Natural stone appearance
Broadcast aggregate gives the surface a decorative stone look without loose gravel spreading across the site.
Resin Surfacing New Zealand
Resin-bonded surfacing for driveways, paths, ramps and entrance areas
A thin decorative anti-slip stone finish installed over prepared concrete or asphalt. Also searched by Chinese customers as 树脂撒石地坪, 撒石型树脂石, 树脂胶粘石防滑面层, 车道防滑地面 and 车道翻新.
What it is
What is resin-bonded surfacing?
Resin-bonded surfacing is a thin veneer system where a two-part resin is spread onto a stable prepared substrate, then dry aggregate is immediately broadcast across the wet resin. After curing, excess loose aggregate is removed, leaving a natural resin-bonded gravel appearance and a high-texture surface.
It is different from resin-bound surfacing. Resin-bonded is a resin layer with aggregate cast onto the top. Resin-bound mixes resin and aggregate together before laying and can be designed as a permeable paving system.
Key benefits
Why homeowners and commercial sites choose it
High slip resistance
The exposed aggregate texture can improve grip for driveways, paths and ramps when installed over a suitable base.
Thin overlay system
Typical resin-bonded systems are thin veneers, often around 1-5 mm depending on aggregate and product system.
Fast installation
For suitable prepared surfaces, installation is generally faster than rebuilding a full driveway structure.
Good for resurfacing
It can refresh existing concrete or asphalt when the substrate is stable, clean and suitable for the expected traffic.
Driveways, paths, ramps and car parks
Useful for residential driveways, patios, parking spaces, commercial entrances and pedestrian routes after site assessment.
Aggregate colour options
Many natural aggregate colours may be available, although natural stone can vary between batches.
Lower mess than loose gravel
The bonded finish reduces gravel migration compared with loose gravel, while still needing sweeping and sensible maintenance.
Suitable applications
Where resin-bonded surfacing can work well
Residential driveways
Decorative stone driveway finish over suitable concrete or asphalt.
Parking spaces
Light vehicle areas where the existing base is sound and properly drained.
Courtyards and patios
Outdoor areas needing a cleaner decorative stone surface.
Slopes and ramps
Sites where additional surface texture may help with slip resistance.
Commercial entrances
Entrance zones where appearance and grip both matter.
Paths and walkways
Pedestrian routes, garden paths and access walkways on stable substrates.
System build-up
How the surface is built
Concrete or asphalt substrate
The base must carry the vehicle or pedestrian load. Soft, moving or badly cracked areas need repair first.
Preparation and cleaning
The surface is cleaned and prepared so the resin can bond correctly to the substrate.
Two-part resin layer
A compatible resin is spread across the prepared surface within the correct working time.
Broadcast dry aggregate
Dry aggregate is immediately cast to refusal over the wet resin to create the stone texture.
Cure and sweep
After curing, excess aggregate is removed. Some early loose stone is normal.
Comparison
Resin-bonded vs resin-bound
| Feature | Resin-bonded surfacing | Resin-bound surfacing |
|---|---|---|
| Installation method | Resin is applied first, then dry aggregate is broadcast onto the resin. | Resin and aggregate are mixed together, then trowelled as a combined layer. |
| Typical function | Thin anti-slip and decorative overlay. | Decorative surfacing system that may be designed as permeable. |
| Permeability | Generally not a permeable paving system. | Can be permeable when installed over a suitable permeable build-up. |
| Load support | Load is supported by the concrete or asphalt substrate below. | Also depends on the full pavement build-up and substrate design. |
| Surface look | Textured, broadcast stone look with a more traditional gravel appearance. | Smoother trowelled stone matrix with aggregate mixed throughout. |
Installation process
A practical process before any driveway resurfacing
Site inspection
Check substrate strength, cracks, falls, drainage, access, shade, moisture and intended vehicle use.
Surface preparation
Clean, repair and prepare the concrete or asphalt surface according to the selected product system.
Masking and edge control
Protect edges, drainage channels, walls, doors and nearby surfaces before resin work starts.
Resin application
Apply the two-part resin evenly while working within the product's open time.
Aggregate broadcast
Immediately broadcast dry aggregate to full coverage while the resin is still wet.
Curing and clean-up
Allow curing, remove excess aggregate and confirm the area is ready for use based on product guidance.
Substrate requirements
What the base needs before quoting
- Stable concrete or asphalt suitable for the intended traffic.
- Clean, dry and compatible surface for resin bonding.
- Falls and drainage that do not trap water in the wrong places.
- Cracks, movement, soft patches and contamination checked before pricing.
- Edges, thresholds and service covers planned before installation.
Important limitations
Honest notes before choosing it
- It is a thin decorative and anti-slip overlay, not a structural layer.
- It should not be described as permeable surfacing.
- Some loose aggregate can appear early and should be swept away.
- Natural aggregate colour and texture may vary between batches.
- Heavy truck use needs specific system advice and a suitable pavement design.
- No surface is zero maintenance; cleaning and inspection are still needed.
FAQ
Resin-bonded surfacing questions
What is resin-bonded surfacing?
It is a thin decorative and anti-slip surface. Resin is applied to a stable base, then dry aggregate is broadcast over the wet resin.
Is resin-bonded the same as resin-bound?
No. Resin-bonded has aggregate broadcast onto resin. Resin-bound mixes resin and aggregate together before laying.
Can resin-bonded surfacing be used on driveways?
Yes, if the concrete or asphalt below is strong and stable enough for vehicle use. The substrate carries the load.
Is resin-bonded surfacing permeable?
Generally no. If permeability is required, a resin-bound permeable system should be considered instead.
How thick is resin-bonded surfacing?
It is usually a thin veneer, often around 1-5 mm depending on the product system and aggregate size.
What base is required?
A strong, stable, clean concrete or asphalt surface is required. Cracks, movement and drainage issues must be checked first.
Can it go over existing concrete?
Often yes, if the concrete is sound, clean and suitable. Weak concrete, cracks or poor falls may need repair first.
Can it go over asphalt?
It can be suitable over prepared asphalt when the surface is stable and compatible with the selected resin system.
Will loose stones come off?
Some early loose aggregate is normal and should be swept away after curing. Excessive loss needs checking.
Is it suitable for slopes and ramps?
It can help improve surface grip, but the gradient, water flow, substrate and traffic use must be inspected.
How long does it take to cure?
Cure time depends on resin type, temperature and site conditions. Use the manufacturer's guidance for foot and vehicle traffic.
How do I maintain it?
Sweep, gently wash when needed, keep drainage clear and inspect worn or damaged areas early.
Resin-bonded driveway quote
Planning driveway resurfacing in Auckland?
Send photos, suburb, approximate area and the current surface type. We will check whether resin-bonded surfacing is suitable before giving a realistic next step.