ForteCast® vs Resin Bound Flooring: How to Choose
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If you're researching seamless poured floors, you'll keep meeting two terms: ForteCast® and resin bound. They share a family resemblance—natural aggregate locked in a clear resin—but they're built for different jobs. This guide breaks down the real differences so you can pick the right one with confidence.
What is a ForteCast® floor?
A ForteCast® (sometimes called a ForteCast® or marble resin floor) is a fully bound, troweled finish. Fine natural aggregate is mixed with a UV-stable resin binder and laid as a smooth, dense, seamless surface. Because every gap between the marble chips is filled, the result is comfortable underfoot, easy to clean and ideal for interiors, bathrooms, hallways and patios.
What is a resin bound floor?
A resin bound surface uses larger aggregate laid at greater depth, leaving the surface slightly textured and porous so water drains straight through. That permeability makes it the go-to choice for driveways and large outdoor areas where SuDS-compliant drainage matters.
ForteCast® vs resin bound at a glance
- Surface feel: ForteCast® is smoother and denser; resin bound is coarser and more textured.
- Drainage: resin bound is permeable; ForteCast® is effectively sealed.
- Best use: ForteCast® shines indoors and on smaller patios; resin bound excels on driveways.
- Aggregate size: ForteCast® uses finer 2-5 mm marble; resin bound uses larger 6-10 mm marble.
- Cleaning: ForteCast® wipes clean easily; resin bound can trap grit in its open texture.
Which lasts longer?
Both systems are extremely durable when installed correctly on a sound substrate. The bigger longevity factor is the binder. A UV-stable, non-yellowing resin keeps the colour true for years indoors and out—which is why every THINK FORTE kit ships with a UV-stable two-part binder and a 5-year warranty.
Cost considerations
Material cost per square metre is broadly comparable, but project totals differ because of depth and prep. Resin bound driveways often need a stable sub-base, while interior ForteCast® usually goes straight onto a primed screed or tiles. Pricing the exact area you need—rather than buying fixed packs—is the simplest way to avoid over-ordering on either system.
The verdict
There's no single winner—only the right system for your space. For seamless, hard-wearing interior floors and smart patios, a fine-aggregate ForteCast® is hard to beat. For a permeable driveway, resin bound wins. If you're still unsure, order a sample, feel the finish in your own light, and use our calculator to price your exact area.
Frequently asked questions
- Is ForteCast® the same as resin bound?
- No. Both bind natural marble in resin, but ForteCast® uses finer aggregate laid as a smooth, sealed surface, while resin bound uses larger aggregate and stays permeable for drainage.
- Can I use ForteCast® outdoors?
- Yes. With a UV-stable binder, ForteCast® performs well on patios, steps and balconies. For driveways that need water to drain through, a permeable resin bound system is usually the better choice.
- Which is easier to clean?
- ForteCast®. Its smooth, dense surface wipes clean with a pH-neutral cleaner, whereas the open texture of resin bound can trap grit and needs occasional power washing.
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