Tarmac vs Block Paving
Driveways & External › Driveways & External
Tarmac vs Block Paving
Choose the right driveway surface for your budget, kerb appeal, and maintenance tolerance.
Tarmac is cheaper to install and quicker to lay, typically costing less per m² than block paving. Block paving looks smarter, lasts longer when well maintained, and is easier to repair section by section. Your choice depends on budget, aesthetics, and how much ongoing maintenance you’re willing to do.
What Is Tarmac?
Tarmac (short for tarmacadam) is a bound surface material made from crushed aggregate mixed with bitumen, laid hot and rolled flat to create a smooth, durable finish. It is one of the most common driveway surfaces in the UK due to its relatively low cost and fast installation — a standard driveway can be laid and usable within 24 hours. Tarmac is typically installed by a contractor with specialist equipment, though small repairs are DIY-friendly. If your existing tarmac surface has developed cracks or surface damage, see our guide on how to repair tarmac cracks before considering a full replacement.
What Is Block Paving?
Block paving uses individual precast concrete or clay blocks laid in a pattern on a compacted sub-base and sharp sand bed, then jointed with kiln-dried sand. It offers a far wider range of colours, patterns, and finishes than tarmac, making it a popular choice for homeowners looking to improve kerb appeal. Blocks can be lifted and relaid if ground movement causes settlement, and individual damaged blocks can be replaced without disturbing the rest of the surface. Once installed, jointing sand needs periodic replenishment — see our upcoming guide on how to point a block paved driveway for full details.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Tarmac | Block Paving |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per m² | £40–£70 | £60–£120+ |
| Durability | Good; can soften in prolonged heat | Very good; individual blocks resist cracking |
| Appearance | Functional, plain black finish | Wide choice of colours and patterns |
| Install Difficulty | Contractor only (specialist kit required) | DIY possible but labour-intensive |
| Maintenance | Low; reseal every 3–5 years recommended | Moderate; weed and re-sand joints periodically |
| Lifespan | 15–25 years | 20–30+ years with maintenance |
Tarmac — Pros and Cons
Pros
- Lower upfront cost than block paving
- Fast installation — usable within 24 hours
- Smooth surface is easy to sweep and jet wash
- Good resistance to frost and freeze-thaw cycles
- Less likely to have weeds grow through the surface
Cons
- Limited aesthetic options — typically plain black
- Can soften and mark in very hot weather
- Requires professional installation; not a DIY job
- Oil stains are harder to conceal on a dark surface — see how to remove oil stains from your driveway
- Whole-surface resurfacing needed if damage is widespread
Block Paving — Pros and Cons
Pros
- Wide range of colours, textures, and laying patterns
- Individual blocks can be lifted and replaced — no full resurfacing needed
- Adds kerb appeal and can increase perceived property value
- Permeable options available to meet sustainable drainage requirements (SuDS)
- Long lifespan when properly bedded and maintained
Cons
- Higher upfront cost than tarmac
- Joint sand needs topping up and weeds can establish in joints
- Labour-intensive to install correctly, especially on large areas
- Blocks can shift or sink if the sub-base is inadequate
- Pressure washing can displace jointing sand — see our upcoming guide to pressure washing a driveway safely
Which Is Better For…?
- Tight budget, straightforward driveway: Tarmac wins. It consistently comes in at a lower installed cost per m², making it the practical choice when funds are limited.
- Improving kerb appeal on a period or semi-detached property: Block paving wins. The range of colours and herringbone or basketweave patterns suit traditional UK housing far better than a plain black tarmac finish.
- Low-maintenance household: Tarmac wins. Once laid and sealed, it requires little attention beyond an occasional jet wash and periodic resealing. See our upcoming guide on how to reseal a tarmac driveway.
- Areas with tree roots or ground movement: Block paving wins. Individual blocks can be lifted, the sub-base corrected, and blocks relaid — far cheaper than resurfacing tarmac that has heaved.
- Meeting planning or drainage requirements for a new driveway: Block paving wins, particularly if permeable blocks are used. Under UK planning rules, front driveways over 5m² laid in non-permeable material require planning permission unless drainage runs to a lawn or border — permeable block paving sidesteps this. Check requirements on gov.uk.
UK Cost Comparison
For a typical UK driveway, tarmac installation costs in the range of £40–£70 per m² fully installed, including sub-base preparation, depending on region and access. Block paving typically costs £60–£120+ per m² installed, with clay pavers and more intricate patterns sitting at the upper end of that range. On a 40m² driveway, that represents a potential difference of £800–£2,000 or more between the two materials. These figures are for professional installation; a confident DIYer tackling block paving themselves could reduce the material-only cost significantly, though plant hire and aggregate delivery still add up. Always obtain at least three written quotes. For context on how external surfacing costs compare to other home improvement work, see our Driveways & External Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need planning permission to lay a block paved driveway in the UK?
If you are paving over 5m² of a front garden with a non-permeable surface, you will generally need planning permission. Using permeable block paving or ensuring water drains to a lawn or border avoids this requirement. Check current rules on gov.uk.
How long does tarmac take to set before I can drive on it?
Freshly laid tarmac is typically safe to walk on within a few hours and ready for vehicles within 24–48 hours, depending on temperature. Avoid parking on it in hot weather for the first few weeks as it can indent under static loads.
Can block paving be laid as a DIY project?
Yes, but it is physically demanding and requires careful sub-base preparation to avoid future settlement. Laying the blocks themselves is straightforward; getting the levels and falls right for drainage is where most DIY attempts go wrong.
How do I stop weeds growing through block paving joints?
Use a polymeric jointing sand when laying, which binds when wet and inhibits weed growth. Apply a proprietary patio weed killer annually and top up the jointing sand whenever gaps appear, as depleted joints allow weed seeds to establish.
Which driveway surface is better for resale value?
Block paving is generally considered more attractive to buyers and estate agents cite a well-kept block paved driveway as a positive feature. Tarmac in good condition is neutral — neither a drawback nor a selling point — but cracked or weedy tarmac can deter buyers.
When getting quotes for tarmac, ask the contractor to specify the depth of the binder course and wearing course separately — a reputable installer will lay a minimum 60mm binder course plus 25mm wearing course on a prepared sub-base, not just resurface over an unstable base. Cutting corners here is the single biggest cause of premature tarmac failure.
Sources
- Which? — Tarmac and block paving driveway costs — which.co.uk
- GOV.UK — Paving your front garden: planning permission guidance — gov.uk
- Checkatrade — Block paving cost guide UK — checkatrade.com
This guide is for general information only. Always work safely and follow manufacturer instructions. DIYnut accepts no liability for injury or damage arising from DIY work.
