Tar and Chip Surfacing in Essex

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 in Essex for over 30 years and we're proud of our reputation throughout East Anglia.

Get a Free Quote or call 01245 933310

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.

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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, car, vehicle, aerial view, road

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, furniture

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, aerial view, gate

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, freeway, nature

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, road, walkway, vegetation, garden

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.

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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.

We've worked with

We are thrilled with our new driveway. Thank you! It is very rare these days to find people with such pride in their work. The whole job was done with the minimum disruption by men that were reliable, polite and hardworking.

5 out of 5

Cambridgeshire Surfacing

We would like to thank you for your services in connection with the re-surfacing of our drive. It was clear to us from the start of your operations that you have a very thorough and professional approach and the finished job bears witness to that. We are extremely pleased with the result. In particular, we appreciate your attention to detail and we are grateful for your professional advice concerning the various decisions we had to make.

5 out of 5

Surfacing

I felt it appropriate to write expressing our satisfaction with the surfacing work on our tarmac car park that your firm recently undertook for us. In view of the very hot weather over the last week, it has been pleasing to see that the newly laid surface has remained 'rock hard' and has not been adversely affected – just as you assured us would be so.

5 out of 5

Surfacing

We are writing to say how pleased we are with the finished result of our extended tarmac drive. And, would like to thank you and your team for keeping the cul-de-sac accessible to the neighbours during the work and leaving the area clean and tidy on completion.

5 out of 5

Surfacing

Your price, while not the lowest of the quotes we obtained was, I am certain, good value for the work carried out to a high standard. It is certainly true that one really does get the result that you pay for.

5 out of 5

Surfacing

I was especially pleased with your prompt response to our initial request to your company to quote on the work, and your efficient and close attention to the job from beginning to completion. The advice you offered to overcome certain problems presented by the site conditions was most helpful and gratefully received.

5 out of 5

Surfacing

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 01245 933310
Email info@allsurfacing.co.uk

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Our teams cover the whole of East Anglia

For over 30 years we have offered a wide range of surfacing, resurfacing and surface dressing services throughout East Anglia. 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 Essex