Tarmac driveway resurfacing in Reading

What does tarmac resurfacing cost in Reading?

These Reading guide prices reflect rates in the South East, about 10% above our UK midpoint.

Item	Guide price (inc VAT)
Tarmac resurfacing over a sound existing base	£28–£50 per m²
Example: 30 m² drive	£910–£1,650
Example: 50 m² drive	£1,400–£2,500
Example: 80 m² drive	£2,200–£3,950

As a 2026 guide in Reading, tarmac resurfacing work runs at about £28–£50 per m² including VAT, so a 50 m² drive is roughly £1,400–£2,500. Guide only; the survey confirms a fixed price.

How it is built

Covering Reading

Reading at a glance. Reading is one of the bigger places we cover in Berkshire, so survey slots come round regularly.

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.

What is included in tarmac resurfacing?

Tarmac resurfacing, or an overlay, means cleaning and repairing an existing drive, spraying a bond coat and laying a new surface course of about 25–40 mm on top, without digging out the base.

Survey of the existing base: sinking, rutting, loose edges and drainage
Plane or cut back at thresholds, kerbs and covers so levels still work
Weed treatment and a clean surface
Bond (tack) coat sprayed to glue the new layer to the old
Edges sealed and joints to existing surfaces cut neatly

Planning and kerb rules for 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. Any new or widened crossing over the pavement needs approval from the highway authority (the county or unitary council).

Questions about tarmac resurfacing jobs in Reading

How quickly can work start in Reading?

Often 1–2 days for a typical drive. We book Reading surveys alongside other jobs in Berkshire, and give you dates once the specification is agreed.

How much does tarmac resurfacing cost in Reading?

As a 2026 guide in Reading, tarmac resurfacing work runs at about £28–£50 per m² including VAT, so a 50 m² drive is roughly £1,400–£2,500. Edging, drainage and a dropped kerb are priced separately where needed.

Do I need permission for tarmac resurfacing 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).

Can I get a free survey in Reading?

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.