Driveway Paving: Is a Tar and Chip Driveway Worth It?

A tar and chip driveway can be worth it, depending on your needs and preferences. Here are some reasons to choose Tar and chip for your driveway.

Pros:

Cost-Effective: Tar and chip driveways are generally less expensive than asphalt or concrete driveways.
Aesthetic: They offer a more natural, rustic appearance that blends well with rural or countryside settings.
Good Traction: The rough surface provides better traction, which can be helpful in wet or icy conditions.
Low Maintenance: These driveways require less maintenance than asphalt, as small cracks and imperfections blend into the surface over time.

Driveway Preparation is Key

From our experience over the last few years we have found that preparation of the area to be tarred is essential. If not installed correctly you will reduce the overall life span of a tar and chip driveway.

Drainage

The biggest cause of surface breakdown is water lying on the surface not being able to drain. It is essential that rain water has a route to drain off any paved area. We always make sure that there is a camber on the surface at all times and also that any open drains are clean and we open new ones if needed.On a long avenue it maybe as simple as opening extra inlets to allow rain water to drain.

Sub Base

The right sub base is also critical. We always remove all loose material and compact. We like to use a 3/4 inch limestone product to prep for the tar sprayer. Limestone goes together very well and allows us to shape the surface to the required falls.

Compaction at all stages is also critical. We use a 2 tonne ride on roller to achieve this.

image of a driveway next to a house being tarred and chipped

Types of Tar and Chip Stone for Driveways

There are different size chips used for different applications. For avenues and yards eg farm lane ways that have heavy traffic like milk Lorrie's and tractors, we tend to use a 14mm limestone chip on the base layer, followed by either a second run with 14mm or a 10 mm chip .

For domestic applications we use a 10mm limestone chip as the base layer followed by either a 10 or 6mm limestone chip. This will be decided on site after consultation with the client.

Double Layer for Driveway Longevity

We always do a double layer ,anything less will not last over time.

We also invested in some new plant for the coming season in 2025 to improve the service we can offer.

Tar and Chip vs Tarmac Driveways

The most common used chip has been a high PSV limestone chip. Popular colours are the light gold chip and new to us this year a red coloured chip sourced from North Kerry.

The cost of tar sprayer and chip has to be a huge plus when compared with tarmac and in our opinion tar spray suits a lot of property especially in rural areas.

Tar spray and chip will not moss over and more particularly it will not fade like tarmac as the exposed aggregate is a natural stone.

image of a driveway with a red chip coloured stone on it.

How long does Tar and Chip Driveway last?

The lifespan of tar spray and chip is basically down to the quality of work done, if the sub base is correct and drainage issues dealt with, tar spray can last as long as tar.

Tar spray and chip is ideal for covering a concrete area. Once clean and dry it works perfectly on existing concrete and the same applies to existing tarmac. As old tarmac starts to break down,tar spray will seal what is existing and allow for the first layer of tar spray and chip.

Want to know more?

Transform your driveway into a stunning focal point with our professional tar and chip installation services. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how we can bring your vision to life.