How Much Does It Cost to Tarmac a Drive?
A new tarmac driveway is one of the most cost-effective and durable ways to improve your home’s appearance and accessibility. Smooth, sleek, and easy to maintain, tarmac (also known as asphalt) has been a top choice across Britain for decades. But before you start, it’s important to understand the true cost of tarmacking a driveway, including materials, labour, preparation, and those hidden extras that often go unnoticed.
In this detailed guide, Driveway Weymouth explains everything you need to know about UK driveway tarmac costs in 2025, how prices are calculated, and how to get the best long-term value for your property.
Average Cost to Tarmac a Driveway in the UK (2025)
As of 2025, the average cost to tarmac a driveway in the UK ranges from £45 to £75 per square metre, depending on size, location, preparation work, and finish quality.
| Driveway Size | Approx. Area (m²) | Estimated Total Cost Range |
| Small (1 car) | 20 m² | £900 – £1,500 |
| Medium (2 cars) | 40 m² | £1,800 – £3,000 |
| Large (3+ cars) | 60+ m² | £2,700 – £4,500+ |
These estimates include excavation, sub-base preparation, materials, labour, and finishing. However, every project is unique, curved layouts, drainage needs, or decorative edging can affect the price.
Key Factors That Affect the Cost of Tarmacking a Driveway
The price of a new tarmac drive isn’t one-size-fits-all. Below are the main elements that determine your final quote:
1. Driveway Size and Layout
The larger the area, the more materials and labour are required. However, bigger projects often benefit from lower cost per square metre due to economies of scale.
Curved or irregularly shaped driveways add complexity. Edging, cutting, and blending around obstacles like walls or trees increase labour time.
Example:
A 50m² rectangular driveway may cost around £2,500, while a curved 50m² design with edging could reach £3,000 or more.
2. Base Preparation and Excavation
The base is the most important part of any driveway, without a strong foundation, cracks and sinking are inevitable.
Preparation tasks and typical prices:
| Preparation Work | Purpose | Estimated Cost (per m²) |
| Excavation | Removing soil or old surfacing | £10 – £20 |
| Sub-base installation (MOT Type 1) | Creates a strong foundation | £15 – £25 |
| Weed membrane installation | Prevents future weed growth | £3 – £5 |
| Edging and kerbs | Adds definition and support | £10 – £15 |
If your existing surface (such as old paving or concrete) must be removed, expect to add £500 – £1,000 depending on site size and access.
3. Single vs Double-Layer Tarmac
A tarmac drive is typically laid in one or two layers:
- Single-layer tarmac (base coat only): Cheapest option, suitable for light traffic or small residential drives.
→ Approx. cost: £45–£55 per m² - Double-layer tarmac (base coat + surface coat): Much stronger and more resilient, ideal for long-term durability.
→ Approx. cost: £60–£75 per m²
If you plan to park multiple vehicles or heavier vans, the two-layer system is well worth the investment.
4. Location and Labour Costs
Labour rates vary across the UK.
| Region | Average Cost per m² | Notes |
| London & South East | £60 – £75 | Higher due to labour and transport costs |
| Midlands | £50 – £65 | Average national rate |
| North England, Wales & Scotland | £45 – £60 | Generally lower labour costs |
Urban areas often cost more than rural zones because of accessibility, parking restrictions, and delivery fees.
5. Access and Site Conditions
Good site access can save time and reduce cost. Limited access (for example, if machinery can’t reach the area) means more manual labour.
Driveways on slopes, uneven ground, or poor soil may also require reinforcement or extra base layers.
6. Drainage and Planning Regulations
Since 2008, UK driveways over 5 square metres must comply with Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) rules.
This means surface water should drain into soft ground, not public sewers.
If drainage is poor, you might need:
- Soakaways or drainage channels – £30–£50 per linear metre
- Permeable sub-base layers – £15–£25 per m²
A professional installer like Driveways Weymouth can assess and install compliant systems to prevent flooding or legal issues.
