What is a tar & chip driveway?
Tar and chip, also called surface dressing or chip seal, is one of the oldest and best-value ways to surface a driveway. It's the same principle as a freshly dressed country lane.
How it's laid
Three steps over a sound base:
- Hot bitumen (the modern "tar") is sprayed evenly across the surface.
- Stone chippings are spread over the top while it's still hot.
- The chippings are rolled in, bedding firmly into the binder.
Spray the bitumen
Hot bitumen binder is sprayed evenly across the prepared base.
Spread the chippings
Decorative stone is spread over the top while the binder is still hot.
Roll it in
The chippings are rolled so they bed firmly into the binder and lock in place.
As it sets, the bitumen locks the stone in place, leaving a solid, textured surface in the colour of your chosen chippings. No long curing period.
What it needs underneath
It's a surface finish, so it needs a sound base: a stable sub-base, or existing tarmac or concrete in good condition. A good installer checks the base first. Laying over a poor foundation is the main cause of problems, which is why the fitter matters (see how to choose one).
The look
The finish comes entirely from the chippings, from natural golden gravel to darker granite. See the colours and finishes.
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