Tarmac driveway resurfacing in Edinburgh

Tarmac resurfacing prices in Edinburgh

For Edinburgh, we apply the Scottish rate, about 2% below our UK midpoint. Your survey turns these ranges into a fixed price.

Item	Guide price (inc VAT)
Tarmac resurfacing over a sound existing base	£24–£44 per m²
Example: 30 m² drive	£810–£1,450
Example: 50 m² drive	£1,200–£2,200
Example: 80 m² drive	£1,950–£3,550

As a 2026 guide in Edinburgh, tarmac resurfacing work runs at about £24–£44 per m² including VAT, so a 50 m² drive is roughly £1,200–£2,200. Guide only; the survey confirms a fixed price.

Planning and kerb rules for Edinburgh

In Scotland, a hard surface between the house and a road is permitted development only if it is porous or drains to a porous area within the property, whatever its size. A vehicle crossing over the footway is a separate approval, from the council as roads authority.

What we do on 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
New surface course, typically 25–40 mm, laid hot and rolled

Edinburgh: the local details

The key facts for Edinburgh. As one of the larger towns in Edinburgh and the Lothians, Edinburgh sees regular survey visits.

Postcodes: EH1, EH2, EH3, EH8, EH7, EH9, EH6, EH5
Area: Edinburgh and the Lothians
Nearest towns: Musselburgh (6 miles), Dalkeith (6 miles), Bonnyrigg (6 miles), Dalgety Bay (8 miles)
Pricing: Scotland, about 2% below our UK midpoint
Kerb approvals: The council

The same service is available in Musselburgh, Dalkeith, Bonnyrigg, Dalgety Bay, Prestonpans.

Questions about tarmac resurfacing jobs in Edinburgh

Do I need permission for tarmac resurfacing in Edinburgh?

In Scotland, a hard surface between the house and a road is permitted development only if it is porous or drains to a porous area within the property, whatever its size. Dropped kerbs are approved by the council as roads authority.

Tarmac resurfacing cost in Edinburgh: what should I budget?

As a 2026 guide in Edinburgh, tarmac resurfacing work runs at about £24–£44 per m² including VAT, so a 50 m² drive is roughly £1,200–£2,200. Edging, drainage and a dropped kerb are priced separately where needed.

Can I get a free survey in Edinburgh?

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.

How long will the work take at my Edinburgh property?

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

Also in Edinburgh

Ready for a price in Edinburgh? Use the guide price tool or send the form, and we'll arrange a visit.