Resin Bound Driveway with Lighting & Bullnose Steps in Horsforth, Leeds

The Installation Process

1. Design & Planning

The customer came to us with a clear idea of how they wanted the driveway to look. We carried out several site visits to refine levels, drainage, lighting positions and colour breaks, ensuring the design could be built safely and accurately. This additional time in the planning stage meant we could respect the vision for a modern frontage while making sure the design worked with existing thresholds, access routes and services.

2. Excavation & Removal

We excavated and removed the existing driveway and patio, clearing the area to the required depth to allow for a new, consistent build-up from sub-base to finish. This was essential to ensure long-term performance and achieve the correct finished levels.

3. MOT Type 3 Sub-Base

We installed an MOT Type 3 sub-base, compacted in layers across the full area. MOT Type 3 has reduced fines, allowing water to pass through more easily than denser aggregates. This supports the permeability of the overall system and helps reduce standing water, which is especially important for a resin bound finish.

4. Open-Grade Tarmac Base Coat

We installed open-grade tarmac over the sub-base to provide a stable, even platform for the resin bound layer while maintaining porosity through the build-up. This helps the finished surface stay smooth, resist rutting under vehicle loads, and supports the drainage strategy agreed at design stage.

5. Front & Rear Bullnose Steps

We built front and rear bullnose steps supplied by Marshalls, setting out the rise and going to suit everyday use. Bullnose steps have a rounded leading edge, giving a softer, more comfortable step profile and a high-quality appearance. Using a branded, purpose-made step system from Marshalls provided consistent dimensions and a neat, modern look in keeping with the upgraded frontage.

6. Electric Lights to Both Sides of the Driveway

We installed electric lights along both sides of the driveway, with cabling set within the build-up to keep everything discreet and protected. Lighting such as this helps to improve safety and usability after dark, highlighting the driveway edges and steps, and adds a contemporary feel that ties in with the modernisation of the house. It also enhances the appearance of the two-tone resin finish in the evenings.

7. UV-Stable Resin Bound Surface in Two Colours

Finally, we mixed and laid a UV-stable resin bound finish across the 120m² area, using a darker colour for the main body of the driveway with a lighter shade for the edges to create clear definition. This resulted in an eye-pleasing contrast whilst maintaining a clean, modern appearance in keeping with the property.

Result

• A modern, clean-lined driveway that matches the fully updated house frontage.
• A robust, free-draining build-up from MOT Type 3 sub-base through to open-grade tarmac and resin bound surface.
• Integrated lighting on both sides of the driveway for improved safety and evening kerb appeal.
• Front and rear bullnose steps that improve everyday access and add a high-quality finish.
• The customer’s original design vision realised through careful planning and installation.