Tarmac Prices for your Driveway
This guide provides a detailed cost comparison for tarmac prices.
These prices are based on quotations for different regions and various driveway sizes.
But before that….a little background.
What Impacts Tarmac Prices?
Firstly, as an oil based product (roughly half of a barrel of oil is Bitumen) global oil prices have an affect and this trickles down to the little companies that have to buy bitumen (which is the sticky black part that acts a binder).
Secondly, the cost will be impacted by whether (or not) the contractor you choose is sufficiently qualified and experienced.
If you want quality and experience expect to pay more.
If you want cheap and nasty – that’s what you’ll get.
Finally, an overlay (of an existing driveway) will cost a lot less than a completely new tarmac driveway.
Example of Tarmac Driveway Prices for Overlay
Scope of works:
- Based on using non permeable open grade macadam.
- Installation is to a depth of 25mm and on the basis of suitable drainage in place.
- The comparison table below provides tarmac prices on 50, 70 and 100 square metre driveway areas.
Just reduce quoted prices by 60% to get a rough idea of cost for an overlay.
Open Grade Macadam and Closed Grade Macadam
What’s the Difference?

Driveway Size in m² | London and Surrounding Boroughs | Home Countries (Buckinghamshire, Herts, Essex, Berkshire, Middlesex, Surrey, Kent and Sussex) | Other Regions of UK |
30 | £2,400 | £2,200 | £1,800 |
50 | £3,500 | £3,400 | £3,100 |
60 | £4,800 | £4,800 | £4,200 |
100 | £7,000 | £6,500 | £5,500 |
150 | £10,500 | £10,000 | £9,000 |
A Summary of Tarmacadam overlay installation:
Fill all holes and cracks.
If there are small cracks and holes use a cold lay tarmac pack from a DIY store.
Alternatively, get an Everbuild 25kg bag delivered (approx £25).
For larger repairs use the best cold lay tarmac repair kit available Ultracrete (3 x 25kg).
If there are areas that need large repairs ensure to agree this with your chosen contractor.
They will dig out the area and fill with a suitable sub-base material such as Type 1 aggregate and compact.
The application of a ‘tacking coat’ is usually required and it is essential that the existing surface is completely covered.
This will bond the newly laid tarmac to the existing surface.
All manholes or other drainage may need to be lifted to accommodate the new level.
WATCH OUT!
Ensure surface layer depth does not breach distance of 150mm to damp course.
Furthermore, and we hate to ‘state the obvious’, it’s very important to check that all garage/utility doors can open freely.
If the new tarmac level will raise the existing level too much channels will need to be dug along the front of the garage/utility door that is impacted.
Use our Directory to find somebody to do your dirty work!
Looking to Enjoy Summer 2021?
Of course you are!
Getting the surfacing right is just part of the home improvement journey and key to enjoying life outdoors.
In post pandemic times with endless restrictions in both 2020 and 2021 it’s increasingly important to make the most out of our outdoor living spaces.
That means getting your patio or back yard area in shape.
What really sets a patio area apart is how you develop your landscaping and importantly your outdoor dining experiences!
Don’t worry – we have you covered!
Read this outdoor living post to get inspirational ideas and make summer 2021 a summer to remember!
Click Here to Find a Professional near You
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