New Tarmac driveway
What is the recommended thickness for hard core base; base bonding layer of tarmac and wearing layer of tarmac.? How the new driveway is sealed?
Also what is recommended thickness of wearing layer when resurfacing an existing tarmac drive way. What are the steps for resurfacing? Any guidance will be very much appreciated. Thank you
Asked by Anil on 1st Apr 2025
Expert Trade Answers
"I put in 150 mm compacted every 50 mm of type 1 hardcore then 60 mm base layer of tar then 60 mm finish layer if you have a lot of traffic or heavy transport then 150 mm tarmac"
Answered on 27th May 2025 - Member since Mar 2021 -
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"For a residential tarmac driveway in Hull, aim for a 100-150mm hardcore base (type 1), a 50-80mm binder course, and a 20-40mm wearing course. Sealing is done with a specialized driveway sealer after the tarmac has fully cured.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
1. Hardcore Base (Sub-base):
Recommended Thickness: 100-150mm (4-6 inches).Material: Type 1 hardcore (well-compacted, crushed rock).Purpose: Provides a stable, well-draining foundation for the tarmac.Compaction: Ensure the hardcore is properly compacted in layers (e.g., 2 layers of 50-75mm each).
2. Binder Course (Base Layer of Tarmac):
Recommended Thickness: 50-80mm (2-3 inches).Material: 20mm binder course tarmacadam.Purpose: Provides a load-bearing layer for the wearing course.Compaction: Thoroughly rolled and compacted.
3. Wearing Course (Top Layer of Tarmac):
Recommended Thickness: 20-40mm (1-1.5 inches).Material: 6mm SMA (Stone Mastic Asphalt) or similar.Purpose: Provides a durable, smooth surface for vehicle traffic.Compaction: Machine rolled and compacted.
4. Driveway Sealing:
Purpose: Protects the tarmac from water damage, UV rays, and wear and tear.Timing: Apply after the tarmac has fully cured (allow 2-3 weeks).Sealer Type: Use a specialized driveway sealer designed for tarmac.Application: Apply evenly to the surface using a brush, roller, or sprayer.Frequency: Reapply every 2-3 years, or as needed, to maintain protection."
Answered on 1st Apr 2025 - Member since Mar 2025 -
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"150mm sub-base, 50mm base coat and 30 mm top coat for a residential driveway is adequate"
Answered on 1st Apr 2025 - Member since Apr 2025 -
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"Depending on the ground around 300mm to 150mm of type 1.80mm base and 20 to 30mm wearing"
Answered on 1st Apr 2025 - Member since May 2020 -
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"The steps for this without seeing amy pictures would generally be remove the existing driveway and check the ground underneath it, then any drainage or acos would need to be installed if they were required edging curbs, blocks or key curbs would need to be installed around the perimiter of the area to be laid and then tarmac is laid correctly using a Sub-Base: 150 mm MOT Type 1, compacted in two 75 mm layers. Base Coat: 60 mm AC 20mm dense binder course. Wearing Layer: 30 mm SMA 10mm for durability and grip. This should give a total depth of 240 mm this will be sufficiently durable for any household driveway."
Answered on 12th Oct 2025 - Member since Sep 2025 -
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"5.0mm thickness minimum I wouldn’t do it any less as need to drive on it ect so I wouldn’t I wouldn’t reccoment that u do it any less"
Answered on 12th Apr 2025 - Member since Apr 2025 -
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"100-150mm hardcore base (type 1), a 50-80mm binder course, and a 20-40mm wearing course. Sealing is done with a specialized driveway sealer after the tarmac has fully cured.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
1. Hardcore Base (Sub-base):
Recommended Thickness: 100-150mm (4-6 inches).Material: Type 1 hardcore (well-compacted, crushed rock).Purpose: Provides a stable, well-draining foundation for the tarmac.Compaction: Ensure the hardcore is properly compacted in layers (e.g., 2 layers of 50-75mm each).
2. Binder Course (Base Layer of Tarmac):
Recommended Thickness: 50-80mm (2-3 inches).Material: 20mm binder course tarmacadam.Purpose: Provides a load-bearing layer for the wearing course.Compaction: Thoroughly rolled and compacted.
3. Wearing Course (Top Layer of Tarmac):
Recommended Thickness: 20-40mm (1-1.5 inches).Material: 6mm SMA (Stone Mastic Asphalt) or similar.Purpose: Provides a durable, smooth surface for vehicle traffic.Compaction: Machine rolled and compacted.
4. Driveway Sealing:
Purpose: Protects the tarmac from water damage, UV rays, and wear and tear.Timing: Apply after the tarmac has fully cured (allow 2-3 weeks).Sealer Type: Use a specialized driveway sealer designed for tarmac.Application: Apply evenly to the surface using a brush, roller, or sprayer.Frequency: Reapply every 2-3 years, or as needed, to maintain protection.""
Answered on 24th May 2025 - Member since May 2025 -
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"For a road speck driveway it is recommended that you dig out soil/clay to a depth of 225mm that add a 150mm layer of type 1 hardcore compacted leaving a depth of 75 mm to apply 50mm of dense binder course 20mm and a 30mm wearing course usually 6 mm or 10mm wearing course"
Answered on 26th Apr 2025 - Member since Jan 2023 -
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"Hi! Tarmac is generally durable, but for a domestic driveway, impermeable tarmac is common and works well. Make sure the installer uses a proper sub-base. Permeable tarmac *can* crack if not installed correctly. When you get quotes, ask about the tarmac grade, drainage, and get a guarantee!"
Answered on 15th May 2025 - Member since Mar 2025 -
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