Tarmac paths and footpaths in Exeter

How much should I budget in Exeter?

Guide prices below are for Exeter, adjusted for the South West, where surfacing rates run about 3% above our UK midpoint.

Item	Guide price (inc VAT)
Tarmac garden path or footpath, hand-laid	£57–£93 per m²
Example: 10 m² path	£680–£1,100
Example: 20 m² path	£1,250–£2,050
Example: 40 m² path	£2,250–£3,700

As a 2026 guide in Exeter, tarmac path work runs at about £57–£93 per m² including VAT, so a 20 m² path is roughly £1,250–£2,050. Guide only; the survey confirms a fixed price.

The build-up we price

What the price covers

Garden paths, side passages and footpaths in hot-laid tarmac, edged with timber, kerbs or blocks.

Excavation to about 150–180 mm with spoil removed
MOT Type 1 base, about 100 mm, compacted
Timber, kerb or block edging on both sides
Binder and surface course laid hot by hand and rolled
Gentle cross-fall so water runs off to the border

Covering Exeter

Survey cover and pricing for Exeter. Exeter is one of the bigger places we cover in Devon, so survey slots come round regularly.

Postcodes: EX4, EX2, EX1, EX3, EX6, EX5
Area: Devon
Nearest towns: Exmouth (9 miles), Tiverton (12 miles), Newton Abbot (14 miles), Torquay (18 miles)
Pricing: South West, about 3% above our UK midpoint
Kerb approvals: The highway authority

Close to Exeter: Exmouth, Tiverton, Newton Abbot, Torquay, Paignton.

Rules that apply in Exeter

Repairs, paths and edging work rarely need planning permission. 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.

Exeter: common questions

What approvals apply in Exeter?

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).

Is the survey in Exeter free?

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 does a tarmac path take in Exeter?

Often 1–2 days. We book Exeter surveys alongside other jobs in Devon, and give you dates once the specification is agreed.

Tarmac path cost in Exeter: what should I budget?

As a 2026 guide in Exeter, tarmac path work runs at about £57–£93 per m² including VAT, so a 20 m² path is roughly £1,250–£2,050. Edging, drainage and a dropped kerb are priced separately where needed.

Also in Exeter

Send us a postcode, a rough size and a photo or two, and we'll come back with survey dates for Exeter.