Tarmac Driveways

Tarmac Driveways: The Complete UK Homeowner’s Guide

Choosing the right driveway is one of the most important decisions you can make for your home’s exterior. It’s the first thing visitors see and a feature you’ll use every day.

For decades, UK homeowners have relied on the classic tarmac driveway for its durability, affordability, and sleek appearance. It remains a hugely popular choice, offering a practical and reliable surface that stands up to the unpredictable British weather.

A well-laid tarmac driveway provides a smooth, uniform finish that instantly boosts your home’s kerb appeal. But what exactly is tarmac? How does it compare to modern alternatives like resin?

And what do you need to know before investing in one? At StoneSet, we deliver professional driveway surfacing solutions built to last, and this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about tarmac driveways, helping you decide if it’s the right fit for your property.

What Is a Tarmac Driveway?

Tarmac is a dark, bituminous material that is laid as a hot liquid and compacted to form a hard-wearing, smooth surface. The name “tarmac” is short for tarmacadam, a road surfacing material patented by Welsh inventor Edgar Purnell Hooley in 1902. It was originally made by binding crushed stone with tar.

Today, what we commonly call tarmac is often an asphalt concrete mixture. Modern tarmac contains bitumen, a sticky, black, and highly viscous liquid or semi-solid form of petroleum, which acts as a binder.

This is mixed with mineral aggregates like sand, gravel, and crushed stone. When heated, the mixture becomes pliable enough to be spread and compacted. As it cools, it hardens into a durable, solid surface perfect for driveways, roads, and car parks.

The installation process involves preparing a solid sub-base before pouring the hot tarmac and compacting it with a heavy roller. This creates a dense, seamless finish that is both strong and flexible.

The Benefits of Tarmac Driveways

Tarmac has been a go-to choice for UK homeowners for generations, and for good reason. It offers a unique combination of practicality, value, and performance.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Every StoneSet surface is designed to handle the demands of the UK climate, and tarmac is no exception. Its flexible nature allows it to withstand freezing temperatures without cracking, and its non-porous surface effectively sheds rainwater, preventing puddles from forming. It is also resistant to damage from frost heave, making it a reliable option for year-round performance.

Cost-Effective Solution

One of the biggest advantages of a tarmac driveway is its affordability. Compared to block paving or resin-bound surfaces, tarmac generally has a lower installation cost. Repairs are also relatively straightforward and budget-friendly, as small cracks or potholes can often be patched without needing to resurface the entire area. This makes it an excellent choice for homeowners working with a tight budget or those with very large driveways to cover.

Fast and Simple Installation

Installing a tarmac driveway is a quick process, especially when handled by experienced professionals. Unlike other materials that require individual blocks or stones to be laid, tarmac is poured and levelled in one go. This means less disruption for you and your family, with most driveways completed in just a day or two.

Smooth, Clean, and Attractive Finish

A freshly laid tarmac driveway provides a sleek, uniform appearance that complements any style of home. Its dark, smooth surface creates a neat and tidy look that enhances your property’s kerb appeal. The seamless finish is also easy to maintain and is kind to your vehicle’s tyres.

How Much Does a Tarmac Driveway Cost?

The price can vary significantly based on several factors:

• Area Size: Larger driveways generally have a lower cost per square metre but a higher overall cost.
• Ground Preparation: If significant excavation or sub-base work is needed, the cost will increase.
• Access: Difficult site access for machinery and materials can add to the labour costs.
• Edging: The type of edging you choose (e.g., block paving, kerbstones) will affect the final price.
• Location: Prices can vary depending on your location within the UK.
• Existing Surface: The cost will differ if you are overlaying an existing driveway versus installing a new one from scratch.

For an accurate and competitive price tailored to your specific needs, contact StoneSet for a free, no-obligation quote.

