The Differences Between Epoxy and Resin-Bound Paving

Jim Robinson • September 28, 2022

Using permeable paving materials is a far superior method of draining water from urban areas and minimizing the impact a city or town has on the surrounding environment. However, when searching for the right material, you may notice there are two types of permeable rock: epoxy paving and resin-bound paving. Here are the differences between epoxy and resin-bound paving.

What Is Epoxy?

The most confusing thing you’ll encounter is the term “epoxy resin” when trying to figure out the difference between the two, so it’s vital to first understand that “epoxy” refers to epoxide. Epoxide is the cured product of the materials within the epoxy resin. It’s the result of mixing resin with a hardener. Alternatively, the epoxide can undergo ultraviolet light exposure to become UV resin.

Epoxy coatings are beneficial for providing greater heat and chemical resistance. They can also adhere to various materials, making them great for permeable pavement that has to endure the heat of summer or chemicals from pollution.

What Is Resin?

Resin is a highly viscous substance that hardens and forms an effective adhesive. Resin can come in many forms with various properties to best suit the application, but the substance itself comes from plant or synthetic origins that manufacturers convert into polymers. Resin-bound systems are highly flexible and allow for endless design possibilities. Furthermore, the resin is easy to apply and lasts long. Moreover, it prevents slips. When you get resin-bound permeable pavement, you can minimize slipping hazards from rain or ice. When installed correctly, resin-bound materials require very little maintenance, as weeds and other undesirable substances can’t grow or get between the resin. At the same time, it remains permeable enough to drain water.

Relating to Permeable Paving

So how do the differences between epoxy and resin-bound paving relate to your choice of pavement? Epoxy coatings are beneficial for providing greater heat and chemical resistance and can adhere to various materials, making them great for permeable pavement that has to endure heat or chemicals. Epoxy is also durable and won’t easily wear down from the daily traffic of city life.

Resin-bound paving, on the other hand, is an easy solution that you can install and forget. Long-lasting and durable like epoxy, a standout benefit of resin-bound materials is that there’s no loose aggregate thanks to the resin hardening. This further reduces maintenance needs and makes the pavement more accessible for wheelchairs! If you decide to go with resin-bound paving over epoxy, you should contact Rockpave. We supply resin-bound paving that you can use to give your projects visual attractiveness and functionality.

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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.