Choosing a Tarmac drive is one of the cheapest and most popular driveway surfaces you can buy.
The average costs to surface a typical UK Tarmac drive ranges from £45-£60 per m2. However, the estimated Tarmac driveway costs per square metre for a larger area are less than for a small one. Therefore, for a 10m2 drive, the estimate would be from £450-£600, whereas a 50m2 driveway could cost from £2000-£2800, excluding foundations and other finishing work. Alternatively, hot Tarmac costs around £50 per tonne, which covers around 8m2. However, you need to factor in transportation costs between £100-£150 and have a storage area to keep it until needed.
Don’t confuse Tarmac (or Tarmacadam) and asphalt; Tarmac uses natural tar as a binder and is a brand name, while asphalt uses bitumen refined from crude oil. Even so, there is very little difference in the performance of each. Both have a proven track record for being hard wearing and quick to lay, and you’ll find that most roads, car parks and pavements are made from it.
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Topics
How Much To Tarmac a Drive?*
You can use the following table as a cost calculator for your new Tarmacadam driveway project.
| Driveway size | Duration | Total cost |
| 10m2 | 1 day | £450-£600 |
| 20m2 | 1-2 days | £800-£1100 |
| 50m2 | 2-3 days | £2000-£2800 |
| 80m2 | 4-5 days | £3000-£4300 |
* All figures shown are estimates and should be used as a starting point for your own research. Note that Tarmac drives prices and durations are for laying Tarmac only. Moreover, you must factor in additional materials and labour costs for site preparation and final cleanup.
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Tarmac Driveway Cost Factors
Here are some of the different factors that influence the price of your new Tarmac drive.
Raw Material
Foundation material is essential and includes crushed concrete or stone and 18mm to dust sand/gravel ballast. Also, you need an appropriate permeable weed barrier membrane. On average, weed mat underlay membrane costs around £40/m2. Also, crushed stone costs £50 to £80/tonne.
The raw materials used in Tarmac will depend on your situation. Generally, small diameter gravel produces dense and impermeable Tarmac. In comparison, large-diameter stone produces a more porous surface.
Cold lay Tarmac comes in bags and is only practical for DIY and small repair jobs. The price per bag ranges from £7-£15 per 25kg bag.
Hot-mix Tarmac costs around £50-£70/tonne, covering approximately 8m2. However, there will be transportation costs of between £100-£150. Usually, It’s much better to ask a professional for an all-inclusive quotation as laying Tarmac over large areas is a very skilled job.
Some projects require additives to the Tarmac mixture. Typically, common additives include:
- Various coloured dyes. There are over 15 different colours you can choose from.
- Reinforcing mesh.
- Waterproofer.
- Oil and petrol proofing.
- Anti-slip coatings.
Edging material varies in price depending on the material and quality. You can choose from simple timber lengths, concrete blocks or real stone kerbs.
The prices of all materials vary depending on where you are in the country. As a helpful tip, choose the material that is plentiful in your area.
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Size of Driveway
A typical UK driveway measures about 5.5m2 for a single car to 21m2 for a double car space.
Not surprisingly, the size of your driveway affects the project cost. For example, more extensive projects need more materials and take longer than smaller jobs. Therefore, the overall cost is more expensive, but the Tarmacadam price per square metre will decrease.
Existing Driveway Condition
Your existing driveway might have specific features that need consideration.
- Are there drain covers?
- Does the area need excavation?
- How deep should the foundations be?
- Does the driveway need a blocked edging?
- Is the existing driveway in good condition?
- Does the land slope?
- Does the new driveway require drainage systems?
Usually, these affect the overall price because of the increased complexity of the project, labour and material costs they incur.
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Additional Equipment Hire
Usually, a driveway installation contractor supplies their own machines and equipment and will factor the cost of these into your quotation. However, for your information, here are the typical prices for the following pieces of equipment:
- Mini digger hire – £150-£200/week.
- Waste skip hire – £80 to £180/load.
- Compactor hire – £40 to £60/day.
Preparation
When assessing the scope of the project, it’s essential to consider the preparation work involved. Sometimes, the existing driveway is in good condition and can be used directly as the foundation. Alternatively, the extent of the foundations and subsequent costs often won’t be evident until the contractor excavates and you find out what’s below the surface. Therefore, be prepared for this and ask the contractor for a worst possible case scenario estimate. Alternatively, agree to an hourly rate for excavation and a set price for Tarmac laying.
Dropping the Kerb
You may or may not already have a dropped kerb separating your property from the public road and footpath. Currently, if you don’t have one, you should consider the extra cost of reinforcing the pavement and installing the kerbstones. You must ask permission before changing the pavement and kerb. Usually, your local council will provide this service, and the job can cost from £300 to £1000 depending on the amount of work to be done.
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Location
Generally, the cost of installing a Tarmac driveway will be up to 20% higher in London and the southeast compared to the remainder of the country. Also, you will find a variation in prices related to the number of contractors in your area. Suppose there are relatively few installers available. In that case, you will find that their rates are higher than in areas with many Tarmac contractors.
