Active across WD · AL · HP postcodes

Tarmac Driveways

The most cost-effective way to surface a driveway properly — fast to install, hard-wearing, and the right answer when the brief is durability and value over premium finish.

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Read the FAQ first

At a glance

For you if you have a larger driveway or rural plot and need a tough, no-fuss surface that prioritises durability and value over decorative detail.

Typical timeline

2–5 days depending on base preparation and drainage.

Guide price

£25–£60 per sqm installed

What to compare closely

Prep specification, drainage assumptions, edging details, and maintenance expectations are the key variables that separate supplier proposals.

Tarmac driveway options to compare

Use these hub cards to understand tarmac replacement, repairs, comparisons, and quote details before you build a case.

Materials and finish detail

Surface guides, colours, patterns, borders, and finish choices that shape the project brief.

5 items

TarmacStandard black tarmacA practical dark surface for larger driveways where durability, speed, and value matter.Open in Guidance Hub TarmacRed tarmacA warmer tarmac option sometimes used for private drives, access lanes, and contrast areas.Open in Guidance Hub TarmacTarmac with block borderA cost-effective tarmac centre framed with block paving to make the driveway feel more finished.Open in Guidance Hub TarmacTarmac for long drivesA straightforward surface choice where a long run needs sensible cost control and robust access.Open in Guidance Hub TarmacTarmacHow it is installed, what it costs, lifespan, maintenance, and who it suits.Open in Guidance Hub

Ideas and visual direction

Inspiration items that help customers explain the look, layout, and property fit they want.

1 items

TarmacTarmac drivewayPractical, cost-effective for larger areas where durability and speed of installation matter.Open in Guidance Hub

Problem and repair signals

Symptoms, failure patterns, and repair indicators that make contractor conversations sharper.

1 items

PotholeTarmac potholes and broken patchesWhen holes or crumbling patches need more than a surface skim.Case contextCaptures tarmac damage as a repair diagnosis rather than a generic resurface request.Open in Guidance Hub

Project routes and scope

Common installation, replacement, restoration, and extension routes connected to this service.

1 items

ReplacementOld tarmac replacementReplacing tired, cracked, or patch-repaired tarmac with a stronger new driveway finish.Case contextFlags an existing tarmac surface and a likely replacement scope.Open in Guidance Hub

Compare and decide

Trade-off guides and comparison pieces for customers choosing between realistic options.

2 items

ComparisonTarmac vs concreteCost, installation time, maintenance, appearance, and long-term performance compared.Open in Guidance Hub ComparisonResin vs tarmacA premium low-maintenance finish compared with a practical sealed driveway surface.Open in Guidance Hub

Key considerations

Consider

Tarmac softens in very high heat — edging and banding with block or granite kerbs improves longevity.

Consider

A good quality binder course beneath the wearing course significantly extends lifespan.

Consider

Oil and fuel spills can stain and damage the surface if not cleaned quickly.

Consider

Re-coating with tarmac sealant every 3–5 years preserves appearance and life.

Consider

Tarmac is non-permeable — drainage routing must be planned in the design stage.

When this may not be the best fit

Poor base condition

If the existing base is unstable, inadequately prepared, or prone to movement, this surface may require remedial work before installation is viable.

High-demand commercial or shared use

Some surfaces are better suited to residential use loads. Commercial-grade or high-traffic applications may need a different specification.

Very limited budgets

If budget constrains the prep as well as the finish, consider whether a simpler surface installed correctly is a better starting point.

What installation typically involves

Site survey and planning

A good installation starts with understanding the site: drainage falls, access points, existing condition, and any constraints that affect sequencing.

Excavation and sub-base

The ground is excavated to the required depth. Sub-base material is laid and compacted to specification — this is where most cost difference between supplier proposals originates.

Drainage provision

Falls and drainage routing are set before the surface is laid. Getting this right prevents the most common post-installation complaints.

Surface installation and finishing

The chosen surface material is installed, edged, jointed, or sealed as appropriate. Final tolerances, cleanup, and handover complete the job.

Maintenance and lifespan expectations

Typical lifespan

With a correctly prepared base, most quality installations should perform for 15–30 years. Poor preparation significantly reduces this.

Routine maintenance

All surfaces benefit from periodic cleaning and inspection. Some require more active maintenance than others — ask contractors for specific guidance.

Repair considerations

Some surface types are easier to repair invisibly than others. Understand the repair implications before committing to a finish type.

Common questions

How long does tarmac last?

10–25 years depending on base quality, traffic levels, and maintenance frequency.

Can tarmac be laid over an existing surface?

Sometimes, if the existing base is sound and levels allow it. A survey is recommended before proceeding.

What is the difference between tarmac and asphalt?

Tarmac uses tar as the binder, asphalt uses bitumen. Modern domestic driveways are usually asphalt — contractors often use the term tarmac informally.