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. The tarmac prices below are for an overlay.
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.
Open grade macadam and closed grade macadam- What’s the difference?
Smaller stone – closed
A smaller aggregate is used in closed grade and with this finer compaction the surface is impermeable (water will not penetrate).
A larger aggregate is used in open grade and this creates a permeable surface area.
| Driveway tarmac overlay prices (based on 3 quotations) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Driveway size in square metres | London and surrounding boroughs | Home Counties (Buckinghamshire, Herts, Essex, Berkshire, Middlesex, Surrey, Kent and Sussex) | Other regions of UK |
| 30 | £900 | £950 | £810 |
| 50 | £1,450 | £1,500 | £1,370 |
| 60 | £1,680 | £1,610 | £1,525 |
| 100 | £2,435 | £2,290 | £2,050 |
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. Also, it may be stating the obvious, but all garage/utility doors must be able to 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.
Information on tarmacadam contractors
Tarmacadam installation process
If you are interested in creating a modern permeable driveway check your suitability
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