Detailed comparison of concrete and tarmac driveways for Exeter properties, including costs, durability, and groundworks requirements.
Concrete vs Tarmac: Choosing the Right Driveway Surface in Exeter
When planning a new driveway in Exeter, choosing between concrete and tarmac is a crucial decision that affects cost, appearance, and longevity. This comprehensive comparison helps you make an informed choice based on Exeter's specific conditions and your requirements.
💡 Quick Decision Guide: Concrete for longevity and design options, Tarmac for budget and quick installation. Read on for the full comparison tailored to Exeter properties.
Understanding Your Options
Two Proven Surfaces - Different Benefits
Concrete Driveways
🏗️ Types Available:• Plain poured: Most economical
• Pattern imprinted: Decorative designs
• Exposed aggregate: Natural texture
• Colored concrete: Match your home
• Polished concrete: Modern finish
• Pattern imprinted: Decorative designs
• Exposed aggregate: Natural texture
• Colored concrete: Match your home
• Polished concrete: Modern finish
✨ Key Benefits:• 30-40 year lifespan
• Endless design options
• Low maintenance
• Oil resistant
• Increases property value
• Endless design options
• Low maintenance
• Oil resistant
• Increases property value
Tarmac Driveways
🛣️ Types Available:• Standard black: Classic choice
• Red tarmac: Decorative option
• SMA: Premium durability
• Hot rolled: Heavy duty
• Porous asphalt: SUDS compliant
• Red tarmac: Decorative option
• SMA: Premium durability
• Hot rolled: Heavy duty
• Porous asphalt: SUDS compliant
✨ Key Benefits:• Lower initial cost
• Quick installation
• Flexible surface
• Easy repairs
• Drive on immediately
• Quick installation
• Flexible surface
• Easy repairs
• Drive on immediately
Cost Comparison for Exeter
Real Costs for Real Exeter Projects
Initial Installation Costs
| Surface Type | 50m² Cost | Per m² Rate | What's Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plain concrete | £3,000-£4,000 | £60-£80 | Excavation, sub-base, pour, float finish |
| Pattern imprinted | £4,000-£5,500 | £80-£110 | As above + patterns, colors, sealant |
| Exposed aggregate | £3,500-£4,500 | £70-£90 | As plain + aggregate, retarder, wash |
| Standard tarmac | £2,500-£3,500 | £50-£70 | Excavation, sub-base, binder, wearing |
| Red tarmac | £2,750-£3,750 | £55-£75 | As above + colored wearing course |
| SMA surface | £3,000-£4,000 | £60-£80 | Premium materials, longer lasting |
Groundworks Requirements
⛏️ Foundation is Everything: Poor groundworks = failed driveway. Never cut corners here!
🔧 Both Surfaces Need:• Excavation: 200-300mm depth
• Sub-base: 150mm MOT Type 1
• Compaction: Vibrating plate
• Edge restraints: Concrete/block
• Drainage: 1:60 falls minimum
• Sub-base: 150mm MOT Type 1
• Compaction: Vibrating plate
• Edge restraints: Concrete/block
• Drainage: 1:60 falls minimum
➕ Concrete Extras:• DPM membrane: Moisture barrier
• Steel mesh: A142 minimum
• Expansion joints: Every 4m
• Curing time: 7-28 days
• Fibre reinforcement: Optional
• Steel mesh: A142 minimum
• Expansion joints: Every 4m
• Curing time: 7-28 days
• Fibre reinforcement: Optional
Durability in Exeter's Climate
How Each Surface Handles Devon Weather
Concrete Performance
| Factor | Performance | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 30-40+ years | ★★★★★ | Outlasts most mortgages |
| Load bearing | Excellent | ★★★★★ | Handles HGVs easily |
| Oil resistance | Good | ★★★★☆ | Sealed surface resists |
| Maintenance | Minimal | ★★★★★ | Annual wash sufficient |
⚠️ Exeter-Specific Challenges:• Freeze-thaw cycles: Our 40-50 frost days cause expansion cracks
• Salt damage: Winter gritting can erode surface seal
• Joint failure: Clay soil movement opens gaps
• Algae growth: Damp winters make surfaces slippery
• Salt damage: Winter gritting can erode surface seal
• Joint failure: Clay soil movement opens gaps
• Algae growth: Damp winters make surfaces slippery
Tarmac Performance
| Factor | Performance | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | ★★★☆☆ | With good maintenance |
