Resin Bound Paving Sydney
Resin bound paving is a trowel-applied overlay of natural aggregate in a UV-stable resin binder, laid over a prepared base for driveways, pool surrounds, paths and commercial areas. In Sydney it runs $180–$280/sqm supplied and installed, which puts a 50sqm driveway between $9,000 and $14,000. It is a premium surface, priced well above a new exposed aggregate pour, and what the finished pavement can do for drainage depends on the build-up underneath it — so the base assessment comes before the price.
Service benefits
- Sydney resin bound paving is $180–$280/sqm supplied and installed — about $9,000–$14,000 for a 50sqm driveway, and roughly double a new exposed aggregate pour at $80–$130/sqm.
- Resin bound is an overlay, so the base decides the outcome — 100–150mm compacted sub-base for new permeable builds, or a sound, non-moving slab to overlay.
- Permeability, slip resistance and lifespan all depend on the build-up and the binder specified, and are confirmed in the written scope. Free site inspection: 0424 907 758.
Pricing and project context
Resin bound paving, supplied and installed: $180–$280/sqm. Exposed aggregate concrete, new pour (for comparison): $80–$130/sqm. Ranges are Sydney planning figures, not a quote. Resin bound is a premium surface: expect roughly double the square metre rate of a new exposed aggregate pour, in exchange for permeability, a seamless finish with no loose stone, and no resealing cycle. Final pricing is confirmed after the base, falls and drainage, edge restraint, aggregate and access are assessed on site.
Sydney resin bound driveway pricing
| Application | Sydney range | What it covers |
|---|
| Resin bound paving, supplied and installed | $180–$280/sqm | About $9,000–$14,000 for a 50sqm driveway. Covers base preparation, edge restraint, the UV-stable binder and aggregate, and laying. |
| Exposed aggregate concrete, new pour (for comparison) | $80–$130/sqm | About $4,000–$6,500 for a 50sqm driveway, including base preparation, forming, concrete supply, retarder treatment and seal. Needs resealing every 3–5 years. |
Resin bound vs resin bonded
| Factor | Resin bound | Resin bonded |
|---|
| How it is applied | Aggregate is mixed through the resin before laying, so every stone is coated and trowelled into a solid mat. | Resin is applied to the base and dry aggregate is scattered onto the surface. |
| Permeability | The mat itself has voids that pass water, so a permeable build-up underneath can drain through the surface. | Effectively sealed. Water runs off, so falls and drainage must be designed in. |
| Texture and loose stone | Smooth, seamless, no loose aggregate. Suits wheelchair, pram and trolley traffic. | More textured and higher grip, but surface aggregate can work loose over time. |
| Typical use | Driveways, pool surrounds, paths and courtyards where appearance and drainage both matter. | Ramps and short high-grip sections where a coarse anti-slip texture is the priority. |
What moves the price within the band
- Base condition is the biggest lever: overlaying a sound existing slab sits at the lower end, because there is no excavation, sub-base or spoil removal.
- A new excavated base with sub-base, falls and drainage sits at the upper end.
- Aggregate selection — imported and specialist blends cost more than standard natural stone.
- Edge restraint: an existing kerb costs less to work to than new aluminium edging or concrete haunching.
- Drainage works, where falls have to be corrected or a discharge point created.
- Access and the area measured on site; small or awkward areas carry proportionally more setup.
Base, drainage and installation requirements
- Resin bound is an overlay, not a structural surface — it takes its stability from the base, and any movement below reflects through to the finish.
- A new permeable build-up is typically 100–150mm of compacted crushed sub-base under a permeable binder course. BS 7533-13 specifies a crushed 4/20mm aggregate with at least 30% voids for permeable pavements.
- Over an existing driveway, the slab or asphalt must be sound, stable and free of active cracking or rocking sections before it can be overlaid.
- Existing concrete is not permeable. Over a sealed slab the resin bound surface still passes water, but that water has to reach a drain — falls, channels or edge drainage are designed as part of the scope.
- Edge restraint (aluminium edging, concrete haunching or an existing kerb) is installed before laying so the mat is contained.
- Typical laid thickness is 15–20mm for pedestrian areas and pool surrounds, and 18–25mm for driveways, depending on aggregate size and loading.
Maintaining a resin bound surface
- Leaf blow or rinse with a garden hose periodically; there is no periodic sealing cycle as there is with exposed aggregate.
- Clean oil, fuel and organic stains promptly with warm soapy water — some binders are affected by petroleum products.
- Avoid close-range, high-pressure washing, which can dislodge aggregate from the mat.
- Keep the permeable build-up working: silt and organic build-up is the usual reason a permeable surface starts to hold water.
- Localised damage is repaired by cutting out and relaying the affected section; widespread failure usually points at the base rather than the surface.
What the common resin claims actually depend on
- Permeability: the resin bound mat passes water, but the pavement only drains if the base and sub-base underneath are permeable and have somewhere to discharge to. Over sealed concrete, drainage is handled by falls and channels.
- Pooling: a correctly built permeable system does not hold surface water. That depends on the full build-up and on keeping the surface free of silt, not on the resin alone.
- Slip resistance: grip comes from the aggregate size and texture, and is classified under AS 4586 on the installed surface. We specify the aggregate for the application and confirm the target classification in the written scope rather than quoting a generic rating.
- Lifespan: 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, and base movement — not binder wear — is the most common cause of early failure.
- Warranty: Surface Master Australia warrants its own workmanship in writing. UV stability and binder performance sit under the manufacturer's warranty and technical data sheet, which we identify in the quote so you can check the terms yourself.
FAQs
How much does a resin bound driveway cost in Sydney?
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.
Can resin bound be installed over an existing concrete driveway?
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.
Is resin bound paving really permeable?
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.
What base does resin bound paving need?
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.
What is the difference between resin bound and resin bonded?
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.
How do you maintain a resin bound driveway?
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.
How long does resin bound paving last in Sydney?
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.
Is resin bound paving slippery around a pool?
Grip comes from the aggregate size and texture, and is classified under AS 4586 on the installed surface rather than on the product in general. We specify the aggregate blend for wet barefoot traffic and confirm the target slip classification and any step-edge detailing in the written scope.
What warranty comes with resin bound paving?
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.
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Call 0424 907 758 or request a free written quote before work starts.
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