Tarmac Driveway Cost FAQ — Your Questions Answered

The average tarmac driveway cost in the UK ranges from £1,200 for a small single-car driveway (about 20 m²) to £9,600+ for larger areas (80+ m²). Costs depend on driveway size, the type of tarmac chosen, existing surface condition, drainage requirements, and your geographical location. Urban areas and the South East tend to be slightly more expensive due to higher labour costs. Our free calculator gives you a personalised estimate based on your specific requirements.

Standard black tarmac typically costs between £60 and £120 per square metre when professionally installed, including materials, labour, and sub-base preparation. Red tarmac costs around £75–£135 per square metre, while pattern-imprinted tarmac ranges from £90–£160 per square metre. These prices assume standard site conditions — difficult access, poor ground, or the need to remove existing surfaces can increase costs.

A small tarmac driveway suitable for one car (approximately 20 m²) typically costs between £1,200 and £2,400 fully installed. This includes excavation, Type 1 sub-base, and machine-laid tarmac. Costs vary by region — expect to pay towards the higher end in London and the South East, and closer to the lower end in the Midlands and North.

A double driveway (around 40–50 m²) typically costs between £2,400 and £6,000 fully installed. The exact price depends on your location, the depth of excavation needed, whether an existing surface must be removed, and any drainage requirements. Use our calculator for a personalised estimate tailored to your postcode.

Tarmac is generally slightly cheaper than concrete. Tarmac costs £60–£120 per m² installed, while concrete ranges from £70–£130 per m². Tarmac is also faster to install and can be driven on within 24–48 hours, compared to 7+ days for concrete to fully cure. However, concrete typically lasts longer (25–30 years vs 15–20 years for tarmac).

Gravel is the cheapest driveway surface at £30–£60 per m², but requires regular maintenance and top-ups. Tarmac offers the best value for a hard-wearing, low-maintenance surface at £60–£120 per m². Resurfacing an existing sound driveway with a tarmac overlay is even more cost-effective, saving 30–40% compared to a full dig-out and relay.

Tarmac driveway quotes can vary by 50% or more between contractors. Key reasons include: different sub-base depths (cheaper quotes may skimp on this), tarmac thickness and quality, whether drainage is included, overhead costs, and profit margins. Always compare like-for-like and ask what's included. The cheapest quote often means corners will be cut on sub-base preparation — which is the foundation of a long-lasting driveway.

Most domestic tarmac driveways take 1–3 days to complete, depending on size and complexity. A standard single-car driveway (20 m²) can often be completed in a single day. Larger driveways, those requiring excavation of existing surfaces, or projects with drainage requirements may take 2–3 days. We always provide a clear timeline before starting work.

In many cases, yes. If your existing tarmac or concrete surface is structurally sound with no major cracking or subsidence, an overlay (resurfacing) is possible and more cost-effective than full replacement. However, overlaying adds height, which may affect drainage gradients and door thresholds. A professional survey will determine whether your existing surface is suitable for overlaying.

For a domestic driveway, tarmac should be laid in two courses: a base course of 40–50mm and a wearing course of 20–25mm, giving a total tarmac depth of 60–75mm. Beneath this, a compacted Type 1 MOT sub-base of at least 100–150mm is essential. Cutting corners on depth is the most common reason for premature failure — it's the foundation that determines how long your driveway lasts.

A properly compacted Type 1 MOT limestone sub-base is the industry standard for tarmac driveways. The minimum recommended depth is 100mm (4 inches) for pedestrian and car use, increasing to 150–200mm for areas with heavier vehicles or poor ground conditions. The sub-base must be levelled and compacted with a vibrating roller to create a stable, well-drained foundation.

The best time to lay tarmac is between April and October, when temperatures are consistently above 5°C. Tarmac needs to be laid and compacted while warm — cold or wet conditions can prevent proper bonding and compaction, leading to a shorter lifespan. We schedule work around weather conditions to ensure the best possible finish.

You can typically walk on a new tarmac driveway after 24 hours and drive on it after 2–3 days in normal weather conditions. In very hot weather, wait a little longer as the surface remains softer. Avoid turning your steering wheel while stationary during the first few weeks, as this can scuff the surface before it fully hardens.

Yes, tarmac is generally 30–50% cheaper than block paving. A standard tarmac driveway costs around £60–£120/m², while block paving typically costs £80–£160/m². Tarmac is also faster to install (usually 1–2 days vs. 3–5 days for block paving) and requires less ongoing maintenance. However, block paving offers more design flexibility and can be easier to repair in small sections.