| Flexibility | Excellent | ★★★★★ | Moves with ground |
| Installation | Very quick | ★★★★★ | Drive on next day |
| Repair ease | Simple | ★★★★★ | Patch as needed |
⚠️ Exeter-Specific Challenges:• Summer softening: 25°C+ days cause indentations
• Oil damage: Petroleum dissolves binder
• Edge degradation: Heavy rain undermines sides
• Resealing needed: Every 3-5 years essential
• Oil damage: Petroleum dissolves binder
• Edge degradation: Heavy rain undermines sides
• Resealing needed: Every 3-5 years essential
Installation Process Comparison
Timeline Reality Check - Plan Accordingly
Concrete Installation Timeline
1. Days 1-2: Preparation Phase
• Excavate: Remove 250-300mm depth
• Waste removal: Skip needed (8-12 tonnes)
• Sub-base: Install and compact 150mm MOT
• Edges: Concrete haunching for restraints
• Membrane: Lay 1200g polythene DPM
2. Days 3-4: Concrete Work• Waste removal: Skip needed (8-12 tonnes)
• Sub-base: Install and compact 150mm MOT
• Edges: Concrete haunching for restraints
• Membrane: Lay 1200g polythene DPM
• Set levels: Laser level for 1:60 falls
• Reinforcement: A142 mesh on 50mm chairs
• Pour concrete: C35 mix, 100-150mm thick
• Finish: Float, pattern, or expose aggregate
• Joints: Cut within 24 hours
3. Days 5-28: Curing Period• Reinforcement: A142 mesh on 50mm chairs
• Pour concrete: C35 mix, 100-150mm thick
• Finish: Float, pattern, or expose aggregate
• Joints: Cut within 24 hours
• Days 1-7: Keep damp, cover if hot/cold
• Day 7: Light foot traffic only
• Day 14: Cars allowed (careful!)
• Day 28: Full strength achieved
• Sealing: Apply after 28 days
🕑 Total time: 4 weeks minimum
• Day 7: Light foot traffic only
• Day 14: Cars allowed (careful!)
• Day 28: Full strength achieved
• Sealing: Apply after 28 days
🕑 Total time: 4 weeks minimum
Tarmac Installation Timeline
1. Day 1: Preparation
• Excavate: Remove 200-250mm depth
• Sub-base: Install and compact Type 1
• Edges: Set kerbs/blocks in concrete
• Tack coat: Bitumen emulsion spray
• Weather check: No rain forecast!
2. Day 2: Tarmac Laying• Sub-base: Install and compact Type 1
• Edges: Set kerbs/blocks in concrete
• Tack coat: Bitumen emulsion spray
• Weather check: No rain forecast!
• Base course: 60mm binder (if needed)
• Temperature: Must be 120-180°C
• Wearing course: 25-40mm final layer
• Compaction: Roller passes critical
• Joints: Overlap and seal properly
3. Day 3: Finishing• Temperature: Must be 120-180°C
• Wearing course: 25-40mm final layer
• Compaction: Roller passes critical
• Joints: Overlap and seal properly
• Levels check: Ensure drainage works
• Edge sealing: Prevent water ingress
• Cool down: 2-4 hours typically
• Drive on: Same day possible!
• Line marking: If required
🕑 Total time: 3 days typical
• Edge sealing: Prevent water ingress
• Cool down: 2-4 hours typically
• Drive on: Same day possible!
• Line marking: If required
🕑 Total time: 3 days typical
Aesthetic Considerations
Curb Appeal Matters - Design Your Dream Drive
Concrete Options
🎨 Design Flexibility:• Colors: 24+ standard shades
• Patterns: 50+ imprint options
• Textures: Smooth to heavy brush
• Aggregates: Local stone choices
• Borders: Contrasting possibilities
• Patterns: 50+ imprint options
• Textures: Smooth to heavy brush
• Aggregates: Local stone choices
• Borders: Contrasting possibilities
🏡 Popular Exeter Choices:• Ashlar slate: Timeless elegance
• London cobble: Period properties
• Dartmoor granite: Local character
• Brick border: Matches red brick homes
• Natural stone: Premium appearance
• London cobble: Period properties
• Dartmoor granite: Local character
• Brick border: Matches red brick homes
• Natural stone: Premium appearance
| Pattern Type | Cost Impact | Best For | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plain brushed | Base price | Modern homes | Lowest |
| Ashlar slate | +£15-20/m² | Any style | Medium |
| Cobblestone | +£20-25/m² | Period homes | Higher |
| Exposed aggregate | +£10-15/m² | Contemporary | Low |
Tarmac Options
🎨 Design Reality: Tarmac is about clean lines and smart borders - embrace simplicity!
