Driveways Brentwood installs resin bound driveways across Brentwood, Shenfield, Hutton, Warley and nearby villages. Each driveway is engineered for London Clay with a correctly compacted foundation, laser set levels, and drainage planned from the start using threshold channels, gullies or a soakaway where required. You can choose natural aggregate blends and edging in granite, aluminium or steel for crisp margins and neat thresholds that complement your home. Driveways Brentwood handle survey, design, groundworks, installation and finishing so you get a seamless, low maintenance surface that lifts kerb appeal; book a free site survey and fixed quote in Brentwood today.
Resin bound is a bound gravel surface created by mixing UV stable aliphatic resin with washed, kiln dried aggregates and trowelling the blend to a smooth, porous finish. Typical wearing depth is 18 to 20 mm using 1 to 3 mm or 2 to 5 mm aggregate blends selected for texture, slip resistance and colour stability. Where infiltration is viable, we construct a fully permeable build on Type 3 sub base with a porous base so rainfall passes through the system and supports SuDS; if clay limits infiltration, we set positive falls of approximately 1:60 to 1:80 to linear channels and a soakaway sized to BRE guidance. Edges are restrained with granite setts or metal trims to prevent lateral creep, mixing and laying are controlled for temperature and humidity to ensure full cure, and a fine anti slip can be broadcast on main walk routes or slopes for confident footing without changing the appearance. Overlay onto sound asphalt or concrete is possible after repairs and priming, otherwise we build a new base with separation geotextile on clay to prevent fines migration and maintain long term stability.
What Is A Resin Bound Driveway?
A resin bound driveway is a continuous surface created by mixing UV-stable aliphatic resin with washed, kiln-dried aggregates, then trowelling the blend to a smooth, porous finish with no loose stones. The wearing course is typically 18 to 20 mm thick, using 1 to 3 mm or 2 to 5 mm aggregate blends selected for texture, slip resistance and colour stability. The result is comfortable underfoot, quiet under tyres and wheelchair friendly, with a clean, seamless look that suits both modern and period homes. In Brentwood we engineer resin bound driveways for London Clay, beginning with controlled excavation, a separation geotextile where soils are variable and a compacted sub-base that meets the expected duty. Where infiltration is viable the system can be fully permeable using Type 3 sub-base with a porous base so rainfall percolates through and supports SuDS aims. If clay limits infiltration we design positive falls of about 1:60 to 1:80 to linear threshold channels, gullies or a soakaway sized to BRE guidance, which keeps façades dry and prevents ponding. Clearances to the damp-proof course, neat tie-ins to pavements and garage slabs, and robust edge restraints are planned at the outset.
Installation quality determines longevity. We control mix ratios, temperature and humidity during batching and laying, compact and finish with a consistent hand-trowelled texture, and back-roll where appropriate to close the surface evenly. Edges are restrained with granite setts, aluminium or steel trims so margins stay crisp under turning loads, and day joints are detailed to blend discreetly on larger areas. On sound asphalt or concrete we can overlay after repairs and priming; where bases are unsuitable we build a new one for long-term stability. Aftercare is straightforward. Routine maintenance is limited to sweeping and gentle pressure washing with a fan lance, prompt treatment of oil or leaf tannin marks, and avoidance of harsh solvents. A fine anti-slip can be broadcast along main walk routes and slopes if required without changing the appearance. With sensible care and periodic checks of channels and silt traps, a resin bound driveway from Driveways Brentwood will keep its colour, texture and kerb appeal for many years.
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Why Should You Use Resin Bound For Your Driveway In The Brentwood Area?
Resin bound suits Brentwood because it creates a seamless, no-loose-stone surface that copes well with daily commuter traffic and tight turning on London Clay. The finish is porous when built as a fully permeable system, which helps manage rainfall at the property and reduces splashback at façades. It is quiet under tyres, comfortable underfoot and wheelchair friendly, so access feels refined rather than harsh. The clean, contemporary appearance works for both period homes in South Weald and modern plots in Shenfield and Hutton. You have strong design flexibility. Natural aggregate blends let you choose warm buffs, cool greys or mixed tones, and we can set crisp borders with granite setts or slim metal trims to frame parking bays and entrances. Thresholds, steps and paths can be detailed to read as one design, and recessed covers are set flush so services almost disappear. Where an existing asphalt or concrete base is sound, an overlay is possible after repairs and priming, which shortens build time and disruption.
Drainage is planned from the outset. Where infiltration is viable, we construct a fully permeable build on Type 3 sub-base with a porous base so water passes through the surface and supports SuDS aims. If clay or plot constraints limit infiltration, we set positive falls of about 1:60 to 1:80 to linear threshold channels, gullies or a soakaway sized to BRE guidance, while protecting the damp-proof course at doorways. This keeps façades dry and prevents ponding even during heavy downpours. Installation quality locks in longevity. We control mix ratios, temperature and humidity during batching and laying, target a wearing depth of around 18 to 20 mm, and finish to an even hand-trowelled texture. Robust edge restraints in granite, aluminium or steel prevent lateral creep at margins and turning points. A fine anti-slip can be broadcast on main walk routes and slopes for confident wet footing without changing the look. Routine care is simple with sweeping, gentle jet-washing and prompt spot treatment of oil or leaf tannins.
