Service page · Driveways
Tarmac Driveways in Solihull
Tarmac driveways in Solihull and nearby West Midlands areas. A strong continuous surface, specified with the right base, edging, levels and drainage for domestic driveways and access routes.
Cornerstone
Tarmac driveways with clean edge detail.
Tarmac is a strong, understated driveway surface that works well on larger front drives, shared access routes and homes where a simple continuous finish is preferred.
The appearance is sharper when the edges are defined. Cornerstone often pairs tarmac with block paving borders, kerbs or concrete-bedded edge restraint, giving the driveway a cleaner outline and protecting the perimeter from movement.
Specification
What is included in a tarmac driveway.
A tarmac finish relies on the preparation underneath and the restraint around the edges. The quote should make the build-up and drainage clear before the surface is laid.
- Existing tarmac, concrete, gravel or mixed surface removed where required
- Formation level prepared for the new build-up
- MOT Type 1 sub-base installed and compacted where specified
- Concrete-bedded kerbs, block borders or edge restraints
- Drainage channels, gullies or falls allowed for where required
- Binder course included where specified by the job
- Hot-laid tarmac installed by machine where access allows
- Hand-finished edges around walls, drains, covers and thresholds
- Final compaction to a consistent surface finish
Method
How a tarmac driveway is set out.
Survey and levels
The existing surface, low points, threshold heights and drainage route are checked before the final level is confirmed.
Base and edging
The sub-base and edge restraint are prepared before surfacing. This gives the tarmac a stable perimeter and a clear finished line.
Laying and finish
Tarmac is machine-laid where access allows, then compacted and hand-finished around tight areas, covers and borders.
Drainage and levels
Drainage, borders and resurfacing checks.
Some existing tarmac can be overlaid, but only if the surface is sound, levels allow it and drainage will still work. Cracked, loose, sinking or badly patched surfaces usually need cutting out and rebuilding.
Where a tarmac driveway falls towards the house, garage or public footpath, drainage must be addressed in the specification. This may include channel drainage, a fall to a permeable area or another agreed route for surface water.
- Existing tarmac assessed before overlay is considered
- Block edging or kerb lines used to define the perimeter
- Drainage checked at the lowest point of the drive
- Threshold heights checked at garages and doors
- Nearby areas covered: Solihull, Shirley, Dorridge, Knowle, Hall Green and Acocks Green
Survey notes
Tarmac is well suited to.
These are the details we look for before confirming the written quote, so the scope is based on the site rather than an assumed standard build-up.
- Larger driveway areas where a continuous finish is preferred
- Shared access routes and domestic parking areas
- Driveways where block paving borders will give a neat edge
- Sloped drives where the surface needs to remain simple and clean
- Homes where a low-maintenance finish is more important than a patterned surface
Related pages
Useful pages for this project type.
Questions
Common questions.
Can new tarmac be laid over old tarmac?
Sometimes, but only where the existing surface is stable, the levels are suitable and drainage will not be affected. Failed or moving areas should be cut out and rebuilt.
Does tarmac need edging?
A defined edge is strongly recommended. Block borders, kerbs or concrete-bedded restraints help protect the perimeter and improve the finished appearance.
How soon can I use a new tarmac driveway?
Foot access is usually possible sooner than vehicle use. Vehicle access depends on temperature, surface depth and curing conditions, so we confirm this at handover.
Can tarmac be combined with block paving?
Yes. A tarmac centre with a block paving border is a common choice for Solihull homes because it gives a clean finish with stronger visual definition.
Ready to discuss your project?
Tell us what you want to achieve and we will arrange a free site visit across Solihull, Birmingham, Warwickshire and surrounding areas.