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Last updated on December 19th, 2024

How much to tarmac a drive in 2025?

We outline how much it costs to tarmac a drive, including the cost per m², a comparison with other driveway materials, factors that affect pricing, and how to find a reputable contractor near you.

Fast Facts

  • For a two-car tarmac driveway (50m²), expect to pay around £4,500 
  • A driveway resurfacing specialist will typically charge between £150 - £200 per day
  • The size and condition of your driveway will impact your total cost

Tarmac driveways are a popular choice for UK homeowners. Durable, cost-effective, and visually appealing, they offer a long-lasting and low maintenance solution to upgrading your driveway. But how much does a tarmac drive cost?

Here, you’ll find average tarmac driveway costs, the price per m², and how it compares with other driveway materials. We’ll also point you in the direction of finding reputable contractors for tarmac driveway installation near you.

How much to tarmac a driveway in the UK?

The cost of tarmacking a driveway varies based on several factors. However, the average cost for a 50m² driveway (large enough for two cars) is around £4,500.

You can expect to spend an extra £1,000 if foundations need to be laid. Larger or more complex projects could cost more. You may also find regional variations in labour costs depending on where you live in the UK.

How much does a tarmac driveway cost per m²?

Cost provided itemUnitAverage cost
Excavations and disposalper m²£28
Sub baseper m²£23
Tarmacper m²£90

Last updated: December 2024
Our costs are ballpark averages – get a local tradesperson to quote now

The typical tarmac price per m² in the UK is around £90. This includes materials and labour.

Tarmac costs by driveway size

When considering how much tarmac costs per square metre, it’s helpful to understand what these figures represent in real-world terms:

  • A tarmac driveway for a single car (approx. 20m²) will cost around £2,200
  • For a two-car driveway (approx. 50m²), a tarmac driveway will set you back around £4,500
  • A large, multiple car tarmac driveway (approx. 100m²) typically costs in the region of £7,000

Cost of tarmac drive vs other options

There are several benefits of tarmac driveways. They’re low maintenance, durable, and incredibly versatile. Tarmac is also known as a long-lasting driveway material. But how does it compare with other materials from a cost point of view?

  • Gravel – £60 per m²
  • Tarmac – £90 per m²
  • Concrete – £95 per m²
  • Block paving – £100 per m²
  • Resin bound – £120 per m²

Gravel is normally slightly cheaper than tarmac and is easier to install. It can be a good option if you’re looking for an affordable driveway solution that you can install yourself.

However, tarmac drives are considered more hard-wearing and durable, making the slightly higher upfront cost a worthwhile investment.

Looking at tarmac price vs. block paving, tarmac comes out as the cheaper option. It may not be as decorative as block paving, but you will save time on upkeep.

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What is the labour cost to tarmac a drive?

Cost provided itemUnitAverage Cost
Labour (team of 2)Day rate£400
Skip hireWeekend charge£165
Mini diggerDaily hire charge£250

Last updated: December 2024

A driveway resurfacing specialist will typically charge between £150 - £200 per day for their time.

Most companies will send two professionals to ensure a quick and efficient job. For that reason, budget an average of £400 per day in labour costs for a tarmac drive.

Additional costs

  • If a skip is needed, expect to pay in the region of £165 for weekend hire
  • Should you need to hire a mini digger, this typically costs around £250 per day

tarmac driveways cost per square metre

Get a quote for tarmac driveway installation near me

For an accurate quote for your tarmac drive cost, contact an approved installer with Checkatrade.

Professional installation by an experienced specialist will ensure your new driveway looks great upon completion and long into the future.

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Factors affecting the cost of a tarmac drive

Various factors can impact the cost of a tarmac drive. Here are some of the main ones to bear in mind.

1. The size of your driveway

The size of your driveway is one of the biggest factors that will affect your tarmac driveway cost.

Not only will a bigger driveway require more materials, but it will also take longer to complete, increasing labour costs.

  • For instance, a single driveway of roughly 20m² in size could take just 1-2 days to tarmac
  • Meanwhile, a larger area of around 80m² might take 4-5 days

2. Your driveway’s condition

Your driveway’s current condition will also play a role in determining your overall cost – as will the material it’s made from. This is because this can affect how easy it is to install your new tarmac driveway.

For instance, the ground should ideally slope away from your house. But, if that’s not possible, drainage channels must be introduced to direct surface water away from your home.

3. Additional requirements

Depending on your needs, you may want to do more to your driveway than just tarmac it.

For instance, improving your driveway with decorative edging, a dropped kerb, or driveway gate will add to your total cost.

Similarly, if you want to carry out landscaping work to complement your new driveway, be sure to factor this into your budget.

4. Location

As with any home improvement project, labour costs will vary up and down the country.

Tarmac installation will normally cost more in London and other big cities where the demand is higher. Generally, costs in the north of the country are often lower than in the south.

