils seeking long-lasting, attractive surfacing solutions.
Abacus Playgrounds provides resin-bound gravel surfacing nationwide. Contact our team for expert advice, specification guidance, or a quotation for your next pathway project.