Tarmac Driveways Gloucester & Gloucestershire

Most tarmac driveways are completed in 1–3 days. A standard single-car driveway (20–30sqm) typically takes 1–2 days. Larger driveways or those needing significant excavation may take 2–3 days. The actual tarmac laying is usually completed in a single day — the majority of the time is in excavation, sub-base preparation and edging. The surface is ready to drive on the same day it's laid.

Yes — tarmac is one of the best driveway materials for sloped or uneven ground. It's laid as a continuous surface that moulds to the terrain, and it's slightly flexible, so it copes with minor ground movement better than rigid concrete or block paving. We prepare the sub-base to accommodate the gradient and design drainage falls to manage water run-off on the slope. Many of the driveways we install across the Stroud valleys and Cotswold hillsides are on sloping ground.

Fresh black tarmac naturally lightens slightly over the first 1–2 years as the bitumen oxidises — this is normal and expected. The surface settles into an even, dark grey tone that stays consistent for the remainder of its life. Red (coloured) tarmac can fade more noticeably if non-UV-stable pigments are used — we use UV-stable binders for coloured tarmac to minimise this. If appearance is a high priority, adding a tarmac sealant every 5–7 years can maintain a deeper, richer colour.

Yes — and we strongly recommend it. Block paving or granite sett edging around a tarmac driveway adds a decorative frame that lifts the appearance significantly. It also provides structural support to the tarmac edge, preventing the most common tarmac failure: crumbling and cracking at the perimeter where it meets the lawn or border. Edging is included as an option on every quote.

Call us on 0800 656 9671, 01452 899 402 or 07593 952 715, or fill out the form on this page. We'll arrange a free site visit, assess your existing surface and ground conditions, discuss options (black/red, edging, overlay vs full install) and provide a clear, itemised quote. All quotes are free with no obligation.

Tarmac is the most affordable hard-surface driveway option. A fully installed tarmac driveway with proper excavation, sub-base, edging and two-layer tarmac typically costs £45–£90 per square metre depending on size and ground conditions. A standard 30sqm single-car driveway usually costs £1,800–£3,000. An overlay onto existing solid tarmac costs approximately 30–40% less. Red tarmac costs 15–35% more than standard black. We provide clear, itemised quotes after a free site visit.

15–20 years with proper installation and minimal maintenance. The sub-base and edging are permanent — it's the tarmac surface layer that may need resurfacing after 15–20 years. With good drainage and occasional edge maintenance, many tarmac driveways last well beyond 20 years before needing any significant work.

Often yes — if your existing tarmac or concrete is structurally solid (no major subsidence, no soft spots, no tree root damage), we can lay a fresh wearing course directly on top. This saves the cost and disruption of full excavation. We assess honestly during your free visit — if the base isn't sound, we'll tell you and recommend the right approach.

Tarmac is impermeable, so if your driveway covers more than 5 square metres of front garden, you need to direct rainwater to a permeable area (lawn, border, soakaway) or apply for planning permission. We design drainage into every installation, so most tarmac driveways we install don't need a separate planning application. If permeable drainage is a concern, gravel and resin bound are both permeable alternatives.

If you're creating a new driveway where there isn't currently vehicle access from the road, you'll need a dropped kerb. This requires a separate application to Gloucestershire County Council (the highway authority) and is typically carried out by an approved highways contractor. If you already have a dropped kerb, no further action is needed. We can advise on this during your site visit.

Red tarmac costs 15–35% more than standard black due to the specialist pigmented aggregate and UV-stable binder. It creates a distinctive, eye-catching finish that stands out and can complement red brick properties particularly well. Whether it's worth the premium depends on how important kerb appeal is to you. If you want a decorative look at a lower cost than block paving or resin, red tarmac is a good middle ground.

Very little is needed. Keep the surface clear of debris and fallen leaves. Treat weeds around the edges promptly. Clean oil spills with a commercial degreaser rather than leaving them to penetrate. Avoid parking on the same spot repeatedly in very hot weather (tarmac softens slightly in extreme heat). Applying a tarmac sealant every 5–7 years is optional but helps preserve colour and surface integrity.

Yes — many clients combine a tarmac driveway with new fencing, front garden landscaping, brickwork, a patio or a full property frontage makeover. We handle everything in-house — one team, one quote.