New tarmac driveways in County Down
We survey and price new tarmac driveways across County Down, from Bangor, County Down to Castlereagh and Newtownards, with every layer written into the quote.
How much does a new tarmac driveway cost in County Down?
Rates in County Down follow Northern Ireland, about 12% below our UK midpoint.
| Item | Guide price (inc VAT) |
|---|---|
| New black tarmac drive, full dig-out and new sub-base | £53–£84 per m² |
| Example: 30 m² drive | £1,750–£2,750 |
| Example: 50 m² drive | £2,650–£4,200 |
| Example: 80 m² drive | £4,200–£6,700 |
Towns we cover in County Down
Postcode areas: BT.
What is included?
A new tarmac driveway is built from the ground up: the old surface and soil are dug out, a compacted stone sub-base is laid, then a hot binder course and a finer surface course are spread and rolled, and the edges are held by kerbs or blocks.
- Break out and remove the old surface and spoil
- Dig to formation level, usually around 230–250 mm below finished height
- Geotextile membrane where the ground is soft or clay
- MOT Type 1 sub-base laid and compacted in layers, about 150 mm
- Concrete-haunched kerbs or a block-paved border as edge restraint
- Surface course (AC 6 dense), about 20–30 mm, laid hot and rolled
Rules in County Down
In Northern Ireland, more than 5 m² of hard surface in front of a house should be porous or drain to a porous area within the property; DfI Roads approves dropped kerbs. If the job needs a dropped kerb, DfI Roads approves it before any work on the footway.
How it is built
New tarmac driveways in County Down: questions
How much does a new tarmac driveway cost in County Down?
As a 2026 guide, about £53–£84 per m² inc VAT in County Down. The survey confirms a fixed price.
Which towns in County Down do you cover?
Bangor, County Down, Castlereagh, Newtownards, Newry, Banbridge, Dundonald, Holywood, Downpatrick and more.
How long does a new tarmac driveway take?
Usually 2–4 working days for a typical drive, longer with drainage or a dropped kerb.
When can I drive on new tarmac?
Usually you can walk on it the same day once it has cooled. Allow at least 48 hours before parking, and preferably 3–5 days, longer in hot weather, and avoid turning the steering wheel while stationary for the first few weeks.
Other services in County Down
Get a written tarmac quote
Send a postcode and a rough size and we'll arrange a survey. Every quote lists the layers, edging, drainage and VAT.
- Surface courseDEPTH + MIX
- Binder courseDEPTH + MIX
- Sub-baseDEPTH + MATERIAL
- Edges, drainage, VATITEMISED