Bristol and Gloucester Paving

Tarmac Driveways Across the South West & South Wales

Free no-obligation site visit · Fixed written price · No deposit · Fully insured · 20+ years experience

Get Free Quote 07578 180526
Tarmac Driveways Specialists

Professional Tarmac Driveways Installation

Tarmac — properly called macadam or bitmac — is one of the most cost-effective and durable driveway surfaces available in the UK. We install hot-rolled asphalt laid in two layers: a dense binder course for structural strength and a smooth wearing course for the finished surface. Both layers are laid over a fully compacted MOT Type 1 sub-base with correct falls engineered for drainage. The result is a clean, professional surface that handles heavy vehicles, handles the British weather brilliantly, and lasts 20–30 years with minimal upkeep. Tarmac can be resealed every 5–7 years to keep it looking deep black and prevent surface oxidation. For a more decorative finish, we can add block paving or granite sett edging, or choose from coloured tarmac in red, green and buff. Fully insured, free site survey, fixed price written quotes on every job.

Fully Insured

£5M public liability

20+ Years

Trade experience

5-Star Rated

23 verified reviews

Fixed Price

No hidden extras

What's Included

Everything in Your Tarmac Driveways Quote

  • Full excavation to correct depth & all spoil removed from site
  • 100–150mm compacted MOT Type 1 sub-base with engineered falls
  • Dense binder course asphalt (base course)
  • Hot-rolled asphalt wearing course — smooth black finish
  • Block paving, granite sett or concrete kerb edging (optional)
  • Coloured tarmac surface available — red, green, buff
  • Line markings for parking bays (optional)
Why Choose Us

The Benefits

  • Most cost-effective hard driveway surface — up to 50% cheaper than block paving
  • Usually completed in just 1–2 days — the fastest hard surface installation
  • Handles heavy vehicles — vans, caravans, motorhomes, 4x4s
  • Can be resealed every 5–7 years to refresh the surface and extend lifespan
  • Clean, smart deep black finish — professional and practical
  • 20+ years experience, fully insured, written guarantee on all installations

Typical Lifespan

How long it lasts

20–30 years with occasional tarmac resealing every 5–7 years

Planning Permission

Do you need it?

Standard tarmac and asphalt are impermeable surfaces. If surface water would drain onto a public highway, footpath or neighbouring property, a drainage solution is required — typically channel drains feeding to a soakaway or storm drain. We survey every site and advise on the correct drainage specification. Permitted Development usually applies for residential driveways.

Our Work

Recent Tarmac Driveways Installations

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Where We Install

Tarmac Driveways in 29 Locations

Serving South West England, South Wales and the Midlands fringe. Find your town or city below for a dedicated local page.

Tarmac Driveways BristolTarmac Driveways GloucesterTarmac Driveways CardiffTarmac Driveways NewportTarmac Driveways CheltenhamTarmac Driveways BathTarmac Driveways SwindonTarmac Driveways Weston-super-MareTarmac Driveways ChippenhamTarmac Driveways StroudTarmac Driveways TewkesburyTarmac Driveways YateTarmac Driveways ThornburyTarmac Driveways KeynshamTarmac Driveways TrowbridgeTarmac Driveways CalneTarmac Driveways CorshamTarmac Driveways CwmbranTarmac Driveways BridgendTarmac Driveways BarryTarmac Driveways CaerphillyTarmac Driveways PenarthTarmac Driveways PontypriddTarmac Driveways MonmouthTarmac Driveways EveshamTarmac Driveways ColefordTarmac Driveways CinderfordTarmac Driveways LydneyTarmac Driveways Newent
FAQs

Tarmac Driveways — Questions Answered

How much does a tarmac driveway cost in the UK?
Tarmac driveway cost depends on the size of the area, the depth of excavation needed, ground conditions and any edging or drainage work required. Every job is individually surveyed and quoted — we provide a full fixed written quote after your free site visit, with no obligation.
How long does a tarmac driveway last?
A professionally installed tarmac driveway on a proper compacted sub-base should last 20–30 years. Resealing the surface with tarmac sealer every 5–7 years prevents oxidation, restores the deep black colour and significantly extends the lifespan. Surface dressing can also refresh the top layer.
Tarmac vs block paving — which should I choose?
Tarmac wins on cost (30–50% cheaper) and installation speed (1–2 days vs 3–5 days). Block paving wins on style variety, individual repairability, and long-term kerb appeal. If budget is the priority, tarmac is hard to beat. If you want a decorative finish or plan to sell the property, block paving typically returns more value.
Can I get a coloured tarmac driveway?
Yes — red, green, buff and other colours are available in hot-rolled asphalt. Coloured tarmac gives a much more decorative finish than standard black and is particularly popular as a driveway border or full surface. We can also combine black tarmac with block paving or granite sett edging for a premium look.
How long does tarmac take to cure before driving on it?
You can usually drive on new hot-rolled asphalt within 24 hours in normal UK temperatures. In summer heat, the surface may remain slightly soft for 48–72 hours — avoid turning wheels while stationary during this period. In cold weather below 5°C, curing takes longer but is typically fine within 48 hours.
Does tarmac need planning permission?
Standard tarmac is impermeable, so drainage is the key consideration. If water would drain naturally off your property (e.g. to a lawn or soakaway), permitted development normally applies. If the driveway drains to a highway, you need a drainage solution. We assess your site and advise during the free quote — we manage all drainage as part of the job.

Ready for your tarmac driveways quote?

We'll visit, measure up, and give you a fixed-price written quote with no obligation. No deposit required to book the work.

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