A Guide to Resin-Bound for Architects
As resin-bound surfacing continues to take centre stage in modern landscape and architectural design, more specifiers are turning to it as a sustainable, low-maintenance and visually striking alternative to traditional paving. But despite its growing popularity, architects often tell us the same thing: “I know resin-bound looks great, but what exactly do I need to specify to get it right?”
That’s why we’ve created our new Architect’s Guide to Resin-Bound Installations, a concise A5 reference packed with technical tips, specification essentials and design inspiration, all in one easy-to-read format.
This article gives you a sneak peek at what’s inside the guide, why resin-bound is an ideal material for both residential and commercial projects, and how our Resins ‘R’ Us Approved Installer Scheme can help bring your design vision to life.
Why Resin-Bound Has Become an Architect’s Go-To Surface
Resin-bound surfacing has evolved from a niche material to a specification staple. Its combination of visual versatility, durability and permeability fits perfectly with the needs of modern design — especially when projects must meet sustainability and water-management targets.
The Key Benefits for Specifiers
✅ SUDS-compliant permeability: allows water to naturally drain through the surface, reducing surface run-off and helping projects comply with planning conditions.
✅ Design flexibility: with 33 blends and the option for bespoke colour mixes, resin-bound surfaces can complement any architectural palette, from contemporary urban courtyards to rural estates.
✅ Seamless finish: a smooth, flat surface with no loose stones or joints, ideal for inclusive access and minimal maintenance.
✅ Durability: long lifespan, UV stability, and excellent resistance to cracking make it ideal for both driveways and heavy-use commercial applications.
✅ Low maintenance: no weeds, puddles or colour fading and a DALTEX 15 year guarantee – simply sweep and jet wash to maintain a pristine finish.
Resin-bound combines aesthetic control with engineering performance – a blend every architect can appreciate.
What’s Inside the New Architect’s Mini-Guide
Our A5 mini-guide was created specifically for architects and landscape designers who need clear, technical information. Inside, you’ll find everything you need to specify resin-bound surfacing with confidence, including a quick-reference 6-Point Specification Checklist, design inspiration, and advice on ensuring quality installation.
Here’s a snapshot of what’s covered:
1. The Basics: How Resin-Bound Works
A clear explanation of how the resin and aggregate combine to form a permeable, durable surface. The guide covers base requirements, minimum depths, and edge details so you can confidently add it to your drawings.
2. Specification Essentials
Our step-by-step Architect’s Specification Checklist outlines everything to include in your plans: from base composition and drainage to resin type, aggregate blend and curing conditions. It’s the information contractors need, in one tidy reference.
3. Colour and Design Inspiration
Resins ‘R’ Us offers an extensive range of aggregate blends — from natural warm tones to sleek, modern greys and silvers. We also include ideas for integrating resin-bound with other materials, like porcelain, brick or granite, for contemporary mixed-surface design.
4. Detailing and Drainage
Good design depends on good detailing. The guide includes advice on specifying edging, jointing, and falls for proper drainage, ensuring performance matches the visual intent.
5. Installation Quality and Site Conditions
Even the best specification can fail if the surface isn’t installed correctly. Our guide explains the importance of correct mixing, application temperatures, and curing times, and how our Approved Installer Scheme helps safeguard quality across projects.
6. Maintenance and Lifespan
Finally, we include a realistic view of resin-bound maintenance, what to recommend to clients post-installation to preserve the surface’s integrity and appearance for years to come.
Designed for Both Residential and Commercial Projects
Architects today often juggle diverse project types; from high-end residential builds to large-scale commercial developments. Resin-bound surfacing is one of the few materials that transitions effortlessly between both.
For Residential Architects:
- Driveways and courtyards that enhance kerb appeal
- Garden paths and patios that integrate with landscaping
- Pool surrounds and terraces that are slip-resistant and stylish
For Commercial and Public Realm Designers:
- Car parks, forecourts and pedestrian walkways
- Podium decks and rooftop gardens
- Retail and hospitality zones needing strong visual identity and durability
The Resins ‘R’ Us guide includes cross-section details and depth recommendations for both sectors, helping you tailor your design to the load requirements and usage patterns of each project type.
Quality You Can Specify With Confidence
At Resins ‘R’ Us, we know that specifying the right product is only half the equation; installation quality is what makes or breaks a project. That’s why we’ve developed our Approved Installer Scheme, connecting architects and contractors with a trusted network of trained professionals.
Every installer in our scheme has:
- Completed Resins ‘R’ Us technical training courses
- Demonstrated consistent installation quality and reliability
- Access to our full range of UV-stable resins and aggregates
- Ongoing product support and updates direct from our technical team
So, when you specify resin-bound through Resins ‘R’ Us, you’re not just choosing materials, you’re choosing peace of mind that the installation will meet your design intent and perform for the long term.
Quality Service. Quality Products. Quality Transport.
We’re proud to supply the industry with more than just materials, we deliver reliability.
- Quality Service: Our technical team offers guidance from specification through to on-site delivery. Whether you need help selecting blends or confirming load requirements, we’re here to support your design process.
- Quality Products: We stock only the highest-grade UV-stable resins and aggregates — trusted by professional installers and specifiers across the UK. We are able to offer the DALTEX 15 year product guarantee.
- Quality Transport: With our own dedicated delivery fleet, you can rely on materials arriving safely and on time, wherever your project is based.
Every part of our operation is designed to uphold the same standard of quality you expect in your work as an architect.
Download Your Free Architect’s Guide
The Resins ‘R’ Us Architect’s Guide is now available as a free downloadable PDF.
Inside, you’ll find:
- A 6-point specification checklist
- Example system build-ups
- Tips for successful detailing and drainage
- Colour inspiration and aggregate selection advice
- Information on our Approved Installer Scheme
Whether you’re preparing tender documents, designing high-end residential landscapes, or specifying materials for commercial forecourts, this guide gives you everything you need to make resin-bound part of your design toolkit.
👉 Download it now: RRU Architects Guide
The Smart Choice for Specifiers
Resin-bound surfacing is no longer just an aesthetic choice; it’s a practical, sustainable solution that aligns with the way modern architects design and build. By combining permeable performance, design flexibility and long-term durability, it’s the perfect material to elevate outdoor spaces.
With the support of Resins ‘R’ Us, specifying it has never been simpler. You’ll have the right products, the right technical advice, and the right people to install them, all from one trusted source.
