An old, cracked driveway isn’t just unattractive; it’s also a safety issue. Cars won’t be able to drive over them properly, increasing the potential for accidents. If your driveway is showing signs of aging, it may be time to repave.
A resin bound driveway is an effective choice that’s eye-catching, customizable, affordable, and easy to maintain. Are these benefits enough to make it a project you should consider taking on yourself?
Read our guide to resin bound driveways to learn why you should consider installing them, what they cost, how to install one, and whether or not you should hire a professional to do it.
Benefits
There are several paving choices available to the modern homeowner, from asphalt to gravel and more. The benefits of a resin bound driveway make it an attractive alternative.
Resin comes in a variety of colours, allowing you to customize your driveway to look exactly the way you want it.
Resin bound driveways are durable and last longer than other options. Most colours come in UV-resistant varieties, keeping them safe from intense sunlight.
If installed correctly, resin bound driveways don’t have as many drainage issues as other types of paving. This makes them even more durable and long-lasting.
Resin can be overlayed over already existing driveway services, saving money and time. The installation only takes about a week.
Resin bound driveways are also easy to maintain. Careful pressure washing is enough to keep them clean and prevent weed growth.
Whether you install it yourself or hire a professional, there are plenty of reasons to consider a resin bound driveway.
Costs
Knowing the costs of a home improvement project ahead of time helps avoid overspending and lets you know what you’re getting into. The costs for resin bound driveways vary widely but fall within specific ranges.
Resin bound driveways cost £6.52-£9.02 per square meter for a total of £1,955.95-£2,706.78. This is just for installation, but there are other cost-affecting factors to consider.
The total cost depends on the size and condition of your driveway. If it is large, old, or in poor condition, it’ll require more work to repave. The finish options you choose and the area you live in are other factors that can affect pricing.
It takes 15 hours for the average professional to complete a resin bound driveway job. This leads to £793.42-£961.41 in labour costs.
Whether you choose to go DIY or hire a professional, you’ll still have to factor into the cost of materials. For the average 320-square-meter driveway, these will cost £24.45-£28.39.
There is also an optional service known as slab excavation. If you choose to add it to your project, it adds on 6 extra hours and £325.73-£395.13.
Check here for more factors that affect how much a resin bound driveway costs and reasons why it’s worth the price.
How to Install a Resin Bound Driveway
Installing a resin bound driveway is a multi-step process. Before even attempting to do it yourself, you must understand the entire process.
The first step is to prepare the existing driveway surface. If your base is the right material, fix the edges in place with heavy materials like sand or cement.
The next step is to order materials like resin for gravel and gravel binder.
The best way to get all the necessary materials is to find effective resin driveway kits. They contain all you’ll need to complete the project yourself, and professionals use them as well.
You will also need tools, the most important one being a forced action mixer. It should hold at least 100kg. You may also need a plasterer’s paddle, drill, or float to spread the material properly. Other important tools include a bucket, white spirit, and wheelbarrow.
The next step is to organize and mix the materials you’ve bought. Set them in piles by type, then use the forced action mixer to combine the materials.
The final step is to lay the materials. Carefully spread the mixed materials across the surface. This is the most crucial and difficult step, as mistakes here will lead to cracks and other issues.
It takes about 4 hours for the resin bound driveway to dry enough to be walked on, and 24 hours before it can be driven on.
There are tutorials and other resources online to learn more about how to install a resin bound driveway. You should be familiar with the entire process before attempting such a project. If you don’t feel knowledgable enough yet, consider hiring a professional.
Resin Driveways DIY: A Verdict
There are benefits to doing a resin driveway yourself. You’ll save on labour costs and be able to choose your own materials.
Despite these advantages, think before taking on resin driveways as DIY projects. It’s a difficult and somewhat expensive undertaking.
If you install a resin bound driveway incorrectly, it may become cracked, unattractive, and unsafe. You should know exactly what you’re doing and how to do it before attempting such a major project.
It’s also not possible for everyone to have a resin bound driveway. If the base materials you already have aren’t compatible, it’s better to consider an alternative method of repaving.
When installing resin driveways DIY, you must be well-versed in the world of driveway installation, have enough money, and use the appropriate base. Otherwise, it’s better to hire a professional to handle the project.
How to Get Help Installing a Resin Bound Driveway
A resin bound driveway is more than a beautiful surface for your family and friends to drive over. It’s a customizable, easy to maintain way to keep your driveway safe and stable for years to come.
Installing a resin bound driveway yourself isn’t the best choice if you don’t have enough money or knowledge. It’s easier to hire a professional to handle the project.
There are a variety of resin bond suppliers on the market today, and it’s important to choose the best one.
We offer professional driveway installation services but also have the right materials if you want to go DIY. Browse our resin driveway kits and contact us for more information today.
