Tarmac Driveway Cost Breakdown: What You're Actually Paying For
A transparent look at every cost component in a tarmac driveway project — from materials and labour to drainage and finishing.
Material Costs
Materials typically account for 40–50% of the total driveway cost. This includes the tarmac itself, sub-base aggregate, and any edging or drainage materials. Tarmac is purchased by the tonne — a standard driveway uses approximately 1.5–2 tonnes per 10m² for the binder and surface courses combined.
| Material | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tarmac (per tonne, delivered) | £80 – £120 |
| Type 1 MOT sub-base (per tonne) | £25 – £35 |
| Edging blocks (per metre) | £10 – £20 |
| Weed membrane (per m²) | £1 – £3 |
Labour Costs
Labour typically accounts for 35–45% of the project cost. A professional tarmac gang usually consists of 3–5 workers with specialised equipment including a paving machine, roller, and excavator. Daily rates for a team range from £800–£1,500 depending on location and team size. Most domestic driveways are completed in 1–2 days.
Additional Costs to Consider
Skip Hire & Waste Disposal
£200 – £400For removing excavated material and old surfacing. Costs vary by volume and location.
Dropped Kerb Application
£600 – £1,200Council fees plus installation. Required for new driveways without existing vehicle access.
Drainage Installation
£200 – £800Linear drains, soakaways, or gradient adjustments. May be legally required for non-permeable surfaces.
Decorative Edging
£25 – £40/mBlock paving or granite sett borders add a premium finish and protect tarmac edges from crumbling.
Factors That Affect Total Cost
- Driveway size: Larger driveways benefit from economies of scale — per-square-metre costs decrease with size.
- Access difficulty: Narrow access, steps, or distance from road can increase labour time and equipment requirements.
- Existing surface: Removing concrete costs more than removing loose gravel. Overlaying good existing tarmac is cheapest.
- Ground conditions: Soft or clay soils may require additional sub-base depth or ground stabilisation.
- Location: London and the South East tend to be 10–20% more expensive than northern regions.
- Time of year: Autumn and winter work may attract discounts, though quality can be affected by weather.
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