If you’re planning to re-surface your driveway – or install a new one – you need to make a decision about what type of material would be best. Of course, your budget is a big consideration, but it’s not the only one to consider when choosing a driveway surface for your property.
Beyond just serving as a place to park, a solid, properly installed driveway presents a positive first impression. It goes even further, reflecting the overall condition of the property and the level of pride you take in property maintenance.
Choosing a new driveway is a big property investment. The right driveway surface can transform your home’s kerb appeal, improve practicality, and add long-term value.
Two of the most popular driveway materials in the UK are tarmac and block paving, but deciding between them isn’t always straightforward. We hope this driveway materials guide will provide a detailed driveway surface comparison to help you make a confident new driveway decision.
For homeowners in Bath, Bristol, and Gloucester, professional installation is key — and later in this guide we’ll explain why working with an experienced local professional driveway installer such as Wotton Tarpaving Ltd can make all the difference.
Understanding the Basics: Tarmac vs Block Paving
Before diving into the pros and cons, let’s look at what these two driveway surfacing materials are actually all about.
What Is a Tarmac Driveway?
A tarmac driveway (also known as tarmacadam) is a driveway surfaced with a substance made from a mixture of crushed stone and bitumen. It’s laid hot, compacted, and rolled to create a smooth, durable surface.
Tarmac has long been popular across the UK due to its clean, uniform appearance; quick installation time; cost-effectiveness; and excellent strength as a hard-standing for vehicles.
Tarmac is commonly used on residential driveways, car parks, and roads — a testament to its durability.
What Is a Block Paving Driveway?
A block paving driveway is constructed from individual concrete or clay blocks in various colours, styles and finishes, laid in interlocking patterns (for example herringbone) on a prepared sand base.
Block paving is often chosen for its decorative appeal and custom design options. It’s particularly popular as a premium finish for traditional or character homes.
Appearance & Kerb Appeal
Tarmac: Clean and Contemporary
A tarmac driveway offers a sleek, minimalist look. Its smooth black or charcoal finish works particularly well with modern homes, new builds and commercial-style entrances.
While tarmac is less decorative than block paving, it creates a neat, professional appearance that enhances property kerb appeal without overwhelming the frontage.
Optional features such as decorative edging, contrasting kerbs, and resin or block borders can elevate a tarmac driveway’s appearance significantly.
Block Paving: Design Flexibility
If visual impact is a priority, block paving often comes out on top. Available in a wide range of colours, shapes, textures and laying patterns block paving can be customised to complement your property’s architectural style perfectly.
From traditional herringbone designs to contemporary linear patterns, block paving is ideal when you want a driveway with the wow factor.
Durability & Longevity
How Long Does a Tarmac Driveway Last?
When installed correctly by a professional driveway installer, a tarmac driveway can last 20–30 years. It’s a long-lasting driveway surface that handles heavy vehicles well and copes with the UK’s variable weather.
Tarmac is flexible, which helps prevent cracking during freeze-thaw cycles — a big advantage in colder months.
How Durable Is Block Paving?
A block paving driveway can last 25–40 years or more with proper maintenance. Individual blocks are extremely strong, and if damage occurs, single blocks can be replaced without disturbing the rest of the driveway.
This modular nature makes block paving one of the most durable driveway options available.
Maintenance & Upkeep
Tarmac: A Low-Maintenance Drive
If you want a low-maintenance drive, tarmac is hard to beat. Maintenance typically includes:
- Occasional sweeping
- Power washing
- Resealing every few years
Tarmac doesn’t allow weeds to grow through easily, and its smooth surface discourages moss buildup.
Block Paving: More Attention Required
Block paving requires more regular upkeep, including:
- Re-sanding joints
- Weed prevention
- Occasional deep cleaning
Without maintenance, weeds can grow between blocks, and sand can wash away over time. However, sealing block paving can significantly reduce maintenance needs.
Cost Comparison
Is Tarmac Cheaper Than Block Paving?
Yes — in most cases. Tarmac is generally one of the most cost-effective driveway surfaces, especially for larger areas.
There are numerous factors that influence the cost of laying a driveway, such as the size of the driveway, how much ground preparation is necessary, and what drainage arrangements will be required depending on location.
Block paving is usually more expensive than tarmac due to things like material costs, design complexity and the fact that installation is more labour-intensive.
Most homeowners however are happy to pay a higher up front cost for block paving for the sake of its premium appearance.
Installation Time & Disruption
Tarmac Installation
A tarmac driveway can often be installed in 1–2 days, depending on size and groundwork. It cures quickly, meaning minimal disruption and fast access.
Block Paving Installation
Block paving takes longer than tarmac — usually 3–7 days — due to ground preparation, precision laying, jointing and finishing. While installation takes longer, the results can be visually striking.
Environmental Considerations
Both driveway surfaces can be regarded as environmentally responsible when installed correctly.
- Tarmac can be recycled and reused
- Block paving can be permeable, aiding drainage and reducing surface water runoff
A reputable professional driveway installer like Wotton Tarpaving offers free site visits and will advise on sustainable drainage solutions (SUDS) and other environmental factors if you have questions.
Why Professional Installation Matters
No matter which driveway surface you choose, quality installation is essential. Poor groundwork or deficient drainage can lead to consequences like cracking, pooling water, subsidence and reduce the lifespan of your driveway.
For homeowners in Bath, Bristol, and Gloucester, Wotton Tarpaving Ltd are trusted specialists in both tarmac driveway and block paving driveway installations. With extensive local experience, they understand regional ground conditions and deliver long-lasting, high-quality results.
Working with an experienced installer ensures:
- Proper sub-base preparation
- Correct drainage
- Professional finish
- Compliance with local regulations
To Sum Up …….
So, after this driveway surface comparison have we helped you decide which driveway surface Is right for you? To recap on the main points you can:
Choose a tarmac driveway if you want:
- A cost-effective solution
- Fast installation
- Low maintenance
- A clean, modern look
Choose a block paving driveway if you want:
- Maximum kerb appeal
- Custom design options
- Long-term durability
- A premium finish
Either choice will provide you with an excellent long-lasting driveway surface when installed by a skilled professional like Wotton Tarpaving Ltd.