What Bases Can Be Used With Resin-Bound Systems?

March 4, 2025

Resin-bound paving is popular among landscapers and construction experts for its versatility, eco-friendliness, and beauty. However, you must consider what must go under it, whether you’re considering this paving for a public walkway, commercial landscaping project, or a garden. A proper base layer grants structural integrity and ensures the paving stays intact and lasts a long time. So, what bases can you use with resin-bound systems? Here’s a breakdown of the best base options and their specific benefits for permeable paving.

What Is Resin-Bound Paving?

First, a quick introduction to resin-bound paving. These paving systems combine natural aggregates, such as small stones, with a durable resin to create a smooth, seamless surface. Unlike traditional paving methods, the material lets water flow through the surface and re-enter the ground. Therefore, resin-bound paving minimizes pooling or flooding during heavy rain and thaws. As a result, it’s a sustainable choice for multiple projects. Its stunning visual appeal and variety make it a favorite for homeowners, businesses, and urban planners seeking a prettier paving alternative.

Striving for aesthetics is all well and good but looks and style aren’t the whole story. What needs to happen below the surface to ensure a successful permeable paving job?

A base of grey gravel stone, up close and set up for a landscaping paving project to allow for better drainage.

Compacted Type 1 Aggregate Base

Compacted type 1 aggregate base is one of the most common options for a resin-bound system. Manufacturers create compacted type 1 aggregate using crushed stone, providing a stable foundation for the resin-bound layer. They level loose aggregate and compact it to create a firm, even surface. Other benefits include:

Excellent load-bearing capacity, ideal for areas with heavy vehicular traffic.
Better facilitation of water drainage through its compact but porous composition.
Easy installation and ready availability.

Architects often pick this option for its balance of affordability and durability, making it a practical base for projects ranging from parking spaces to public pathways.

Permeable Sub-Bases

Choose a permeable sub-base when permeability is a top priority. This type of paving usually includes angular gravel or crushed stone, supporting the flow of water while maintaining a strong structural foundation. Other advantages of permeable sub-bases include:

Enhancement of the eco-friendly quality of the resin-bound system to promote water infiltration.
Practically eliminates water pooling, making it a perfect choice for regions subject to heavy rainfall.
Minimizes paving’s environmental impact by allowing water to naturally re-enter the ground.

Is stormwater management a key concern for the property? Permeable sub-bases are especially effective. Cities and towns seeking to eliminate the heat island effect during hot weather or who wish to improve urban green spaces favor this kind of base.

Stabilized Aggregate Bases

Manufacturers create a stabilized aggregate base by treating loose aggregate material with a binding substance. This treatment improves the base and paving’s load-bearing capacity and durability. Manufacturers treat bases this way to create a cohesive layer and enhance a foundation’s stability. Other key benefits of stabilized aggregate bases include:

Superior strength, readying it for heavy-duty applications, such as parking lots.
Preventing the displacement of aggregates and maintaining integrity over the course of time.
Reducing the risk of uneven surfaces forming due to settling or shifting.

Choose a stabilized aggregate base if you’re dealing with a high-traffic area or space that requires longevity and wear resistance.

Graded Crushed Stone

Graded crushed stone is a classic when it comes to paving. Graded crushed stone ensures a permeable, well-draining foundation. This base material is available in various sizes and types of stone and forms a robust layer due to firm compaction. Other pluses include:

An interlocking structure that provides superior stability for the resin-bound layer.
Porosity that offers excellent and ongoing water drainage capability.
Easily customizable to match specific project requirements, ensuring adaptability.

Graded crushed stone offers that all-important versatility, making it a favored choice for residential and commercial applications.

Specialized Resin-Bound Base Layers

Sometimes, you require a base that goes above and beyond. Employ a specialized resin-bound base layer for projects demanding a high standard of performance. These bases are perfectly compatible with resin systems. Professionals often install specialized resin-bound base layers as part of a complete package offered by resin paving suppliers. Other advantages include:

Resin-bound system engineering, ensuring ideal adhesion and performance.
Consistent permeability and load-bearing capacity.
Pre-tested by suppliers to meet industry standards.

Specialized bases can come with higher upfront costs, but their reliability and longevity justify the investment, especially for high-profile or large-scale projects.

Why Is Choosing the Right Base Important?

