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Tar & chip driveways and private roads

Hard-wearing tar & chip surfacing for long rural driveways, farm tracks and private access roads across Kent, East Sussex and Surrey.

Call: 07438455775  |  Freephone: 0800 861 1027

What is tar & chip surfacing?

Tar and chip (also known as surface dressing) creates a strong, stone-finished surface without the cost of full tarmac on large areas. A hot bitumen binder is applied to a properly prepared base, then natural stone chippings are spread and rolled in to lock everything together.

It’s ideal for countryside properties where a smart, tidy finish is needed but a plain black tarmac look doesn’t suit the setting.

Where tar & chip works best

  • Long rural driveways and country lanes
  • Farm tracks and yard access roads
  • Smallholdings and equestrian entrances
  • Private roads serving a group of homes
  • Courtyards and parking areas around barns or workshops
  • Existing gravel drives that rut, wash out or feel untidy

We’ll look at what traffic uses the surface (cars, vans, deliveries, farm vehicles) and specify the right stone size and build-up for the job.

Tar and chip rural driveway surface

Tar & chip across Kent, East Sussex & Surrey

Most tar & chip projects we carry out are around Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, the Medway towns, Heathfield, Uckfield, Crowborough, Reigate, Redhill and the rural lanes between them — but we’re happy to look at suitable jobs across all three counties.

We normally visit to check the base, drainage and access before confirming a fixed price, especially on longer private roads or farm drives.

Benefits of tar & chip driveways

  • Cost-effective on long runs: great value compared with full tarmac on large areas.
  • Natural countryside look: stone finish suits rural homes and older properties.
  • Good grip: textured surface helps tyres and feet in wet weather.
  • Tidier than loose gravel: less drift under tyres and easier to walk on.
  • Flexible appearance: different stone sizes and colours available.

Tar & chip guide price: from £20 per m²* for suitable long drives and lanes.

*Guide prices are based on larger, straightforward areas. Final pricing depends on base condition, access, drainage and stone choice.

If you already have an older tarmac or concrete drive, tar & chip can sometimes be used as a dressing to smarten it and extend its life — but only if the base is still sound. We’ll tell you honestly if a rebuild is the better option.

Our tar & chip process

For tar & chip driveways and private roads we follow a clear, practical build-up:

  1. Initial enquiry: send your postcode, rough length/width and a few photos.
  2. Site visit: we check the existing base, soft spots, levels, drainage and access.
  3. Preparation: weak areas are repaired, edges are set and falls formed so water runs correctly.
  4. Binder and chippings: hot binder is applied, stone is spread evenly and rolled in.
  5. Final tidy: edges are cleaned and the surface is left to settle before normal use.

You’ll get a clear written quotation showing exactly what’s included. If you’re unsure whether tar & chip, tarmac or resin suits your driveway best, we’ll compare options properly so you can decide without pressure.

You may also want to read about tarmac driveways or resin bound driveways for more decorative finishes on smaller home driveways.

Thinking about a tar & chip driveway or private road?

If you have a long driveway, farm track or shared access road in Kent, East Sussex or Surrey, tar & chip surfacing could be a great fit. Send your postcode, a rough idea of size and a couple of photos so we can give 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 tar & chip quote