Layers matter
A tarmac drive that lasts is built in layers:
- Sub-base: crushed stone, compacted, laid to falls so water runs where you want it.
- Binder course: a coarser layer that takes the load.
- Surface course: the fine, dense layer you see and drive on.
- Edging: block, kerb or timber edging to stop the tarmac breaking away at the sides.
A single thin layer on a weak base can look fine on day one and break up within a few winters.
Costs
| Item | Typical UK cost |
|---|---|
| Tarmac driveway | about £90 per m² |
| 35m² drive | about £3,150 |
| Block edging | often included; check the quote |
Source: Checkatrade, April 2026. Larger areas cost less per m², because the fixed costs of the crew and machinery are spread further.
Where tarmac suits Billingham
Tarmac makes most sense on bigger, simpler areas: a long drive down the side of a semi to a garage, a double-width frontage, or a shared access. It is also a common choice for replacing a cracked concrete drive on the 1960s and 1970s estates, where the frontages are open and straightforward.
On a small terraced frontage, the cost advantage shrinks and a block or resin finish often looks better for little extra.
Porous tarmac
Porous (open-graded) tarmac lets water pass through into a stone base beneath. It is the simplest way to keep tarmac within the front-garden drainage rules, and it is also the usual base for a resin-bound finish if you upgrade later.
Getting the edges right
Edges are where tarmac fails first. A row of blocks set in concrete gives a neat line and holds the surface in place. It is worth asking whether edging is included, because it is a common place for quotes to differ.
Spotting a doorstep offer
Be wary of anyone who knocks to say they have "tarmac left over from a job nearby". Proper tarmac work needs a planned sub-base and edging, a written quote and an address you can find again.
Common questions
How long does a tarmac drive last?
Around 15 to 20 years on a good base, sometimes longer, with occasional sealing.
Can I park on new tarmac straight away?
Usually you can walk on it the same day, but avoid parking and turning on it for a few days, especially in warm weather.
Does tarmac need planning permission?
Not if it is porous or drains into your garden. Otherwise a new front surface over 5m² needs permission.
Is red tarmac available?
Yes, at extra cost. Black is the standard and the cheapest.