Looking for a driveway solution that's quick to install, easy on the wallet, and built to last? Tarmac (also known as asphalt) is the smart choice for Staffordshire homeowners who want reliability without the premium price tag.
At A-List, we've been laying tarmac driveways for 30+ years. We know the tricks to make it last, the shortcuts to avoid, and exactly how to handle our unpredictable UK weather. From small residential drives to larger multi-car spaces, we'll get you back on the road fast.
Tarmac vs Asphalt vs Concrete: What's the Difference?
First things first: tarmac and asphalt are essentially the same thing in modern construction. The term "tarmac" originally referred to tarmacadam (tar + macadam aggregate), but today's driveways use hot-mix asphalt bitumen. We'll use both terms here because that's what people search for.
| Feature | Tarmac/Asphalt | Concrete | Concrete |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per m² | £45-£65 | £50-£75 | £60-£100 |
| Installation Time | 1-3 days | 2-4 days | 2-3 days |
| Ready to Use | 24 hours | 7-14 days | 24-48 hours |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 20-30 years | 15-25 years |
| Maintenance | Low - reseal every 5-7 years | Low - minimal | Low - wash occasionally |
| Repair Ease | Easy - patch & resurface | Difficult - cracks visible | Moderate - can patch |
| Weather Resistance | Excellent - flexible in frost | Good - can crack in freeze/thaw | Excellent - permeable |
| Aesthetic Options | Black, red (limited) | Grey, stamped patterns | Wide colour range |
Resurfacing vs Full Replacement: Which Do You Need?
Not every tired driveway needs ripping out. Here's how we decide:
Choose Resurfacing When:
- The base is still solid (no sinking or movement)
- Surface has minor cracks or worn patches
- You want a fresh look without the cost
- Drainage is already working fine
- Driveway is less than 20 years old
Cost: From £35/m² (overlay only)
Time: 1-2 days
Lifespan Boost: +10-15 years
Choose Full Replacement When:
- Base has failed (potholes, sinking, pooling water)
- Multiple deep cracks or structural issues
- Poor drainage causing persistent puddles
- You're changing the slope or layout
- Driveway is 25+ years old
Cost: From £45/m² (excavation + new base + surface)
Time: 2-3 days
Lifespan: 15-20 years (full warranty)
Not sure? We'll come out for a free assessment and give you an honest answer. If resurfacing will do the job, we'll save you money and tell you so. No upselling. Ever.
Built for Britain: How Tarmac Handles Our Weather
Let's face it: Staffordshire weather is brutal on driveways. Frost, rain, snow, heatwaves (occasionally). Here's why tarmac thrives when others crack:
Frost & Freeze/Thaw Cycles
The Problem: Water gets into cracks, freezes, expands, and breaks concrete apart.
Tarmac's Solution: Flexible bitumen surface moves slightly with temperature changes. It doesn't crack like rigid concrete. Water runs off faster thanks to the smooth surface.
Heavy Rain & Drainage
The Problem: Standing water accelerates surface wear and creates ice hazards in winter.
Tarmac's Solution: We install with a 1:60 gradient minimum to encourage runoff. Integrate drainage channels or soakaways as needed. Properly laid tarmac sheds water beautifully.
Summer Heat
The Problem: Softening in extreme heat (rare but happens).
Tarmac's Solution: Modern polymer-modified asphalt resists deformation. We use high-quality binder that stays stable even at 30°C+. Plus, we avoid laying in extreme heat to ensure proper curing.
Organic Debris
The Problem: Leaves, moss, algae staining.
Tarmac's Solution: Non-porous surface doesn't harbour algae like textured paving. A quick power wash once a year keeps it looking fresh. Optional sealant treatment adds extra protection against staining.
Edging Options & Drainage Integration
A tarmac driveway is only as good as its edges and drainage. Here's how we make sure yours looks sharp and performs flawlessly:
Edging Options
Block Paving Edge
Look: Classic, decorative border in contrasting colour
Cost: +£15-£20/linear metre
Best For: Traditional homes, period properties
Concrete Kerbs
Look: Clean, professional, industrial-strength
Cost: +£12-£18/linear metre
Best For: Preventing edge crumble, heavy traffic areas
Timber Edging
Look: Rustic, blends with landscaping
Cost: +£8-£12/linear metre
Best For: Budget-conscious, garden integration
Drainage Integration
Water is the enemy of any driveway. We don't leave it to chance:
- ACO Drains: Channels at the bottom of slopes to catch runoff (from £45/metre installed)
- Soakaways: Underground drainage pits for larger driveways (from £250)
- Crossfall Grading: Subtle slope away from buildings (included in all installations)
- Gully Connections: Tie into existing storm drains where available
Case Study: From Cracked Mess to Sleek Finish in 3 Days
The Challenge
Mrs. Thompson from Blythe Bridge contacted us about her 25-year-old concrete driveway. It was riddled with cracks, uneven from tree root damage, and pooling water near the garage every time it rained. She was quoted £4,500 for a block paving replacement and £3,200 for new concrete. Both required 5+ days on-site.
Our Solution
After a free site visit, we recommended a full tarmac replacement with proper base correction and integrated ACO drainage:
- Day 1: Excavated old concrete, removed tree roots, installed 150mm MOT Type 1 sub-base with proper compaction
- Day 2: Installed ACO channel drain near garage, added 50mm binder course, shaped crossfall for water runoff
- Day 3: Laid 25mm wearing course, installed block paving edging, cleaned up completely
The Results
- Total Cost: £2,450 (45m² driveway)
- Installation: 3 days (vs 5+ for alternatives)
- Ready to Use: Next day (vs 14 days for concrete)
- Warranty: 10 years workmanship guarantee
- Drainage Issue: Completely resolved
"I can't believe how fast they worked. The team turned up at 7:30am each day, cleaned up beautifully, and were done by Friday afternoon. No more puddles, no more cracks, and I saved over £1,000 compared to the other quotes. Best decision I made all year."
Mrs. Sarah Thompson, Blythe Bridge
Project Specs
- Location: Blythe Bridge, ST11
- Size: 45m²
- Duration: 3 days
- Base: 150mm MOT Type 1
- Surface: 75mm hot-mix asphalt (2 layers)
- Drainage: ACO channel + soakaway
- Edging: Charcoal block paving
- Cost: £54/m²
Honest Pricing: What You'll Actually Pay
No hidden costs. No surprises. Here's our typical pricing structure:
| Service | Price per m² | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Tarmac Resurfacing (overlay existing surface) |
£35-£45 | Surface prep, 40mm wearing course, basic edging, cleanup |
| Full Replacement (standard domestic) |
£45-£55 | Excavation, 100mm sub-base, 50mm binder + 25mm wearing course, basic drainage, edging, cleanup |
| Premium Install (with enhanced drainage) |
£55-£65 | As above + ACO drains, 150mm sub-base, decorative edging, optional red tarmac finish |
Add-Ons & Extras
- Block paving edging: +£15-£20/linear metre
- ACO drainage channel: +£45-£60/linear metre installed
- Dropped kerb (approved): From £850
- Soakaway installation: From £250
- Red tarmac (instead of black): +£5/m²
- Sealant treatment: +£8/m²
Example: Typical 50m² Driveway
- Full replacement: 50m² × £50 = £2,500
- Block edging: 20m × £18 = £360
- ACO drain: 4m × £50 = £200
- Total: £3,060 (inc. VAT)
- Timeline: 2-3 days, ready in 24 hours
Every quote includes: Free site survey, detailed written estimate, 10-year workmanship guarantee, full cleanup, waste removal, and our no-deposit promise.
Why Choose A-List for Your Tarmac Driveway?
Fast Installation
Most driveways completed in 2-3 days. Ready to drive on within 24 hours. We work around your schedule, not ours.
Budget-Friendly
Best value-per-year of any driveway option. We'll show you how to get 20 years for the price others charge for 10.
30+ Years Experience
We've laid thousands of square metres across Staffordshire. We know every soil type, drainage quirk, and weather challenge.
10-Year Guarantee
Our workmanship guarantee covers subsidence, cracking, and drainage issues. If we messed up, we fix it. No quibbles.
Common Questions About Tarmac Driveways
Ready for a Driveway That Just Works?
Fast installation. Budget-friendly pricing. Built to last 20 years. That's the tarmac advantage.
Get a same-day quote. Free site survey. No upfront payment required.
Get Your Free Quote →Or call us now: 07754 944102
Get a Same-Day Quote
Free site survey. No upfront payment. No hidden costs.
Request Quote → 07754 944102Why Tarmac?
- Most Cost-Effective
From £45/m² - best value for durability - Fastest Install
2-3 days, ready to use in 24 hours - Easy to Repair
Patch & resurface without replacing - Weather Resistant
Flexible in frost, won't crack like concrete - Low Maintenance
Reseal every 5-7 years, that's it
Typical Project
50m² Driveway - Forsbrook
Scope:
- Full excavation & base prep
- 150mm MOT Type 1 sub-base
- 75mm 2-layer tarmac surface
- Block paving edging (20m)
- ACO drainage channel (4m)
Timeline:
- Day 1: Excavate & base
- Day 2: Drainage & first layer
- Day 3: Wearing course & edges
Inc. VAT, cleanup & 10-year guarantee
We Serve
- 📍 Forsbrook & Blythe Bridge
- 📍 Stoke-on-Trent (all ST postcodes)
- 📍 Newcastle-under-Lyme
- 📍 Stafford
- 📍 Cheadle & Leek
- 📍 Uttoxeter
Outside these areas? Call us - we often travel for larger projects.
Trusted by 200+ Homeowners
4.9/5 Average Rating
- Fully Insured (£5M liability)
- 30+ Years Experience
- Family-Run Business
- No Upfront Payment
- Cleanup Included
What Our Customers Say
"Brilliant tarmac job. Done in 2 days, smooth as glass, and we were driving on it the next morning!"
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— Paul M., Forsbrook
"Best value for money. Resurface looked like a brand new driveway. Saved us thousands compared to replacing it."
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— Linda K., Stoke-on-Trent
"Fast, reliable, friendly — exactly as promised. The team cleaned up perfectly. Highly recommend!"
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— Sarah T., Newcastle-under-Lyme
Ready for Your New Tarmac Driveway?
Get your free quote today. Fast installation. 10-year guarantee. Free, no-obligation quotes.
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