Resin bound patio in Rushden, Northamptonshire – 70㎡

Resin bound patio in Rushden, Northamptonshire – 70㎡

Liberty Driveways completed a 70㎡ resin bound patio installation in Rushden, Northamptonshire. The project involved creating a generous outdoor patio area using resin bound aggregate, providing a practical surface for garden use with the clean, contemporary appearance that makes resin bound surfacing a popular choice for outdoor spaces.

Although often associated with driveways, resin bound surfacing is equally suitable for patios, pathways and other garden areas when the correct system and base are specified. A resin bound patio offers plenty of design flexibility, with different aggregate colours and textures available to complement the property and surrounding landscaping.

Installing a 70㎡ resin bound patio

Preparing the patio area

As with any resin bound installation, preparation is an important part of achieving a durable, consistent finish. Before the aggregate is laid, the existing base needs to be assessed to make sure it is stable, clean and suitable for the proposed resin bound system.

The preparation work will depend on the condition of the area and the construction required. Any loose material, contamination or defects that could affect the finished surface need to be addressed. The base must also be suitable for the intended use of the patio and its drainage requirements.

Where an existing concrete base is being used, it is important to check its condition and suitability before installation. Our guide explains whether resin can be laid on concrete.

Mixing the resin bound aggregate

Once the base is ready, the resin and selected aggregate are carefully combined. Thorough mixing is essential to ensure the stones are evenly coated with resin and the material is consistent throughout the installation.

Liberty Driveways uses specialist forced action mixers for resin bound work. These machines feature a stationary drum and rotating internal paddles that actively fold, shear and blend the materials. This is different from a standard drum cement mixer, which relies on gravity to turn its contents.

The forced action mixer helps produce a thorough, consistent blend, which is particularly important for high-consistency materials such as resin bound aggregate, specialist screeds and epoxy repair mortars. Correct mixing helps prepare the material for an even finish across the patio.

Laying and finishing the 70㎡ surface

The mixed aggregate is transported to the prepared patio area and carefully spread across the surface. It is then levelled and worked by hand to create a consistent finish, paying attention to the edges and transitions around the patio.

With a 70㎡ area, planning the installation is important. The team needs to work methodically, keeping the mixing and laying process coordinated so that the resin bound material can be installed within its working time.

Once laid, the surface must be left to cure before it is ready for normal use. The precise curing time depends on the resin system and site conditions, particularly temperature. This needs to be considered when arranging the installation and planning when the patio can be used again.

Why choose a resin bound patio?

A resin bound patio provides a seamless alternative to traditional paving and can help create a defined outdoor living area. Its combination of natural aggregate and resin produces a distinctive finish, while the choice of stone blends makes it possible to tailor the appearance to the property.

Colour and texture options

One of the main advantages of resin bound surfacing is the range of design possibilities. Different natural aggregates can be selected and combined to create a variety of colours and textures, from subtle, neutral tones to more contrasting finishes.

• Natural stone colours: Choose aggregate tones that complement the house, garden walls and existing landscaping.
• Mixed aggregate blends: Combine different colours to create depth and variation across the patio.
• Contrasting borders: A complementary edging detail can help define the patio and separate it from adjoining surfaces.
• Contemporary appearance: The continuous finish creates a neat, uncluttered look compared with individual paving units.

There are plenty of resin patio ideas to consider, and the best choice will depend on the style of the property and the appearance you want to achieve. Liberty Driveways can discuss available aggregate options and help you select a suitable combination.

Permeability and SuDS

Resin bound aggregate can provide a permeable surface when the complete installation is designed appropriately. Water can pass through the small voids between the coated stones, rather than simply running across the surface.

This can help with rainwater management and may contribute to SuDS (Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems). However, permeability depends on the underlying construction as well as the resin bound finish. The base and ground conditions must allow water to drain through the complete system for the patio to perform as a permeable surface.

Drainage requirements should therefore be considered during the planning and preparation stages, rather than treating permeability as an automatic feature of every resin bound installation.