Home · How much does a tar & chip driveway cost
How much does a tar & chip driveway cost?
Straight answer first, then what moves the price.
Typical UK prices
| Driveway size | Typical tar & chip cost |
|---|---|
| Small (single car, ~25 m²) | £1,000 – £2,000 |
| Medium (2–3 cars, ~50 m²) | £2,000 – £3,500 |
| Large (~100 m²) | £3,500 – £6,000 |
| Per square metre (guide) | around £15 – £30 /m² |
●
Small · 1 car
£1k–£2k
around 25 m²
● ●
Medium · 2–3 cars
£2k–£3.5k
around 50 m²
● ● ●
Large
£3.5k–£6k
around 100 m²
Cost per square metre, installed
Guide midpoints for a typical UK domestic driveway, 2026. Ranges vary by base, access and materials.
Guide figures for planning. Every job is quoted after a site visit.
How that compares to resin
Resin runs around £40 to £70 per square metre. So a drive that costs £2,500 in tar and chip could be £6,000 to £12,000 in resin. That gap is the whole reason this surface is worth knowing about. See the full comparison.
What affects the price
- Size and shape, and how much prep it needs.
- The existing base. Sound tarmac or concrete is cheaper; a failing base that needs digging out adds cost.
- Access. Tight or awkward access slows the work.
- Chippings. Some decorative stones cost more.
- Edging and drainage. New edgings or drainage add to the total.
A word on cheap quotes
Tar and chip attracts doorstep "working nearby" cold-callers who do a cheap, poorly-prepared job that fails within a year. A proper installer prepares the base, uses the right materials, and gives a written quote and guarantee. Always get it in writing. Never pay cash to an unsolicited caller. See how to choose an installer.
Want an accurate price? Get a free written quote.