Although tarmac – sometimes called bitmac or asphalt – is widely associated with motorways and footpaths, it has become one of the most popular driveway surfaces among Solihull & Warwickshire homeowners. When laid properly it goes down quickly, keeps budgets realistic and delivers a smooth, elegant finish that raises kerb appeal as well as property value.
Central Driveways is a family business with more than twenty-five years’ hands-on experience constructing both tarmac driveways and block-paved driveways across Solihull, Shirley, Knowle and the surrounding West Midlands. All operatives carry CSCS cards, our company is Checkatrade-vetted, and every project is signed off by a director who still works on the tools – clear, demonstrable expertise. We also hold CHAS safety accreditation and full public-liability insurance to reinforce trust.
BENEFITS OF A TARMAC SURFACE
-
Cost-effective – price per square metre is generally lower than block paving or resin.
-
Fast turnaround – a typical driveway is finished in two to three days, usable by vehicles after forty-eight hours.
-
Flexible strength – laid on a 150 mm MOT Type 1 base it resists frost heave, summer heat and the load of modern SUVs.
-
Low maintenance – an annual sweep and immediate clean-up of the occasional oil drip keep it looking smart.
-
Colour choice – the classic jet-black finish can be sealed to stay dark, or you can opt for striking red tarmac driveways to complement brick façades.
-
Sustainable – old asphalt is 100 % recyclable. With 95% of UK asphalt being recycled, making sure to recycle keeps waste out of landfill.
LIMITATIONS TO CONSIDER
-
Very small areas can appear costly because plant-hire and labour are fixed expenses.
-
Ultraviolet light gradually lightens the surface; a clear re-seal every five to seven years preserves depth of colour.
-
Diesel and heating oil dissolve the binder if left to soak – prompt cleaning avoids damage.
SERVICE LIFE YOU CAN EXPECT
Thanks to polymer-modified binders, a properly constructed domestic tarmac drive now delivers 15–20 years of trouble-free service. We still maintain installations we built in 1998 that remain structurally sound – first-hand evidence that careful groundworks outlast marketing promises.
CAGE DRAINAGE
If your driveway sits in an area that sees heavy rain or has a high water table, standing water can quickly become a problem. Cage drainage is one of the most effective ways to manage it.
The system works by installing large plastic crates underground beneath your driveway. These crates are wrapped in a special filter fabric that keeps soil and debris out, while allowing water to slowly soak away into the ground naturally. Think of them as an underground holding tank that takes in surface water and releases it gradually, preventing puddles and flooding above ground.
It’s a durable, low-maintenance solution that works quietly out of sight, keeping your driveway looking good and your property protected, whatever the weather.
HOW WE CONSTRUCT A LONG-LASTING DRIVEWAY
-
Free site appraisal & fixed quote – levels, drainage and edging options recorded; you receive a written price within 24 hours.
-
Precise excavation – old material removed to roughly 250 mm depth; spoil leaves site the same day.
-
MOT Type 1 sub-base – two compacted layers totalling 150 mm, laser-checked for correct falls.
-
Edging & drainage – concrete kerbs, block borders or granite setts set in mortar; ACO channels installed where SuDS rules require.
-
Binder course – 50 mm of 20 mm Dense Bitumen Macadam for structural strength.
-
Wearing course – 25 mm of 6 mm Stone Mastic Asphalt – available in black or red, depending on your preference.
-
Final roll & joint seal – a twin-drum roller locks aggregate together and hot bitumen seals edges against moisture ingress.
-
Handover & guarantee – light foot traffic after 24 hours; vehicles after 48 (longer only during extreme heat). Our 10-year workmanship guarantee covers rutting, settlement and premature failure.
SERVICE LIFE YOU CAN EXPECT
Thanks to polymer-modified binders, a properly constructed domestic tarmac drive now delivers 15–20 years of trouble-free service. We still maintain installations we built in 1998 that remain structurally sound – first-hand evidence that careful groundworks outlast marketing promises.
TARMAC VS BLOCK PAVING – WHICH SUITS YOU BEST?
Block paving wins on intricate patterns and easy spot repairs, while tarmac wins on price, installation speed and winter resilience. Because we install both surfaces every week, we can give you an honest, side-by-side cost comparison during the survey so you choose the option that matches your budget, taste and maintenance expectations.
Answering Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need planning permission?
Usually, no, paving your front garden does not require planning permission. If rainwater cannot soak into a border or lawn, we add channel drains connected to a soakaway or the highway to meet current SuDS regulations.
Can you lay new tarmac over my existing concrete?
Only when the slab is crack-free and at least 150 mm below your damp-proof course. Otherwise reflective cracking appears within months, so a full dig-out is safer and often similar in cost.
How much does a new drive cost?
For areas above 50 m², expect from £55 per m² inclusive of excavation and VAT. Smaller bays cost slightly more per metre because rollers and labour are the same whatever the size.
How do I look after a red tarmac driveway?
Exactly the same as a black surface: sweep twice a year, tackle oil immediately and consider a clear acrylic seal after five years to refresh colour.
Which areas do you cover?
Based in Solihull, we work daily across Dorridge, Olton, Dickens Heath, South Birmingham and neighbouring Warwickshire villages.
What happens to inspection covers and utilities?
We raise manhole lids, stop-tap boxes and telecom covers so they sit flush with the new surface, following Severn Trent and Cadent Gas guidelines.
Recent Tarmac Driveways Completed in Solihull
