Driveway Tarmac Cost | How Much Does It Cost to Tarmac a Driveway?

Tarmac can be a great option for your driveway, it’s cost-effective, quick and easy to install and extremely durable. This article will give you an indication of a standard driveway tarmac cost and some of the advantages of installing this as your new driveway.

driveway tarmac cost

Driveway Tarmac Cost

The cost of tarmac is usually calculated per meter squared (m²). The price will depend on the size and shape of the area that you want to tarmac. You should be prepared to pay £50-£60 per square meter. If a company is offering it to you for less, run in the opposite direction, 9 times out of 10 they will be dreaded “cowboy builders”.

If you’re getting charged anything lower than £50-60 per square meter then chances are it is made from unauthorised materials. This could mean it will likely fall apart after just a few months.

Generally, you should expect to pay more;

  • If the area is too small
  • If the job is too small (the larger the job the cheaper it will be, ask your neighbours if they are interested)
  • For irregular shapes
  • Poor access
  • Unusual slopes
  • If you’re installing red tarmac

You can also expect to pay more if you live in certain areas of the country. Living in or around London could see you paying double for tarmac installation compared to other parts of the UK.

To get the best value for money, ensure you explore multiple options and research a few companies. A reputable company should be able to give you a quote if you know the measurements and if you let them know of any of the factors listed above.

Before deciding on a contractor, try and make sure that the contract includes a guarantee.

What’s Included in the Price?

This may depend on the company, so ensure you know all costs are outlined before signing a contract.

Generally, the driveway tarmac cost will include everything from materials, labour and waste disposal of the project. A regular work schedule for a tarmacking job includes;

  • Removal of existing driveway (this isn’t always necessary)
  • Repair existing or create new tarmac base
  • Lay weed control membrane
  • Connect drainage to existing pipework
  • Lay sub-base/base
  • Lay concrete sand edging
  • Lay 1st and 2nd layer of tarmac (by machine or by hand) and then compact it with a roller
  • Remove waste materials
  • Clean and tidy the site

driveway tarmac cost

Advantages of Tarmacking a Driveway

The advantages of tarmacking a driveway include;

  • Quick and Easy to Install
  • Long Lasting, Strong and Durable
  • Impermeable
  • Cheap and Easy to Maintain
  • Easy to Edge with Other Materials
  • Water Resistant

tarmac driveway cost

How to Find a Contractor?

If you are looking to hire a contractor, there are plenty. Ensure that you research and read reviews before deciding on a company. There are a lot of cowboy builders out there and many people will not realise until it’s too late.