Tarmac driveways in Rotherham
Tarmac driveways in Rotherham are one of the quickest and most practical ways to get a hard-wearing drive. We quote for new tarmac drives, re-surfacing and tarmac parking areas across Rotherham and Barnsley, with the base and edging done properly first.
Quick quote
Why tarmac
Tarmac, also called asphalt or macadam, is laid hot, raked level and rolled until it is dense and smooth. It copes well with cars and vans, is easy to keep clean, and a single-car drive can be finished in a day or two. Red tarmac and decorative edging can lift the look beyond plain black.
The weak point of a tarmac drive is a poor base. Laid too thin, or straight onto soft ground, it rucks and sinks where the car parks. A good tarmac drive is mostly about what goes underneath.
What is included
- Removing the old surface and digging out to depth
- A compacted stone sub-base
- Kerb or block edging to hold the tarmac in
- A base course and a finer surface course, each rolled
- Falls built in so water runs where it should
- A tidy finish to the pavement and the house
How long it takes
Checkatrade puts a tarmac drive at 1 to 2 days for about 20 m², 2 to 3 days for about 50 m² including excavation, drainage and foundations, and 4 to 5 days for about 80 m².
Tarmac, drainage and planning in Rotherham
Standard tarmac is not permeable. Under national permitted development rules, a non-permeable front drive over 5 square metres needs planning permission unless the rainwater runs to a lawn or border. A tarmac drive is usually laid to fall towards a border or a channel drain to deal with this. Porous asphalt is also available. (Source: Planning Portal)
If the tarmac is going on a new parking space, the dropped kerb needs Rotherham Council's approval. Its standard charge is £143, and on an A, B or C road you need planning permission first. (Source: Rotherham Council)
Tarmac driveway costs
Checkatrade gives a typical rate of about £90 per m² including materials and labour.
- Single-car drive, about 20 m²: about £2,200
- Two-car drive, about 50 m²: about £4,500
- Larger drive, about 100 m²: about £7,000
- New foundations, where needed: add about £1,000
These are typical published prices, not our prices. Checkatrade says a tarmac drive can last up to about 15 years.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a tarmac driveway cost in Rotherham?
Checkatrade gives a typical rate of about £90 per m² including materials and labour. That is about £2,200 for a 20 m² single-car drive and about £4,500 for a 50 m² two-car drive.
How long does a tarmac drive take to lay?
Checkatrade puts a 20 m² tarmac drive at 1 to 2 days and a 50 m² drive at 2 to 3 days, including excavation, drainage and foundations.
Can new tarmac go over my old drive?
Sometimes, if the old surface is sound and level and the extra height will not cause problems at the door or the pavement. Cracked or sinking drives need the old surface taking up and a new base laid.
Does a tarmac driveway need planning permission?
Standard tarmac is not permeable, so a front drive over 5 square metres needs planning permission unless the water runs to a lawn or border. Laying it to drain into your own garden avoids the need.
How long does tarmac last?
Checkatrade says a tarmac driveway can last up to about 15 years, depending on the base and how it is looked after.
Get a tarmac driveway quote
Tell us roughly how big the drive is and what is on it now. We will reply by email to arrange a visit.