Maintenance Tips for Tarmac Driveways

To keep your tarmac driveway looking its best and extend its lifespan, follow these simple maintenance tips:

• Regular Cleaning: Sweep away leaves, dirt, and debris regularly to prevent staining and moss growth. For a deeper clean, you can use a pressure washer on a low setting.
• Deal with Spills Immediately: Oil, petrol, and other chemical spills can soften and damage the tarmac. Clean them up as quickly as possible using a degreaser.
• Apply a Sealant: Consider having your driveway sealed every 3–5 years. A sealant restores the dark colour, protects against water and UV damage, and helps prevent cracks.
• Repair Small Cracks: If you notice small cracks appearing, fill them promptly with a crack repair compound to prevent water from getting underneath and causing more significant damage.

With proper care, a tarmac driveway can easily last for up to 20 years before needing major resurfacing.

Can You Overlay Tarmac with Resin?

Yes, absolutely! One of the best ways to upgrade an old, tired tarmac driveway is with a resin overlay. If your existing tarmac surface is structurally sound (i.e., no major cracks or subsidence), a resin-bound layer can be applied directly over the top.

This is a fantastic, cost-effective solution because it eliminates the need for expensive and disruptive excavation work. StoneSet has extensive experience in creating stunning resin-over-tarmac driveways. The benefits include:

• A Brand-New Look: Instantly transform the appearance of your driveway with a huge choice of colours and finishes.
• Increased Durability: The resin layer adds a tough, long-lasting surface that resists weeds, stains, and weather damage.
• Smooth and Seamless Finish: The resin overlay covers any minor imperfections in the old tarmac, creating a flawless surface.
• Permeable Surface: A resin-bound overlay is fully permeable, helping to manage surface water and prevent puddles.

If you’re ready to upgrade your old tarmac driveway with a stunning resin overlay from StoneSet, get in touch with our team today.

Tarmac Driveway FAQs

How long does tarmac take to cure?

Freshly laid tarmac needs time to cool and harden, a process known as curing. While you can typically walk on it after 5–8 hours, you should avoid driving or parking on it for at least 24–72 hours, depending on the weather conditions.

Do you need planning permission for a tarmac driveway?

In most cases, you do not need planning permission to lay a new tarmac driveway as it’s considered a permitted development. However, if the new surface is over five square metres and is not permeable (allowing water to drain through), you will need to install adequate drainage to prevent run-off onto public roads.

What’s the difference between asphalt and tarmac?

Though the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a technical difference. Tarmac was traditionally made with tar, while modern asphalt uses bitumen as the binder. Today, most “tarmac” driveways are actually made from asphalt concrete, which is more durable and environmentally stable.

Can resin be installed over an existing tarmac driveway?

Yes. As long as the existing tarmac is in good structural condition, it provides an ideal sub-base for a resin-bound overlay. Our expert installers will assess your current driveway to ensure it’s suitable.

Why Choose StoneSet?

When it comes to your driveway, quality matters. At StoneSet, we are committed to delivering excellence from start to finish. We are a trusted, family-owned business based in Lincolnshire with over 25 years of experience in driveway surfacing.

• Expert Installers: Our skilled team uses premium materials and proven techniques to create driveways that look great and perform even better.
• Guaranteed Quality: We stand by our work, offering a 5-year installation guarantee and a 20-year product guarantee on all our installations.
• Custom Designs: Whether you prefer the classic look of tarmac or the endless possibilities of resin, we tailor every project to your vision.
• Transparent and Honest Service: We provide clear, honest pricing with no hidden fees and pride ourselves on exceptional customer service.

Your Perfect Driveway Awaits

A tarmac driveway remains a solid, reliable, and stylish choice for any UK home. It offers a winning combination of affordability and durability that is hard to beat. And when the time comes to refresh its appearance, a resin overlay provides a seamless and stunning upgrade.

Whatever your needs, StoneSet has the expertise to bring your vision to life. Explore our range of driveway services and let our team help you create a beautiful, long-lasting entrance to your home.