Resin bound patios in Guildford and Surrey

Why resin bound works for patios

• No joints: nothing for weeds or ants to colonise between slabs.
• Permeable: rainwater drains through rather than pooling against the house, provided the base drains.
• Any shape: curves, circles and tight corners cost little extra compared with cutting slabs.
• Level thresholds: a smooth surface suits wheelchairs, pushchairs and garden furniture.

Getting the base and levels right

A patio carries foot traffic, so the resin layer is typically around 15 mm, laid on concrete, macadam or a permeable macadam base. Two points need care next to a house:

1. Damp-proof course. Building guidance recommends finished ground levels sit at least 150 mm below the damp-proof course. Raising a patio to meet a door threshold can bridge it, so ask the installer how they will handle doorways, for example with a slot drain.
2. Where the water goes. A permeable patio over a permeable base drains to ground. Over solid concrete it relies on falls away from the house, typically to a lawn, border or channel.

Slip resistance

A properly mixed resin bound surface has an open texture that gives good grip. Areas under trees, on north-facing ground or around water can grow algae, which makes any surface slippery, so clean them more often. Installers can broadcast a fine anti-slip grit into the finish where needed.

Colours for gardens

Warmer golds and buffs tend to suit brick houses and planting; silver greys and charcoals suit contemporary rendered homes. Approve the blend from a physical sample in daylight, wet and dry. See our colour guide.

Looking after it

Sweep leaves before they stain, wash a couple of times a year and avoid metal-bladed snow shovels. Barbecue fat and oil should be cleaned promptly. Full detail in our maintenance guide.