🔴 Color Options:• Black: Classic, hides marks
• Red: Decorative, fades over time
• Green: Rare, special order
• Grey: Modern, shows dirt
• Buff: Light, needs more cleaning
• Red: Decorative, fades over time
• Green: Rare, special order
• Grey: Modern, shows dirt
• Buff: Light, needs more cleaning
✨ Enhancement Ideas:• Block borders: Define edges beautifully
• Gravel strips: Drainage + decoration
• Resin stars: Company logos possible
• Planted strips: Soften appearance
• LED lights: Dramatic night effect
• Gravel strips: Drainage + decoration
• Resin stars: Company logos possible
• Planted strips: Soften appearance
• LED lights: Dramatic night effect
Maintenance Requirements
Protect Your Investment - Maintenance Schedules
Concrete Maintenance
📅 Annual Tasks (£50-£100):• Spring clean: Pressure wash (2000psi max)
• Joint check: Reseal if gaps appear
• Stain removal: Oil/rust within 24hrs
• Drainage clear: Leaves from channels
• Moss treatment: Prevent slip hazards
🔄 5-Yearly Tasks (£300-£500):| Task | Cost | DIY? | Time | |----|----|----|----| | Reseal surface | £150-250 | Yes | 1 day | | Crack repair | £50-100 | Yes | 2-3 hours | | Re-joint | £100-150 | Maybe | 1 day | 🔧 Major Repairs When Needed:• Crack injection: £50-£100 per crack
• Slab replacement: £200-£400/m²
• Mudjacking: £150-£250/m²
• Full resurface: £40-£60/m²
• Joint check: Reseal if gaps appear
• Stain removal: Oil/rust within 24hrs
• Drainage clear: Leaves from channels
• Moss treatment: Prevent slip hazards
🔄 5-Yearly Tasks (£300-£500):| Task | Cost | DIY? | Time | |----|----|----|----| | Reseal surface | £150-250 | Yes | 1 day | | Crack repair | £50-100 | Yes | 2-3 hours | | Re-joint | £100-150 | Maybe | 1 day | 🔧 Major Repairs When Needed:• Crack injection: £50-£100 per crack
• Slab replacement: £200-£400/m²
• Mudjacking: £150-£250/m²
• Full resurface: £40-£60/m²
Tarmac Maintenance
📅 Annual Tasks (£100-£150):• Edge weeding: Prevent undermining
• Hole patching: Cold lay for small areas
• Oil spill clean: Sand + detergent ASAP
• Drainage check: Clear all gullies
• Moss killer: Apply in autumn
🔄 3-5 Yearly Tasks (£500-£800):
• Hole patching: Cold lay for small areas
• Oil spill clean: Sand + detergent ASAP
• Drainage check: Clear all gullies
• Moss killer: Apply in autumn
🔄 3-5 Yearly Tasks (£500-£800):
🆕 Resealing Process:• Clean thoroughly: Pressure wash + degrease
• Repair defects: Fill cracks and holes
• Apply sealant: 2 coats recommended
• Cure time: 24-48 hours no traffic
• Cost: £10-15/m² for quality job
🔧 Major Repairs When Needed:| Repair Type | Cost | Longevity | Disruption |
|-----------|----|---------|----------|
| Pothole patch | £50-150 | 2-5 years | Minimal |
| Overlay 25mm | £25-35/m² | 10-15 years | 1-2 days |
| Full replace | 70% of new | 15-20 years | 3-4 days |• Repair defects: Fill cracks and holes
• Apply sealant: 2 coats recommended
• Cure time: 24-48 hours no traffic
• Cost: £10-15/m² for quality job
Environmental Impact
Eco-Conscious Choices - Think Beyond Today
Concrete Considerations
| Environmental Factor | Impact | Mitigation Options | Extra Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon footprint | High (400kg CO₂/m³) | GGBS cement replacement | +5-10% |
| Recycled content | Up to 20% | Crushed concrete aggregate | No extra |
| Heat island effect | Low (light colors) | White cement option | +15-20% |
| End of life | 100% recyclable | Crush for sub-base | Saves money |
💧 Drainage Solutions:• Permeable concrete: £85-£110/m² (infiltrates rain)
• Gaps between slabs: Create planted strips
• Rain gardens: Direct runoff to planting
• Attenuation tanks: Store excess water
SUDS compliance adds 20-30% to costs
• Gaps between slabs: Create planted strips
• Rain gardens: Direct runoff to planting
• Attenuation tanks: Store excess water
SUDS compliance adds 20-30% to costs
Tarmac Considerations
| Environmental Factor | Impact | Mitigation Options | Extra Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon footprint | Medium (180kg CO₂/tonne) | Warm mix asphalt | +5-8% |
| Recycled content | Up to 30% RAP | Reclaimed asphalt | -5-10% |
| Heat absorption | High (black surface) | Light aggregates | +10-15% |
| End of life | 100% recyclable | Planed for reuse | Value recovery |
🌿 Eco-Friendly Options:• Porous asphalt: £70-£90/m² (needs maintenance)
• Recycled content: Request 30% RAP minimum
• Cool pavements: Light-colored chips
• Bio-binders: Plant-based alternatives emerging
Green choices add 10-20% typically
• Recycled content: Request 30% RAP minimum
• Cool pavements: Light-colored chips
• Bio-binders: Plant-based alternatives emerging
Green choices add 10-20% typically
Specific Exeter Considerations
Local Knowledge Matters - Exeter-Specific Factors
Clay Soil Impacts
🌍 Exeter Reality: 85% of Exeter sits on clay. This WILL affect your driveway - plan for it!