Tarmac types
There are many types of Tarmac, with various manufacturers offering their own unique blends. These will solve particular problems that the customer experiences, such as extreme temperature variations, excessive moisture, or heavy loading.
However, there are two grades in general use.
- Close-graded Tarmac – This more dense Tarmac contains mostly small aggregate particles of less than 3mm in diameter. The resulting layer produces a less porous surface and allows water to collect at separate drainage collection points. Also, this grade makes a smoother and more uniform surface which is more aesthetically pleasing.
- Open-graded Tarmac – A less dense permeable tarmac, the surface contains larger aggregate particles allowing the surface water to permeate through to the ground below.
Avoiding Rogue Traders
Beware of rogue traders offering a cheap Tarmac driveway!
There is a common scam in the UK involving unqualified contractors offering a cut-price job to unwary householders. Usually, the scam goes like this, or something similar:
- Firstly, a salesperson knocks on your door to say they have been working on a large project nearby and have a considerable amount of Tarmac left over. Therefore, would you like a cut-price Tarmac driveway?
- Not surprisingly, many homeowners jump at the chance of a cheap driveway and readily agree to the proposal.
- Unfortunately, the contractors are usually unskilled and want to finish as soon as possible. Generally, they cut corners, forget preparation work and do a shoddy job.
- Usually, they ask for payment in cash and often ask for it before the job starts.
- A few months later, cracks and holes appear, and the repair work is often very costly.
The simple way to avoid being ripped off is to follow these easy steps:
- Ask to see the large job. If the salesman tries to divert, then it doesn’t exist. Probably, they’ve stolen the Tarmac.
- Never pay in cash. Usually, reputable contractors provide a written quotation, supply an invoice, and accept a cheque.
- It is acceptable to pay 10% of the total price in advance to show you’re committed to the project. But, do not pay any more until you are happy with the finished job.
- Finally, always ask for references that you can follow up on in your own time, without pressure.
The final piece of advice is only to use reputable local driveway installers. We can put you in touch with qualified and experienced contractors by using the form on this page.
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Advantages of Tarmac Driveways
- Usually, a Tarmac driveway is considered a cheap option. And this is one of its biggest advantages. You can generally buy a cheap Tarmac driveway for about the same price as a gravel drive, but it looks much cleaner and more professional.
- As long as you don’t try to lay a Tarmac driveway as a DIY project and only use qualified driveway installers, you will always have a durable surface that looks very attractive.
- A well-built Tarmac surface is also relatively easy to repair in the future if it becomes damaged. Any DIY enthusiast can buy a bag of cold lay Tarmac and patch a few holes. However, don’t expect the repair to be seamless; you will always notice.
- Because Tarmac is an unbroken surface, it is tough for grass and weeds to gain a hold. This is especially true because of the weed barrier and compressed hardcore used in the foundation. However, there will always be a few weeds that root inside a small surface hole, so remove them as soon as they appear.
- You can add anti-slip additives to the Tarmac mix to make the surface safer to walk on
- Probably one of the most significant advantages of Tarmac is that its surface is flexible. Therefore, if minor damage occurs and tiny cracks or holes appear, the material will creep and eventually self heal.
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Tarmac Driveway Alternatives
Tarmac re-laying
The first and best alternative to a complete Tarmac driveway installation is to re-lay Tarmac onto an existing driveway surface. However, this isn’t always possible. So, speak to your local contractor and get the professional’s advice. If you decide to go ahead with this, and the existing driveway is sound, it can take only a few hours.
Concrete Driveways
Depending on its complexity, a typical UK concrete driveway costs around £50/m2 for materials and between £200 and £450/day for labour.
Pros
- A concrete driveway has a typical lifespan of around 25 to 50 years.
- Concrete is durable and very versatile.
- It maintains its strength in almost any climate and needs very little maintenance.
Cons
- Concrete is relatively expensive.
- It doesn’t look particularly appealing unless imprinted with patterns or coloured with dyes.
- Impermeable, so rainwater runoff needs drainage collection systems.
Gravel Driveways
On average, a gravel driveway of 50m2 costs £1000 to £1500, plus about £40/m2 for a weed membrane.
You can expect a gravel driveway to last up to 100 years if well maintained and weeded regularly.
Pros
- Very cheap material and easy to lay.
- Compacts easier than other similar materials.
- Drains water easily.
Cons
- Regrade the surface every couple of years.
- It can look messy if left unattended.
- Difficult to walk on if the gravel is too deep.
Block Paved Driveways
In the UK, you can expect a block paving driveway of around 50m2 to cost between £2500 and £5000 if using concrete pavers, which cost between £20-£60/m2. Alternatively, clay pavers cost £70 to £100/m2 and natural stone £50 to £120/m2.
Pros
- Many shapes, materials, styles, colours and sizes, so the design possibilities are almost endless.
- It’s much more attractive than plain unbroken surfaces like concrete or Tarmac.
- Basic rectangular concrete blocks are relatively inexpensive.
- Individual blocks are easily replaced if damaged or stained.
- Block pavers are manufactured so accurate sizing compared to stone.
- No specialist machinery is required when installing, so low set-up costs.
Cons.
