Tarmac driveway questions

As a 2026 guide, about £60–£95 per m² including VAT for a full dig-out with a new sub-base and two tarmac courses, and about £25–£45 per m² to resurface a sound drive. London and the South East cost more; the North, Wales and Northern Ireland usually less.

Most domestic drives take 2–4 working days, including dig-out, sub-base, edging and the two tarmac courses. Drainage, a dropped kerb or bad weather can add time.

Commonly 15–20 years when the sub-base, edges and drainage are right, and often longer. An overlay on an older base usually lasts 8–15 years.

Walk on it once it has cooled, often the same day. Allow at least 48 hours before parking, preferably 3–5 days, and longer in hot weather. Avoid turning the wheels while stationary for the first few weeks.

In England, a new front hard surface over 5 m² needs permission unless it is porous or drains to a permeable area within the property. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own versions; our planning guide covers each one.

Yes, for new surfacing: drives, paths, private roads and car parks. Small repairs are often priced from photos; where a visit is needed for a repair-only job, we tell you any charge before booking. Remote areas are by arrangement.

Home prices on this site include VAT at 20%. Commercial prices are shown excluding VAT, with the VAT-inclusive figure alongside.

If the base is sound and levels allow, yes: we repair failed patches, spray a bond coat and lay a new surface course. If the drive has sunk or broken up, a rebuild is better value.

Yes. New-drive prices include breaking out, digging out and disposing of the old surface and spoil.

Yes. Red tarmac is the same full build with a pigmented surface course, typically £10–£20 per m² more than black.

Yes, within the temperature and weather limits for hot asphalt. We move surfacing days rather than lay on a frozen or wet base.

Yes, light commercial work: small car parks, yards, forecourts, shared and private roads, farm tracks, repairs and lining.

Payment stages are set out on your written quote before you agree to anything. We never ask for cash up front at the door.

If you agree the contract in your home or at a distance, you usually have 14 days to cancel under the Consumer Contracts Regulations. If you ask us to start within that time, you may pay for work already done.

No. The photos on this site are computer-generated to show typical finishes. We will add real job photos and genuine reviews as work is completed.

Tarmac Driveways is a trading name of S&K Property Investments and Improvement Ltd, part of the S&K Group. Your quote and contract are with that company.