Project Brief: Replace A Large & dated driveway with an attractive, long-lasting and fully permeable surface
Total Project Area: 390m²
Product Used: PERMABOUND’s Buckwheat Blend & X-Grid®
When tasked with such a large driveway project, combining multiple surfacing systems can be the perfect solution. With a new driveway capable of adding between 5% and 10% to a property’s value, choosing the right finish is essential. And with flooding becoming an increasingly common concern, opting for a surface that’s not only attractive and durable but also fully permeable will benefit your home.
This was the approach taken by A Grade Driveways, who transformed their client’s entrance using resin bound surfacing and a gravel grid system, both of which are fully SuDs compliant.
The Project
A Grade Driveways were tasked with transforming their client’s expansive driveway, totalling 390m². Their brief was to deliver a modern, attractive and durable finish that would complement the home’s traditional architecture and natural surroundings whilst adhering to SuDs regulations.
To achieve this, the team and client agreed on installing 210m² of resin bound surfacing in front of the home, using the PERMABOUND blend, Buckwheat, a natural, warm-toned finish that worked perfectly with the surrounding stone and greenery. In addition, they laid a 180m² X-Grid gravel driveway, which was used from the property boundary and led to the resin bound section.
Gravel Driveway Installation
The X-Grid section of the driveway required full excavation of the existing surface before any new materials could be installed.
Once cleared, the A Grade team installed a woven membrane to help control weed growth, followed by a compacted MoT type 3 hardcore base to provide strength, stability and permeability. Before block edges were installed to form the shape and boundary of the driveway.
Our X-Grid ground reinforcement panels were then installed across the 180m² gravel section. Thanks to its lightweight design and slot & peg connection system, X-Grid® allows up to 100m² to be installed by one person in just an hour, perfect for large projects like this.
The laid grid was then filled with 23 tonnes of Lydd Pearl 20mm decorative aggregate, offering a natural appearance with excellent surface stability and drainage (and also closely matched the client’s chosen PERMABOUND blend, Buckwheat).
Resin Bound Installation
The resin bound section of the project followed a similar ground-up approach, with a full excavation of the existing surface before beginning with the installation of the new driveway.
A woven membrane was laid to prevent weed growth before an MoT Type 3 base was compacted. Next, the same block edges as before were installed to create a solid boundary for the resin bound surface, and to ensure a cohesive look across both surfaces, before 35 tonnes of open-grade tarmac was laid to create a strong and permeable base for the PERMABOUND surface.
Finally, the PERMABOUND Buckwheat surface was to be installed.
The team set their project up perfectly with each separate mix stacked up, four bags of stone, a PERMABOUND resin binder and binding quartz.
Using a forced action mixer, one team member handled all of the projects mixing. Adding the stone, resin binder & binding quartz before mixing each batch for the same amount of time, every time.
The mixed PERMABOUND material was then carefully decanted into a wheelbarrow by the second team member, transported to the next designated installation area where it was roughly spread using a spazzle.
The third team member then took charge, perfectly hand troweling the entire PERMABOUND driveway!
The Outcome
"Huge project for the A Grade team laying this 210m² resin driveway and 180m² gravel driveway in Sheffield. Using Buckwheat blend, this complements the surroundings and backdrop perfectly. Installing nearly 1,200 border blocks, 500 cobbles, and 35 tonnes of open grade tarmac for the resin bound base.
X-Grid used again from GCL, housed the 23 tonnes of Lydd Pearl 20mm Aggregate, finished off with Cotswold natural stone cobbles to the main entrance.
Stunning."
A Grade Driveways delivered a truly stunning transformation, blending two complementary surface systems into one cohesive and beautifully finished outdoor space. The final result is outstanding and more than met all of their clients’ requirements!
For more information on resin bound driveways, X-Grid gravel driveways, or to discuss an upcoming project, contact us on 01246 418144, via email or LiveChat.