Tarmac (tarmacadam) and asphalt are often used interchangeably in everyday language, but technically they differ. Traditional tarmac uses tar as a binder, while modern 'tarmac' driveways actually use bitumen-bound asphalt. Modern asphalt is more durable, flexible, and environmentally friendly than traditional tar-based surfaces. When we refer to tarmac driveways, we mean modern bituminous asphalt — the industry standard for residential driveways.

Red tarmac uses iron oxide pigment mixed into the bitumen to create a distinctive reddish-brown finish. It costs approximately 15–25% more than standard black tarmac, typically £75–£135 per m² installed. Red tarmac is popular for its aesthetic appeal and is often used where homeowners want their driveway to complement brick or stone properties. It performs identically to black tarmac in terms of durability.

SMA (Stone Mastic Asphalt) and AC (Asphalt Concrete) are the two main types used for driveways. SMA has a coarser texture with more stone aggregate, providing excellent durability and skid resistance — it's widely used on motorways. AC has a smoother, denser finish that many homeowners prefer for aesthetics. Both are suitable for domestic driveways; your contractor should recommend the best option for your site.

A well-installed tarmac driveway typically lasts 15–20 years with proper maintenance. Factors affecting longevity include the quality of the sub-base, drainage effectiveness, usage patterns, and climate exposure. Periodic sealing every 3–5 years can extend the surface life. Heavy vehicles, poor drainage, and tree root growth are the most common causes of premature deterioration.

Tarmac driveways are low-maintenance but benefit from: regular sweeping to prevent moss and weed growth, prompt removal of oil or fuel spills, filling small cracks before they spread, and optional sealing every 3–5 years to maintain appearance and water resistance. Avoid parking heavy vehicles in the same spot during hot weather, as this can cause indentation in softened tarmac.

Yes. Small cracks can be filled with cold-lay tarmac or bitumen-based crack filler — a simple DIY job costing under £20. Larger cracks, potholes, or areas of crumbling may need professional patching or resurfacing. If cracks are widespread or the surface is breaking up, it usually indicates sub-base failure, which requires more extensive repair. We offer free assessments for driveway repairs.

Sealing is optional but beneficial. A bitumen-based sealant applied every 3–5 years restores the black finish, fills minor surface cracks, and improves water resistance. Sealing costs approximately £3–£8 per m² and can extend your driveway's lifespan by several years. It's most worthwhile on driveways that are 3+ years old and starting to fade to grey.

Under current UK planning rules, you don't need planning permission if your new or replacement driveway uses permeable surfacing, or if the rainwater runs off into a lawn or border rather than onto the public highway. Non-permeable driveways larger than 5 square metres that drain onto the road require planning permission. We can advise on compliant solutions during your free site survey.

Yes. Proper drainage is essential for any driveway and is a legal requirement for non-permeable surfaces. We offer linear channel drains (ACO drains), soakaway installation, gradient adjustments, and permeable tarmac options. Our team assesses drainage requirements during the free site survey and includes appropriate solutions in your quotation.

A dropped kerb is a lowered section of the pavement kerb that provides vehicle access from the road to your driveway. If you're creating a new driveway where one didn't exist before, you'll need to apply to your local council for a dropped kerb — driving over a full-height kerb is illegal and can damage your vehicle. We can manage the dropped kerb application and installation as part of your project.

A dropped kerb typically costs between £800 and £2,500 depending on your council's fees, the width of the crossing, and the complexity of the work. Some councils do the work themselves and charge a fixed fee; others allow approved contractors to carry out the work. The application process usually takes 4–8 weeks. We handle the entire process on your behalf if needed.

Look for contractors who: offer a free written quotation with itemised costs, have verifiable reviews and examples of recent work, can explain the sub-base specification they'll use, don't demand large upfront deposits, provide a written guarantee, and are happy to answer technical questions. Avoid door-to-door sellers offering cheap tarmac 'left over from a nearby job' — this is a common scam.

Key questions to ask include: What sub-base depth and type will you use? How thick will the tarmac be? Is drainage included? What guarantee do you offer? Can I see examples of recent work nearby? Will you provide a written, itemised quotation? What's the payment schedule? Are you insured? Do you handle skip hire and waste removal? A reputable contractor will welcome these questions.

A reputable tarmac driveway installer should provide a written workmanship guarantee of at least 2–5 years covering defects in installation. Some offer guarantees of up to 10 years. This should cover issues like surface cracking, poor drainage, and premature deterioration — but typically excludes cosmetic wear, oil staining, and damage caused by the homeowner. Always get the guarantee in writing before work begins.