In short: for paths, resin bound is usually laid around 15 mm thick over a sound concrete, macadam or permeable base. It gives a smooth, permeable, step-free route that is easier on wheels than gravel or block paving. Edges need firm restraint, and the path must fall away from the house.
Where resin paths work well
- Side returns where bins are wheeled to the front and gravel or broken slabs are a nuisance
- Front paths that join a resin driveway to the door in one continuous finish
- Garden paths through lawns and borders, including curves
- Accessible routes for wheelchairs, walkers and pushchairs
Base and edges
A path takes foot traffic only, so many systems use around 15 mm of resin bound. The base can be concrete, macadam or a permeable macadam over an open-graded sub-base. The most common failure on paths is at the edges: without a firm edge restraint, such as aluminium edging, timber or block, the thin resin layer can crumble where it meets soil.
Paths alongside a house need to fall away from the wall and sit below the damp-proof course. If the side return is the only route for surface water from the roof or patio, the installer should show how it is handled.
Accessibility details worth asking about
- Gradients and cross-falls kept gentle
- Level thresholds at gates and doors
- Contrasting border colour to help people with low vision see the path edge
- No upstands at manhole covers: recessed covers can be infilled with resin
Upkeep
Paths need the same care as drives: sweep, wash occasionally and clear moss in shaded side returns. See our weed and moss guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is a resin path suitable for a wheelchair user?
Yes, it is one of the most wheelchair-friendly garden surfaces because it is smooth, firm and joint-free. Plan gentle gradients and level thresholds at the design stage.
How wide should a garden path be?
For two people side by side or wheelchair use, around 1.2 metres is a common design width. Side returns are often limited by the boundary and house wall; resin can be laid to whatever width is available.
Related guides
Resin bound patios
Seamless garden terraces with no joints for weeds. Bases, levels near the house and slip resistance.
Resin bound driveways
Seamless, permeable stone driveways. What goes under the resin, how long they last and what a proper quote covers.
Weeds and moss
Why growth appears on a sealed surface, how to remove it safely, and how to prevent it.