Tarmac
Tarmac driveways.
Hard-wearing, quick to lay and great value. Framed with a block border for a sharp, modern edge.
A well-laid tarmac driveway takes years of daily use and still looks tidy.
We machine-lay a hot base and wearing course over a compacted sub-base, roll it to a dense finish and frame it with a block border so the edges never crumble. It's also what we use for private roads and shared accesses where heavy vehicles come and go.
What's included
- Excavation and removal of the old surface
- MOT Type 1 sub-base, compacted
- Hot-laid binder course and wearing course
- Block or kerb edging
- Drainage falls and channels where needed
- Private roads and shared accesses
The spec
How we build it.
- Build-up
- 150mm sub-base, 60mm binder, 25mm wearing course (typical)
- Finish
- Black or red tarmac, optional chippings
- Borders
- Tobermore Tegula, charcoal block or granite sett
- Lifespan
- 20+ years with minimal upkeep (guide)
Our work
Tarmac we've done.
- 01
Free site visit
We come out, measure up, check levels and drainage, and talk through surfaces, colours and borders with samples.
- 02
Fixed written quote
A clear, itemised price with the build-up, materials and timings in writing. No surprises later.
- 03
The build
Dig-out, sub-base, edging and surface by our own team. We keep the site tidy and you updated every day.
- 04
Handover & aftercare
A full clean-up, a walk round together and simple care advice. We're a phone call away if you need us.
FAQs
Tarmac questions.
Is tarmac cheaper than resin?
Usually, yes. Tarmac is one of the most cost-effective hard surfaces, especially for larger areas and private roads. Resin costs more but is permeable and comes in more colours.
Does tarmac need drainage?
Yes. Tarmac is non-permeable, so for front gardens over 5m² we design falls into a soakaway, rain garden or channel drain to keep it within the rules.
What's the block border for?
It locks the edge of the tarmac so it can't crumble, and it frames the driveway. The Sale job used Tobermore Tegula in Bracken, which softens the black tarmac nicely.
Other services
While we're there.
Resin bound driveways
Seamless, UV-stable and fully permeable. Laid on a properly dug, compacted base so it stays flat for years.
Find out more
Block paving
Herringbone, stretcher bond or a contrasting border. Classic paving laid on a solid, well-drained bed.
Find out more
Patios & paving
Sandstone, porcelain or resin. Patios set to the right falls so they drain properly and stay level.
Find out more
Landscaping & gardens
Full garden makeovers: lawns, artificial grass, raised beds, paths, steps and pergolas.
Find out more
Fencing & garden walls
Composite, slatted timber and close-board fencing, plus new brick garden walls built to match.
Find out more
Drainage
Channel drains, soakaways, land drainage and connections, so water goes where it should.
Find out more
Groundworks & commercial
Site prep, foundations, new-build external works and commercial surfacing for developers and businesses.
Find out more