Tarmac vs block paving: which drive is better?

Cost

A full-build tarmac drive is typically about £60–£95 per m² including VAT. Block paving generally costs more per m² because each block is laid by hand. Tarmac's advantage grows on larger areas.

Looks

Tarmac gives a plain, modern finish; red tarmac or a block border adds interest. Block paving offers patterns, colours and borders throughout, and suits some period houses better.

Repairs

Block paving can be lifted and relaid in small areas, though new blocks may not match faded ones. Tarmac repairs are cut square and re-laid hot; they show at first and weather in over months.

Maintenance

Tarmac needs little beyond sweeping, keeping oil off and treating weeds at the edges. Block paving needs weed control in the joints and re-sanding after jet-washing.

Drainage and planning

Standard tarmac and standard block paving are both treated as impermeable; both have permeable versions. In front gardens either needs a plan for the water to stay within permitted development.

Which should I choose?

Choose tarmac for value, speed and a clean modern look, especially on larger drives. Choose block paving if pattern and colour matter most and the budget allows.

Questions

Related services

New tarmac driveways

Full dig-out, compacted stone sub-base, binder course and a fine surface course, edged and drained.

FROM £60–£95 PER M² INC VATLearn more →

Edging and kerbs for tarmac

Kerbs, blocks or setts set on a concrete haunch so the tarmac edge cannot spread or crumble.

FROM £25–£55 PER METRE INC VATLearn more →

Red tarmac driveways

Pigmented red asphalt on the same full build, often framed with a charcoal block border.

FROM £75–£115 PER M² INC VATLearn more →

Add Tarmac Driveways as a preferred source on Google