How Much Does it Cost to Tarmac a Driveway?

If you are fed up of stepping over mud and puddles on your driveway then tarmacing it could be the answer. Not only is tarmac an affordable and low maintenance option, it’s also durable, giving you peace of mind that it will stand the test of time. Furthermore, by tarmacing the drive you enhance not only the appearance but also the value of your property.

Tarmac is also often cheaper then many other driveway surfacing options, so whichever type of installation you choose (fresh or overlay), it will more than likely cost you less than other alternatives such as paving, concrete, gravel or cement.

But just how much does it cost to tarmac a driveway?

Well, this really depends on what you have done, for example, you have the option for a completely fresh installation as well as the option to cover the existing surface (known as an overlay – more on that later)

Assuming you want a fresh installation you should be looking at a ball park cost of £40 to £60 per square metre of driveway.

What are the main benefits of using Tarmac?

Here in more detail are some of the main benefits of opting for tarmac…

  • It’s cheaper – Plain and simple, tarmac costs less than most other driveway surface options. If you choose an overlay, that will reduce the cost further, as there is no need to remove the current driveway surface
  • It’s durable – The great thing about tarmac is it’s durability. It will last for up to 15 years or more, with very little need for any maintenance. It also holds up well against the effects of the great British weather
  • It’s simple to install – Tarmac is fairly straightforward to install and most jobs can be completed in a couple of days. It does require some specialist equipment however, and of course the surface area size will dictate the actual installation time
  • It’s easy to maintain – You should not really need to do anything to your driveway once the tarmac has been laid, other than attend to the odd patch which may have suffered from excess weather or traffic

Can I do it myself or do I need a professional tradesman?

In theory you could tarmac your own drive but unless you have a lot of experience in the construction trade (and in particular landscaping) then it’s best to leave it to a professional.

Get FREE quotes from local tarmac specialists now… 



What are the steps involved?

Layering a fresh installation of tarmac can be broken down into the steps below…

  • A site survey
  • Removal of the existing surface
  • Installation of a ground lay and weed prevention felt
  • Placing down edging stones which are held in place with cement
  • Laying the sub-base followed by mechanical compressing/compacting
  • Adding and rolling the first layer of course tarmac (known as the binding course)
  • Finally, adding and rolling the top layer (fine tarmac)

What is an overlay?

An overlay (also known as relayering) is where a layer of tarmac is applied on top an existing surface, normally an existing tarmacked drive. Although an overlay will be slightly cheaper than paying for a fresh installation, it should be noted there are a number of criteria the existing driveway surface would need to meet in order for this method to be effective. These include…

  • Repairing any existing potholes in the driveway
  • Ensuring the base has not sunk or been damaged/cracked
  • Checking that the addition of another layer will not rise about the damp course/wall vents of the property

As well as being more affordable than a fresh install, overlays are also quicker to complete. For example, there is no need to for a base or sub-base to be added, you merely clean up any existing damage to the current surface, apply a primer before laying a thin layer of fresh tarmac on top.

Below are the approximate costs of an overlay…

SURFACE AREAPRICE
50 sq. metres£1,300
70 sq. metres£1,600
100 sq. metres£2,500

Where can I get quotes from?

By contacting Quotatis you will be able to receive free quotes from local professional tradespeople, taking the hassle out of trying to get the best price for the work.