Tarmac Driveways Oldham: Built to Last, Designed for Style

If you’re looking to improve your property in Oldham with a driveway that’s reliable, cost-effective, and visually appealing, tarmac driveways are a fantastic choice. At Classic Stone Driveways, we specialise in professional tarmac installation in Oldham, offering tailored surfacing solutions for homeowners across the area.

Whether you’re planning a brand-new driveway or resurfacing an old one, our expert team provides tarmacing services that are efficient, affordable, and made to last. Every project is customised to suit your space, budget, and aesthetic goals.

Why Choose Tarmac for Your Driveway in Oldham?

Tarmac is one of the UK’s most trusted materials for driveways — and with good reason. It’s durable, weather-resistant, and quick to install, making it a favourite among Oldham homeowners.

Benefits of Tarmac Driveways

  • Great value: One of the most budget-friendly surfaces available.
  • Quick installation: Perfect if you want minimal disruption.
  • Low upkeep: No complicated cleaning or maintenance required.
  • Weather resistance: Performs well in wet, cold, and frosty conditions.
  • Clean finish: Smooth and neat look that complements any property.
  • Works on slopes: Adheres well to uneven ground and gradients.
  • Customisable: Add kerbs, stone borders or decorative touches for a bespoke design.

What is Tarmac Made From?

Tarmac, short for tarmacadam, is a blend of crushed stone and tar. It’s widely used for driveways due to its durability and fast-setting nature. Asphalt driveways use a similar approach, replacing tar with bitumen. While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, both offer great long-term performance.

If you’re wondering “what is tarmac and why is it popular?” — it’s because of its strength, smooth finish, and ability to handle everything from foot traffic to family cars and vans.

Do You Need Planning Permission for a Tarmac Driveway in Oldham?

In most cases, no — but there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Size and drainage: Driveways over 5m² that don’t drain naturally may require approval.
  • Conservation areas or listed properties: Additional rules may apply.
  • New access to public roads: Changes to access points might need permission.

We’re happy to advise on current Oldham planning regulations to ensure your project meets all local requirements.

Tarmac Driveway Cost in Oldham

Several factors influence your tarmac driveway cost, including the size of the area, whether old surfaces need to be removed, and the complexity of the installation. Here’s a basic pricing guide:

Driveway SizeEstimated Cost RangeAverage Tarmac Cost per m2
Small (20m2)£800 – £1200£40 – £60
Medium (50m2)£2000 – £3000£40 – £60
Large (100m2)£4000 – £6000£40 – £60

You can use our tarmac calculator to help you estimate your project’s cost. It’s a handy tool to figure out the cost of tarmac drives before committing.

Get a free quote today!

Want a long-lasting, low-maintenance tarmac driveway in Oldham? Call Classic Stone Driveways on 0161 917 2477 or message us to get started.

Tarmac vs Other Driveway Surfaces

FeatureTarmacConcreteBlock Paving
Cost✔ Affordable❌ Expensive❌ Mid-High
Installation Speed✔ Fast❌ Slow❌ Moderate
Maintenance✔ Low✔ Low❌ Moderate-High
Weather Resistance✔ Excellent✔ Good✔ Good
Aesthetic Versatility❌ Limited✔ High✔ Very High

Use our tarmac driveway cost calculator to get a tailored estimate for your home. It helps homeowners understand the cost of tarmac drives without needing to guess or rely on outdated averages.


Tarmac vs Resin-Bound Surfaces

If you’re deciding between tarmac and resin-bound driveways in Oldham, here’s a quick comparison:

FeatureTarmacResin-Bound
Visual AppealTraditional black finishCustomisable and decorative
DrainageNeeds proper runoffFully permeable and SuDS-compliant
MaintenanceVery lowMinimal upkeep
Installation TimeQuickSlightly longer
Average CostLowerHigher per m2

Both are solid choices — your ideal surface depends on your budget, design preferences, and drainage needs.

What Impacts the Cost to Tarmac a Drive?

When calculating the cost to tarmac a drive, a few things come into play:

  • Surface area and layout complexity
  • Whether excavation is needed
  • Drainage and access points
  • Any custom features or edging

Using a tarmac driveway cost calculator can help you plan your budget accurately. We also provide free on-site surveys to give a detailed, no-obligation quote.

Tarmac Driveway Installation Process

Our tried-and-tested process ensures quality results every time:

  • Site prep – We clear old surfaces and prepare the area.
  • Sub-base laying – A strong, compacted foundation is added.
  • Kerbs and borders – Optional edging to frame the space.
  • Tarmac application – Hot tarmac is laid and compacted.
  • Finishing – The surface is left to cure and settle.

If your current driveway is in decent shape, tarmac resurfacing could be a cost-saving alternative to a full rebuild.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is a tarmac driveway suitable for cold weather?

Yes — tarmac is designed to withstand freezing temperatures and harsh winter conditions, which makes it ideal for Oldham homes. It expands and contracts without cracking when installed properly.

How long will my new tarmac driveway last?

With proper installation and minimal upkeep, a tarmac driveway can last up to 20 years or more. It’s one of the most durable materials available for domestic driveways.

Can tarmac be repaired if it cracks or fades?

Yes, small cracks or worn patches can be repaired with ease. Sealants and overlays can refresh the look without needing full replacement.

Do weeds grow through tarmac?

Not if it’s properly laid. Weeds might grow along the edges over time, but we use tight sealing and edging techniques to keep your surface weed-free.

Is a tarmac surface safe for children or pets?

Absolutely. It provides a smooth, even surface with good grip and no loose stones, which is great for play or parking. It’s also non-toxic and safe for paws.

Can I choose different colours for my tarmac driveway?

Traditional black is most common, but coloured options like red or charcoal are available. Decorative borders and contrasting resin edges can also enhance the look.

How thick should a tarmac driveway be?

A standard domestic tarmac driveway should be between 60mm and 70mm thick, typically laid in two layers for strength and longevity.

What’s the best time of year to install a tarmac driveway?

Spring through early autumn is best due to milder, drier conditions. However, we install driveways year-round in Oldham, using weather-appropriate methods.

Is tarmac environmentally friendly?

Tarmac is recyclable, and many mixes include recycled aggregates. It also has a low carbon footprint due to minimal maintenance needs and long lifespan.

Do you offer free quotes and consultations in Oldham?

Yes, we offer free, no-obligation surveys across Oldham. You can also get a quick estimate using our online tarmac calculator.

Tarmac Specialists Covering Oldham

At Classic Stone Driveways, we’re proud to offer professional, long-lasting tarmac driveway installations throughout Oldham. Whether you’re looking for a full installation or a resurfacing project, our team will guide you every step of the way.

Ready to upgrade your driveway?

Call 0161 917 2477 or 07990 967423, or send us a message for a free quote.

Our team operates from Unit 7a Tameside Business Park, Windmill Lane, Denton, Manchester, M34 3QS and proudly serves homeowners across Oldham.

Your new driveway is just one call away — smooth, stylish, and built to last.

Looking for other surfacing options?