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.

How much does a red tarmac driveway cost in County Down?
Rates in County Down follow Northern Ireland, about 12% below our UK midpoint.
| Item | Guide 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
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