🏗️ Concrete on Clay:• Sub-base depth: 200mm minimum
• Reinforcement: A193 mesh essential
• Movement joints: Every 3m not 4m
• Slab thickness: 150mm not 100mm
• Membrane: 2000g required
Extra cost: +£15-20/m²
• Reinforcement: A193 mesh essential
• Movement joints: Every 3m not 4m
• Slab thickness: 150mm not 100mm
• Membrane: 2000g required
Extra cost: +£15-20/m²
🛣️ Tarmac on Clay:• Natural flexibility: Major advantage
• Sub-base: Still need 150mm+
• Geotextile: Separation layer vital
• Edge support: Extra important
• Annual inspection: Check for dips
Extra cost: +£8-12/m²
• Sub-base: Still need 150mm+
• Geotextile: Separation layer vital
• Edge support: Extra important
• Annual inspection: Check for dips
Extra cost: +£8-12/m²
Planning and Regulations
| Requirement | When Applies | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Planning permission | Front garden >5m² impermeable | £234 | 8 weeks |
| Building regs | Usually not required | N/A | N/A |
| Conservation area | Materials/design approval | £234+ | 12 weeks |
| Highways | New access/drop kerb | £175+ | 6-8 weeks |
💡 Pro Tip: Use permeable surfaces to avoid planning permission entirely - worth the extra cost to save time and hassle!
Local Supplier Factors
🚚 Concrete Supply:• Hanson Heavitree: 3 miles, reliable
• Aggregate Industries: Competitive prices
• Weekend delivery: +£50-£100 extra
• Minimum load: 1m³ (£200-250)
• Pump hire: £300-£400/day
• Aggregate Industries: Competitive prices
• Weekend delivery: +£50-£100 extra
• Minimum load: 1m³ (£200-250)
• Pump hire: £300-£400/day
🚛 Tarmac Supply:• Tarmac Exeter: Book 3-5 days ahead
• Temperature limits: 5°C minimum
• Batch minimum: 10 tonnes typical
• Hot box hire: £80/day (small jobs)
• Season: March-October best
• Temperature limits: 5°C minimum
• Batch minimum: 10 tonnes typical
• Hot box hire: £80/day (small jobs)
• Season: March-October best
Decision Framework
Making the Right Choice - Your Decision Guide
Choose Concrete If:
🎯 Priorities Include:• Longest lifespan (30-40 years)
• Minimal maintenance desired
• Design flexibility valued
• Heavy vehicles regularly
• Oil resistance important
• Minimal maintenance desired
• Design flexibility valued
• Heavy vehicles regularly
• Oil resistance important
🏡 Property Suits:• Stable ground conditions
• Modern aesthetic preferred
• Long-term investment view
• Time available for curing
• Quality finish priority
• Modern aesthetic preferred
• Long-term investment view
• Time available for curing
• Quality finish priority
✅ Best Value If: You're staying 10+ years and want minimal future hassle
Choose Tarmac If:
🎯 Priorities Include:• Lower initial cost crucial
• Quick installation needed
• Traditional look preferred
• Ground flexibility required
• Easy repairs valued
• Quick installation needed
• Traditional look preferred
• Ground flexibility required
• Easy repairs valued
🏡 Property Suits:• Clay soil movement likely
• Immediate use essential
• Budget constraints tight
• Phased work planned
• Future changes possible
• Immediate use essential
• Budget constraints tight
• Phased work planned
• Future changes possible
✅ Best Value If: You need a drive NOW or may move within 10 years
Hybrid Solutions
Best of Both Worlds - Smart Combinations
Combination Approaches
| Hybrid Type | Cost/m² | Benefits | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tarmac + block borders | £55-£70 | Affordable elegance, easy drainage | Most properties |
| Concrete paths + tarmac drive | £60-£75 | Durability where needed, economy elsewhere | Large driveways |
| Different material aprons | £65-£85 | Visual impact, wear distribution | Statement entrances |
| Permeable strips + solid center | £70-£90 | SUDS compliance, traditional look | Planning restricted |
💡 Design Tip: Use contrasting materials to create parking bays, turning areas, or pedestrian zones - functional AND attractive!
