In short: for areas trafficked by cars and light vans, manufacturers specify thicker, engineered build-ups over a structural base. One manufacturer's guide gives a car park and roadway build-up of a porous macadam surface course over a dense macadam base course and 200 to 300 mm of Type 3 sub-base. Heavy goods traffic and tight turning areas need the system supplier's confirmation.
Typical commercial uses
- Hotel, office and care home forecourts
- Retail and hospitality frontages
- School playgrounds, paths and outdoor learning areas
- Hospital and clinic approaches
- Tree pits and public realm schemes
- Light-use car parks
Build-up and loading
Commercial areas need more than a domestic drive. The base must be designed for the traffic, and the system manufacturer's specification followed. Turning circles and parking bays take the most stress. Where the site needs to meet drainage requirements, a permeable build-up can contribute to the scheme's sustainable drainage; from 19 June 2025 new development in England is assessed against Defra's National Standards for Sustainable Drainage Systems, so involve your drainage engineer early.
Procurement checklist
- Named resin system and certification, where held
- Layer-by-layer specification and depths
- Drainage design and how it fits the site's drainage strategy
- Programme and phasing, including cure times before reopening areas
- Health and safety documentation and insurance
- Maintenance plan, including cleaning frequency and repair method
We can introduce commercial clients to an installer covering Guildford and the surrounding area. Mention site type, area and timescale in your enquiry.
Frequently asked questions
Can resin bound take delivery lorries?
Resin bound is typically specified for pedestrian areas, cars and light vans. Areas with HGVs, regular tight turning or point loads from outriggers need a design approved by the system manufacturer, or a different surface.
What documents should a commercial installer provide?
Expect product data sheets and any certification for the system, a method statement and risk assessment, insurance certificates, the specification of each layer, and maintenance guidance for the facilities team.
Related guides
Permeable (SuDS) driveways
How a resin drive actually drains to ground, and why that matters for planning and flooding.
How resin driveways are installed
Survey to curing, step by step, with the weather limits and checks that separate good work from bad.
Repairs and restoration
Loose stones, cracking, fading and ponding: what causes each and how they are put right.