- Seamless, low-maintenance surface that is quiet, comfortable and wheelchair friendly
- SuDS-capable permeable build where viable, or positive drainage with channels and soakaway on clay
- Wide choice of aggregate colours and crisp borders for strong kerb appeal across Brentwood
- Overlay options on sound bases to reduce disruption and project cost
- Durable detailing with sturdy edge restraints and flush recessed covers for a professional finish
1. Seamless, low-maintenance surface that is quiet, comfortable and wheelchair friendly
Resin bound creates a continuous finish with no loose stones, so it feels smooth underfoot and remains quiet under tyres compared with gravel or textured concrete. We target a wearing depth of around 18 to 20 mm using calibrated 1 to 3 mm or 2 to 5 mm aggregates, selected for both texture and wet slip resistance on the main walk route. The hand-trowelled surface is comfortable for prams, wheelchairs and bikes, and we design near-level thresholds with slim channels so everyday access is easy while the damp-proof course stays protected. Because the surface is monolithic, dirt and debris sit on top and lift with a gentle fan-lance wash rather than working into joints; typical housekeeping is sweeping plus an occasional pH-neutral clean, with a mild biocide in shaded areas if algae appears. UV-stable aliphatic binders are specified so colour stays consistent without ambering in sun, and we manage mix ratios, humidity and cure windows during installation to avoid soft spots and ensure an even, closed texture. Where additional grip is desired on slopes or at steps, we can broadcast a fine anti-slip mineral to the finishing pass that improves wet footing without changing the appearance. Edges are restrained with granite setts or metal trims so margins remain crisp under turning loads, and recessed covers are set flush in the same finish so services remain accessible without visual interruptions.
2. SuDS-capable permeable build where viable, or positive drainage with channels and soakaway on clay
Where infiltration is feasible, we build resin bound as a fully permeable system over an open-graded Type 3 sub-base with a porous base course, allowing rainfall to percolate through the surface and into the ground in line with SuDS aims. Permeable sections are designed after simple percolation testing; thickness of storage layers is sized to the catchment, which can include roof downpipes if you want to reduce hard-pipe outfalls. On London Clay or plots with high groundwater, trees or close foundations, we switch to positive drainage with laser-set falls of about 1:60 to 1:80 directing water to linear threshold channels, gullies or a soakaway sized to BRE 365 guidance and positioned clear of services. Channels are specified with silt traps and rodding points so maintenance is straightforward, and grilles are chosen to the correct load class for vehicle areas. We protect the damp-proof course at doors with slim channels that still allow near-level access, and we shape subtle crossfalls to remove flat spots that can pond during heavy downpours. Exceedance routes are considered so any extreme rainfall safely bypasses the driveway without entering the house, and inspection points are included so you can quickly clear silt and keep the system performing year after year.
3. Wide choice of aggregate colours and crisp borders for strong kerb appeal across Brentwood
Natural granite, quartz and marble blends in 1–3 mm or 2–5 mm grades let you dial in the exact look you want, from warm buffs that complement period brickwork in South Weald to cool greys that suit contemporary homes in Shenfield and Hutton. We can design subtle banding, parking bay outlines and entrance aprons that guide the eye and organise space without visual clutter. Borders in granite setts or slim aluminium and steel trims frame the driveway with sharp, durable margins that resist tyre scuffing and mowing impacts. Recessed covers are set absolutely flush and in-pattern, then filled to the same texture so services remain accessible while the finish reads uninterrupted. Where thresholds meet pavements or garage slabs, we align colours and aggregate sizes so transitions feel intentional rather than patched. Sample boards and small test panels are provided on site, helping you judge aggregate size, surface sheen and how the resin will relate to your brick, render and planting both from the kerb and up close. If you are coordinating with a patio or pathway, we can echo tones and border details so the whole frontage reads as one design.
4. Overlay options on sound bases to reduce disruption and project cost
If an existing asphalt or concrete base is structurally sound, we can repair cracks, regulate low spots and clean and prime the surface, then lay resin bound as an overlay, which shortens the programme and reduces spoil removal. Before committing, we survey for reflective cracking, existing movement joints, minimum falls and drainage continuity, and we carry out level checks to ensure water will run to planned collection points. Frames for manholes and inspection points are raised to finished level, edges are upgraded with new restraints where required, and threshold channels are added to protect the damp proof course while allowing near level access. Any soft patches are cut out and reinstated so the overlay is only placed on stable, well bonded areas, and we confirm bond compatibility between primers and the substrate. Where the base is not suitable, we build a new foundation with separation geotextile on London Clay, compacted MOT Type 1 or Type 3 to the required depth, and a regulated base course so the resin finish has the same crisp appearance with better long term stability. This approach keeps disruption low, maintains access where possible, and focuses budget on the visible finish and details.
5. Durable detailing with sturdy edge restraints and flush recessed covers for a professional finish
Edges are contained with granite setts on concrete haunch, aluminium L profiles or steel restraints pinned at tight centres around curves so margins do not creep under turning loads. We set day joints at natural breaks, control mix ratios and ambient conditions, and maintain a consistent trowel finish so colour and texture remain even across the whole driveway. Recessed covers are bedded truly level, sealed and filled to match the surrounding resin texture, typically to B125 load class for vehicle areas, so inspection points are safe and discreet. At thresholds and tie ins, hot sealed interfaces and carefully managed levels prevent water tracking into the build up and remove trip points. Linear channels are specified with silt traps and rodding access for easy maintenance, and grille styles are chosen to complement the border treatment. During groundwork we can install spare ducts for lighting, EV supply and irrigation, leaving the surface uncluttered today and ready for future upgrades. The result is a clean, engineered finish that holds its line over time and looks premium from the kerb and up close.