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Soft Gravel

resin bound rubber & gravel blend for paving & pathways

Soft Gravel is a technologically advanced surfacing solution that utilises a combination of rubber chips and aggregates bound together with a high-quality, UV-resistant resin. This unique blend results in a permeable, flexible, and attractive surface that is ideal for a variety of outdoor applications.

The use of rubber chips and aggregates in the Soft Gravel system results in a surface that is highly durable and long-lasting. The rubber chips provide elasticity and flexibility, while the aggregates offer stability and strength. The binding resin further enhances the durability of the surface by creating a seamless and cohesive layer that is resistant to cracking, fading, and weed growth.

One of the key technical benefits of Soft Gravel is its permeability. The resin bound surface allows water to pass through, reducing the risk of standing water and puddling. This not only enhances the functional performance of the surface, but also reduces the potential for water damage and erosion.

In terms of aesthetics, Soft Gravel offers a range of customization options. The rubber chips and aggregates come in a range of colors and sizes, allowing customers to choose a look that complements their surrounding environment. The seamless and consistent finish created by the binding resin also enhances the overall appearance of the surface by reducing the visibility of any joints or cracks.

From a technical perspective, Soft Gravel is an advanced surfacing solution that offers a combination of durability, functionality, and aesthetics. Whether you’re looking to upgrade a residential property or a public space, Soft Gravel is an excellent choice.

Versatile Solution

Soft gravel can be used for a wide range of applications including footpaths, cycle paths, nature trails, tree pits and more.

Low Maintenance

This unique surfacing requires a quick regular sweep to avoid debris build-up and periodic low-pressure jet washing.

Permeable Surface

Soft gravel is SuDs compliant and will allow rain & other surface water to drain away naturally into the ground below.

Slip Resistant

The use of recycled rubber and gravel, this innovative solution provides you with a non-slip surface.

Planning-Friendly

The use of soft gravel to create your required surfaces reduces or even eliminates planning requirements

Attractive Surface

Available in four colours, soft gravel ensures you are able to choose the perfect appearance for any project.

Combining the benefits of rubber and gravel

Soft Gravel is an innovative surfacing solution that features a combination of recycled rubber and specialist washed & dried aggregates which are bound using a market-leading high-tensile single component polyurethane binder. 

This innovative mix combines the flexibility of rubber with the strength, longevity and appearance of natural gravel to produce an outstanding paving solution that rubber and gravel cannot achieve when used alone. Producing the perfect surface for a wide range of applications including footpaths, nature tracks, cycling trails, tree pits, patio areas, care setting hard landscaping and so much more. 

With the correct installation method followed, you will be provided with decorative, flexible, durable and slip-resistant surfaces with excellent levels of water permeability.

Gold Black Soft Gravel Kit

£40.00 exc. VAT

Silver Black Soft Gravel Kit

£40.00 exc. VAT

Red Black Soft Gravel Kit

£40.00 exc. VAT

All Black Soft Gravel Kit

£40.00 exc. VAT

Soft Gravel frequently asked questions

Soft gravel is an innovative surfacing solution which is a unique combination of black recycled rubber and a specialist washed & dried aggregate.

These two materials are bound using a market-leading high-tensile single component polyurethane binder to create surfaces which have the flexibility of rubber and the strength, longevity and appearance of natural gravel.

The unique blend of rubber and gravel mixed with a resin binder creates attractive, seamless, permeable and low-maintenance surfaces that are soft underfoot.

Our rubber gravel mix can be installed onto concrete, tarmac, or compacted MOT type 1.

No, our rubber gravel surfacing can only be laid in dry conditions. Any moisture present before the surface has cured will cause adverse effects.

We recommend that Soft Gravel is installed between 10°C and 35°C. If you are installing slightly below these temperatures, an accelerator may be required to speed up the curing process.

A little maintenance will be required. We recommend a quick regular sweep of the surface to avoid debris build-up and periodic low-pressured jet washing.

Soft Gravel installation

To ensure your Soft Gravel installations are as smooth as possible and finish with a high-quality finish, we have produced a helpful guide which walks you through the process of laying our rubber gravel blend. Rubber gravel can be installed onto concrete, tarmac, or compacted MOT type.

  1. Ensure the surface is well-prepared. It must be dry, free from loose materials and free from contaminations such as oil or grease. A primer may be required for some installations.

  2. Soft Gravel follows a simple mixing method. Mix together in a SoRoTo forced action mixer, a 50/50 ratio by weight of SBR Rubber & 2-5mm gravel before adding PermaBinder at 14% by weight and allowing the combination to mix for 5 minutes. Please note, to ensure a consistent final result ensure all future mixes are identical to your first.

  3. Once mixed, the material should be applied to the substrate and levelled to the projects required thickness using either a rake, screeds or a trowel before being smoothed and compacted using a hand trowel. Even compaction of the installed area is vital to ensure the surface will provide all of the materials potential benefits and to prevent any failure. We recommend the use of a release agent on all laying tools whilst in use to avoid adhesion of the binder to your tools.

  4. The completed surface needs to be protected until fully cured. Curing times will vary according to air & ground temperatures and air moisture levels but typically between 6 hours and 24 hours. The system will achieve its full cured strength 3 days after installation so it is recommended to restrict heavy use during this period.

Technical information

Soft gravel is a unique and inventive surfacing solution which merges the flexibility and adaptability of rubber with the strength, attractiveness and durability of natural aggregate. Being a new-to-market product, we have collated all of the necessary technical information on soft gravel to ensure you have all of the details to ensure you and your clients are able to make informed decisions on upcoming projects.

Material specification

PermaBinder SR14

Moisture-cure binder
Single component MDI Polyurethane binder
Viscosity at 23 °C: 3000mPas
Density: 1.11g/cm3
NCO Content: 14.0%
Supplied in: 6.5kg bucket/25kgs keg
Store in a cool & dry area between 10-35°C

PermaRubber 2-6mm SBR

Granulated styrene butadien rubber
Complies with PAS107:2012

PermaGravel 2-5mm

Washed & dried aggregate
Colours: red, black, silver & gold
Los Angeles coefficient: 40
Mohs hardness value: >7
Minimum PSV: 50
Maximum AAV: 14

Coverage & Spreading Rates

A vital piece of information for installers is knowing your coverage and spreading rates to ensure enough material is ordered to produce a high-quality surface for each project.

In the below table you can see the recommended soft gravel thickness for each sub-base type and a rough estimate of material required per metre squared depending on the substrate.

Sub-BaseThickness (mm)Soft Gravel Blend (kg/m²)PermaBinder (kg/m²)
Concrete/Tarmac25mm25kg3.3kg
MOT Type 1
(Well Compacted aggregate)
35mm35kg4.6kg

Curing times

Following installation, the newly laid area needs to be protected until it has fully cured. Curing times will vary according to air & ground temperatures and air moisture levels but typically between 6 and 24 hours is expected. The system will achieve its full cured strength 3 days after installation so it is recommended to restrict heavy use until this period has passed.

If you are to be installing Soft Gravel slightly below these temperatures, an accelerator may be required to speed up the curing process.

Accelerator5°C10°C15°C
0%10 Hours8 Hours6.5 Hours
1% (1mm in 9kgs)6 Hours5 Hours4.5 Hours
2% (2mm in 9kgs)4 Hours3 Hours2.5 Hours
3% (3mm in 9kgs)3 Hours2 Hours1.5 Hours

Other Soft Gravel Components

Including forced action mixers and trowels, all of which are perfect for assisting with your installation