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Budget driveway overlays from £20 per m²

Tar & chip driveway overlays across Kent, East Sussex & Surrey, giving tired tarmac, concrete and older surfaces a fresh, tidy finish without the cost of a full new driveway.

Call: 07438455775  |  Freephone: 0800 861 1027

Cost-effective overlays for tired driveways

A tar & chip overlay is a simple way to smarten a driveway, farm track or private road without digging everything out. If the existing surface is still structurally sound, we can often apply a new tar & chip finish over the top and give it a new lease of life.

For many customers in Kent, East Sussex and Surrey this is a budget-friendly option that still looks neat and stands up well to everyday use.

Guide prices for tar & chip overlays

Tar & chip overlay: starting from £20 per m²

Guide prices are based on larger areas with a sound existing surface and are worked out on generous square metre measurements. Smaller or awkward areas, steep slopes or bases needing extra repair will be priced accordingly once we have seen them.

If you send your postcode, rough measurements and a few photos of the existing driveway or track, we can quickly say if an overlay is realistic and give a sensible budget figure.

Budget tar and chip driveway overlay on a rural access road

Surfaces that can be overlaid

Tar & chip overlays can work well on:

  • Older tarmac driveways that are worn but still solid underneath
  • Existing concrete drives and yards with good structure
  • Old tar & chip surfaces that now look patchy
  • Certain well-bound hardcore bases where the material is firm

We do not overlay directly onto loose gravel, mud, sand or very soft ground. In those cases the base usually needs to be improved or rebuilt first.

When a budget overlay makes sense

A budget driveway overlay is not the answer for every job, but when the conditions are right it can be a very cost-effective option. It is most suitable when the surface you have is structurally sound but looks tired, patchy or mismatched from previous repairs.

Good situations for an overlay

  • You have a long driveway or private road and a full rebuild would be expensive.
  • The existing tarmac or concrete is cracked on the surface but still firm underneath.
  • You want to tidy up old patch repairs and previous trench works.
  • You prefer a natural stone look but want something more stable than loose gravel.

If there are large potholes, soft spots or extensive movement, we will normally recommend rebuilding those sections properly before any overlay is considered.

How our budget driveway overlays work

We follow a simple, clear process for budget tar & chip overlays across Kent, East Sussex and Surrey:

  1. Initial enquiry: you send your postcode, rough length/width and a few photos of the existing surface.
  2. Quick assessment: we give an honest view on whether an overlay looks realistic and a rough budget figure.
  3. Site visit: we check the base, drainage, edges and access for machinery and lorries.
  4. Preparation: soft spots are dealt with, potholes are repaired and the surface is cleaned and shaped.
  5. Overlay: hot binder is applied, then the chosen stone chippings are spread and rolled to lock everything together.
  6. Final tidy: edges are cleaned, loose chippings are brushed back and the surface is left to settle.

Everything is written down clearly so you know exactly what is included and which areas are being overlaid.

Budget driveway overlay FAQs

Is a budget overlay the same as a full new driveway?

No. A budget overlay relies on the strength of the surface underneath. Where that base is solid, an overlay can perform very well. If the base is failing, a full reconstruction is usually better value in the long run and we will say so.

Can you overlay every existing driveway?

Not every driveway is suitable. Very soft, crumbling or loose surfaces are not a good candidate for an overlay. We always check the base first and explain honestly what can and cannot be done.

How long will a tar & chip overlay last?

Where the base is sound and the preparation is done properly, a tar & chip overlay can give many years of service for normal domestic and light commercial traffic. As with any surface, heavy vehicles, turning in tight spaces and poor drainage can affect lifespan.

Can I choose the stone colour?

Yes, there are different stone sizes and colours available so the finish can be matched to the property and surroundings. We can show examples and suggest options that tend to work well locally.

Other driveway options if an overlay is not suitable

If your base is not suitable for a budget driveway overlay, we can quote for other options including:

We are happy to explain the pros and cons of each so you can compare cost, appearance and long-term maintenance.

Interested in a budget driveway overlay?

If you have a tired driveway, farm track or private road in Kent, East Sussex or Surrey, a tar & chip overlay from around £20 per m² could be a cost-effective option. Send your postcode, rough size and a couple of photos and we will give you an honest view and a guide price.

All driveway quotes are completely free and carried out in person, so we can give you an accurate and honest price for your property.

Call 07438455775 or freephone 0800 861 1027

Request a budget overlay quote