How a tarmac drive is built
"Tarmac" on a drive today almost always means asphalt laid hot in layers. A sound specification looks like this:
- Excavation to allow for the full build-up, usually 200mm or more below finished level.
- Sub-base of crushed stone, laid and compacted with a roller or plate.
- Binder course, a coarser asphalt layer around 50 to 60mm thick, which gives the strength.
- Surface course, a finer asphalt layer around 20 to 30mm thick, rolled to a tight, smooth finish.
- Edging of concrete kerbs, block or setts, so the edges do not crumble.
A quote that says "one coat of tarmac" or does not mention a sub-base is a warning sign. So is pressure to pay cash on the day or to agree because "we have material left over from a job round the corner".
Cost in Stockton
Checkatrade's April 2026 average is about £90 per m² for a new tarmac drive. Tarmac's price per square metre tends to fall on bigger areas, because the machinery and crew costs are spread further, which is why it is often the best value on long drives and shared accesses.
| Drive | Typical cost at £90/m² |
|---|---|
| 20m² single | about £1,800 |
| 40m² double | about £3,600 |
| 80m² long or shared drive | about £7,200 |
Source: Checkatrade driveway cost guide, April 2026.
Coloured (red or green) tarmac, decorative chippings rolled into the surface and block or sett edging add to the cost. Breaking out an old concrete drive does too. See the cost guide for the full list of extras.
Resurfacing an old drive
Many 1960s and 1970s houses in Fairfield, Elm Tree and the older parts of Hardwick have a tarmac or concrete drive that is tired but has a sound base. If the drive is not sinking, an overlay can be cheaper than starting again:
- Tarmac over tarmac: the old surface is cleaned, potholes and edges repaired, a bond coat sprayed and a new surface course laid.
- Tarmac over concrete: possible where the concrete is stable, but cracks and joints in the slab can reflect through over time.
Check levels first. Every overlay raises the drive. Against the house the finished surface should stay at least 150mm below the damp-proof course, and at the garage it should not block the door.
Drainage and planning
Standard dense tarmac sheds water. If more than 5m² of it in a front garden drains onto the road, you need planning permission. The usual ways round that are:
- Falling the drive towards a lawn or border so water soaks into your own garden.
- A channel drain at the bottom of the drive feeding a soakaway (sized for clay, which drains slowly).
- Porous asphalt, laid on an open-graded base, which lets water through.
Our guide to permeable driveways explains the rule and the options. If tarmac is mainly a budget choice, gravel is cheaper still and naturally free-draining.
Tarmac and dropped kerbs
A new drive often goes hand in hand with a new crossing. The tarmac footway across a crossing belongs to the highway, not to you, and in Stockton it can only be built by the council or by a private contractor working under the council's licence. See dropped kerbs in Stockton before anyone offers to "do the kerb at the same time".
Common questions
How long does a tarmac drive last?
Typically 15 to 20 years with a proper sub-base, sometimes longer. Edges and the area under the car's front wheels show wear first.
When can I drive on new tarmac?
Usually after 24 to 48 hours, but avoid turning the steering wheel while stationary for the first few weeks, especially in warm weather, as fresh tarmac can scuff.
Is tarmac cheaper than block paving?
On UK averages, yes: about £90 per m² against about £100 for block paving in Checkatrade's April 2026 guide.
Does tarmac need sealing?
Not usually, though some owners apply a sealer after a few years to refresh the colour and protect against oil spills.
Can tarmac go over block paving?
It is not recommended. Blocks move slightly and the tarmac on top cracks. Lift the blocks first.
Why do people warn about door-to-door tarmac sellers?
Because "leftover tarmac" offers often skip the sub-base and edging and are hard to follow up. Get a quote with a specification and an address for the business.
