Tarmac Driveway

A tarmac driveway that suits your home

Tarmac — properly called asphalt — is the fastest and most economical way to surface a drive. We dig out, build a compacted sub-base, set the edging and falls, then lay and roll the binder and wearing courses so the surface sits at the right level against your garage, gate and front door. Based in Redhill, we lay new tarmac driveways and resurface existing ones across Surrey.

• You want the lowest cost per square metre of any hard surface.
• The drive is long, steep or heavily used and needs a seamless, weed-free surface.
• The existing surface is tarmac or concrete and can be overlaid rather than fully dug out.
• Rainwater can run to a lawn, border or soakaway rather than the road.

How we build it

A tarmac drive is only as good as the ground beneath it. We dig out to the required depth, lay and compact a Type 1 sub-base, set the edging and falls, then roll a binder course and a wearing course. Where the existing base is sound and levels allow, an overlay over current tarmac or concrete is quicker and cheaper than a full rebuild — worth asking about if your drive is cracked or faded but still firm.

Drainage and the rules

Tarmac is impermeable. Since 2008, a new or replaced hard surface over 5 m² in a front garden needs planning permission unless the water drains to a permeable area or a soakaway. We plan the falls into a lawn, border or soakaway as part of the quotation so the work stays within permitted development.

Tarmac guide prices

Published 2026 UK guides put tarmac at £45–£80 per m² supply and fit: a re-lay over a sound base at the lower end, a full dig-out with new sub-base, edging and drainage at the top end. A 50 m² two-car drive is commonly quoted around £4,500. These are benchmark figures from Checkatrade, MyBuilder and BestBuilders, not our own prices — your quote is fixed after a free site visit.

Keeping it looking right

Fresh tarmac is deep black and fades to grey with sun exposure, which is normal rather than dirt. Patch repairs can show, so it is worth protecting the surface from oil drips and sharp edges. Budget for a re-seal every eight to ten years and expect 12–18 years of service from a properly built drive.

What affects your quote?

The area, materials, access, removal of existing surfaces and preparation all affect the cost. Our pricing guide helps you plan a budget; a free quote confirms the work for your garden. Include approximate dimensions and photographs with your enquiry.

Based in Redhill, we serve Surrey gardens including Reigate, Kingswood, Tadworth, Banstead, Oxted and Limpsfield. See our local service areas and completed garden projects, or call 07951 217010 to discuss a free site visit.

Explore the options

Compare block paving, gravel, resin-bound driveways and all driveway installation.