Question 1

Is resin bound driveways right for my project?

Accepted Answer

Resin Bound Driveways suits residential driveways and property entrances when the existing substrate, traffic load, and finish expectations match the system. Surface Master checks preparation requirements, access, cure timing, and maintenance needs before recommending a scope, so the quote is based on performance rather than guesswork.

Question 2

What preparation is included before work starts?

Accepted Answer

Every project starts with a substrate assessment and preparation plan. Depending on the surface, this may include grinding, cleaning, repair review, moisture checks, masking, and staged access planning. Your written quote confirms inclusions, exclusions, finish options, and expected handover timing before work proceeds.

Question 3

How much does a resin bound driveway cost in Sydney?

Accepted Answer

Sydney resin bound paving runs $180–$280/sqm supplied and installed, which puts a 50sqm driveway between $9,000 and $14,000. It is a premium surface — a new exposed aggregate pour is $80–$130/sqm, so resin bound is roughly double. Within the band, base condition is the main lever: overlaying a sound existing slab sits at the lower end, while a new excavated base with sub-base and drainage sits at the upper end. Aggregate selection, edge restraint and access also move the rate.

Question 4

Can resin bound be installed over an existing concrete driveway?

Accepted Answer

Yes, provided the slab is sound, stable and not actively moving. Because resin bound is an overlay, cracks that are still moving will reflect through the new surface, so the slab is assessed and prepared first. Reusing a sound base is the cheapest route into resin bound — it removes excavation, sub-base and spoil removal — which is why those jobs sit at the lower end of the $180–$280/sqm band.

Question 5

What base does resin bound paving need?

Accepted Answer

A stable, correctly graded base. New permeable installations use 100–150mm of compacted crushed sub-base with a permeable binder course; BS 7533-13 specifies a crushed 4/20mm aggregate with at least 30% voids. Edge restraint goes in before laying. Typical laid thickness is 15–20mm for paths and pool surrounds and 18–25mm for driveways.

Question 6

Is resin bound paving really permeable?

Accepted Answer

The resin bound mat itself passes water, but the pavement only drains through if the base and sub-base below are permeable and can discharge. A new permeable build-up is typically 100–150mm of compacted crushed sub-base under a permeable binder course. Over an existing sealed concrete slab the water still passes the surface, so falls, channels or edge drainage are designed into the scope.

Question 7

How do you maintain a resin bound driveway?

Accepted Answer

Leaf blow or hose it down periodically and clean oil or organic stains promptly with warm soapy water. There is no periodic sealing cycle. Avoid close-range high-pressure washing, which can dislodge aggregate. On permeable installations, keeping silt off the surface is what keeps it draining.

Question 8

What is the difference between resin bound and resin bonded?

Accepted Answer

Resin bound mixes the aggregate through the resin before laying, producing a smooth, seamless mat with no loose stone that can drain through when the base allows. Resin bonded scatters dry aggregate onto a resin-coated surface: it is more textured and higher grip, but it is effectively sealed and surface stone can work loose. Surface Master Australia installs resin bound.

Question 9

How long does resin bound paving last in Sydney?

Accepted Answer

15–25 years is realistic for a residential installation using a UV-stable aliphatic polyurethane binder over a stable base. Cheaper aromatic binders can yellow within a few years in Sydney's UV. The most common cause of early failure is movement in the base rather than wear on the binder, which is why the base assessment comes before the quote.

Question 10

What warranty comes with resin bound paving?

Accepted Answer

Surface Master Australia provides a written workmanship warranty covering our installation. UV stability and binder performance are covered by the manufacturer's own warranty and technical data sheet; we identify the binder specified for your job in the quote so you can review those terms directly.