Tarmac Driveway Quotes & Costs

This guide breaks down every factor influencing tarmac driveway prices, helping you understand what goes into a quotation and how to secure the best value for your investment.

Why Choose Tarmac? A Quick Overview

Before looking at the financial aspects, let’s briefly review why tarmac is a favored material for driveways.

Key Benefits:

• Durability: When properly installed with an adequate sub-base, tarmac can withstand heavy vehicular traffic and varying weather conditions for many years.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to options like block paving or resin-bound surfaces, tarmac is often more budget-friendly for the initial installation.
• Aesthetics: Tarmac offers a neat, smooth, and uniform appearance. It can be finished with various edging options to complement your property’s style. Red tarmac is also an option for a different aesthetic, though typically at a higher price.
• Quick Installation: Tarmac driveways can often be laid relatively quickly, minimizing disruption to your home. The material hardens rapidly, allowing for use sooner than some other surfaces.
• Weather Resistance: Tarmac is resilient against frost and snow, and its dark colour helps melt ice and snow faster.

Potential Downsides:

• Heat Absorption: Being black, tarmac absorbs heat, which can make the surface very hot in summer.
• Maintenance: While generally low maintenance, tarmac can be susceptible to damage from oil spills if not sealed. Weeds can sometimes penetrate cracks if not addressed.
• Fading: Over time, the deep black colour can fade to grey due to UV exposure, though sealants can help mitigate this.
• Repairs: While repairs are possible, patching can sometimes be noticeable, affecting the uniform appearance.

The Costs breakdown

The cost of a tarmac driveway can vary significantly. It’s not just about the blacktop itself; a substantial portion of the cost is in the preparation and groundwork.

Average Cost Per Square Metre (m²):
You can typically expect to pay between £50 and £120 per square metre for a new tarmac driveway installation. This range accounts for various factors discussed below. Resurfacing an existing driveway will be at the lower end of this scale, or potentially less, while a full new installation with extensive groundwork will be at the higher end.

Average Total Installation Costs:

• Tarmac Resurfacing/Overlay: If you have an existing driveway with a sound base, an overlay could cost between £40 and £70 per m². For an average-sized driveway (e.g., 50m²), this could range from £2,000 to £3,500.
• Full New Tarmac Installation: This involves excavation, new sub-base, drainage, and tarmac layers. Costs typically range from £70 to £120 per m². For a 50m² driveway, this could mean £3,500 to £6,000 or more.

Example Cost Scenarios :

Driveway Size	Type of Work	Estimated Cost Range	Notes
Small (approx. 20m²)	Resurfacing	£800 – £1,400	Assumes existing base is sound.
Small (approx. 20m²)	Full Installation	£1,400 – £2,400	Includes basic excavation and sub-base.
Medium (approx. 50m²)	Resurfacing	£2,000 – £3,500
Medium (approx. 50m²)	Full Installation	£3,500 – £6,000	May include standard drainage solutions.
Large (approx. 100m²)	Resurfacing	£4,000 – £7,000
Large (approx. 100m²)	Full Installation	£7,000 – £12,000+	Costs can increase significantly with complex drainage or site issues.

These are guideline prices. Always get bespoke quotes for your specific project.

Scope of Work: Resurfacing vs. Full New Installation

This is a primary cost differentiator.

• Tarmac Overlay/Resurfacing: This involves laying a new layer of tarmac (typically 20-30mm wearing course) directly onto an existing driveway surface.
  • When is resurfacing an option? It’s suitable if the current driveway (tarmac, concrete) is structurally sound, free from major cracks, sinking, or crumbling, and has adequate existing drainage. The existing levels must also allow for the additional height of the new tarmac layer.
  • Process: The existing surface is thoroughly cleaned, any minor repairs are made (e.g., filling small cracks), and a tack coat (bitumen emulsion) is applied to help the new tarmac bond. The new tarmac is then laid and compacted.
  • Typical cost savings: Resurfacing can be 40-60% cheaper than a full installation because it avoids extensive excavation, sub-base work, and waste disposal costs.
• Full Tarmac Installation: This is required for new driveways where none existed before, or when the existing driveway is too damaged or unsuitable for an overlay.
  • When is a full installation necessary? If the existing base is compromised, if there are significant level changes needed, if extensive new drainage is required, or if the current driveway material is unsuitable for an overlay (e.g., loose gravel without a proper sub-base).
  • Process explained: This involves:
  1. Excavation: Removing existing surface, soil, and vegetation to the required depth.
  2. Sub-base Installation: Laying and compacting a layer of MOT Type 1 aggregate (crushed stone).
  3. Membrane (Optional but Recommended): A geotextile membrane may be laid between the sub-grade and sub-base to prevent sinking and weed growth.
  4. Drainage Installation: Fitting channel drains, soakaways, or ensuring falls direct water appropriately.
  5. Tarmac Layers: Laying and compacting a base course of tarmac, followed by a wearing course.
  6. Edging Installation: Fitting kerbs or other edging.

