Tar and Chip Surfacing
Tar and chip is our signature finish: hot bitumen sprayed onto a compacted base, then rolled with natural stone chippings for a rustic, grippy surface that suits country homes and long rural drives.
- Choice of golden, granite and Cotswold-style chippings
- Excellent grip in wet and icy conditions
- Cost-effective for large areas and long drives
- Can be laid over a sound existing surface
How we do it
What it is and when it suits
Tar and chip, also called bitumen and stone chip or chip seal, sprays hot bitumen onto a compacted base and then rolls natural stone chippings into it. It suits long rural drives, country houses, farm tracks and private lanes, where a natural look, good grip and value per square metre matter more than a perfectly smooth finish.
New build or over your existing drive
On a new drive we excavate, lay a membrane and build a compacted sub-base, often with a tarmac base course for strength. If you have a sound tarmac or concrete drive, it can often be dressed over directly. We check for cracks, soft spots and drainage first and repair them before any chips go down.
Drainage, edging and loads
We set the falls so water runs off, and fit channels or soakaways where needed. Edging in block, kerb or timber stops the edges from fraying. For drives used by tractors, horseboxes or delivery lorries, we build a deeper base.
What affects the price
The main things are the size of the area, how much digging and sub-base is needed, whether we can lay over an existing surface, access for our machinery, edging and drainage, and the stone colour you choose. Larger areas usually cost less per square metre. Your survey quote is fixed and itemised.
Aftercare
Expect a few loose chips in the first weeks. They gradually embed, and we sweep off the excess. Avoid sharp turns on the spot and heavy stands such as trailer jacks while the bitumen cures in hot weather. We'll confirm when you can drive on it, which is usually straight away for cars.
Questions
Is tar and chip the same as bitumen and stone chip?
Yes. Tar and chip, bitumen and stone chip, chip seal and surface dressing all describe a bitumen binder with chippings rolled in. Modern work uses bitumen emulsion rather than old-fashioned coal tar.
Can it go over my old tarmac?
Often, yes, if the tarmac is structurally sound. We repair any potholes and cracks first.
Which colours are available?
Common choices are golden gravel, Cotswold buff, granite grey and red. We'll bring samples to your survey.
Tar and Chip Surfacing near you
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