Tar and Chip Surfacing

As a 3rd-generation family-run business with passed-down knowledge, we are Tar and Chip surfacing specialists, delivering top quality workmanship no matter the size of the job. We've offered Tar and Chip services for over 30 years and we're proud of our reputation throughout the East and South.

Get a Free Quote or call 01379 673030

What is Tar and Chip?

Tar and Chip surfacing (also known as "chip and tar", "tar and stone", "tar and shingle", "tar and gravel" or "surface dressing"), is a hard-wearing surface created by applying hot bitumen binder, then natural stone chippings which are rolled and compacted down. This forms a textured, durable finish that has the attractive, natural appearance of gravel, while providing a solid, stable and practical surface.

Get a Quote Now

Benefits

  • Highly durable, long-lasting, and the stone chippings will keep their colour forever.
  • Attractive, natural appearance that adds character and feels traditional.
  • Wide choice of finishes to match surrounding property or area.
  • Cost-effective, especially for larger areas.
  • Withstands heavy vehicle traffic, making it a practical choice.
  • The stone chippings stay in place but the binder layer flexes under weight.
  • Excellent grip for both vehicles and pedestrians.
  • More environmentally friendly – 80% less bitumen than tarmac.

A great choice for

Driveways

architecture, building, housing, outdoors, house, driveway

Tar and Chip is great for domestic driveways, providing a more natural finish than standard tarmac. It works well for both smaller entrances and longer driveways where loose gravel would be difficult to maintain.

Car Parks and Forecourts

car, transportation, vehicle, road, tarmac, bench

Tar and Chip is suitable for parking areas, forecourts, visitor areas and commercial premises where the surface needs to be functional, tidy and cost-effective.

Private and Estate Roads

architecture, building, housing, outdoors, house, driveway

For private roads, shared access routes and estate roads, Tar and Chip provides a practical surface that can cover larger areas efficiently while retaining a traditional stone appearance.

Farm Tracks and Agricultural Routes

road, gravel, tarmac, grass, plant, outdoors

Tar and Chip can be used for farm roads, access tracks, yards and working areas where a robust, practical surface is needed for regular vehicle use.

Footpaths

path, plant, tree, nature, outdoors, trail

For appropriate footpaths and pedestrian areas, Tar and Chip can provide a textured, safe surface that won't be kicked around by foot traffic.

Commercial and Industrial Yards

person, road, outdoors

Tar and Chip can be used for business premises, service roads, delivery areas and access routes where durability, coverage and cost-effectiveness are important.

And more

car, transportation, vehicle, machine, wheel

We offer a wide range of Tar and Chip services. Get in touch to discuss your needs today, or scroll down to see examples of our previous work.

  • Unify different surfaces. For instance if you have an area that's concrete and an area that's tarmac, Tar and Chip can be laid over both, bringing both areas together neatly.
  • Cover a large area at low cost. If you've got a lot of area to surface and want to keep cost under control, Tar and Chip is an excellent solution.
  • Restore tired tarmac or concrete. Old tarmac or cracked concrete can become increasingly ugly and hazardous. Tar and Chip can be laid straight on top, instantly restoring the surface.
  • Reduce mud, dust and loose stones. Unlike gravel or hardcore, Tar and Chip's stone chippings don't spread, rut or sink. It's a stable, firm surface.
  • Maintain a traditional character. Tarmac and concrete can look too urban and cold. Tar and Chip offers a softer, more natural finish.

Enquire Now

Get a quote for your specific needs, or learn more below.

What we do

  • Brand new Tar and Chip surfaces
  • Repair or restore an existing Tar and Chip surface
  • Tar and Chip laid over existing concrete or tarmac
  • Groundwork and base repairs (e.g. potholes) when required
  • Additional finishing such as edging
  • Can be laid on almost any hard surface, including existing tarmac or concrete.
  • No need to dig up the existing surface in most cases, even if it's in disrepair.
  • Can be laid all year round except in the very worst weather.
  1. Assessment. We assess the current surface condition, drainage and levels. If additional repair or preparation is required we'll advise you of this.
  2. Preparation. We clean the surface, make any repairs required and mask any areas that shouldn't have Tar and Chip laid. This takes roughly 1h per 50–100m².
  3. Application. Hot binder is laid down directly from the truck, with your choice of stone chippings deposited on top as part of the same process. We continue to spread, level and compact the chippings. This takes roughly 2h per 50–100m².
  4. Cleanup. Excess loose stones are retrieved, we check the finish, then clear the area.
  • The surface is ready for light use immediately.
  • Some loose stone is normal at first, but this will bed in within 1–2 weeks.
  • Heavy or harsh usage should be avoided during the bedding-in period.

Why work with us

  • 30+ years surfacing experience
  • All jobs overseen from start to finish
  • All work is guaranteed

Get a Free Quote

If you're thinking about a new Tar and Chip project, get in touch and we'll be happy to offer a free, no-obligation quotation.

Phone 01379 673030
Email info@allsurfacing.co.uk

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Loading reCAPTCHA...

Our teams cover the East and South

For over 30 years we have offered a wide range of surfacing, resurfacing and surface dressing services throughout the East and South. We pride ourselves on offering good advice and great value to all of our clients, whether it be a small job or large contract.

About Us

We work across