Tarmac Options and Finishes
Tarmac comes in several finishes, each with different costs and visual effects:
| Type of Tarmac | Description | Average Cost per m² |
| Standard Black Tarmac | The most affordable, durable choice | £45 – £55 |
| Red Tarmac | Adds colour for a stylish contrast | £55 – £65 |
| Coloured Tarmac (grey, green, buff) | Premium look, mixed pigments | £65 – £85 |
| Resin-Bound Tarmac | Smooth, decorative surface with stones | £75 – £100 |
Pro Tip:
Combining tarmac with block paving borders or gravel sections can elevate your home’s kerb appeal without greatly increasing costs.
How Long Does Installation Take?
A tarmac driveway installation usually takes 2 to 5 days, depending on the project’s size and condition.
Typical timeline:
- Day 1–2: Excavation and sub-base installation
- Day 3: Compaction and edge setting
- Day 4–5: Laying and compacting the tarmac layers
Add an extra day for drying and curing before driving over the surface.
Tarmac vs Other Driveway Materials
| Material | Average Cost per m² | Durability | Maintenance Level | Visual Appeal |
| Tarmac | £45–£75 | 15–20 years | Low | Modern & neat |
| Concrete | £60–£90 | 25+ years | Low | Plain, solid look |
| Block Paving | £70–£100 | 20+ years | Moderate | Highly decorative |
| Gravel | £35–£50 | 10–15 years | High | Traditional charm |
| Resin Bound | £80–£120 | 20 years | Low | Premium aesthetic |
Tarmac remains one of the best value-for-money driveway materials, offering durability, easy maintenance, and fast installation at a moderate cost.
Tarmac Driveway Maintenance Tips
Tarmac is low maintenance, but a few small steps will keep it looking great for decades:
Initial care:
- Avoid parking on it for at least 48 hours after installation.
- Don’t turn wheels while stationary, it can scuff the fresh surface.
Routine care:
- Clean occasionally with mild detergent and water.
- Remove oil or petrol spills quickly to prevent softening.
- Reseal every 3–5 years to restore colour and protect from UV damage.
Repairs:
Small cracks or holes can be easily patched with cold-lay tarmac, a quick, cost-effective repair option.
Environmental and Weather Considerations
British weather is unpredictable, that’s why tarmac is such a popular choice. Its flexibility means it expands and contracts without cracking under temperature changes.
However, extreme heat or frost can still cause surface softening or minor movement. Choosing high-quality bitumen and professional installation helps your driveway withstand the elements year-round.
Why Hire Professionals Like Driveways Weymouth
Tarmacking may look simple, but getting a flawless, long-lasting finish requires experience, heavy machinery, and attention to detail.
At Driveways Weymouth, we offer:
- Skilled UK-based installers with years of experience
- Proper site surveys and drainage planning
- Premium-grade tarmac and sub-base materials
- Full compliance with local regulations (including SuDS)
- Clean, reliable, and insured service
Whether you need a new installation or resurfacing an old drive, our experts deliver results that last, at a fair, transparent price.
Example: Cost Breakdown for a 40m² Medium Driveway
| Task | Details | Estimated Cost |
| Excavation & sub-base | 40m² @ £20/m² | £800 |
| Base layer tarmac | 40m² @ £25/m² | £1,000 |
| Surface layer tarmac | 40m² @ £25/m² | £1,000 |
| Edging & finishing | Brick or stone borders | £400 |
| Total Estimated Cost | £3,200 (inc. VAT) |
This example gives you a realistic picture of what a professionally installed driveway might cost in 2025.
Cost-Saving Tips from Driveways Weymouth
- Keep the design simple – curves and patterns increase labour time.
- Choose standard black tarmac for best value.
- Get multiple quotes – compare at least 3 contractors.
- Maintain regularly – small repairs prevent full resurfacing later.
- Combine installations – neighbours resurfacing at the same time can reduce transport and setup costs.
Final Thoughts
The average cost to tarmac a driveway in the UK ranges from £45 to £75 per square metre, depending on materials, site conditions, and design preferences. Though prices vary, a tarmac driveway remains one of the most durable, affordable, and weather-resistant options for British homes.
When installed by professionals like Driveways Weymouth, your surface will last for years, giving your property a clean, polished look that adds both value and convenience.
