Tarmac driveways are extremely common in the UK. The name comes from tarmacadam, which is a mixture of aggregates (gravel) and tar, and is not really used in domestic settings today. When people think of tarmac, they’re usually thinking of asphalt – a mixture of aggregates and bitumen.

We’ll use tarmac in this guide to talk about driveways, as that’s the most commonly-used term. So how much will a tarmac driveway set you back? Read our guide to find out the cost of the average tarmac driveway and the cost per square metre.

How much does it cost to tarmac a driveway?

If you have an average driveway of 50m² (will fit 1 car comfortably or 2 small to medium-sized cars), expect a new black tarmac driveway to cost around £3,250. This estimate includes all labour, including digging out old materials and disposal and laying the sub-base, as well as all materials.

Cost breakdown:

Item/service	Average cost for 50m2 driveway
Excavation and waste disposal	£815
Sub-base	£685
Tarmac	£1,750
Total	£3,250

The exact cost of your tarmac driveway will vary depending on a variety of factors:

• Size: As you’d expect, the size of your driveway will affect the cost. The larger the driveway, the more materials you’ll need and the longer it’ll take your driveway specialist to lay.

• Shape: Standard square or rectangular driveways will cost less to lay as it will be easier to spread the tarmac. Curved or winding tarmac driveways will cost more.

• Colour: While most people go for the standard black, you can have a tarmac driveway in an array of colours. You can get tarmac in a range of colours, but red is the most popular colour after black. Expect to pay between £10-20 more per m² for red tarmac. Other colours could cost even more.

• Condition of the space: If you have an old driveway in poor condition that you want to cover with tarmac, this will generally cost more than if you have a clear space that’s ready for a driveway company to excavate.

• Where you live: Where you live has an impact on the cost of your tarmac driveway, and unfortunately you can’t do much about this one! You’ll pay less if you live in the north of England or Scotland and more if you live near London or in the south east. Check our location-based estimates further down the page for a more precise cost.

Tarmac driveway cost per m²

The average tarmac driveway cost per m² is £65, but it can range between £50-£100 per m². We’ve broken down the average costs so you can see where your money is going:

Item	Average cost per m2
Excavation and waste disposal	£16
Sub-base	£14
Tarmac	£35
Total	£65

Is tarmac cheaper than block paving?

Yes, tarmac is cheaper than block paving. The average 50m² block paved driveway will cost at least £5,140, making tarmac the cheaper option. This is generally because tarmac is much quicker to lay than block paving where you have to set each individual brick.

Advantages and disadvantages of tarmac driveways

Advantages

• Quick to install: As driveway specialists must work quickly to spread hot tarmac over the prepared sub-base, it’s faster to install than materials like block paving.

• Easy to repair: A driveway contractor can repair cracks and holes easily, and you can even resurface a whole tarmac driveway to extend its lifespan.

• Weather resistant: Tarmac is designed to endure heat, snow, frost and any other British weather conditions, so it should last for many years.

• Budget-friendly: A mid-range option, tarmac is cheaper than block paving and concrete but more expensive than gravel driveways, but are much easier to maintain.

Disadvantages

• Needs maintenance: It’s important to keep your tarmac driveway dry to prevent moss or algae growth, which can make the surface slippery. Also, vehicle oil, petrol and diesel can weaken the binder in tarmac which can make it crack, so you must rinse off any spillages swiftly. It’s best to get your tarmac driveway resealed every 5 years.

• Can get hot in summer: Tarmac can get excessively hot in the summer if the sun shines directly on it. As well as making it painful to walk on in soft shoes, UV rays can begin to degrade tarmac, making cracks and potholes appear.

• Can develop potholes: Harsh frosts can encourage cracks in your tarmac to turn into potholes, as well as UV rays and general wear and tear. If left, weeds can grow in the holes and make them even bigger, so it’s important to get cracks and potholes repaired as soon as you notice them.

How long before I can park on my new tarmac driveway?

Like block paving, concrete or resin, you’ll need to leave your tarmac driveway to cure for a while before you park on it. It’s best to leave it at least 48 hours before you park your cars on your new driveway to allow the tarmac to harden, but 5 days would be even better.

How long will a tarmac drive last?

On average, a well-installed tarmac driveway should last around 20 years. However, it all depends on the quality of the initial installation, how well you look after it and its exposure to direct sunlight.

The best way to increase the longevity of your tarmac drive is to keep it clean and deal with any cracks or potholes as soon as you notice them.

Does a tarmac drive need drainage?

Yes, a tarmac drive does need drainage. As an impermeable surface, rainwater can’t soak into it, so will pool on your driveway and could contribute to flooding. All new driveways of over 5m2 must be SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) compliant, meaning that they must have a drainage system that mimics natural drainage for water to run into. Make sure your driveway specialist speaks to you about adding soakaways or directing rainwater into a lawn or other natural surface nearby.

What time of year is best to tarmac a driveway?

It’s best to tarmac a driveway in the spring or summer, preferably when it’s not raining. While tarmac can be laid in light rain, heavy rain could wash away the tarmac before it’s cured properly.

Waiting until spring or summer to tarmac your driveway helps reduce the risk of your project being delayed due to heavy rain. Plus, warmer temperatures are optimal for curing time – 15°C up to 30°C is ideal.

Now you’ve seen the average costs for tarmac driveways, it’s time to get more accurate prices. Post your job on HaMuch now and we’ll put you in touch with driveway specialists in your area.

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