Tarmac Driveways

Premium Landscaping — Durham

Tarmac is one of the most popular driveway surfaces in Durham and the North East, and it's easy to see why. It copes well with freezing winters, hot summers and heavy rain alike, and because the surface is smooth and free of gaps, water can't collect and freeze in cracks the way it can on some other surfaces. A well-installed tarmac driveway is weather resistant, highly durable and permeable, and it's available in a full range of colours, so it suits both traditional and modern homes. Premium Landscaping Durham has installed tarmac driveways for many satisfied customers across the region, and we're happy to show examples of our previous work or put you in touch with references. Other advantages, and how tarmac compares against different driveway materials, are covered in our wider driveway ideas guide.

A good base is everything with a tarmac driveway - lay it on a weak sub-base and the surface will crack and rut no matter how good the tarmac itself is. Our team surveys every site for free, then designs and lays a driveway to suit the exact shape, gradient and traffic the space needs, backed by a 10-year guarantee on workmanship and materials. Once your driveway is laid, avoid driving on it for at least 2-3 days (longer in warm weather), take it easy when manoeuvring so you don't scuff the surface while stationary, and spread the load under anything like caravan legs or trailer feet with a timber board. Any oil or fuel spills should be mopped up straightaway to avoid staining. With this kind of care, and a reseal every three to five years, a tarmac driveway can easily last 12-20 years — see our wider guide to regular maintenance across different surface types for more seasonal tips.

How much does it cost? Every driveway is different, so we offer a free survey and free quotation to give you an accurate price based on size and complexity — see our guide to the typical price range across different driveway materials. Do I need planning permission? Generally no for a plain tarmac or resin finish, though block paving can sometimes require it, so it's worth checking with your local authority if you're unsure. What's the difference between tarmac and asphalt? Tarmac is a specific, trademarked type of asphalt bound with tar, while asphalt more broadly refers to any aggregate-and-bitumen mix; in practice the two terms are used interchangeably for driveways. We also handle commercial tarmac surfacing, including car park installation, resurfacing and repairs, for businesses across County Durham. If you need tarmac professionally laid in the Durham area, call us now to book a free consultation and a fast, free quote.