Driveway Size & Shape

Naturally, the larger the area, the more materials and labour will be required, increasing the overall cost. However, the cost per square metre might decrease slightly for very large areas due to economies of scale.
Complex or irregular shapes (curves, multiple angles) will cost more than simple rectangular driveways. This is because they require more intricate cutting of edging materials, more complex setup for laying the tarmac, and potentially more labour time.

Ground Preparation & Sub-Base

This is a foundational element and a major cost component, especially for full installations. A poor sub-base will lead to premature failure of the tarmac surface (sinking, cracking).

• Importance of a solid sub-base: The sub-base provides structural support for the tarmac. For domestic driveways, MOT Type 1 hardcore (granite or limestone crushed to specific sizes) is the standard.
• Depth of sub-base: The depth required depends on ground conditions and expected vehicle load. For typical domestic driveways, a compacted depth of 100mm to 150mm is common. Heavier vehicles or poor ground may require 200mm or more.
• Excavation and removal of existing surface: If an old driveway (concrete, old tarmac, flags) needs to be removed, this adds to labour and disposal costs. Skip hire will be necessary.
• Dealing with poor ground conditions: Clay soil, for instance, is prone to movement and poor drainage. It may require deeper excavation, a thicker sub-base, or the installation of a geotextile membrane to stabilize the ground and prevent the sub-base material from mixing with the clay. This adds to the cost.

Tarmac Layers & Thickness

Tarmac is typically laid in two layers for domestic driveways:

• Base Course (Binder Course): This is the lower layer, typically 40-60mm thick, made with larger aggregate (e.g., 20mm). It provides the main structural strength.
• Wearing Course (Surface Course): This is the top layer, typically 20-40mm thick, made with smaller aggregate (e.g., 6mm or 10mm) for a smoother, more durable finish. Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) is a premium wearing course option known for its high durability and resistance to rutting, though it costs more.

Total thickness for domestic driveways usually ranges from 60mm to 100mm. Thicker layers provide greater durability and longevity but increase material costs.

• Coloured Tarmac: While standard black tarmac is most common, red tarmac is a popular alternative for aesthetic appeal. Red tarmac (and other colours) usually costs more due to the pigments and different binder required. Expect a premium of 20-50% for coloured tarmac compared to standard black.

Drainage Requirements

Proper drainage is not just good practice; it’s often a legal requirement.

• SUDS Regulations: Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) regulations in the UK apply to new or extended driveways over 5 square metres that drain to public sewers. If your driveway doesn’t allow water to drain naturally to a permeable area (like a garden), you’ll need a SUDS-compliant solution.
• Types of drainage and cost implications:
  • Soakaways: A pit filled with rubble or plastic crates that allows surface water to percolate back into the ground. Cost depends on size and ground conditions (percolation tests may be needed).
  • Linear/Channel Drains (Aco Drains): Installed along edges or across the driveway to collect water and direct it to a soakaway or suitable outlet. Adds to material and installation costs.
  • Permeable Tarmac: A specialist product that allows water to drain through its surface into a specially prepared sub-base. More expensive than standard tarmac but can be a good SUDS solution. Less common for standard residential driveways due to cost and specific installation needs.
  • Creating Falls: Ensuring the driveway is sloped correctly to direct water away from buildings and towards drains or permeable areas is part of good installation practice.

Failure to address drainage can lead to waterlogging, frost damage, and non-compliance with regulations. These solutions will be itemized in a comprehensive quote.

Edging and Borders

Edging is essential for containing the tarmac, preventing it from spreading or crumbling at the sides, and providing a neat, finished look. Different options significantly alter aesthetics and cost.

