Red tarmac driveways in the Scottish Borders
Red tarmac driveways in the Scottish Borders are priced from a site survey and an itemised specification, adjusted for Scotland rates.
How much does a red tarmac driveway cost in the Scottish Borders?
Rates in the Scottish Borders follow Scotland, about 2% below our UK midpoint.
| Item | Guide price (inc VAT) |
|---|---|
| Red tarmac drive, full dig-out and new sub-base | £74–£113 per m² |
| Example: 30 m² drive | £2,450–£3,700 |
| Example: 50 m² drive | £3,700–£5,650 |
| Example: 80 m² drive | £5,900–£9,000 |
Towns we cover in the Scottish Borders
Postcode areas: EH, TD.
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 the Scottish Borders
In Scotland, permitted development allows a hard surface between a house and a road only if it is porous or the water drains to a porous area within the property. Unlike England there is no 5 m² allowance, so it applies to any size. Conservation areas and the grounds of listed buildings have extra restrictions. The council, as roads authority, controls any new or widened access across a footway.
How it is built
Red tarmac driveways in the Scottish Borders: questions
How much does a red tarmac driveway cost in the Scottish Borders?
As a 2026 guide, about £74–£113 per m² inc VAT in the Scottish Borders. The survey confirms a fixed price.
Which towns in the Scottish Borders do you cover?
Hawick, Galashiels, Peebles, Kelso, Selkirk.
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 the Scottish Borders
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