Driveway Advice
How do I choose between block paving and tarmac?
Choose block paving when individual-section repairability, a patterned finish or matching an existing driveway matters most. Choose tarmac when you want a simple, uniform surface across a larger area and the site can achieve proper drainage falls. Neither surface choice makes up for poor sub-base preparation or unresolved drainage, so compare the full build-up rather than the visible finish alone.
Why block paving suits some driveways
Block paving uses individual concrete or clay units with edge restraint and jointing sand. A damaged section can be lifted and re-laid, which can be useful where access to services below the driveway or localised repairs are likely to matter. The trade-off is visible joints and the need to keep them maintained.
Why tarmac suits some driveways
Tarmac is a dense, uniform surface laid and compacted over a prepared sub-base. It suits larger areas and homeowners who prefer a simple, low-fuss finish. Standard tarmac is not permeable, so the proposal must explain where water will go and how the finished surface will fall.
Drainage is a design decision
Planning Portal's general England guidance explains that an impermeable front-garden surface over five square metres that does not drain to a permeable area generally needs planning permission. Permeable block paving is a different system from standard block paving; do not assume a material is permeable without asking how the full surface and sub-base will manage water.
Questions to ask on either quote
- What excavation and sub-base work is included?
- How will the driveway manage surface water?
- What edging, drainage and waste removal are included?
- Is the proposal a full rebuild or a resurface over an existing base?
- What written workmanship and product guarantees apply?
| Feature | Block paving | Tarmac |
|---|---|---|
| Finish | Individual units in a chosen pattern | Single, flat, uniform surface |
| Repair approach | Sections can be lifted and re-laid | Repairs are localised but may remain visible |
| Drainage | Permeable systems are available when specified as such | Standard tarmac needs drainage falls and an outlet |
| Best question before choosing | How will the edges and joints be built? | Where will surface water drain? |
| Shared requirement | A stable sub-base and clear drainage design | A stable sub-base and clear drainage design |
Frequently asked questions
- Can block paving be permeable?
- Yes, but only when it is designed and installed as a permeable system. Standard block paving is not automatically permeable.
- Is standard tarmac permeable?
- No. Standard tarmac is a dense surface, so drainage falls and an appropriate outlet need to be part of the design.
- Which lasts longer?
- There is no honest single answer without knowing the base, drainage, use and maintenance. A well-built surface of either type is more important than a generic lifespan claim.
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