- It can be expensive if using specialist blocks or imitation stones.
- Poor foundations will cause subsidence, especially under heavy loads such as cars.
- Need edging restraint to prevent block movement and uneven gaps.
- Prone to weed and grass growth between blocks.
- Cheap blocks can lose their colour over time.
- Low machinery and set-up costs invite inexperienced installers, who probably will do a substandard job.
- Blocks are usually impermeable, so need drainage systems.
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Brick Driveways
Standard driveway bricks cost around £50/m2. They are made from clay, and you can buy them in many colours, patterns, textures and shapes.
On average, a brick driveway will last around 25 years.
Pros
- Clay stands up to normal wear and tear.
- A properly installed driveway has a smooth and attractive surface.
Cons
- Requires regular maintenance.
- Needs pressure washing twice a year.
- Reseal the bricks after each wash to prevent flaking.
Pattern Imprinted Concrete Driveways
Typically, for a driveway of area 40m2, you can pay around £3800. In comparison, an area of 100m2 would cost about £8000. This includes skilled labour for the pattern imprints.
Pros
- When installed correctly, the finished product is attractive and very durable.
- Standard textures include stone, bricks, cobbles, timber and tile.
- It has an unbroken surface, so it resists weed growth.
- Almost maintenance-free, except it needs resealing every three to five years.
Cons
- Unless the contractor is very skilled, it’s almost impossible to provide an unnoticeable repair.
- Difficult to match up colours on repairs.
- With the incorrect application of colour hardeners, the surface can suffer from premature wear.
- Can flake if installed incorrectly.
- The surface needs correctly made expansion and contraction joints at appropriate intervals.
Resin Driveways
A typical driveway of 40m2 costs around £2400. Typically, the range is between £40 to £70/m2.
Pros
- Beautiful visual effect.
- Wide colour range.
- No drainage problems as a correctly laid resin driveway is porous. Therefore, it complies with the government’s regulations on Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems.
- Install it onto an existing sub base.
- Easy maintenance with a pressure washer.
Cons
- Needs regular cleaning to prevent moss and weed growth.
- Frequent vehicle turning might make the resin lift from the surface.
- Use a reputable installation company to receive a warranty.
- Resins might bleach under UV, so use a dark colour.
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Driveway Resurfacing Timeline & Steps
As with every home improvement project, each one is unique and will involve varying details. However, we can summarise them all into a few steps. Below is a typical generalised overview of the process involved in laying Tarmac.
- Measure and plan the area.
- Contact the council for the dropped kerb service if necessary.
- Provide a suitable foundation. This step might involve excavation and removal of the current driveway, or if the existing driveway is of good quality, leave it in place.
- Install edging blocks around the driveway area. These contain the Tarmac in one place and prevents cracking. Some contractors use timber or concrete, while others use block paving or kerbstones, making a much more pleasant finish.
- Lay a woven membrane sheet to prevent weed growth and stop the Tarmac from sinking and mixing with the soil.
- Lay hardcore, followed by gravel/sand ballast into the excavation. Then compress the ballast to provide a firm and stable base of the required depth.
- Install drainage channels as required.
- Lay a 50mm deep base coat of Tarmac, followed by an additional top layer. Spread, roll and compact the Tarmac to provide a smooth finish.
- Although you can usually walk on a new Tarmac driveway after a few hours, DON’T drive on it until all the solvent has evaporated and the surface is fully cured. Usually, the surface won’t be strong enough to support a car’s weight until three days have elapsed. But, take advice from the contractor because depending on the weather, it might take as many as seven days.
Timeline
Typically, most UK driveways take between 1 to 2 days to install. However, various tasks will increase the duration:
- Remove existing driveway – Depending on its quality, keep or remove it.
- Excavate foundation to reach suitable subsoil. If the ground contains deep topsoil, the excavation must be deeper than usual.
- The hardcore and ballast foundation depth will vary depending on the excavation depth.
- Installation of edging – Installing timber edging will take less time than kerbstones or concrete but will have a shorter lifetime and won’t look as good.
Planning Permission & UK Compliance
You won’t need planning permission for a driveway if it’s less than 5m2 in area or uses a water-permeable material or if it directs the surface water to a lawn or flower border.
The UK government’s regulations on the types of surfaces used for driveways describe all the approved and prohibited variations. They advise on how to minimise flooding and pollution of watercourses by urban development and surface water runoff.
Dropping kerbs and strengthening pavements is a job for a professional contractor in conjunction with your local council. You must apply to the local council for the work to be done, and it must be carried out by a local authority approved contractor. Probably, your local tarmac driveway company is already on the local authority approved contractor list. After inspection by the local authority’s surveyors, the council will send you an invoice for the work carried out.
Next Steps
You can use many types of driveway surfaces, but a Tarmac driveway is probably one of the best for affordability and durability. However, installing a Tarmac driveway isn’t a job for the local handyman or a DIY project. Instead, you need a professional and qualified installation company to ensure you have customer service in case anything goes wrong.
Complete the form on this page, and you’ll receive up to four quotes detailing affordable Tarmac driveway prices from contractors who know what they’re doing.
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