Resin bound steps – Melchbourne, Bedfordshire

Resin bound steps in Melchbourne, Bedfordshire – 2024

In 2024, Liberty Driveways installed an anthracite grey resin bound surface on a set of steps in Melchbourne, Bedfordshire. The project demonstrates how resin bound surfacing can be used for more than just driveways, providing an attractive, contemporary finish for external steps and other outdoor areas.

The anthracite grey aggregate gives the steps a smart, understated appearance. Its darker tone creates a distinctive finish that can complement a range of property styles and surrounding landscaping.

Resin bound steps: a practical and attractive finish

Resin bound surfacing is a versatile option for outdoor steps, pathways, patios and driveways. By combining natural aggregate with a specialist resin, it creates a continuous surface with a textured stone appearance.

For this installation in Melchbourne, anthracite grey was selected to give the steps a clean, modern look. Resin bound aggregate is available in a wide choice of colours and stone combinations, allowing different finishes to be selected to suit the setting.

Why choose resin bound surfacing for steps?

• Contemporary appearance: Anthracite grey provides a neat, modern finish that works well with many exterior colour schemes.
• Choice of aggregate: Different aggregate colours and textures can be combined to create individual finishes.
• Continuous surface: Resin bound material creates a consistent finish across the prepared area.
• Versatile application: The system can be used for steps as well as paths, patios and driveways, subject to suitable preparation and construction.
• Design flexibility: Contrasting aggregates or borders can be considered for projects where a more decorative finish is required.

Installing the resin bound surface

A successful resin bound installation depends on suitable preparation, accurate mixing and careful application. Steps need particular attention because the material must be installed consistently across the individual treads and risers, with a suitable finish for the intended use.

Preparation and installation process

Before installing a resin bound surface, the existing steps and their condition need to be assessed. The substrate must be suitable for the chosen system, stable and properly prepared. Any necessary repairs or preparation work should be completed before the resin and aggregate are mixed.

The general installation process involves:

• Assessment: Checking the condition and construction of the existing steps and confirming their suitability for resin bound surfacing.
• Preparation: Preparing the substrate to provide a suitable foundation for the new finish.
• Mixing: Combining the selected anthracite grey aggregate with the correct resin in a specialist forced action mixer.
• Application: Carefully placing and working the mixed material across the prepared steps to achieve a consistent finish.
• Finishing and curing: Completing the surface and allowing the resin bound material to cure before the steps are returned to use.

The precise preparation method and installation duration for this particular project were not recorded, so we cannot provide a confirmed number of working days. The timescale for resin bound steps will depend on their size, condition, access, preparation requirements and the curing time specified for the selected system.

Specialist forced action mixing equipment

Liberty Driveways uses specialist forced action mixers to prepare resin bound aggregate. These machines have a stationary drum and rotating internal paddles that actively fold, shear and blend the materials together.

This differs from a standard drum cement mixer, which relies on gravity to tumble its contents. A forced action mixer provides a much more controlled mixing action, helping to distribute the resin evenly throughout the aggregate and produce a consistent material ready for installation.

This is particularly important for resin bound surfacing, where the quality and consistency of the mix contribute to the finished appearance and performance of the surface.