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Tips to save money on your tarmac drive

People looking for more affordable tarmac driveway solutions might be wondering whether resurfacing a cracked driveway is a possibility.

If the surface is in good condition, tarmac is the one driveway material where repairs and resurfacing are viable. New layers can be rolled in and over the existing tarmac driveway. However, for a long-lasting solution, a new tarmac driveway is recommended.

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Tarmac driveway cost calculator

With these tarmac drive costs in mind, you’re probably curious to learn how much it might cost to tarmac your drive.

Price up the average cost of your project using our handy driveway cost calculator, below.

Enter the size (m2):

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Area: m2

Choose material

Item
Avg Unit Cost
Your Cost
£50 per m2
£50 per m2
£70 per m2
£50 per m2
£30 per m2
£48 per m2
£96 per m2
£35 per m2

Additional services

Item
Avg Unit Cost
Your Cost
£50 per m2
£28 per m2
£23 per m2
£1650 each

Your new driveway could cost approximately:

Working with professional estimators, we collate cost estimates for the common home improvement and repair jobs in the UK. All the costs are estimates only and for accurate costs for your particular requirements, you are encouraged to reach out to professional tradespeople to receive a quote for your job. Read our disclaimer for more information.

Tarmac driveway checklist

  • The average tarmac driveway installation cost is £4,500 for a 50m² driveway (which is big enough for two cars)
  • Factors such as equipment hire and the size of the driveway will factor into the final cost
  • Be sure to specify the condition of the driveway in advance to the company you hire to avoid additional fees
  • If you have further landscaping requirements, think about these before hiring a professional

Tarmac driveway cost

Find an approved tarmac driveway contractor near you

To ensure you get a fair and competitive price for your tarmac drive, we recommend getting a selection of quotes from local, approved installers.

A new driveway is an investment you want to last, so be sure to ask what guarantee or warranty your contractor offers before you make your choice of hire.

All our members have passed our quality checks to work proudly alongside our trusted tick.

Search your postcode to see who comes highly rated in your local area.

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FAQs

How much does it cost to tarmac a driveway in the UK?

The average cost for a 50m² driveway is approximately £4,500.

What is the cost of tarmac per square metre in 2025?

Tarmac costs around £50 per m² – materials only.

Is tarmac cheaper than block paving?

Comparing tarmac price vs. block paving, tarmac is more affordable upfront, costing around £90 per m² vs. £100 per m² for block paving. These costs include materials and labour.

Can I install a tarmac driveway myself?

If you’re experienced in resurfacing driveways and have the time to commit to the task, it could be worth opting for the DIY approach. However, this won’t be the most cost-effective.

The tarmac alone will set you back £50 per m², not to mention delivery costs. Then there will be the additional costs to cover equipment hire.

You will also need to ensure SUDS compliance, as tarmac is a non-porous material.

Hiring a driveway installer near you will ensure the job is carried out correctly, in a reasonable time frame, and in compliance with building regulations.

How long does it take to tarmac a driveway?

This depends on the size and complexity of the job, but on average, a 50m² driveway takes between 2-3 days to prepare and install. This includes excavation, drainage, and laying foundations.

A single driveway of roughly 20m² may take only 1-2 days to tarmac. Meanwhile, a larger area of around 80m² will often require around 4-5 days.

Of course, any additional requirements like a dropped kerb or further landscaping work will add to the time taken.

What are the benefits of tarmac driveways?

Tarmac drives have so many benefits. Just a few include:

  • Resilient – withstanding heavy traffic and harsh weather
  • Longlasting – up to around 15 years
  • Low maintenance costs – especially compared to concrete driveways
  • Relatively cheap to lay compared to other materials
  • Uniform in appearance
  • Versatile – can be used on sloped and flat surfaces

Does tarmac increase property value?

Adding a visually appealing and practical driveway to your home can increase its value by up to 5-10%.

Can tarmac be laid over an existing driveway?

As long as the existing surface is in good condition, a new layer of tarmac can often be applied directly on top.

What time of year is best to tarmac a driveway?

The best time of year to tarmac a driveway is during spring or summer when the weather is likely to be warm.

This is because the tarmac is applied hot. If the temperature is too low, the mixture can cool and cure too quickly, causing cracks and instability.

Similarly, the weather is likely to be dryer at this time of year. Ideally, you should make sure there’s no chance of rain for at least 12 to 24 hours after laying your tarmac.

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Working with professional estimators, we collate cost estimates for the common home improvement and repair jobs in the UK.

All the costs are estimates only. For accurate costs for your particular requirements, you are encouraged to reach out to professional tradespeople to receive a quote for your job.

Our estimators are Chartered Members (MRICS) of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and Members of the Chartered Institute of Building (MCIOB). See full disclaimer.

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What others think of this article:

Dave Thomas

Very informative.

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very helpful

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