Resin Bound vs Resin Bonded – What’s the Difference?

One of the easiest mistakes to make when choosing the right surface for your driveway or commercial flooring is confusing Resin Bound vs Resin Bonded. They have similar names, and this is an easy mistake to make. However, they are separate flooring systems with their own benefits and downsides. Choosing the right system to use can make a difference to how your flooring system functions, as well as how the system looks. So, what is the answer to Resin Bound vs Resin Bonded, and which is the right choice for you.

Resin Bound

Resin Bound is a fast-growing surfacing and flooring system. It is being used more and more frequently across the country – usually for landscaping, driveways and other outdoor surfacing systems. Resin Bound systems are a hardwearing layer of mixed resin that are poured onto an existing tarmac or concrete layer.

Resin Bound floors are a mixture of dried aggregates and resin. The mixture is trowelled onto a base later for a smooth, flat finish with no loose material. The surface remains porous, so water can still pass through onto the ground beneath.

Resin Bonded

Resin Bonded refers to a different style of flooring system. Rather than being a mixture of resin and aggregate, Resin Bonded floors are a layer of poured or spread resin, with loose stone or aggregate scattered on top.

When we install a Resin Bonded system, we mix the resin to a smooth consistency with a drill and paddle, and then pour it out onto the surface. We then spread it with a trowel, roller or squeegee to a thickness of around 1mm. The aggregate then needs to be applied over the top to ensure complete coverage.

Which is right for me?

Choosing the right resin surface for your floor areas depends upon what you need your floor to do. Both types of flooring have their advantages and disadvantages.

A resin bound system is very durable. It should usually last in excess of 10 years, as there are no loose stones to crumble away. It is also easy to clean and maintain. A Resin Bound system is suitable for areas of heavier vehicle usage.

A Resin Bonded system looks and feels like loose gravel – however it is not actually loose. This is often preferable for traditional and historic properties, where a modern look might not be appropriate. A Resin Bonded system is suitable for lighter traffic. It is not permeable, so existing or alternative draining needs to be in place.

Resin Bound
No Fade
Slip Resistant
Weed Resistant
Frost Resistant
Permeable
Seamless
Resin Bonded
No Fade
Slip Resistant
Weed Resistant
Frost Resistant
Permeable
Seamless

Resin Bound vs Resin Bonded?

Whichever you choose, Maintenance Contracts have the skills and experience to ensure that you get the right surface for you. Whether it is a driveway, car park, swimming pool surround or other, get in touch with us to discuss what sort of floor surface would be right for you.

Our expert team can help you identify the right floor, and figure out when is the best time to install it.