All the information below can be viewed in more depth at our specialist resin bonded information website.

Decorative Aggregates have been producing quality products for the construction and refurbishment industries since 1984. In addition to our extensive range of decorative aggregates we produce dried and industrial products as well as pebbledashing or dashing aggregates. We are able to produce grades and mixes that our customers require and to meet their exacting specifications. To do this we continually invest in the latest production facilities to ensure our range is up to date and fulfills customers requirements.

This page deals with the basics of dried and industrial products which are also known as Resin Bonded, Resin Bound or Resin Bonding. Over the years we have pioneered the washing, drying and bagging of aggregates that give a range of colours that is unrivalled and meets the most demanding customer’s requirements. We work with and supply all of the major manufacturers of Resin Bound and Resin Bonded systems with our dried aggregates and are specified in schemes in the United Kingdom and exported throughout the world.

The use of dried aggregates bound or bonded in resin appeared on the UK market after they were originally pioneered in the US market. The advances made in epoxy and polymer resins have led to advanced systems that cater for all types of commercial and domestic applications. It is a great alternative to paving or tarmac finishes and can be selected to blend in fully with the surrounding area. The market for this type of finish increases year on year as specifier’s for new build and restoration work acknowledge the extra choices that are now available to them.

The applications for both resin bound and bonded aggregates are endless and in the past the products have been used for external and internal flooring, footpaths, driveways, courtyards and patios as well as commercial applications such as car parks, cycle and foot paths as well as bus lanes and markings for road junctions. The use of different colours of aggregates and resins can create any type of pattern required.

It is general accepted that the two main methods of application for resin bounded aggregate finish. These are Resin Bound and Resin Bonded.

This type of application refers to process of scattering loose dried aggregates onto a coating of resin after the resin has been applied to the surface. It is often referred to as a scattercoat, broadcast or coat system. This method involves applying the resin over a suitable base using a squeegee, and then 'scattering' the chosen gravel or aggregate over the tacky resin before it sets. Some systems use pre-coated aggregates, while others rely on applying a resin over the scattered stone to seal the system.

Often referred to as hand trowelled this system sees the aggregate blended within the resin prior to application and is trowelled to a smooth level finish. Design elements such as logos or numbers can be incorporated into the finished area by using contrasting stone colours to create the desired finish. This method relies on the aggregate and the resin being agitated together in mixer, and then spread over the prepared base with hand floats, screeding bars and trowels. This type of application generally ensures an adequate thickness is applied to the entire area and is a fairly common method of application.

The above systems ensure that the resin sets relatively quickly in most cases within 60 minutes. This means that the resin and aggregate need to be applied correctly with smoothing out and levelling carried out prior to the resin setting and becoming too stiff to manipulate. Given the makeup of resin and the dried aggregates used manufactures guides to moisture and temperature must be adhered to or the product could be damaged and discoloured during the laying process.

Our specialist resing bonded aggregates website covers the following questions in more detail:-

• What are Permeable Systems?
• Can the system be laid in any weather?
• Who can apply the systems?
• How much Aggregate will I need?
• How is the resin laid?
• Can the surface be cleaned?
• What colours are available?
• How do I deal with items such as manhole covers?
• How thick is the resin bound surface required to be?
• How much does it cost?
• What sort of base should I be putting the resin system onto?
• What can go wrong?

Please Note:   This details on this website and our specialist resin bonded website are for information only and ultimately we only deal in the aggregates suitable for purpose. Technical information and application instructions (including H & S information, safety data sheets, method statements and COSHH information ) should be supplied by the system supplier. Derbyshire Aggregates Limited accept no responsibility for any schemes undertaken using information supplied on this website.