Why Choose a Tarmac Driveway?
While options like block paving and resin-bound surfaces have their merits, tarmacadam (or tarmac, as it’s commonly known) remains a popular choice for UK homeowners for several compelling reasons. It’s a practical and sensible investment that balances cost, durability, and aesthetics.
Durability and Weather Resistance
The British weather is nothing if not unpredictable. A key advantage of tarmac is its ability to withstand the elements. It’s flexible enough to handle temperature fluctuations, from summer heatwaves to winter frosts, reducing the risk of cracking. Its smooth, impermeable surface also allows for efficient water run-off, preventing puddles and standing water when laid with the correct fall and drainage.
Cost-Effectiveness
Compared to other popular driveway materials, tarmac is often the most budget-friendly option. The material costs and the speed of installation contribute to a lower overall price. For homeowners looking for maximum impact on a sensible budget, tarmac delivers exceptional value for money without compromising on performance or longevity.
Quick Installation
A major benefit of tarmac is the speed at which it can be installed. Unlike block paving, which involves the painstaking placement of individual blocks, tarmac can be laid over a large area relatively quickly by a skilled team. This means less disruption for you and your neighbours, allowing you to enjoy your new driveway sooner.
Low Maintenance
Tarmac driveways are wonderfully low-maintenance. There are no grout lines for weeds to grow through, and cleaning is as simple as a sweep with a stiff brush and an occasional wash-down. Any minor cracks or holes that may appear over time can often be repaired easily and inexpensively, extending the life of the surface even further.
A Sleek, Classic Look
The smooth, dark finish of a new tarmac driveway provides a clean and understated look that enhances the appearance of any home. It creates a perfect contrast with the green of a garden or the brickwork of a house. You can also opt for different coloured tarmac (such as red) or pair it with block-paved edging for a more decorative, bespoke finish.
Understanding the Tarmac Driveway Installation Process
A professional tarmac installation is more than just pouring and rolling a black surface. It’s a multi-stage process where the quality of the unseen groundwork is just as important as the final finish. Understanding these steps will help you appreciate what’s involved and discuss your project confidently with potential tradespeople.
- Step 1: Site Survey and Preparation
A reputable company will always begin with a thorough site visit. They will measure the area, assess the ground conditions, check for the location of any underground services (like water pipes or cables), and discuss your requirements, including edging and drainage.
- Step 2: Excavation and Groundworks
This is the most critical phase. The existing surface (grass, old concrete, or paving) is excavated to the required depth. The amount of digging depends on the ground type and expected vehicle weight. All waste material is then removed from the site, usually via a lorry or into a skip.
- Step 3: Laying the Sub-Base
The driveway's longevity depends entirely on a solid foundation. A geotextile membrane is often laid first to prevent the sub-base from mixing with the soil below and to suppress weed growth. Then, a layer of MOT Type 1 aggregate is spread and compacted using a heavy roller to create a stable, load-bearing base.
- Step 4: Installing Edging and Drainage
Before the tarmac is laid, edge restraints are installed. These can be concrete kerbs, stone setts, or block paving, and they are essential for framing the driveway and preventing the tarmac from spreading or crumbling at the edges. Proper drainage solutions, such as a linear drain or a new soakaway, will also be installed at this stage to comply with regulations.
- Step 5: Applying the Tarmac Layers
Tarmac is typically laid in two layers. The first is the 'binder course' or 'base course', a thicker, stronger layer that provides the main structural strength. This is raked to the correct levels and thoroughly compacted. The second is the 'surface course' or 'wearing course', a finer grade of tarmac that gives the smooth, attractive finish. This is also compacted with a heavy roller to ensure a dense, durable surface.
- Step 6: Finishing and Curing
Once the final layer is compacted, the tradesperson will tidy the site, ensuring all joints with existing surfaces are neat. The tarmac then needs time to cool and cure. The company will advise you on how long to wait before you can walk on it (usually a few hours) and drive on it (typically 24-72 hours, depending on the weather).
Tarmac Driveway Cost Overview
One of the first questions for any homeowner is, “How much will it cost?”. The price of a new tarmac driveway in the UK can vary significantly based on a number of factors. A professional quote will always break these down, but it’s useful to understand what influences the final figure.
Factors That Influence the Cost
- Size of the Driveway: The total area in square metres (m²) is the biggest cost driver.
- Ground Condition: If your existing driveway needs extensive excavation or the ground is particularly poor, more labour and materials will be required for the sub-base.
- Required Depth: A driveway for heavy vehicles will need a deeper sub-base and tarmac layer than one just for standard family cars, increasing material costs.
- Edging and Kerbing: The type of edging you choose (e.g., standard concrete kerbs vs. decorative granite setts) will affect the price.
- Drainage: The cost will increase if new drainage channels or a soakaway are needed to comply with Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) regulations.
- Site Accessibility: Difficult access for machinery like rollers and lorries can increase labour time and costs.
- Location: As with most building work, costs are typically higher in London and the South East compared to other parts of the UK.
- Tarmac Type: While standard black tarmac is the most common, specialist products like Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) or coloured tarmac will carry a premium.
Average Tarmac Driveway Costs in the UK
As a guide, you can expect to pay somewhere between £50 and £90 per square metre for a professionally installed tarmac driveway. This rate typically includes excavation, waste removal, sub-base installation, and the laying of both tarmac courses.
Here are some estimated project costs based on typical UK property sizes:
- Small Driveway (approx. 20m² - typical for a terraced house): £1,200 – £2,000
- Medium Driveway (approx. 40m² - typical for a semi-detached house): £2,400 – £4,000
- Large Driveway (approx. 80m² - typical for a detached house): £4,500 – £7,500+
Remember, these are ballpark figures. The only way to get an accurate price for your specific project is to obtain detailed, written quotes from reputable companies.