Long-Term Value Analysis
The Real Cost - 30-Year Comparison
30-Year Cost Comparison
| Cost Element | Concrete (50m²) | Tarmac (50m²) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial installation | £4,000 | £3,000 | Tarmac saves £1,000 |
| Routine maintenance | £2,000 | £3,000 | Tarmac costs +£1,000 |
| Major work | £1,000 | £2,000 | Tarmac costs +£1,000 |
| 30-year total | £7,000 | £8,000 | Concrete saves £1,000 |
| Annual cost | £233 | £267 | Concrete saves £34/year |
📊 Hidden Value Factors:• Property value: Concrete adds 2-3% more
• Disruption: Tarmac needs resurfacing at year 15
• Appearance: Concrete looks newer longer
• Warranty: Concrete often 10 years vs 5 for tarmac
• Disruption: Tarmac needs resurfacing at year 15
• Appearance: Concrete looks newer longer
• Warranty: Concrete often 10 years vs 5 for tarmac
Professional Recommendations
Expert Advice - Get It Right First Time
Site Assessment Critical
🔍 Before Any Decision:• Soil investigation (£300-500): Clay content, bearing capacity
• Drainage survey (£200-400): Existing systems, water table
• Level survey (£150-300): Falls, high/low points
• Access evaluation: Width, services, restrictions
• Service location (£150): Gas, water, electric routes
Total assessment budget: £1,000-£1,500
• Drainage survey (£200-400): Existing systems, water table
• Level survey (£150-300): Falls, high/low points
• Access evaluation: Width, services, restrictions
• Service location (£150): Gas, water, electric routes
Total assessment budget: £1,000-£1,500
Quality Installation Essential
✅ Must-Haves:• 10+ years experience
• Local project references
• Proper insurance (£2m+)
• Written specifications
• Staged payment terms
• Local project references
• Proper insurance (£2m+)
• Written specifications
• Staged payment terms
⚠️ Red Flags:• Cash only demands
• No fixed address
• Pressure tactics
• Too cheap quotes
• No guarantees offered
• No fixed address
• Pressure tactics
• Too cheap quotes
• No guarantees offered
🏆 Quality Checklist:• Groundworks depth: Never less than specified
• Compaction tests: Request results
• Material certificates: Keep all documentation
• Photo evidence: Document each stage
• Sign-off process: Stage completions in writing
• Compaction tests: Request results
• Material certificates: Keep all documentation
• Photo evidence: Document each stage
• Sign-off process: Stage completions in writing
Conclusion
Your Driveway Decision - Made Clear
Both concrete and tarmac driveways offer viable solutions for Exeter properties, each with distinct advantages. Concrete provides longevity and design flexibility at higher initial cost, while tarmac offers quick installation and lower upfront investment with more frequent maintenance needs.
🏁 Quick Decision Summary:• Choose concrete: For long-term value and minimal maintenance
• Choose tarmac: For quick installation and lower initial cost
• Consider hybrid: For balanced benefits and unique design
• Always invest: In proper groundworks regardless of surface
• Choose tarmac: For quick installation and lower initial cost
• Consider hybrid: For balanced benefits and unique design
• Always invest: In proper groundworks regardless of surface
The choice depends on your specific priorities: budget, timeframe, aesthetic preferences, and long-term plans. Exeter's clay soil and climate make proper groundworks preparation critical regardless of surface choice.
Remember: The cheapest quote rarely provides the best value. Quality installation determines success.
RONIN Groundworks installs both concrete and tarmac driveways throughout Exeter, providing expert advice on the best solution for your specific requirements and ground conditions. Contact us for a free assessment and detailed quotation.
Related Topics
drivewaysconcretetarmaccostsmaterialsexeter