Driveways and paths

Red tarmac driveways in County Down

Looking for red tarmac driveways in County Down? Start with a guide price, then a survey that turns it into a fixed, written specification.

COUNTY DOWN GUIDE£66–£101 per m² inc VAT
Red tarmac front driveway with a charcoal block edge outside a Victorian house, typical of red tarmac driveway work

How much does a red tarmac driveway cost in County Down?

Rates in County Down follow Northern Ireland, about 12% below our UK midpoint.

ItemGuide price (inc VAT)
Red tarmac drive, full dig-out and new sub-base£66–£101 per m²
Example: 30 m² drive£2,200–£3,350
Example: 50 m² drive£3,300–£5,050
Example: 80 m² drive£5,300–£8,100

Towns we cover in County Down

Postcode areas: BT.

What is included?

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
  • Contrasting block or kerb border as edge restraint
  • Colour sample discussed before ordering
  • Falls and drainage set as for any new drive

Rules in County Down

In Northern Ireland, the Planning (General Permitted Development) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015 allows a hard surface between the front of a house and a road without permission if it is porous or drains to a porous area within the property, once it exceeds 5 m². Listed buildings and some access changes need permission. Any new or altered vehicle access onto a public road needs approval from DfI Roads, not the council.

Red tarmac driveways in County Down: questions

How much does a red tarmac driveway cost in County Down?

As a 2026 guide, about £66–£101 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 red tarmac driveway take?

Usually 2–4 working days.

What border goes best with red tarmac?

Charcoal or black blocks give the sharpest contrast; buff or brindle blocks give a softer, traditional look. The border is also the edge restraint, so it is set on a concrete haunch.

Other services in County Down

Free survey for new surfacing

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
Call nowGet a price