Gravel on concrete - Making it stick!!

[novicejohn]

Hi Tony,

I have a small area on an old concrete drive which i wish to cover with a layer of gravel. Is there a resin or something similar on which i could brush/ scatter a layer of gravel and make it stick with a reasonable level of durability.

Regards, John

[Ted]

http://www.picsuk.com/bond.htm

This is a resin-bonded aggregate system suited to reasonably high wear and tear.

It is not too difficult to do. If you are keen DIYer you should be able to do it yourself.

Call PICS for advice.

[lutonlagerlout]

seek and ye shall find
LLL 5:1

[TarmacLady]

Oh, Simeon!!!

Pop over to ronacrete.co.uk -- and I'm sure Sim will be here shortly to expand on the post.

[novicejohn]

Thanks everyone for your replies pointing me in the right direction.

Very helpful

John

[simeonronacrete]

Is Resin Bonded Aggregate suitable for DIY application? Read on....we've been manufacturing and supplying Ronadeck Fast Grip for landscaping for 7 years and this is based on our experience.....

[If after reading this you decide to invite a specialist to give you a quote, give us a call on 01279 638 700 and ask For Donna or Simeon.]

It's very simple really. Everything has to be right for a resin bonded aggregate surface to look good, and to last. Done well it'll provide you with an attractive, close bound stone finish, with few stones picking out, no bald patches, no resin grinning through, no ponding of water when it rains or after you wash your car, no cracks or joints, with a uniform spread of aggregate and no surface irregularities showing through the few mm thick surfacing.

But it's very easy to get it a little bit wrong and end up with all of the bad bits mentioned above. Too many contractors have "had a go" to the disappointment of them and their clients. We get called in to explain why and have to pile the blame on to the contractor, not something we enjoy doing, but if people read the data sheets....what do they say... "If all fails refer to Instruction Manual"!

There are many contractors who have enough experience to get it right first time and we always point our clients in their direction. They also know, importantly, how to form the sub-base - see our Substrate Build Up Guide at www.ronacrete.co.uk.

Laying Resin Bonded Aggregate isn't as simple as it looks, it isn't "coat and scatter", it isn't "roll and throw", it's a technique, a skill, a craft, and anyone who thinks different is heading for an unsatisfactory layer of half bonded stones on their driveway.

Think back to when you learned to ride your bike. Once you had it sussed, it was easy, nothing to it, you couldn't believe why you couldn't ride it before. It's the same with Ronadeck Fast Grip. But you don't want to fall off and graze your knee on your own one-off driveway job, do you?

And remember the words of John Ruskin..."It's unwise to pay too much, but it is worse to pay too little. When you pay too much, you lose a little money--that is all. When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything, because the thing you bought was incapable of doing the thing it was bought to do. The common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a lot--it can't be done. If you deal with the lowest quote, it is well to add something for the risk you run. And if you do that, you will have enough to pay for something better."

Happy laying!

[If after reading this you decide to invite a specialist to give you a quote, give us a call on 01279 638 700 and ask For Donna or Simeon.]

[lutonlagerlout]

err is that a "yes" or a "no " then simeon???
like the ruskin quote,should put that at the bottom of our quotes
cheers LLL

[TarmacLady]

LLL, I think Simeon's saying that this is a job best left to those who know what they're doing!

We have a similar substance here called Chattahoochee stone or simply 'river rock' -- it's gorgeous when done properly (our pool deck is a good example), and looks like someone dumped porridge on the deck if it's not!

[lutonlagerlout]

j'connais TL, i was being ironic
same as most trades,i personally think trades take 3-5 years working to become competent and maybe 10 to become really, really good==> its a matter of experience
my mates fence has blown down (along with my othermates mum's chimney,my father in laws 8000 brick garden wall,an old clients garage gable etc etc ) and he/they all are saying ,can you come round and give me a hand with this wall/fence/chimney etc etc
i wonder what they think they are going to do??? LOL
cheers LLL

[TarmacLady]

These same people would never approach a physician to treat them for free...nor a musician for a free concert...but yet experienced contractors are expected to do favours for everyone.

*sigh*

[seanandruby]

it doesnt stop at what we are experienced at either... ive had family and friends ask for me to plump bathrooms, kitchens even elec. they say "you can do it you are a builder".

[lutonlagerlout]

i am sorely tempted to tell new aquaintances that i am a tax investigator or traffic warden
as soon as they hear the magic word "builder" their eyes light up like a shithouse rat
"i've got loads of little jobs you can do in your spare time ,tony" they say
i wonder when that is then?? in my spare time i like to sleep ,drink,watch sport, or play with my daughter etc.
i cant go down sainsburys and say "sorry i cant pay,i have been doing jobs for nothing for my wifes,brother's,best mate's,dad's,next door neighbours cousin" CAN I???
LMAO
LLL

[Suggers]

nor a musician for a free concert...

Always, all the time......

[Suggers]

ps - just finished tiny patio for mother-in-law - she insisted on paying me - embarassing - proud of the result - drinks all round down the pub - Pete the potty painter starts next week.

[flowjoe]

it doesnt stop at what we are experienced at either... ive had family and friends ask for me to plump bathrooms

Well ive plumped a pillow, ive woke up next to a plump bird (or three), but i aint never plumped a bathroom.I`m not even sure that`s legal :laugh: