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Tarmac Essex | Tarmac Surfacing Essex

Local Tarmac Company Essex

Looking for a reliable Essex tarmac  company? Whether you need a full replacement or just want to resurface an old drive, we install smooth, long-lasting tarmac driveways in Essex homeowners can count on. Tarmac is one of the most practical options out there – quick to lay, easy to maintain, and excellent value for money. With the right groundwork underneath, it will stand up to years of daily use.

We take on everything from simple tarmac driveways to new access points, and we’re fully qualified to carry out kerb drops and council-approved crossings. No fuss, no long waits – just properly laid tarmac from a trusted local team. For quality driveways in tarmac Essex customers can get in touch today for a free, no-obligation quote.

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Quality Tarmac Essex Driveways and Patios

Tarmac Driveways Essex | Tarmac Company Essex

Tarmac driveways, and even tarmac patios, are a solid choice if you want something durable, low-maintenance, and quick to put down. Our tarmac surfacing Essex service includes installation of both red and black tarmac with a smooth rolled finish, finished off with clean edging that suits the look of your home. Whether it’s a straight drive, a wide forecourt, or a sloping entrance, we’ve worked on all shapes and sizes.

We cover homes right across Essex, from Chelmsford and Colchester to Braintree, Brentwood, Southend and surrounding towns. Every tarmac driveway is laid by hand and machine-rolled for strength. We don’t cut corners on the base - that’s the part that makes the difference for how long it lasts. As one of most established driveway companies for tarmac Essex clients know us for turning up when we say we will and doing the job properly.

Tarmac Services Essex Specialists

Kerb Drop

If you need a new driveway that connects properly to the road, we are fully qualified to carry out kerb drops and council-approved crossings. A proper kerb drop not only makes getting on and off your drive easier but also keeps you compliant with local council rules.


We’re dropped kerb contractors Essex customers can contact. We've installed countless driveways in tarmac Essex and beyond where a kerb adjustment was needed. Whether it’s a new home entrance, a widened driveway, or replacing a damaged crossing, we make sure it’s done safely and to council standards.

Decorative Features And Edging

Tarmac drives don’t have to look boring. We can finish them off with block paving edging, gravel strips, or even use a different colour mix if you want something less standard. It works just as well on new driveways as it does when resurfacing an old one.

We’ll show you a few edging styles and let you see what fits your drive. Some people go for a neat curve around a lawn, others prefer a straight line to split off a path or patio. However you want it, we always take time on the finish - that’s the part that makes our work stand out from other specialist tarmac Essex driveway companies.

Repairs, Extensions & Re-surfacing

Want a tarmac drive or tarmac surfacing Essex or beyond that’s cracked, dipped, or just past its best? We can put it right with resurfacing, patch repairs, or even extend it if you need more space. If the base is still sound, a new layer of tarmac on top will usually bring it back to life. If the base isn’t up to scratch, we’ll strip it out and rebuild it properly.

If you're looking for tarmac surfacing Essex customers will get straight advice from us - we’ll tell you if it’s worth repairing, if it needs replacing, and how long it should last. No sales talk, no pressure, just local driveway specialists making sure the job’s done right.

Tarmac Surfacing Essex FAQs

  • How much does a tarmac driveway cost in Essex? | Essex Drives & Paving explains

    Typical UK figures: ~£80–£112 per m² for standard asphalt/tarmac. A 50 m² two-car driveway is often around £4,500, depending on base prep, access and edges. Site visits give fixed quotes.

  • Is a tarmac driveway good value compared with block paving or resin?

    Tarmac usually sits at the lower end of cost per m² versus block paving or resin, with fast install and low upkeep. Exact value depends on groundworks and drainage.

  • Do I need planning permission for a tarmac driveway?

    If water runs to a permeable area (or you add SuDS drainage), permission is normally not required. Impermeable surfacing over 5 m² that drains to the road may need consent.

  • How long does a new tarmac driveway take to install?

    Most domestic drives are 3–7 working days including excavation, base, tarmac layers and rolling. Weather can shift timings.

  • How long will tarmac last?

    With a solid sub-base and proper edges, a domestic tarmac drive can last 15–20+ years. Choice of mix and traffic levels matter.

  • What is SMA and is it worth it for a driveway?

    Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) is a tough, deformation-resistant mix used on busy roads; some homeowners choose it for hard-working drives or shared access. Expect a firmer, durable surface.

  • Can you lay tarmac over old concrete or existing tarmac? | Essex Drives & Paving explains

    If the base is sound, dry and well-drained, an overlay can work. If it’s moving, cracked through, or holds water, we’ll rebuild the base first.

  • Do I need a dropped kerb for a new driveway in Essex?

    If you plan to drive over the footway, you’ll need a vehicle crossing approved by Essex Highways; width guidance for single properties is ~3.6–4.5 m (4–5 dropped kerb lengths).

  • Who applies for the dropped kerb - me or the installer?

    You apply via Essex County Council. We can advise on drawings and timing and coordinate works so the crossing and drive line up.

  • What base do you use under tarmac?

    A compacted MOT Type 1 sub-base (depth set by soil/traffic), often with binder and surface courses. Correct falls stop pooling and protect the structure. (SuDS planning still applies.)

  • Is tarmac permeable?

    Standard tarmac is not permeable. Drainage is managed with falls, channels, soakaways or with a permeable construction elsewhere on the plot to meet SuDS aims.

  • Red or black tarmac - any difference beyond colour? | Essex Drives & Paving explains

    Performance is similar for domestic drives when laid to spec. Many choose black for a clean look and red for demarcation or heritage styles.

  • Can I add block paving edging to a tarmac drive?

    Yes - block or granite edging improves looks and helps lock the surface. It’s a common spec for tarmac Essex and beyond.

  • What maintenance does tarmac need?

    Keep it clean, fix oil spills quickly, avoid point loads (e.g., bike stands) in hot weather, and reseal if specified. Most homes need very little annual upkeep.

  • How soon can I use the driveway after laying?

    Walking usually same day; light vehicles after 24–48 hrs, depending on weather and mix. Your installer will confirm on the day.

  • Can tarmac be laid in winter in Essex?

    Yes, but temperature and rainfall call the shots. We plan delivery and rolling to suit conditions so compaction and finish are right.

  • What pushes the price up most?

    Deep base works, spoil removal, tight access, edging, drainage channels and complex shapes add time and cost. Online calculators give a guide only.

  • Is tarmac OK for vans or motorhomes?

    Yes - build-up and mix are adjusted for heavier loads. We’ll spec base depth and surface accordingly.

  • Tarmac vs concrete for Essex drives - pros and cons?

    Tarmac: quicker install, easier repairs, good value.

    Concrete: very rigid, fewer joints, but cracks are harder to hide. Your soil, budget and access decide.

  • Can you coordinate the driveway and the kerb drop together? | Essex Drives & Paving explains

    We coordinate the schedule so the vehicle crossing and the drive finish meet cleanly, with levels and edges matching Essex Highways requirements.

Customer Testimonials

5 star review

"We booked these guys to replace old concrete drive with fresh black tarmac. The lads turned up on time each day, worked solidly, and kept everything tidy. The finish is smooth with neat block edging. Couldn’t fault the service."

— Kevin R., Essex

5 star review | Bristol Driveways

"Quality Essex tarmac contractors. They resurfaced our long tarmac drive and added a dropped kerb at the front. From the first call to the final roll over, everything was explained clearly. Price was fair and the result looks fantastic."

 — Sarah L., Essex

5 star review | Bristol Driveways

"We needed a driveway big enough for two cars and a van. The team dug out properly, laid the base, and machine-rolled the tarmac so it’s rock solid. No hassle, no hidden extras. Exactly what we wanted."

 — Mark & Louise P., Southend

5 star review | Bristol Driveways

"Our drive had dipped and cracked over the years. We got honest advice, they said where it could be overlaid and where it needed new base. They stuck to the quote and the new tarmac surface has completely lifted the front of the house."

 — Janet H., Colchester