Tar and chip driveways in Dorset
Across in Dorset, we cover 7 towns for tar and chip driveways, including Bournemouth, Poole and Weymouth.
How much does a tar and chip driveway cost in Dorset?
Rates in Dorset follow the South West, about 3% above our UK midpoint.
| Item | Guide price (inc VAT) |
|---|---|
| Tar and chip drive with a new sub-base | £46–£77 per m² |
| Example: 50 m² drive | £2,300–£3,850 |
| Example: 100 m² drive | £4,650–£7,700 |
| Example: 200 m² drive | £8,800–£14,700 |
Towns we cover in Dorset
Postcode areas: BH, DT.
What is included?
Tar and chip, also called surface dressing, is a layer of bitumen sprayed onto a prepared base and immediately covered with stone chippings, which are rolled in so the surface looks like gravel but behaves like a bound drive.
- Base prepared: new MOT Type 1 sub-base, or an existing sound tarmac or stone base
- Edges set with kerbs, setts or cobbles
- Hot bitumen or emulsion sprayed evenly
- Rolled to bed the stones in
- Loose surplus chippings swept up after a few days
- Second coat where a double dressing is specified
Rules in Dorset
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. If the job needs a dropped kerb, the highway authority (the county or unitary council) approves it before any work on the footway.
How it is built
Tar and chip driveways in Dorset: questions
How much does a tar and chip driveway cost in Dorset?
As a 2026 guide, about £46–£77 per m² inc VAT in Dorset. The survey confirms a fixed price.
Which towns in Dorset do you cover?
Bournemouth, Poole, Weymouth, Christchurch, Ferndown, Dorchester, Wimborne Minster.
How long does a tar and chip driveway take?
Often 1–3 days depending on base work.
Will the stones come loose?
A few loose chippings are normal at first and are swept up. Once bedded in by traffic, the surface holds well. A double dressing gives a tighter finish.
Other services in Dorset
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