• Popular options and their cost impact:
  • Concrete Kerbs (Pre-cast): Strong, durable, and functional. Available in various profiles (bullnose, flat-top). A cost-effective choice.
  • Block Paving Edging: Using one or two rows of block pavers creates an attractive contrast and a defined border. More expensive than concrete kerbs due to material and labour.
  • Stone Setts (Cobbles): Granite or natural stone setts offer a premium, traditional look. This is usually the most expensive edging option.
  • Timber Edging: Treated timber can be used but is less durable than other options for a driveway.
  • Metal Edging: Sleek and modern, often made from steel or aluminium.

Site Accessibility & Complexity

How easily can contractors get machinery, materials, and skips to and from your driveway?

• Slopes and levelling requirements: Steeply sloping driveways or those requiring significant levelling work will incur higher labour costs and may need more sub-base material.
• Accessibility to the site: Tight access for lorries delivering tarmac and aggregates, or for excavation machinery, can slow down the job and increase costs. If materials need to be manually moved long distances, this also adds to labour.

Labour Costs & Regional Variations

Labour rates vary significantly across the UK. Expect to pay more for labour in London and the South East compared to other regions. The skill and experience of the installation team also factor into the cost – reputable, experienced crews may charge more but deliver a higher quality, longer-lasting result.

Waste Disposal (Skip Hire)

The removal and disposal of excavated soil, old driveway materials, and other waste is a significant cost. This will typically involve hiring one or more skips. The size and number of skips will depend on the amount of waste generated. Ensure this is included in your quote.

Dropped Kerbs (If Applicable)

If you are creating a new vehicle access point from the public road to your driveway, or widening an existing one, you will need a dropped kerb. This is a separate process that requires permission from your local council and must be carried out by council-approved contractors. The cost for a dropped kerb is additional to the driveway installation itself and can range from £800 to £3,000 or more, depending on the width and local council charges.

What a Detailed Quote Should Include (Checklist)

A professional quote will be thorough and transparent. Look for:

• Full Business Details: Company name, address, phone number, VAT number (if applicable).
• Client Details: Your name and the site address.
• Date of Quote & Validity Period: How long the quoted price is valid for.
• Detailed Scope of Work: A clear description of all tasks to be undertaken:
  • Extent of excavation (area and depth).
  • Type and depth of sub-base material (e.g., “150mm compacted MOT Type 1”).
  • Details of any membrane to be used.
  • Thickness and type of tarmac base course and wearing course (e.g., “50mm 20mm dense binder course, 30mm 6mm SMA surface course”).
  • Description of drainage solutions to be installed (e.g., “10m Aco channel drain connected to new soakaway”).
  • Type of edging to be installed (e.g., “Concrete bullnose kerbs bedded on concrete”).
• Itemized Breakdown of Costs (Ideal, but not always provided):
  • Materials (sub-base, tarmac, edging, drainage components).
  • Labour.
  • Plant hire (rollers, excavators).
  • Waste disposal (skip hire).
• Total Price: Clearly stating if VAT is included or excluded.
• Payment Terms & Schedule: When payments are due (e.g., deposit, interim, final payment on completion). Be wary of large upfront deposits.
• Estimated Timeline: Approximate start date and duration of the work.
• Guarantees/Warranties: Details of any guarantee offered on workmanship and materials (typically 1-10 years, ensure you know what it covers).
• Confirmation of Insurance: Mention of public liability insurance.

Questions to Ask Your Tarmac Contractor

Before accepting any quote, ask pertinent questions:

• “Can I see examples of your local work and possibly speak to previous customers?”
• “What type and depth of sub-base will you install for my specific ground conditions?”
• “What thickness will the tarmac base course and wearing course be?”
• “What specific type of tarmac will you use for the surface course (e.g., SMA)?”
• “How will you manage surface water drainage to comply with SUDS regulations?”
• “Are you and your team insured (public liability insurance)? Can I see a copy of your certificate?”
• “Do you offer a guarantee on the work and materials? What does it cover and for how long?”
• “Is waste removal and skip hire included in the quote?”
• “What is the estimated timeframe for the project, from start to finish?”
• “Who will be responsible for the project on-site, and who is my main point of contact?”
• “What preparation do I need to do before you start (e.g., clearing the area)?”
• “How long after completion can I walk and drive on the new tarmac?”