How is this calculated?

Aggregate (kg) = area (m²) × depth (m) × dried-aggregate density (≈1,600 kg/m³). Resin (kg) = aggregate × the resin ratio (≈7-8% by weight for a standard 2-5mm mix, a little higher for fine single-grade stone). Primer is dosed at ~0.125 L/m² (one 5L tin covers ~40 m²). A wastage factor is then added for mixing loss and edges.

Should I add extra for wastage?

Yes, 8-12% is sensible for resin-bound work. Hand-mixing leaves resin and aggregate in the bucket and forced-action mixer, and uneven bases or fiddly edges use more material than a flat rectangle suggests.

Where can I buy materials?

Resin-bound kits are not sold in ordinary garden centres — they come from specialist resin-bound suppliers (e.g. Daltex/Resin Bonded Aggregates, SureSet, PermaPave/GCL, Polybound). Kits pair kiln-dried UV-stable aggregate (typically 100 kg) with a matched UVR polyurethane binder (typically 7.5 kg) plus a separate PU primer.

What is the difference between resin-bound and resin-bonded?

Resin-bound: aggregate is mixed with resin and trowelled smooth, giving a permeable, flat surface. Resin-bonded: resin is applied to the surface and aggregate scattered on top, giving a textured finish.

Is resin-bound paving permeable?

Yes, resin-bound surfaces are fully permeable (SuDS compliant) when laid correctly over a porous base. This means no planning permission needed for front drives in most cases.

GardenCalcs

Resin Bound Gravel Calculator

Calculate resin and aggregate quantities for resin-bound surfaces.

Area

Total surface area to be covered with resin-bound gravel

Depth

Finished depth — 15mm for pedestrian, 18-20mm for driveways

Aggregate SizeFiner single-grade stone gives a smoother finish and needs slightly more resin to coat (more surface area); coarser stone needs slightly less. This nudges the resin ratio by ±1 point.

How We Calculate This

This calculator estimates resin, aggregate and primer quantities for resin-bound surfaces.

Aggregate

Aggregate (kg) = Area × Depth × Density. We default to 1,600 kg/m³ for kiln-dried quartz gravel, which matches manufacturer kit coverage (~3.55 m² per 100 kg at 18 mm). Adjust for your specific stone.

Resin

Resin (kg) = Aggregate × Resin ratio. A standard 2-5mm mix is around 7-8% resin by weight (a typical 100 kg + 7.5 kg kit is ~7.5%). A finer single-grade 1-3mm stone has more surface area to coat so takes a touch more resin, and coarser 3-6mm stone a touch less — the calculator nudges the ratio by ±1 point for the selected grade.

Primer

A PU primer coat seals the prepared base before laying. One 5L tin covers ~40 m², so we dose at ~0.125 litres per m². (Epoxy primers are thicker, nearer 0.2 L/m².)

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates based on standard gardening guidelines. Results may vary with soil conditions, climate, and plant varieties.