Tarmac vs Block Paving: Which Is The Better Choice For Your Driveway?

When it comes to choosing a new driveway surface, tarmac and block paving are two of the most widely considered options for homeowners across Nottinghamshire.

Both are practical, durable and capable of providing a reliable surface for everyday use, but they differ significantly in terms of appearance, longevity, maintenance and cost. Here is a straightforward comparison to help you decide which is the right choice for your property.

What Is Tarmac / Tarmacadam?

Tarmac, short for tarmacadam, is a bound surface made from aggregate mixed with bitumen. It is laid in a semi-liquid state, rolled flat and left to cure to produce a smooth, continuous surface. It is one of the most widely used driveway surfaces in the UK, valued primarily for its speed of installation and competitive cost.

What Is Block Paving?

Block paving is a surface made up of individual blocks, typically manufactured from concrete or clay, laid in a pattern on a compacted sub-base and jointed with kiln-dried sand. The blocks can be arranged in a wide variety of patterns and colour combinations, giving block paving a degree of design flexibility that tarmac cannot match.

How Do They Compare?

Appearance

This is arguably where the two surfaces differ most significantly. Tarmac produces a uniform, flat black surface with no variation in colour or pattern. It has a functional, utilitarian appearance that suits some properties but offers very little in the way of visual interest or kerb appeal.

Block paving, by contrast, is available in a wide range of colours, sizes and laying patterns, from classic herringbone and stretcher bond through to more decorative designs using contrasting border courses.

This flexibility allows block paving to be tailored to complement the style and character of almost any property, adding genuine visual appeal that tarmac cannot replicate.

Durability & Longevity

Both surfaces are durable when correctly installed, but they age and wear differently. Tarmac can become soft in very hot weather, particularly where vehicles are parked for extended periods, and the surface may develop ruts or depressions over time as a result.

 It is also susceptible to cracking as the underlying sub-base moves, and surface repairs can be difficult to blend invisibly into the existing tarmac.

Block paving, when laid on a properly prepared sub-base, is highly resistant to the stresses of vehicle loading and weathering. Individual blocks can be lifted and replaced if they become damaged, cracked or stained, without disturbing the rest of the driveway. This repairability is one of the most practical advantages block paving has over tarmac, where even relatively minor damage can be difficult to repair without leaving a visible patch.

Maintenance

Tarmac requires relatively little maintenance in the short term, though it will typically benefit from resealing every few years to protect the surface and maintain its appearance. Weeds can establish in any cracks that develop over time, and surface damage becomes more difficult and costly to repair as the driveway ages.

Block paving requires more ongoing attention than tarmac. Jointing sand can be displaced over time and will need topping up periodically, and weeds may establish in the joints if they are not managed.

However, regular brushing, occasional jet washing and the use of a good quality jointing compound can keep a block paved driveway looking well-maintained for many years with relatively straightforward upkeep.

Cost

Tarmac is generally less expensive to install than block paving, making it an attractive option for those working to a tighter budget or where a large area needs to be covered cost-effectively. However, the lower upfront cost should be considered alongside the longer-term maintenance and repair implications.

Block paving carries a higher initial cost, but its repairability, longevity and the value it adds to a property's kerb appeal mean that it often represents a better long-term investment for homeowners who intend to stay in their property for many years.

Which Is The Right Choice For You?

If budget is the primary consideration and a functional surface is the main requirement, tarmac is a perfectly adequate choice. If you are looking for a driveway that adds genuine appeal to your property, can be repaired easily if damaged and will stand up well over the long term, block paving is the stronger option for most homeowners.

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