The short answer
For a driveway, choose resin bound in almost every case. It is fully permeable (so it is SUDS-compliant and a front driveway over 5 m² usually needs no planning permission), it gives a smooth, seamless finish with no loose stones, it lasts 15–25 years, and it copes with vehicles when laid over the correct base. Resin bonded is a non-permeable scatter coat that can need planning permission on a front garden, lasts around 8–15 years, and can shed loose stones as it ages. Its one real advantage is a lower upfront price.
What is the difference?
Resin bound is made by mixing kiln-dried decorative aggregate with a two-part resin in a forced-action mixer, then trowelling it onto a prepared base at roughly 15–18 mm for a drive. Every stone is coated, but the gaps between the stones stay open, so water drains straight through. The result is smooth, seamless and fully permeable.
Resin bonded spreads resin across the base first, then scatters loose stone on top into the wet resin; the excess is swept off once cured. Only the bottom of each stone is fixed, giving a textured, loose-gravel look at around 4 mm. A continuous film of resin seals the base, so the surface is not permeable.
Side by side
| Resin bound | Resin bonded | |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Stone & resin mixed, then trowelled to a solid layer | Resin spread on base, stone scattered on top |
| Appearance | Smooth, seamless, no loose stones | Textured, rough, loose-gravel look |
| Permeable / SUDS | Yes — fully permeable over a porous base | No — the resin film seals the surface |
| Planning permission | Usually not required | Can be required over 5 m² at the front |
| Typical lifespan | 15–25 years | 8–15 years |
| Typical cost | ~£60–£100/m² (more with a new base) | ~£40–£70/m² |
| Maintenance | Low — sweep, occasional jet wash | Moderate — watch for loose stones |
| Best for | Driveways, paths, patios — clean look + drainage | Budget jobs, footpaths, high-grip areas |
Permeability and planning permission
This is the biggest practical difference. Resin bound keeps the gaps between stones open, so water drains through the whole build — it is SUDS-compliant and a front driveway over 5 m² generally needs no planning permission. Resin bonded seals the ground with a film of resin, so it is not permeable; the same front driveway can need planning permission or managed drainage. Resin bound only counts as permeable if the base beneath it is porous too.
Durability and lifespan
Resin bound lasts 15–25 years; resin bonded around 8–15 years. The thicker, fully-bound resin bound layer flexes slightly with the ground and holds its stones for decades, while resin bonded's thin scatter coat is more prone to losing stones over time. For either, the single biggest factor in how long it lasts is the quality of the base, not the resin itself.
Cost
Resin bonded is cheaper upfront, at roughly £40–£70/m² against about £60–£100/m² for resin bound (and more for bound if a new sub-base has to be excavated). Over 15–20 years the gap narrows, because resin bound lasts longer and needs less attention. You can price your own driveway with the resin driveway cost calculator, then get quotes to confirm.
When resin bonded still makes sense
Resin bonded is a fair choice when budget is the priority and you want a gravel-style look without loose stones rolling around; on a rear or side path where planning permission is not a concern; or where you need maximum grip on a steep path. For a main front driveway, resin bound is almost always the better buy. Once you have decided, our guide to choosing a resin driveway installer shows how to get it laid properly.