Resin patios and paths in Darlington

How resin-bound works

Clean, dried stone is mixed with a clear resin and spread by trowel into a flat, even layer. When it sets, the stones are bound together with small voids between them, so water passes through rather than lying on top.

Resin-bonded is a different product: stone scattered onto a resin coat. It's rougher, can lose loose stones over time and isn't porous. For garden patios and paths, resin-bound is the one to ask for.

What it has going for it

• Nothing to weed or re-point, because there are no joints.
• Rain soaks through, provided the base below is porous or the water has somewhere to drain.
• Free-form shapes. Curves cost no more effort than straight edges.
• A wide choice of blends, from silver-grey to gold and bronze.
• Smooth underfoot, good for wheelchairs, pushchairs and older visitors.

Points to check before it goes down

1. What it's going on. Either a new porous base or existing concrete or tarmac, if that's solid, level and crack-free.
2. Edging. Metal, stone or block edging keeps the resin in place and gives a clean line.
3. UV stability. Ask for a UV-stable (aliphatic) resin. Cheaper types can yellow in sunlight.
4. The weather. Resin needs dry conditions to cure properly, so timing depends on the forecast.

Good places for resin

Resin works brilliantly for winding paths through a long garden, small courtyards, around tree pits and borders, and on patios with curved edges. If you'd rather have the look of individual slabs, go for porcelain or Indian sandstone. Resin paths also sit well with stone or porcelain steps.

Questions people ask