10 Things You Didn’t Know About Tar & Chip Road Surfaces

Discovering the True Value Behind This Traditional Surfacing Choice

When it comes to surface options for driveways and access roads, tar and chip often flies under the radar in favour of flashier alternatives. Yet at Swaffham Driveways, we’ve seen how clients across Swaffham, Norfolk are surprised by how versatile, cost-effective, and aesthetically pleasing this option truly is. Far from being outdated or basic, tar and chip surfacing offers unique benefits that are often overlooked.

Whether you’re resurfacing a long country driveway or looking for a balance between practicality and charm, here’s what makes tar and chip a surprisingly smart choice for your next outdoor project.

What You Didn’t Know About Tar & Chip

1. It’s Not Just for Roads

While it’s commonly used on rural roads, tar and chip is ideal for driveways, farm tracks, car parks, and private estates. It suits both large and small residential areas.

2. Naturally Slip-Resistant

Thanks to the coarse stone layer on top, tar and chip surfaces provide superior traction in wet or icy conditions—ideal for unpredictable British weather.

3. It’s Extremely Low Maintenance

Unlike tarmac or block paving, tar and chip doesn’t require regular sealing. Occasional top-ups may be needed, but its rugged finish hides wear better than many alternatives.

4. Offers a Rustic, Textured Look

Tar and chip has a traditional charm that suits countryside properties beautifully. It blends with the landscape far more naturally than a smooth, black tarmac drive.

5. Customisable Stone Choices

Many are unaware that you can choose from a range of stone colours and sizes, giving you some creative control over the final appearance.

6. Works Well on Uneven Ground

Tar and chip is more forgiving on slightly uneven terrain. It can be laid over existing surfaces, reducing prep work and saving on excavation.

7. Cost-Effective for Long Driveways

Because it uses less binder and offers broad coverage, it’s more economical than other surfacing types for larger installations.

8. Self-Healing Properties

Heat can help reseal minor surface cracks over time. This means the material can almost “heal” itself to a degree, especially during warm summers.

9. Reduces Glare

The textured finish absorbs more sunlight than smooth, shiny tarmac, cutting down on surface glare that can be bothersome near windows or in strong sun.

10. Environmentally Friendly Option

Many tar and chip applications reuse existing roadbeds or surfaces, which reduces the need for new raw materials and limits waste.

Conclusion

Tar and chip road surfacing might not be the first option that springs to mind, but for homeowners and landowners in Swaffham, Norfolk, it offers a practical blend of function, form, and financial sense. At Swaffham Driveways, we believe in helping our clients make informed decisions, and this traditional technique deserves a place in modern driveway planning. If you’re considering a hard-wearing surface that looks good and costs less, it might be time to look at tar and chip through a fresh lens. Let us show you how it can transform your property.

Call us on: 01760 308 698
Click here to find out more about Swaffham Driveways
Click here to complete our contact form and see how we can help with your driveway needs.