Resin Bound Base Build-Up Specifications

Concrete • Open-Graded Tarmacadam • Mesh N Go • Car Parks & Roadways

A successful resin bound installation starts with a correctly prepared base. Whether you're working on a domestic driveway, patio, pathway, or a heavily trafficked commercial area, choosing the right base course is critical for performance, durability, and drainage compliance.

This guide explains the most common sub-base options used with resin bound surfacing:

• Concrete
• Open-Graded Tarmacadam
• Mesh N Go
• Car Parks & Roadways (Heavy-Duty Builds)

1. Concrete Base Build-Up (Non-Permeable / Optional Porous)

Suitable For: Driveways, Patios, Commercial Entrances

Not SuDS Compliant (unless porous/no-fines concrete is used)

Purpose

To create a strong, stable foundation for a seamless resin-bound stone finish.

Advantages

• High load-bearing capacity
• Clean, smooth finish
• Easy to maintain

Recommended Build-Up

• Compacted Subgrade Soil
• 150mm MOT Type 3 (optional but recommended)
• 100mm C35 Concrete Slab (minimum 25N/mm² compressive strength)
• 15–18mm Resin Bound Surface (with suitable primer if required)

For SuDS compliance: Use porous/no-fines concrete to allow drainage through the slab.

2. Open-Graded Tarmacadam Base Build-Up (Permeable)

Suitable For: Driveways, Patios, Pathways

SuDS Compliant (when used with MOT Type 3)

Purpose

To offer a flexible and permeable base for resin bound surfacing, especially in residential settings.

Advantages

• Fully permeable
• Fast installation
• Allows water to drain through the system

Recommended Build-Up

• Compacted Subgrade Soil
• 150mm MOT Type 3
• 50–60mm Open-Graded Binder Course (10mm aggregate, 70/100 or 100/150 pen)
• 15–18mm Resin Bound Surface

3. Mesh N Go Base Build-Up (Lightweight & Permeable)

Suitable For: Patios, Pathways, Domestic Driveways

Fully SuDS Compliant

Purpose

To provide a shallow-dig, permeable, and highly stable base where traditional sub-bases are impractical or time-consuming.

Advantages

• Quick installation
• Minimal excavation required
• Lightweight and eco-friendly
• Fully permeable and SuDS compliant
• Suitable for domestic driveways and patios (when built to spec)

Recommended Build-Up

• Compacted Subgrade Soil
• 100–150mm MOT Type 3
• 10–15mm Grano Dust (0–6mm) – Screeded flat
• 3mm BullBase – Resin-compatible binding layer
• 2mm BullMesh – Structural reinforcement mesh
• 15mm Resin Bound Surface

Must be installed on well-compacted, stable ground. Only suitable for domestic traffic, not commercial vehicles.

4. Car Parks & Access Roads (Heavy-Duty Construction)

Suitable For: Car Parks, Industrial Sites, Access Roads

SuDS Compliant (when open-graded or porous materials are used)

Purpose

To create a structurally sound, attractive resin bound surface capable of handling regular or heavy vehicular traffic.

Advantages

• Very high load capacity
• Low maintenance
• Long-term performance in demanding environments

Typical Build-Up

• Compacted Subgrade Soil
• 150–200mm MOT Type 3
• 100–150mm Open-Graded Tarmac or Reinforced Concrete Slab
• 15–18mm Resin Bound Surface

SuDS compliance depends on base material used (porous or open-graded).

Sub-Base Comparison Table

Sub-Base Type	Strength	Permeability	SuDS Compliant	Ideal For	Total Depth (Typical)
Concrete	High	Standard: No Porous: Yes	Standard: No Porous: Yes	Driveways, heavy loads, commercial use	200–250mm
Tarmacadam	Good	Yes	Yes	Driveways, patios, paths	150–200mm
Mesh N Go	Medium	Yes	Yes	Patios, paths, domestic driveways	~135mm
Car Parks & Roads	Very High	Yes / No	Yes / No	Car parks, access roads, high traffic	250–300mm+

General Installation Notes

• Always use MOT Type 3 to ensure sub-base permeability and SuDS compliance.
• A geotextile stabilisation membrane is strongly recommended under MOT to reduce settlement and prevent migration.
• Resin bound surfacing must always be applied to a clean, dry, and stable base.
• For overlays, ensure the existing base is sound, free of major cracks or subsidence, and capable of supporting the expected traffic.

Disclaimer

This guide is provided as a general specification reference. Final construction details should always be tailored to the specific site conditions by a qualified designer or contractor. Resco assumes no liability for misuse or misapplication of the data. Specifications are subject to change as products or standards evolve.