Tarmac remains one of the most cost effective and durable driveway options for homes across London. It copes well with daily vehicle use, drains effectively, and gives a smooth, tidy finish that holds up for years. We’re a family run team, and every job is carried out by our own people rather than subcontractors, from excavation and edging through to sub base preparation, the machine laid binder course, and final compaction, all completed in line with BS 594987 standards. The sections below explain what the work actually involves, what affects the cost, and how long a tarmac driveway typically lasts.
Getting a tarmac driveway right is not just about the surface layer. It comes down to solid sub base construction, accurate compaction, and correct levels before the final surface goes down. That's the real difference between a driveway that lasts and one that starts to dip or crack within a few years.
Getting the sub base right matters more than people expect. It’s what actually carries the weight of daily vehicle use, so this is never the part we rush.
Poor drainage and early cracking almost always trace back to compaction and levels, not the tarmac itself. Getting this right at the start prevents both problems later.
A driveway can look unfinished if the edges are rushed. We take time over clean, tidy edging so the whole job reads as deliberate rather than just laid down.
We install a properly compacted sub base designed to give your driveway real strength and stability for years, not just months.
Tarmac is designed to cope with frequent vehicle use and changeable weather without breaking down over time.
Tarmac driveways can usually be installed faster than block paving or resin, so your property is back in use sooner.
Beyond an occasional clean, there's very little upkeep needed to keep it looking tidy and functional.
Every quote sets out preparation, materials, and installation clearly, so you always know what you're paying for.
Homeowners across London come back to us, or recommend us to others, because the work holds up and the advice is honest.
Every tarmac driveway we lay gets the same care over preparation and finish. Take a look at what recent customers have said about working with us.
Tarmac won’t win any design awards, but it consistently gets three things right. It’s tough, it’s quick to install, and it costs less than most alternatives.
Here’s how that plays out in practice.
Handles regular cars, changeable weather, and everyday wear without fuss.
Generally the most affordable option compared with block paving or resin bound surfacing.
Less time on site than most other driveway types, so disruption to your week is kept to a minimum.
A tidy sweep now and then is genuinely all it needs to keep performing well.
Tarmac gives you a clean, consistent surface, but that doesn't mean every driveway has to look the same. We can vary the edging, layout, and finish to suit your property, and talk you through colour options where relevant, so the end result feels considered rather than generic.
We lay tarmac driveways right across Greater London, including Ealing, Kew, and surrounding areas. Get in touch for a free site survey wherever you're based.
A tarmac driveway is built up in layers. A compacted sub base is topped with bitumen bound aggregate, then rolled and compacted to create a smooth, strong surface that can take daily vehicle use.
Cost depends on the size of the area, ground conditions, and access to the property. We provide fixed, written quotes, so get in touch for a free quotation.
Generally, tarmac. It’s usually the most cost effective of the three, largely because it’s quicker to lay and needs less material preparation than block paving or resin bound surfacing.
With correct sub base preparation and compaction, a tarmac driveway can perform well for many years before it needs any significant attention.
Timescales depend on the size of the driveway and the condition of the ground beneath it. External factors can play a role, but please feel free to contact us for a proper and accurate assessment.
Not necessarily concrete. Tarmac is usually laid over a compacted stone sub base, though ground conditions on your property will determine exactly what’s needed.
In many cases, yes. If the sub base is still sound, we can often lay a fresh top layer over the existing surface rather than digging everything out and starting again.
It can, particularly if the ground underneath wasn’t properly prepared or compacted at the outset, or if heavy loads are placed on it repeatedly. Getting the base right at the start is what prevents most cracking issues later on.
Standard domestic tarmac copes well with everyday cars and light vans. For anything heavier on a regular basis, it’s worth discussing your specific needs with us so we can advise on the right specification.
It’s not essential, but sealing every few years can help protect the surface from oil staining and general wear, and keeps the colour looking fresher for longer.
It’s uncommon on a properly laid tarmac surface, since there aren’t the same joints and gaps you get with block paving. Cracks that develop over time can occasionally let weeds through, which is another reason to deal with any damage early.
Some fading from black to a lighter grey is normal over the years as the surface is exposed to sunlight and weather. It doesn’t affect how well the driveway performs, just the colour.
Simply get in touch by phone or through our online form. We’ll arrange a free site visit, talk through your options, and provide a fixed, written quote.