Every endeavor needs a firm foundation if it wants to succeed. It’s a bit more literal when choosing the right base for paving. A base layer directly affects the structural integrity, water drainage capacity, and overall strength of your paving. An inappropriate or poorly prepared base may cause several problems down the line. Cracking, sinking, and reduced permeability are all a given where poor bases are concerned. Selecting the right base involves considering all factors and possible permutations. For example, the intended use of the space (pedestrian versus vehicular traffic), local climate and flooding conditions, and the project’s budget.

A plot of ground covered by a patch of textured gravel and small stones, creating a firm base for paving.

Next Steps

We’ve answered the question, what bases can be used with resin-bound systems? Now, what is your vision of the perfect paving solution for your project? Choosing the right base is as important as the paving itself when it comes to resin-bound systems. The right choice depends on your project’s unique requirements, whether you opt for compacted aggregate, permeable sub-bases, treated materials, or graded crushed stone. A professional contractor familiar with resin-bound systems will help you pick the best base and what goes over it. Take your time researching and choosing the right base. Don’t compromise; a great base provides multi-year support for its performance and a longer working life, year in and year out.

Rockpave is your ideal partner if you’re considering resin-bound paving. Our innovative approach will help you create durable, beautiful, and sustainable spaces. Learn more about resin-bound paving by contacting us. We’ve been in the paving business for years. We’re ready to answer all your questions and explain how it’s a modern and eco-friendly solution for outdoor and indoor surfaces. Contact us for a consultation today! We look forward to hearing from you.

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Resin Bound Tree Pit Surrounds

By Jim Robinson • September 9, 2025

Resin Bound Tree Pits: The Smarter Way to Protect and Showcase Urban Trees In towns and cities everywhere, urban planners face the same challenge: how to protect tree roots while keeping public spaces clean, attractive, and safe. Traditional solutions—like loose gravel, soil, or metal grilles—often fall short. That’s where resin bound tree pits come in. What is a Resin Bound Tree Pit? A resin bound tree pit is a surfacing system that uses a blend of natural stone aggregates bound together with a clear, UV tolerant resin. Installed around the base of a tree, it creates a strong, permeable, and decorative surface that allows rainwater to drain through while protecting the soil and roots below. Think of it as a breathable shield for urban trees: tough enough to withstand foot traffic, but porous enough to support healthy root growth. Why Choose Resin Bound for Tree Pits? Permeability for Healthy Trees The resin bound surface is fully porous, meaning water and air can still reach the roots. This promotes long-term tree health and reduces the risk of waterlogging. Cleaner, Safer Surfaces Unlike loose gravel, resin bound surfaces don’t scatter, sink, or create trip hazards. In fact they help to eliminate trip hazards! They provide a smooth, stable finish—ideal for high-footfall areas. Aesthetic Appeal With a wide choice of natural stone colors, resin bound tree pits can complement surrounding paving, creating a polished, modern look in public spaces. Durability & Low Maintenance Resin bound surfacing is resistant to weeds, litter build-up, and erosion. It keeps the area around tree bases tidy without constant upkeep. Accessibility Friendly A smooth surface around tree pits is easier to navigate for strollers, wheelchairs, and pedestrians—making public spaces more inclusive. Where Are Resin Bound Tree Pits Used? City sidewalks to reduce tripping hazards and improve walkability Parks and plazas for cleaner, more attractive landscapes Shopping districts where appearance and safety matter Corporate campuses or schools to combine functionality with visual appeal A Sustainable Choice for Urban Environments! Resin bound systems align with modern sustainability goals. By ensuring stormwater naturally drains into the ground, they help prevent flooding and reduce strain on drainage systems. Combined with their long service life, a very competitive price point, they’re a future-proof investment for greener, smarter cities. Final Thoughts If you are considering the use of resin bound for your tree pits, don't just choose any resin bound product, choose one that is time tested, data driven and will sustain the demands of a harsh city environment. A good resin bound product will have similar strengths to concrete yet it will be completely pervious. Resin bound tree pits are more than just a neat landscaping detail—they’re a practical solution that supports tree health, improves safety, and enhances the look of urban spaces. If you’re planning a streetscape project, commercial landscape, or public park, resin bound surfacing could be the perfect choice for both form and function.