Red tarmac driveways in Reading

What does a red tarmac driveway cost in Reading?

Local guide rates for Reading (the South East, about 10% above our UK midpoint):

Item	Guide price (inc VAT)
Red tarmac drive, full dig-out and new sub-base	£82–£127 per m²
Example: 30 m² drive	£2,700–£4,150
Example: 50 m² drive	£4,100–£6,350
Example: 80 m² drive	£6,600–£10,100

As a 2026 guide in Reading, red tarmac driveway work runs at about £82–£127 per m² including VAT, so a 50 m² drive is roughly £4,100–£6,350. Guide only; the survey confirms a fixed price.

What is included in a red tarmac driveway?

Red tarmac is ordinary asphalt with a red pigment, and often red aggregate, in the surface course, laid on the same sub-base and binder course as a black tarmac drive.

Full dig-out and MOT Type 1 sub-base, about 150 mm
Black AC 20 binder course, about 50–60 mm
Red pigmented surface course, about 20–30 mm
Colour sample discussed before ordering
Falls and drainage set as for any new drive

Do I need permission in Reading?

In England, householder permitted development (Class F of the 2015 General Permitted Development Order) lets you lay a hard surface in front of a house without planning permission if it is porous, or if the rainwater is directed to a permeable area within the property. If the area is more than 5 m² and neither applies, you need permission. Standard dense tarmac is not porous, so a dense tarmac drive needs a lawn, border, channel to a soakaway or other permeable route for its water. If the job needs a dropped kerb, the highway authority (the county or unitary council) approves it before any work on the footway.

Covering Reading

Reading at a glance. We cover Reading as part of our regular Berkshire rounds.

Postcodes: RG1, RG4, RG30, RG31
Area: Berkshire
Nearest towns: Earley (3 miles), Wokingham (7 miles), Crowthorne (10 miles), Yateley (10 miles)
Pricing: South East, about 10% above our UK midpoint
Kerb approvals: The highway authority

The same service is available in Earley, Wokingham, Crowthorne, Yateley, Bracknell.

Questions about red tarmac driveways in Reading

Are there planning or highway rules in Reading?

In England, a new hard surface over 5 m² in front of a house needs planning permission unless it is porous or drains to a lawn, border or soakaway within the property. Dropped kerbs are approved by the highway authority (the county or unitary council).

Is the survey in Reading free?

Yes for new surfacing such as drives, paths, private roads and car parks. Small repairs are often priced from photos; if a visit is needed for a repair-only job, we tell you any charge first.

How long will the work take at my Reading property?

Usually 2–4 working days. We book Reading surveys alongside other jobs in Berkshire, and give you dates once the specification is agreed.

What is the price of a red tarmac driveway in Reading?

As a 2026 guide in Reading, red tarmac driveway work runs at about £82–£127 per m² including VAT, so a 50 m² drive is roughly £4,100–£6,350. Edging, drainage and a dropped kerb are priced separately where needed.